Sec. Clinton and Former Sec. Kissinger Discuss U.S. Foreign Policy and the Middle East

Speaking on Charlie Rose series, “Conversations on Diplomacy,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger discussed U.S. diplomatic efforts.  Clinton highlighted the the new challenges facing U.S. foreign policy as the focus shifts away from state-to-state relationships to networks and multilateral relations  and organizations.  She also noted the implications of new technologies and new media.  Kissinger noted the “huge changes” in state structure taking place across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Even amongst all these changes, the United States continues to remain a dominant power in the world that countries across the world turn to for leadership and aid.  Clinton stated however, that “one of our biggest foreign policy challenges right now is to get our own house in order…we have to consolidate our own economic and political position in order to be able to continue to influence events in the future.”

Discussing the “Arab Spring,” Secretary Kissinger stated that the revolutions are still unfolding, as such we must be cautious of being overly optimistic. He noted, however, that we must not be too hasty in judging the outcome of the uprisings based on the proclamations of a few and ensure real transitions occur.  Clinton noted that it is U.S. interest “to see a peaceful, stable transition to a more  representative form of government in which institutions are able to democratize over time.”  She also noted the lack of economic growth and development in the region as a reason for the people’s frustrations.  Clinton and Kissinger also discussed the threat of Iran and the country’s hope to take advantage of the instability in the region.  Kissinger also stated that the situation in Libya is peripheral to the events in the broader Middle East.