 Clinton stresses 'smart power'
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-01-14 07:38
US secretary of state-designate Hillary Rodham Clinton called yesterday for a "smart power" strategy in the Middle East that goes beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to address other pressing issues like Iran's nuclear program. While offering no specific new peace proposal, Clinton spoke confidently of president-elect Barack Obama's intentions to renew US leadership in the world and to strengthen US diplomacy. "As intractable as the Middle East's problems may seem and many presidents, including my husband, have spent years trying to help work out a resolution we cannot give up on peace," the former first lady told her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She said the new administration would pursue a broader approach to the Mideast issue and the problem of Islamic extremism in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "We must also actively pursue a strategy of smart power in the Middle East that addresses the security needs of Israel and the legitimate political and economic aspirations of the Palestinians; that effectively challenges Iran to end its nuclear weapons program and sponsorship of terror, and persuades both Iran and Syria to abandon their dangerous behavior and become constructive regional actors; that strengthens our relationships with Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, other Arab states, with Turkey, and with our partners in the Gulf to involve them in securing a lasting peace in the region." Clinton also promised to push for stronger US alliances around the globe. "We must build a world with more partners and fewer adversaries," she said. Clinton spoke in a clear, unhurried voice and looked at ease as she read a long introductory statement. She sat alone at a small, black-draped desk, with daughter Chelsea and a retinue of advisers behind her. Her husband, former president Bill Clinton, was not present. Agencies
(China Daily 01/14/2009 page12) |
