Posted on 12/30/2008 10:29:43 PM PST by STARWISE
Hillary Clinton is forming a 'hit squad' of special envoys who will be sent to the world's troublespots to try to prevent conflict breaking out.
The diplomats will form the spearhead of the US state department as the new secretary of state seeks a bigger role for her office in Barack Obama's new government.
The former first lady has wasted no time as she begins building up her team in preparation for taking over as America's most senior diplomat from Condoleezza Rice next month.
Hillary Clinton with President Elect Barack Obama. Sources say that the former first lady is seeking a bigger budget as the new secretary of state
Sources in Washington suggested Mrs Clinton had embarked on an 'empire-building' exercise as she seeks an expanded role within Mr Obama's administration.
She wants a bigger budget and an expanded role for the state department, not just in foreign affairs, but in dealing with global economic issues in the current financial crisis.
Mrs Clinton has also told Mr Obama she wants to appoint high-profile special envoys.
Her husband Bill has been suggested as a possible envoy to deal with Pakistan and India.
Mrs Clinton has told Mr Obama that she would like to appoint high-profile special envoys. Suggestions include Richard Holbrooke, left, for Afghanistan or Iran, and former president and husband Bill Clinton for Pakistan and India
He used several envoys during his two-term presidency in the Nineties, with Richard Holbrooke the best-known for his roles in brokering peace deals in the Middle East and the Balkans conflict.
Mr Holbrooke is among the names being mentioned as a possible envoy either for Afghanistan or Iran. Martin Indyk, a former US ambassador to Israel, has also been mentioned.
While Mrs Clinton compiles a shortlist of envoys, she has already dipped into her husband's former team for two key advisers.
Jacob Lew, budget director in the Clinton administration, has been given the job of making sure the state department is not underfunded.
Mrs Clinton wants extra money for the diplomatic corps as she seeks to improve America's standing in the eyes of the world. James Steinberg, a former deputy national security adviser to the former president, is also in her team as a trusted lieutenant.
Insiders said Mrs Clinton is determined to wrestle power back from the Pentagon, which under President Bush played a dominant role in the government. The US defence department took over the planning of reconstruction of Iraq following the 2003 invasion.
A recent report by a federal watchdog found the $117 billion that has been spent by the US on reconstruction work had done little to improve the country. The report, Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience, reveals a catalogue of mistakes and incompetence.
Obama change -— Clinton II.
If he is smart, he will fire her after 6 months.
She will find anyway to fortify and seize power. I think it was a big mistake on his part to pick her.
Perhaps... but without the need for personal appreciation.
Nothing like having an empeached,lieing,felon for to represent us over there, huh ?
“Suggestions include Richard Holbrooke, left,”
Yeah, that’s how I’d describe him.
This broad will be taking over so fast it’ll make Barry’s head spin. The conflicts of interest will be a mile high.
The Clinton crime syndicate goes international.
Barry is well on his way to being a figurehead.
God help us.
“A recent report by a federal watchdog”
ProPublica is an independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. Our work focuses exclusively on truly important stories, stories with “moral force.” We do this by producing journalism that shines a light on exploitation of the weak by the strong and on the failures of those with power to vindicate the trust placed in them.
http://www.propublica.org/about/leadership
I think sending Bill Clinton over to Pakistan and India is a great idea. I would happily spring for his one-way airfare.
I believe that is how it going to go down. Barry is just going to be the “american idol” president (lots of photo ops for the camera and lots of “Hope and Change is on the way” speeches) while behind the scenes, the Clintonistas are calling all the major political shots.
I mean, comon. He was elected president after only two years in the senate where all he accomplished was vote “present” most of the time. Now he’s going to run the country? Puhleaze. Its dog and pony show time.
So says Henry ‘nostrils’ Waxman
Seeing these moves uhbama might just withdraw her nomination if he was smart. So I don’t think he will. ;-)
It sure seems that way. Third term of the Clintons via Obama as the 'front'.
Is this for the state department or in case Pellicano decides to talk? /s
Give me the money !!! How surprising !!
guess Bill will get a chance to it on Suha Arafat.
This will be the first time in history The US has two active presidents. This in itself will undoubtedly be counter-productive.
Ironically it will be similar to Iran in that they have a president but is mainly a figurehead and the acting giverning bodkies are the clerics.
A hit Squad might be just what the USA needs to end the problems we have in the world. What is the line out of Tom Cruise’s new movie?—Any problem can be solved with the right amount of high explosives. If Hillary wants the White House she must do wonderful things in the State Department—Like Evita building Hospitals in Argentina, Hillary is building her way to the presidency. Sending Bill to a hot war zone might even help her—if he’s shot she can become a grieving widow. She looks good in black too. The sympathy vote would help her.
I would rather have the Clinton’s running the country than an anti-American closet Muslim. Has BO even been to church since the elections?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.