WASHINGTON // To explain the incoming administration's new "smart power" approach to US foreign policy, Hillary Clinton, the secretary of state-designate, turned to an unlikely source: an ancient Roman poet. "'In every endeavour, the seemly course for wise men is to try persuasion first,'" Mrs Clinton said, quoting the bard Terence during her confirmation hearing before the Senate foreign relations committee on Tuesday.
She later repeated the idea in her own words. "We will lead with diplomacy because that's the smart approach," she said, noting that "smart power" also involves using the right combination of diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal and cultural "tools". This new style of engagement, which Mrs Clinton frequently espoused during her testimony, could have an especially pronounced effect on the Middle East, a region that will serve as the backdrop to many of the foreign policy challenges awaiting Mrs Clinton and possibly as a proving ground for her boss, Barack Obama, the US president-elect.
Specifically, Mrs Clinton reaffirmed the new administration's intent to open talks with Iran, which has long been at odds with the United States over its secretive nuclear programme. During the campaign, Mr Obama said he would use "big carrots and big sticks" to convince Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, an aim the Islamic republic has denied having. "We will pursue a new, perhaps different, approach that will become a cornerstone of what the Obama administration believes is an attitude toward engagement that might bear fruit," Mrs Clinton said, though she declined to specify whether she would personally make diplomatic overtures. "We're going to be trying new approaches because what we've tried has not worked."
Mrs Clinton told the panel that she was under "no illusions " about the success any such talks might have, but she added that something must be done to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a prospect she called "unacceptable". She also said she would consult Iran's neighbours before sitting at the negotiating table. "We engage in consultation with our friends in the region and beyond," she said. "We don't want anything I say today or anything the president-elect says to take our friends and allies by surprise."
Mrs Clinton's confirmation hearing was one of the most eagerly awaited of Mr Obama's cabinet nominees. Many wonder how the two former political rivals will team up to improve the image of the US around the world, handle the redeployment of troops from Iraq to Afghanistan and combat the global threat of terrorism. Many also expected some uncomfortable moments as Mrs Clinton was asked about the potential conflicts of interest with her husband's charity group, the Clinton Foundation, which counts foreign governments among its donors.
And those moments came. "The Clinton Foundation exists as a temptation for any foreign entity or government that believes it could curry favour through a donation," said Richard Lugar of Indiana, the top Republican on the committee. "It also sets up potential perception problems with any action taken by the secretary of state in relation to foreign givers or their countries." Still, the proceedings went smoothly for Mrs Clinton, who is expected to be approved by the committee by the end of the week and by the full Senate after Mr Obama's inauguration. Even those who pressed Mrs Clinton on tough questions did so respectfully, often after lavishing her with compliments.
"Her qualifications for the post are remarkable," Mr Lugar said. The junior New York senator sat alone at a small table in the centre of the hearing room, sometimes scribbling notes on a yellow legal pad, but never appearing flustered as she rattled off answers to a barrage of complex policy questions. Her daughter, Chelsea, who joined her on the campaign trail last year when she was seeking the presidency, sat directly behind her.
Mrs Clinton's colleagues-turned-interviewers touched on subjects ranging from counterterrorism efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan to working with Russia on securing nuclear materials before they get in the wrong hands. The senators quizzed Mrs Clinton on how she plans to engage with China and Latin America - even Cuba - and on her plans for fighting climate change and the widespread oppression of women.
"I don't think it's overstating the case to say that you will be inheriting some of the largest and most difficult international challenges the United States has faced in over half a century," said Chris Dodd, a veteran Democratic senator from Connecticut. The conversation never strayed far from the Middle East, a region that is likely to appear frequently on Mrs Clinton's agenda, particularly as pressure mounts to find an end to the crisis in Gaza. Protesters from the activist group Code Pink - comprising women who oppose George W Bush's policies - held signs near the back of the room protesting against the Israeli offensive.
The incoming administration has so far said little about the bloodshed, instead deferring to Mr Bush, but many hope Mr Obama will try a new approach to the decades-old conflict. Mrs Clinton, who was asked several times about the situation there, however, sounded tones similar to what has been official Washington policy during Mr Bush's two terms: strong support for Israel and refusal to negotiate with Hamas.
"Obviously we do support Israel's right to defend itself, and we do understand and appreciate what it must be like to be subjected to rocket attacks," said Mrs Clinton, adding that diplomacy would not be extended to Hamas unless the group renounces violence and recognises Israel. Mrs Clinton said she also supported a plan that would provide "independence, economic progress and security to the Palestinians in their own state".
John Kerry, the committee chairman and the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, said the US needs to overhaul its approach to the entire Middle East to change the perception that Washington is carrying out an "assault on Islam". "The last eight years have resulted in increased suspicion of our motives abroad, especially in the Muslim world," he said, advocating what he called "a significantly expanded and vigorous diplomatic effort".
Mr Kerry also suggested the president-elect appoint an ambassador to Syria, though Mrs Clinton said such a decision would have to wait until Mr Obama takes office. For her part, Mrs Clinton said she was up to the task of being the country's chief diplomat in a time of "grave dangers and great possibilities". "No matter how daunting the challenges may be, I have a steadfast faith in this country and in our people," she said. "And I am proud to be an American at the dawning of this new American moment."
sstanek@thenational.ae
