Hillarysworld

Over the last few days there have been a lot of articles on Hillary's comments regarding Israel. For instance, the Washington Post's Glenn Kessler noted how there has been a lot of bipartisan criticism over US criticism of Israeli policies. I thought about posting all those articles, but then figured, why reinvent Google LOL. But there was something in this article that stood out for me -- its analysis of how Hillary handled the situation.

As the Guardian writer notes, "In the world of international relations, where diplomats love ambiguity and caveats, Clinton put Netanyahu on the spot." This to me, is a very perceptive summation of what is at work here. Hillary, as we all know, is a pretty no-nonsense type of leader -- she doesn't talk just to hear the sound of her own voice; when she speaks, it is with purpose. Her handling of the Israeli situation -- precipated by Biden's diplomatic buffonery (isn't that how it always is, whenever Barack and Biden mess up, Big Sis Hillary has to come save the day) -- shows a cleverness in dealing with tough situations that is all Hillary. While simultaneously reiterating the importance of the relationship between the US and Israel, she also sends the message that she is not backing down and is still waiting to hear Israel's response on the Obama administration's position regarding peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

And while I wonder how much of the policy being put forth is what Hillary would have done as President, it is the handling of the matter where I find Hillary's diplomacy indispensable. She is gentle yet firm, she reaffirms relationships while still saying "You have to keep moving forward".....basically, she does what she has done all along -- understanding where people are coming from, but reminding us all gently that we all have to pull our weight if we ever want things to get better.

In an international stage with a myriad of interesting players, some friendly, some not so much......we need more like Hillary. People who will be friendly and engaging, but also forthright and willing to stand up in the face of difficulty. I used to have my doubts about whether Hillary should have been in the Obama administration, but these days, I am so glad she is there, taking care of things in the ways that only she can.