The idea for a more assertive role appears to be gaining influence.
That would be a real test of Europe's interest in playing a more assertive role on security.
Yet now that Russia has intervened in Georgia, Mrs. Merkel is beginning to play a more assertive role.
He wants Japan to play a more assertive role abroad, and to be prouder and less embarrassed about its past.
Now Mr Abe seems keen on a more assertive role for Japan internationally, in alliance with America.
Some Democratic Party leaders, while offering sympathy for Mr. Dean's plight, said it was urgent that he take a more assertive role to restore peace.
Saudi is taking a more assertive role to counter what it views as Iran's growing regional influence in Yemen, Bahrain and Lebanon.
Jon Snow, broadcaster Given Britain's historic links with Israel, is it not time the UK took a more assertive role in bringing about a two-state solution.
The public schools will play a more assertive role in making decisions and providing clear specifications for building requirements, according to his plan.
"Iran has been emboldened in its behavior during the past couple of years and has played a more assertive role," Negroponte said.
One Chinese political analyst said the ambiguous stance might underscore that China was neither ready nor willing to play a more assertive role in confronting its neighbor.
