Hillary Clinton: Foreign Policy Profile
Hillary Clinton (Democrat-NY)
Hillary Clinton went to Wellesley College and then pursued a law degree at Yale. Giving up a political career in Washington, she followed her new husband Bill Clinton to Arkansas where he was running for office for the House of Representatives. (he didn’t win, but later became Governor). As well as first Lady of Arkansas, Hillary Clinton was both a highly successful lawyer as well as member of several committees on children’s issues. As First Lady of the US, Clinton was heavily involved in women’s issues, becoming one of the Taliban’s most prominent critics. In 2001, she became a Senator for New York, and she now sits on five committees with nine subcommittee assignments in all.
Hillary Clinton outlines her policy here and here.
Iraq
During the onset of the Iraq war, it had Senator Clinton’s support. However, since its escalation, Clinton has opposed the war, and has called for its end. She is also opposed to permanent bases, and although for withdraw, believes that a 'vastly reduced residual force to train Iraqi troops, provide logistical support, and conduct counterterrorism operations' should be maintained in the country. Interestingly, Clinton has not stated that her initial vote for the war in Iraq was a mistake.
China
The most substantial part of Senator Clinton’s commentary regarding china has been on economics issues, in which she perceives China as a threat to the US, due to it’s sizeable holdings of US debt. She believes that this gives them significant leverage when over the US in any form of conflict. She has also shown concern over China’s record on Intellectual property rights, as well as the manipulation of the Yuan.
Afghanistan
The Senator would like to see full commitment towards article 5 on the behalf of NATO members. She is also aware of the problems arising from the Afghan-Pakistan border, and believes that US should give Pakistan further support in order to secure the border.
Israel/Palestine
Senator Clinton has a generally pro-Israeli stance with regard to the conflict, as evident by supportive statements, as well as her voting record. Such as co-sponsoring the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006.as well as sponsoring a senate 'resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of soldiers of Israel held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah'. Senator Clinton does support military and financial packages for Israel.
The UN
The Senator’s stance on the UN is rather mixed. Although her speeches can be quite supportive, she is also quite critical, as UN policy often comes into conflict with her pro-Israeli stance.  Â
Non-Proliferation
She believes that the current bureaucracy should be expanded in order to accommodate the possible threat of ‘Nuclear Terrorism'. However she seems to judge nuclear proliferation on a case by case basis, with opposition to restrictions of proliferation against Israel but against it in the case of hostile countries, such as Iran or North Korea.  Â
NATO
She voted yes on enlarging NATO into eastern Europe. Has often called for NATO to get involved in deploying troops.
Â