Clinton: Iran Has Refused To 'Live Up To Its Responsibilities'

By Monique Cala University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday that Iran has failed to “live up to its responsibilities."

“Iran has left the international community little choice but to impose greater costs for its provocative steps,” said Clinton. “We are now working actively with our partners to prepare and implement new measures to pressure Iran to change its course.”

Along with criticism against Iran, Clinton highlighted the State Department's top priorities, which includes investing in security, development and basic human rights.

“At a time of change and challenge at home and abroad, these investments will enhance the security of Americans, assure the future American leadership, and help build the foundations of peace, stability, and prosperity in the years ahead,” said Clinton.

Several Senators at the hearing asked for U.S. support of women’s rights in the Middle East and an end to the battle against the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda. Clinton pledged full support of both causes, warning that she did not want to ‘sugar-coat’ how hard would both be.

Biden and Kerry: Israel and America Inextricably Linked

Jonathan Bronstein, Talk Radio News Service

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In the wake of backlash over President Obama's decision to have diplomatic talks with Iran, high level Democrats are assuring the public that the U.S. commitment to Israel is as strong as ever.

But, "One enduring essential principle that will not change--United States support for Israel,” said Vice President Joe Biden to a standing ovation of more than 6,000 people at the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee's annual convention.

“The path we have been on in recent years has not produced peace and security for Israel and Palestinians, nor will they produce these results,” Biden said. “Because peace has not occurred, does not mean that it cannot occur."

U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), who also spoke at the event, supports the Obama Administration’s policy with Israel. “You can count on Vice President Biden and President Obama in the future,” he said.

Kerry tried to calm fears about Obama’s decision to engage in open discussions with Iran because he believed that the previous administration’s strategy with the Middle Eastern country failed, and that a change is warranted. But, if diplomacy fails, hardline sanctions will be sure to follow, Kerry said.

Since December 2008, foreign criticism of Israel reached new levels. Israel decided to retaliate against Hamas by launching a full military incursion into the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Government maintains that the action was an attempt to halt hundreds of rockets that are launched over Israeli borders by militant groups in neighboring countries.

“I heard of (Israeli) children in the second grade who had spent literally everyday of their lives never 15 seconds from danger/ Fifteen seconds... No child should live that way,” said Kerry to the audience.

Kerry is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and pledged to do everything in his power “to ensure that the $30 billion in security assistance that Congress pledged to Israel is delivered in full.”

Kerry and Biden presented a challenge to Israel: that the country needs to work toward a workable, long lasting and sustainable peace.

Biden believes that any peace is a “show-me plan,” that each side must make efforts to demonstrate their dedication for the process to continue.

Biden said that the building of Israeli settlements must be stopped and that Palestinians must be given freedom of movement so the young people see hope, and do not join Hamas.

But peace must be sought from Paestinians and Israelis. “You cannot make peace out of one side of their mouth and preach hate out of another,” said Kerry, adding that Palestinian geography books should be realistic by including Israel on the map.

Pakistan: An outpost for democracy?

Senator Joe Biden (D-Del.), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee presided over a hearing on Pakistan and it’s role in American foreign policy. Biden said that in order to establish a lasting, comfortable relationship between Pakistan and America, the U.S. should triple non security aide to 1.5 billion dollars annually and pledge that amount over the next ten years. He also called for a billion dollar democracy dividend, which would help moderate, secular, political leaders show the Pakistani people that they can deliver.

He said that this plan would change the dynamic of the Pakistan-U.S. relationship because it could persuade the Pakistani’s that America is not a fair weather friend but an “all weather friend” and show Pakistani leaders that America is an ally that can be relied upon.

Biden said that the Pakistani American relationship was been transactional. He said that Americans believe that they are paying to much to Pakistan and receiving to little, and the Pakistani’s believe the opposite. The only way to make things better, he said, is with long term non-security related investment.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on Afghanistan

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee met today to discuss policy in Afghanistan. Chairman of the committee Joe Biden (D-DE) began by saying that he is skeptical of the Bush Administration's message that the U.S. is turning a corner in Afghanistan. He said that the U.S. should make a commitment invest greater funds towards development. He called Afghan security officials "corrupt" and "ineffectual" and said that he believes the war is winnable but that the U.S. is not winning.

Panelist and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher talked about narcotics trafficking and other concerns in Afghanistan but his testimony mainly highlighted positive aspects of the situation. He foresaw a positive outcome to the conflict but advocated for increased troop levels to help train Afghan police and provide stronger security. He said that roads and infrastructure offer the greatest opportunity for Afghans and he mentioned a new $200 million budget to bring more electricity there.



Biden and the Republican leader of the committee Dick Lugar (Ind.) criticized Boucher's testimony for painting a rosy image of Afghanistan. Boucher said that situation in Afghanistan is better than it was during the 1990s. According to him, Afghanistan has transformed from a failed state under Taliban rule to a state with great potential today.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee takes another look at Afghanistan

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee John Kerry (D-MA) kicked off a hearing today to discuss strategies aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan. He began by reemphasizing the threats posed by al-Qaida and the Taleban in Afghanistan and warned that they are still planning attacks around the world including in the U.S. and in Europe. He cited studies showing that suicide attacks, poppy production, and insurgency have risen sharply in the last 3 years. Kerry also made reference to Vietnam saying that it proved that the U.S. can win every battle in Afghanistan but still lose the war.

Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) spoke next proclaiming that failure in Afghanistan is unacceptable. He said that the U.S. has an obligation to win in Afghanistan and to understand the cause of conflict there. He said that optimism and energy was high in Kabul three years ago but that today the situation has become more difficult.

Co-chair of the Afghanistan Study Group Thomas Pickering listed some positive aspects in Afghanistan. Among them are economic growth, low inflation, and a stable currency but he did say the country is poised for a downhill slide. He said that the government in Afghanistan needs to gain legitimacy in the eyes of the Afghan people and he wants Afghanistan to forge a closer relationship with Pakistan.

Retired General James Jones said that Afghanistan holds international legitimacy and said that various groups and organizations are working inside of Afghanistan towards stabilizing the situation. He said that the U.S. should support military requests for equipment and soldiers but warned that an increased presence there would not be a longterm solution. He noted that narcotics trafficking is corrupting and criminalizing the society and that it provides insurgents with capital. He also said that the U.S. must recognize Pakistan as a part of the problem and said that the conflict in Afghanistan is regional, not local.