Thursday, February 19, 2009

Hillary in Jakarta: The lovefest begins

And so, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Indonesia, starts a new era in American foreign policy. A lot less unilateral arrogance, a lot more inclusiveness and so-called smart power. Hillary famously kicked off her Senate run with a 'listening tour,' and in her new position she seems to be taking a similar tack.

Indonesia's a logical place for the Obama administration to start, as a kind of translator to the larger Muslim world. With its traditions of democracy and tolerance, not so steeped in reactionary Wahhabist thought like much of the Mideast, and with its personal links to America's head of state, it's proving itself as a critical bridge for the State Department.

Unfortunately her Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirajuda took the occasion to bring up the issue of a $5-billion lifeline, to help get Indonesia through the coming economic storms. In itself, nothing Earth-shattering. But mentioned in conjunction with improving ties, it gives off a certain whiff of pay-to-play politics. New ambassador, Roland Burris?


Today's Top Stories

Indonesia urages US to fill leadership vacuum

New polls show power of moderates

US will consult about strategy

Guantanamo inmate could meet with government officials

17 comments:

The Jack said...

Thanks ever so much, very useful article. If you do not mind, please visit my article related to pandeglang district in Banten, Indonesia at Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang second and also Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang Objek Wisata Air Terjun Curug Gendang and Kesenian Debus, Sejarah dan Ciri Khas Wisata Banten and our hard work at Kerja Keras Adalah Energi Kita that's right Kerja Keras Adalah Energi Kita, and Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang Memasuki Babak Akhir also Objek Wisata Taman Wisata Alam Carita, Learn Indonesian language, Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, also Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, also Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, also Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, very smart thank you!

Moeyz said...

Thanks for visited Indonesia, Hillary Clinton

VICKYFF said...

Hillary Clinton is a respectable woman, she has the counsel and wisdom of men, women Ciai Fu uphold the same sympathetic


Scarf Scarf

Emma jacob said...

Each time you commit words to paper in your own inimitable style, you declare your character and personality traits, your talents and abilities, even your current mood.
Organic vitamins

eshaa said...

Thanks for this read mate. Well, this is my first visit to your blog! But I admire the precious time and effort you put into it, especially into interesting articles you share here!
see Free Classified Ads

Fabian Smith said...

Thanks for starting this, it's a neat little exercise to learn about each other, and to remember how/why we got into this crazy business. So it doesn't look like anyone else is posting there answers here but I'll at least link to them.

Real Estate Logo Design

Admin said...

Nice energy and vibe you put out there. You have so much to offer, I like the energy and the nice values you apply to your site. Real interesting and outstanding point of view.

Free Delivery Promotions Codes 2012

Fabian Smith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fabian Smith said...

This site is excellent and so is how the subject matter was explained.

social media optimization specialists

Admin said...

Thanks for visiting, also don't forget to come to Bali Indonesia

Fabian Smith said...

Thanks. We believe in sharing obviously.

History Logo

Alis Stafford said...

Nice post, I really apprecialte the way you are sharing your experiences.
CCTV Systems
CCTV Monitors

Unknown said...

Really your blog is very interesting.... it contains great and unique information. I enjoyed to visiting your blog. It's just amazing.... Thanks very much for the share. Cheap Essay Writing

Unknown said...

Τhis wеblog givеs helpful іnformatiоn to uѕ, kеep іt up. Essay Writing Services

Unknown said...

great, thanks for good post dude
Cheap Essays

Unknown said...

Thanks a lot for your overwhelming participation and appreciation of the different activities The post is pretty good. I really never thought I could have a good read by this time until I found out this forum. I am grateful for the information given.
Cereb

Fabian Smith said...

Your Blog is very good, I like it! Thank you for your sharing! Cheap Essay Writing
Cheap Essays
Cheap Essay
Academic Writing Services
Affordable Paper Writing Service
Research Paper Writing
Research Proposal Writing
Proofreading Services
Editing Services
Assignment Writing Service
Power point Presentation Services
Letter Writing Services