Related: Clinton's Asian Excursion
"Clinton's frankness raises concerns; She says clarity enhances policy" by Glenn Kessler, Washington Post | February 23, 2009
BEIJING - Hillary Clinton's blunt and unadorned style of diplomacy was evident throughout her weeklong Asian tour, her first foreign trip as secretary of state.
She questioned the efficacy of sanctions against the repressive junta in Burma, spoke openly about a possible succession crisis in North Korea, and conceded that she expected to make little progress on human rights in China. To a certain extent, these comments crossed taboo lines in international diplomacy.
Great! From an insulting presidency to an insulting SecState!!!
This is CHANGE?
US officials generally do not say their sanctions have failed, or speculate about the future government of another country, or suggest that a carefully watched human rights dialogue is largely a farce.
Yeah, WE DON'T APPRECIATE IT when OTHERS DO IT to US!!!!
Clinton's willingness to speak frankly - combined with an extensive effort to get beyond ministerial meetings to hold town hall meetings and conduct local TV interviews in the countries she visited - suggested that she will put a distinctive personal stamp on the Obama administration's foreign policy....
Before leaving China yesterday, Clinton wrapped up her trip by visiting a state-sanctioned church and then meeting 23 women involved in legal, poverty, and healthcare organizations aimed at helping women and promoting gender equality....
The one-hour session underscored Clinton's contention that working with such nongovernmental civic organizations can do as much to promote women's rights and human rights as does jawboning the Chinese government.
That's ALL THEY GOT? ONE HOUR of the WHOLE TRIP?
Shades of GEORGE W. BUSH, 'eh?
Gao Yaojie, an 82-year-old AIDS activist, told Clinton of being monitored and hassled by government agencies, declaring, "I am not afraid." But several others told the secretary of state that grass-roots organizations have grown fast and have had an increasing impact on Chinese society since they first met with her more than a decade ago.
Then WHY does the paper make it seem like China is a RIGID, AUTHORITARIAN, LOCK-DOWN, can't cut a fart, STATE?!!
In foreign policy circles, Clinton's remarks on human rights have stirred consternation that she is giving up possible leverage with China before any dialogue has begun. Others say she is inviting criticism from Capitol Hill and rights groups that undermine her ability as a diplomat.
But some analysts have defended her, saying she should be commended for speaking frankly. The Bush administration was criticized for what some saw as a hypocritical approach to human rights, claiming to promote freedom but treating friends and foes differently on rights issues....
Well, yeah, the TORTURE didn't help.
Former UN ambassador John Bolton, who was known for his bluntness, said he thinks "our diplomacy should be more candid, with less doublespeak, so if she really meant to say what she said, I don't mind at all."
I'm sorry; this is the EXPERT the PAPER DUG UP? A NEO-CON ZIONIST!!!
But he added, "the issue with whatever she says, candid or not, is whether it has an objective in mind, or whether she is just running at the mouth. . . . Executive branch officials, by definition, are not just bloviating, but executing policies.
Actually, I'm glad they talked to him because he got that right!!!!!!
:-)
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Nothing about IRAN, huh?
Coming next, Clinton's Middle East Adventure:
JERUSALEM - .... Hamas shrugged off the development, with spokesman Fawzi Barhoum saying Israel "never intended to reach any agreement or closure on a truce or a prisoner exchange."
Even they see it!
In related news, Israeli and Palestinian officials said yesterday that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Israel and the West Bank next week, her first trip to the region as America's top diplomat.
The Israeli officials said Clinton will arrive in Israel March 2 for two days of meetings with the country's top leaders. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the visit had not been announced by the State Department, which has not released Clinton's schedule for next week.
Let's you know WHO is SCHEDULING HER, doesn't it (as we all already knew).
Yasser Abed Rabbo, a senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said Clinton would also visit the West Bank during her stay. US officials have no formal contacts with the Islamic militant group Hamas.
Clinton said last week during her Asia trip that she would attend an international donors conference in Egypt March 2 to discuss Gaza reconstruction. A US official said yesterday that the Obama administration intends to donate hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian and rebuilding funds to the Palestinian Authority to help Gaza recover.
What, after they gave Israel all that $$$ and weaponry to flatten the place?
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And how about GOING THROUGH the DEMOCRACTIC and LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT of HAMAS?
Quit believing NaZionist lies, 'bamer!!!!!!!
Look, if the papers attack you, I'LL DEFEND YOU!!!!
Just TELL the TRUTH and STAND UP to them!!
The AMERICAN PEOPLE will SUPPORT YOU no matter what the NaZinists are whispering in your ear!!!
