APN welcomes President Obama's decision to nominate Senator John Kerry as the next Secretary of State of the United States. We know Senator Kerry well from his years as a leader of U.S. foreign policy in the Senate. Throughout his time in office, Senator Kerry has demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership in the foreign policy arena. He has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the complex foreign policy challenges facing the United States in the Middle East and around the world, and a profound appreciation of and respect for the vital role that U.S. diplomacy can and must play in addressing these challenges. He is clearly an eminently qualified candidate for the position of Secretary of State.