Carl
01-14-2009, 12:52 PM
Hillary Clinton promises new foreign policy approach
Hillary Clinton promised a new approach to foreign policy today saying the US would use "smart power" rather than military force to deal with problems. :cool::rolleyes2:
Washington
Telegraph 13 Jan 2009
Former First Lady said military force was a "last resort" :rolleyes:
Though she refrained from naming the outgoing president, Mrs Clinton sent a strong signal to the world that as President-elect Barack Obama's secretary of state, she would strengthen US diplomacy and "build a word with more partners and fewer adversaries".
In a dig at the Bush administration, Mrs Clinton said she and Mr Obama believed in foreign policy which married "principles and pragmatism, not rigid ideology" and military force only as "a last resort"...........
"American leadership has been wanting but it is still wanted," Mrs Clinton told her confirmation hearing before the senate foreign relations committee.
"We must use what has been called 'smart power,' the full range of tools at our disposal," she continued, advocating a mix of diplomatic, economic, military, political legal and cultural strategies.
The former First Lady received a gushing welcome from the senate panel although Republicans raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest between US foreign policy and Bill Clinton's global charity, which receives donations from numerous foreign governments and businessmen.
Mrs Clinton tried to remove any lingering doubts about her ability to work with Mr Obama, who will be sworn in next Tuesday, after their acrimonious battle last year for the Democratic Party's nomination. Time and again she referred to their common approach and ideas.
Both were committed to a "fresh approach" to Iran which will involve a greater willingness to talk and may include the opening of a US diplomatic office for the first time since the overthrow of the shah in 1979.
She made clear that issues such as climate change, the liberty of women and human trafficking would be more prominent concerns on her watch...........:rolleyes:
"Our foreign policy must reflect our deep commitment to the cause of making human rights a reality for millions of oppressed people around the world," said Mrs Clinton, reprising campaign commitments.
"Of particular concern to me is the plight of women and girls, who comprise the majority of the world's unhealthy, unschooled, unfed, and unpaid."
Other than Iran, she however offered little to suggest that there will be major departures with the policies pursued by the George W Bush in final two years of his presidency, which has been much more conciliatory than the first six years.
Mrs Clinton, who remains a New York senator until she is confirmed, ruled out negotiations with Hamas until the militant Palestinian group that controls Gaza "renounces violence, recognises Israel and agrees to abide by past agreements". "That is just for me an absolute," she said.
........................
shifts abroad .... "kindness" at home ?? ;)
Hillary Clinton promised a new approach to foreign policy today saying the US would use "smart power" rather than military force to deal with problems. :cool::rolleyes2:
Washington
Telegraph 13 Jan 2009
Former First Lady said military force was a "last resort" :rolleyes:
Though she refrained from naming the outgoing president, Mrs Clinton sent a strong signal to the world that as President-elect Barack Obama's secretary of state, she would strengthen US diplomacy and "build a word with more partners and fewer adversaries".
In a dig at the Bush administration, Mrs Clinton said she and Mr Obama believed in foreign policy which married "principles and pragmatism, not rigid ideology" and military force only as "a last resort"...........
"American leadership has been wanting but it is still wanted," Mrs Clinton told her confirmation hearing before the senate foreign relations committee.
"We must use what has been called 'smart power,' the full range of tools at our disposal," she continued, advocating a mix of diplomatic, economic, military, political legal and cultural strategies.
The former First Lady received a gushing welcome from the senate panel although Republicans raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest between US foreign policy and Bill Clinton's global charity, which receives donations from numerous foreign governments and businessmen.
Mrs Clinton tried to remove any lingering doubts about her ability to work with Mr Obama, who will be sworn in next Tuesday, after their acrimonious battle last year for the Democratic Party's nomination. Time and again she referred to their common approach and ideas.
Both were committed to a "fresh approach" to Iran which will involve a greater willingness to talk and may include the opening of a US diplomatic office for the first time since the overthrow of the shah in 1979.
She made clear that issues such as climate change, the liberty of women and human trafficking would be more prominent concerns on her watch...........:rolleyes:
"Our foreign policy must reflect our deep commitment to the cause of making human rights a reality for millions of oppressed people around the world," said Mrs Clinton, reprising campaign commitments.
"Of particular concern to me is the plight of women and girls, who comprise the majority of the world's unhealthy, unschooled, unfed, and unpaid."
Other than Iran, she however offered little to suggest that there will be major departures with the policies pursued by the George W Bush in final two years of his presidency, which has been much more conciliatory than the first six years.
Mrs Clinton, who remains a New York senator until she is confirmed, ruled out negotiations with Hamas until the militant Palestinian group that controls Gaza "renounces violence, recognises Israel and agrees to abide by past agreements". "That is just for me an absolute," she said.
........................
shifts abroad .... "kindness" at home ?? ;)