The New Day of Smart Power

'Hill'ary Clinton was queen of another "hill" yesterday - Capitol Hill, that is. Although there were other cabinet nominees sitting before their confirmation panels, Hillary was by far the most popular. Throngs of photographers filled the hearing room as Mrs. Clinton gave her testimony before the Foreign Relations Committee.

Although there was initially a circus atmosphere with all the cameras and reporters hovering about, the Secretary of State nominee imparted serious messages that communicated a dramatic shift in policy from the Bush years.



After eight long years of bravado, bluster and saber rattling, it appears the Obama administration will be making a sharp turn away from current foreign policy. Instead of militarily pounding our opponents into submission and humiliating our allies in a attempt to coerce them to support our positions, we will follow one of "smart power," according to Mrs. Clinton.

Senator Johnny Isakson, (R) Georgia, asked her about following the three D's of international policy: defense, development and diplomacy. Mrs. Clinton stated, "American leadership has been wanting, but is still wanted." She agreed withIsakson that, indeed, such "smart power" would bring a new approach to our involvement in world affairs.

It has been clear for too long that our over- and misapplication of military power has lowered our esteem in the eyes of the world. Much of the world is hesitant to look to America as a model of democracy and freedom. Many of our allies have distanced themselves from our government and its policies.

In addition, our inappropriate use of military force has not been effective in making the U.S. more secure. The largest stains on our reputation have come from our unquestioned support of Israel, our misdirected involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and our brutal treatment of prisoners in Guantanamo and Abu-Ghraib. Ironically, in the meantime, the number of Muslim extremists has dramatically increased -- putting the United States at greater danger of being attacked again.

President Bush should be a commended for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). It was very effective in cutting the rate of HIV/AIDS transmission in subsaharan Africa. Unfortunately, similar international development programs have been few and far between. More development could have done a lot, particularly in the Muslim world, to improve America's standing in the world. Clinton indicated the Obama administration will move forward quickly on the development front.

Mrs. Clinton was clear, as well, that is certainly time for more diplomacy. The Bush administration constantly refused to talk and negotiate with governments with whom we disagreed: Iran, Syria, Hamas, the Taliban, etc. Clinton stated that once paths were paved with specific conditions, she and the president would negotiate with many leaders who had been shunned by Bush.

She also stated that the Obama administration would push forward and seek new avenues of peace in the Middle East. Unlike the Bush administration that appeared to 'give up' on such negotiations, Clinton would be involved opening doors of communication, so that ultimately new treaties could be accomplished.

In commenting on Iran and potential discussions, she said, "It is going to be United States policy to pursue diplomacy with all its multitudinous tools." She continued that in developing workable strategies, the new administration would follow a pragmatic approach. Clinton emphasized, "Foreign policy must be based on a marriage of principles and pragmatism, not rigid ideology, on facts and evidence, not emotion or prejudice."

Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense, has already offered his support for this type of approach. He has worked to improve multilateralism, decrease militarism and revived diplomacy. It is without doubt that he is a Secretary of Defense. Nonetheless, in that role, Gates understands that a complex and nuanced approach will strengthen our national security.

As Bill Moyers might say, "Yes, Virginia, it's a new day." It certainly is that -- a new day in Washington and around the world.
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