US to Shift to Smart Power: Clinton

"With 'smart power,' diplomacy will be the vanguard of foreign policy," Clinton told the Senate. (Reuters)

"We must use what has been called 'smart power,' the full range of tools at our disposal," Hillary Clinton told her Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, January 13.

She said the incoming administration will advocate a mix of diplomatic, economic, military, political and cultural strategies with respect to its foreign policy.

"With 'smart power,' diplomacy will be the vanguard of foreign policy," Clinton explained.

In an apparent criticism of the outgoing administration of George Bush, the former first lady said "principles and pragmatism, not rigid ideology," will govern the new administration.

Clinton, who lost the Democratic nomination year Obama, cited the need to review and change the US foreign policy.

"I believe American leadership has been wanting, but is still wanted," she told the influential Senate committee.

"America cannot solve the most pressing problems on our own, and the world cannot solve them without America."

Admiral Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cautioned Monday against ever growing militarization of US foreign policy, urging greater support for civilian approaches to the world's problems.

"I believe we should be more willing to break this cycle, and say when armed forces may not always be the best choice to take the lead."

Defense Secretary Robert Gates also believes that neglect of diplomacy and other civilian instruments of power has hurt Washington's standing in the world.

The US is currently embroiled in two wars and a global campaign against terrorism that has stretched the US military to the breaking point.

Engagement

While delivering a broad sweep of foreign policy, Clinton gave a glimpse of a new approach in dealing with the Middle East region.

"The president-elect and I understand and are deeply sympathetic to Israel's desire to defend itself under the current conditions," she said.

"However, we have also been reminded of the tragic humanitarian costs of conflict in the Middle East and pained by the suffering of Palestinian and Israeli civilians."

Touching on the ongoing Israeli onslaught in Gaza Strip, which killed more than 971 in 18 days, Clinton said recent events in Gaza underscored how the US "cannot give up on peace."

"We will exert every effort to support the work of Israelis and Palestinians who seek that result."

Giving a somber assessment of the Bush administration's strategy regarding Iran, Clinton cited an underway policy review over how to deal with the longtime arch-foe.

"What we have tried has not worked," she told the US Senators.

"We will pursue a new, perhaps different approach."

The US has had no diplomatic relations with Tehran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Bush administration has been engaged in a long standoff with Iran over its nuclear program and has led a campaign for several rounds of UN sanctions against Tehran.

The administration has never ruled out a "military action" and opposed direct engagement with Tehran.

Clinton said the Obama administration will pursue an attitude of engagement with Iran.

"We will turn to them with great diligence and attention."