Clinton urges more tolerance, less extremism

[January 10, 2011]  ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says that dangerous extremism can exist in many societies and pointed to the assassination attempt on an American congresswoman.

Speaking on an Arabic talk show hosted by women, Clinton urged more openness, tolerance and development in the Middle East to blunt extremism, especially among Arab youth.

She said such problems are universal, and noting the recent shooting of Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, said extremism exists in the United States and must be combated.

She says that Giffords was a "wonderful, incredibly brave, young woman Congress member" who was shot by an extremist.

Clinton told her audience that "rather than standing off from each other, we should work to try to prevent the extremists anywhere from being able to commit violence."

[Associated Press; By MATTHEW LEE]

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