Clinton: 'The United States is back'

Posted By P.J. Aroon Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 3:05 PM Share

Getty Image 89160449, July 22, 2009 | BAZUKI MUHAMMAD/AFP/Getty Images 

Once again, I only have time to offer a quick roundup of Hillary Clinton news. I've been ordered to prioritize copy-editing articles for the print edition of FP, so unfortunately Madam Secretary is "lite" today.

•"The United States is back," Clinton said upon arrival in Thailand for the ASEAN meeting in Phuket. "I believe strongly the United States has to be involved in this region," she declared, referring to Asia.

•Clinton suggested that the United States is considering extending a "defense umbrella" over the Persian Gulf region to deter Iran's nuclear ambitions.

•Clinton urged Burma to release democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, saying it would pave the way for a better U.S.-Burma relationship, including investments.

•Clinton is expected to be made special envoy to Northern Ireland.

•A Hillary Clinton effigy was burned in India in protest of the frisking of a former Indian president by Continental Airlines. (How ridiculous!)

•Clinton and President Obama might have "inflated hopes" about global cooperation, writes Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Trudy Rubin.

Photo: BAZUKI MUHAMMAD/AFP/Getty Images

EXPLORE:EAST ASIA, SOUTH ASIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA, HILLARY
 

STACYX

1:06 PM ET

July 23, 2009

The situation with Burma is

The situation with Burma is frustrating and it makes organizations like the UN and ASEAN look powerless when we/they keep calling for Aung San Suu Kyi's release and nothing happens year after year. And I'm guessing that North Korea props up/gives advice to Burma in a lot of ways-both countries are similar in a lot of ways.

I think the 800lb gorilla in the middle of the diplomatic living room is Communist China- they hold tremendous sway over N. Korea because N. Korea is so pathetically poor that w/o China's constant, continued economic assistance, N. Korea would *possibly* have more of an incentive to take part in the carrot and stick approach Clinton articulated! But because of China's economic strength/growth, the US is reluctant to deal with one of the major problems blocking meaningful reform.

I'm psyched Hillary is going to be peace envoy to N. Ireland- they love her over there and with good reason!

That broohaha over Continental Airlines is ridiculous- so what if he had to go through the same security protocols every one else did? All these special diplomatic privileges every country hands out are a bit much, they can pretty much do anything they damn well please and get away with it!

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Secretary Clinton Blog

 

ANNE

3:30 AM ET

July 24, 2009

They really do love her over

They really do love her over there. :). So cool.

 

STACYX

9:12 PM ET

July 23, 2009

ASEAN rejects Clinton's

ASEAN rejects Clinton's request to expel Myanmar from ASEAN. So what is the incentive for Myanmar to follow international laws? Nothing.

 

Madam Secretary is an obsessive blog about all things Hillary Clinton. From her policies to her pantsuits, Madam Secretary delivers up-to-the-minute news, analysis, and gossip about America's top diplomat.