President Obama attended the UN General Assembly and pledged ongoing U.S. support for human rights and democracy around the world. He cited a list of challenges facing the international community and noted the US is criticized for getting involved with those challenges—but also for not intervening. The president said he believes the U.S. has an obligation to play a strong international role:

President Barack Obama: “Some may disagree, but I believe America is exceptional, in part because we have shown a willingness through the sacrifice of blood and treasure to stand up not only for our own narrow self-interests, but for the interests of all.”