A new tone as Clinton comes calling

By Nehginpao Kipgen

Hillary Clinton is soon to begin her maiden overseas trip to East Asia as the 67th secretary of state of the United States of America. The week-long trip starting on February 15 includes stops in Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and China.

Four fundamental issues are expected to dominate the visit. First, reshaping America's image in the Muslim world; second, the ongoing global financial crisis; third, global warming; and fourth, tensions surrounding the two Koreas and Pyongyang's nuclear program.