“…smart power counsels that we lead with diplomacy, even in the case of adversaries or nations with whom we disagree. We cannot be afraid or unwilling to engage. Yet some suggest that this is a sign of weakness or naiveté – or acquiescence to these countries’ repression of their own people. That is wrong. The President and I believe that refusing to talk to countries rarely punishes them. And as long as engagement might advance our interests and our values, it is unwise to take it off the table. …” – Secretary Clinton
Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations today, Secretary Clinton hit many points, but it remains to be seen whether this will be considered a “major speech” as it was billed. However, we do now know she intends to travel to Pakistan in the fall.
“Success in Afghanistan also requires close cooperation from neighboring Pakistan, which I will visit this fall. … “We and our allies fight in Afghanistan because the Taliban protects al Qaeda and depends on it for support,” she added. “To eliminate al Qaeda, we must also fight the Taliban.” (Reuters)
Regarding Afghanistan, as an aside, it’s worrying where the Administration seems to be considering moving on this front. Clinton’s talk about fighting the Taliban to “eliminate al Qaeda” is aggressive rhetoric that will please many, but it’s hardly a practical end goal. We built them up, starting way back in the Reagan era, and they’ll be there long after we’re gone. If that phrase sounds familiar, well, it should. As new calls come from commanders to further expand our military position in that country, it’s making me extremely nervous. I was on board with Obama’s initial strategy, but you can move me to “not convinced in the least” on the latest rumblings.
However, Clinton did deliver the muscular promise to Obama’s engagement dialogue (this image says it all), just in case anyone gets the wrong idea.
“And to these foes and would-be foes, let me say: You should know that our focus on diplomacy and development is not an alternative to our national security arsenal. You should never see America’s willingness to talk as a sign of weakness to be exploited. We will not hesitate to defend our friends and ourselves vigorously when necessary with the world’s strongest military. This is not an option we seek. Nor is it a threat; it is a promise to the American people.”
Clinton’s speech today had one particularly striking section emphasizing the importance of the role of women and girls in economics going forward. (It’s not in the prepared notes, but was shown on Andrea Mitchell’s MSNBC show.) It was powerful insistence about the role women must play in the world today and a reminder we must stay vigilant to manifest what women offer to countries around the world. In the same breath she also spoke of poverty’s cost to women and girls.
On Iran, Clinton’s message, speaking for the Administration, was unmistakable.
“We watched the energy of Iran’s election with great admiration, only to be appalled by the manner in which the government used violence to quell the voices of the Iranian people, then tried to hide its actions by arresting foreign nationals, expelling journalists, and cutting off access to technology. As we … have made clear, these actions are deplorable and unacceptable. …
Iran can become a constructive actor in the region if it stops threatening its neighbors and supporting terrorism. It can assume a responsible position in the international community if it fulfills its obligations on human rights. The choice is clear. We remain ready to engage with Iran, but the time for action is now. The opportunity will not remain open indefinitely.”
The Administration’s priorities were set out:
• “In approaching our foreign policy priorities, we have to deal with the urgent, the important, and the long-term all at once. But… we must have priorities:”
- “reverse the spread of nuclear weapons, prevent their use, and build a world free of their threat;”
- “isolate and defeat terrorists and counter violent extremists while reaching out to Muslims around the world;”
- “encourage and facilitate the efforts of all parties to pursue a comprehensive peace in the Middle East;”
- “pursue global economic recovery and growth – by strengthening our own economy, advancing a robust development agenda, expanding trade that is free and fair, and boosting investment that creates decent jobs;”
- “combat climate change, increase energy security, and lay the foundation for a prosperous clean-energy future;”
- “support and encourage democratic governments that protect the rights of and deliver results for their people;”
- “and stand up for human rights everywhere.”
The State Department made sure Clinton’s speech today was billed as “major.” But I agree with Glenn Kessler that Clinton’s “major” speech sounded very similar in tone and reach to Clinton’s confirmation hearings.
“…we have the right strategy, the right priorities, the right policies. We have the right President. And we have the American people, diverse, committed, involved and open to the future.”
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