Support for Secretary of State Clinton as she faces Afghanistan and all the world's troubled hotspots

Tonight I have Afghanistan on my mind: the next quagmire in the "war on terror." I'm not yet sure if we'll be nearly extricated from Iraq within two years, but I am pretty sure we will be all caught up in Afghanistan, and that it will not be pleasant. Basically, we are stuck with following around after the colonial hashes Britain and France made in the Middle East and western Asia, where old dysfunctions render current politics deadly and incomprehensible.

Rudyard Kipling knew of the dangers that awaited soldiers far from home, fighting on the plains of Afghanistan.

When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains,
An' go to your Gawd like a soldier.

-- from The Young British Soldier, a poem that should be read in its entirety and with exegesis lest it be misunderstood; go here for both the complete poem and good commentary.

When I contemplate the complexity that faces the world and this country's efforts to better it - or at least do its people no further harm, I find this photo, of Secretary of State Clinton's swearing in, on January 21, 2007 both comforting and inspiring.The photo also provides a good way to introduce people to "DipNote", the U.S. Department of State Blog, on which it was posted.

There too I found this quotation from Secretary Clinton, addressing USAID: "And I wanted to come here today with a very simple message: I believe in development, and I believe with all my heart that it truly is an equal partner, along with defense and diplomacy, in the furtherance of America’s national security." Finally, here you can read Secretary Clinton's introduction of Richard Holbrooke as Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and George Mitchell's introduction as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.

Reading these remarks and beginning to acquaint myself with Hillary Rodham Clinton in her new role reminds me again of her ability to convey strength and confidence without arrogance, in the way she discusses this country's place in the world; the role of diplomacy and development in partnership with defense; and yes, the relationship between her department and the President and Vice-President. Secretary of Clinton has recruited two amazing diplomats to tackle two of the most troubled hotspots in the world; she has already begun bridging the fiefs that make up the entire U.S. foreign policy apparatus.

I believe I can go to sleep tonight with some greater confidence that we will be leaving fewer dead on Afghanistan's plains because Secretary of State Clinton will be working hard for that less brutal outcome.

Comments

[Shtuey]

Did you read the article at the DoS website about HRC meeting with the woman justices, and attorneys from Afghanistan?

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/01/115336.htm

So far Secretary Clinton is doing exactly what I would expect. It's bitter sweet is it not? Just imagine what would be happening with her in the Oval.

Thanks for the tip on the state blog too.

[Mirlo]

Well, I dipped into the hermeneutic context of Rudyards Kiplings poem; from what we know about the Taliban's and other warlord's rule I am convinced that the grueling, bellicose environment has not changed a great deal in the plains and mountains of Afghanistan. Our hope can only rest with HRC, doing the best possible thing under the additional mess we have been left with by the Bushies.

[democraticjack]

Although weaving through the sticky wickets of international diplomacy can be daunting, there is no doubt Secretary Clinton is more than capable of the task. If past is indeed prologue, then we may all rest a bit more comfortably day or night with her navigation skills, keen eye and deep insights regarding the global landscape.