WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says she thinks President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize because of “his attitude toward America’s role in the world.”

“His willingness to really kind of challenge everyone ...restores a kind of image and appreciation of our country,” Clinton said in an interview with NBC television broadcast today.

Clinton said she didn’t think winning the award would have any effect on Obama’s deliberations over what to do

next in Afghanistan,

including the question of whether to send large numbers of additional troops into a country where violence has

recently surged.

“I think that the president makes each decision on the merits,” she

said in the interview taped during her visit to Zurich, Switzerland.

She said the Nobel award is “not going to

influence” the tough

decisions Obama faces

on Afghanistan.

“Every one of those deaths and all of the

injuries of any our men and women in uniform weigh heavily on all us,” Clinton said.

“I want to guarantee

all your listeners that

this process will result

in a very well thought-out

approach.” She said she recognises some are demanding a precipitate withdrawal while others believe there should be a substantial infusion of forces.

“Neither extreme is really

focused on the situation, as we

are,” Clinton told interviewer Ann Curry.

Asked about speculation that, intentionally or otherwise, she now projects too low a profile in heading up the US diplomatic establishment,

Clinton called that charge “absurd” and said it is “so at variance with what I do every day.” “Maybe there is some misunderstanding which needs to be clarified,” she said.

“I believe in delegating power ... I am not one of those people who

feel I have to have my face in front of the newspaper and TV every day ... It’s just the way I am.”

“My goal is to be

a very positive force to implement the kind

of changes that the

president and I believe are in the best interest of country, but that doesn’t mean it has to be me,

me, me all the time. I like lifting people up.” She answered “no” bluntly — but smilingly — when asked if she would ever run again for president.

“This is a great job,” Clinton said. “This is a

24/7 job, and I’m looking forward to retirement at some point.”