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But not Singapore. Not a surprise really. Clinton's going to go to a country where Obama has childhood memories of- and considered a native son by most Indonesians.

Most American Secy of States usually visit the Middle East and Europe first. Rice, Clinton's predecessor, is infamous for sometimes skipping forums in Asia, making a few people here unhappy in the process(one of them was George Yeo).

Clinton is making a break though, and through her visit- her maiden journey as Secy Of State- it looks like Asia will play a bigger role in her department and share duties with the Treasury Department.

News article below..

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...lim-world.html

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"It's the biggest Muslim country in the world," said a state department spokesman, Robert Wood, when asked why she included Indonesia on her visit to Asia. "The secretary feels it's important to reach out."

There had been speculation that Mr Obama would himself make an early visit to the country where he lived between the ages of six and ten, and personally deliver a message of friendliness to the Muslim world.

But he has become bogged down in negotiations with Congress over his proposed stimulus package, which will cost $800-$900 billion. It may not be passed by the hoped for deadline of Feb 13.

Mrs Clinton's visit will also take in Japan, South Korea and China, as a sign of the importance the new administration attaches to Pacific Rim nations, said the state department.

The global financial crisis and efforts to get North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons will top her agenda in Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing.

In Indonesia, the former first lady will also emphasise the administration's desire for closer ties with southeast Asia, a region some say was neglected by America Under George W Bush.

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