OMG, Hillary Said Other Nations' Views Can Be More Influential Than Ours [UPDATED] Posted by David Shorr

Will our conservative friends ever realize it's not always about us, or will they keep freaking out any time someone suggests that American positions and declarations might not be the key to every situation around the world. The other day Heather flagged the following quote from Secreatary of State Clinton: 

"the US stands for our values, our interests, our security, but others have to be prepared to take the same steps in support of universal values and interests... this is exactly the kind of world I want to see, where everyone else isn't standing on the sidelines while americans lay down our lives.  Part of leading is making sure you get other people on the field, and that is what I think we're doing."

And right on cue, Kori Schake over at Shadow Government jumped all over Clinton for hanging back rather than standing tall:

The secretary of State unreflectively made the statement that it mattered more what Turkey and Saudi Arabia said about Syrian repression than the United States. "If other people say it, there is no way the Assad regime can ignore it," was Clinton's justification for doing so little. That's quite a breathtaking world view for the chief diplomat of the world's most powerful country. We are unimportant in the global debate about freedom and governance, but Saudi Arabia and Turkey have standing. On one issue Secretary Clinton was unmistakeably correct: "it's not going to be any news if the United States says Assad needs to go."

See, the thing about news is that it's new, i.e. different from what everyone expects. For example, it would be news if New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed Rep. Michele Bachmann for president -- an endorsement from Rep. Steve King, on the other hand, not so newsworthy. In this way politics, domestic and international alike, is just like the news media. Unexpected stances by political actors make a bigger impact than predictable ones, which are often discounted if not ignored.

So yes, it makes perfect sense for the responses of Turkey and Saudi Arabia to be watched more carefully and carry more weight than America's. (Besides, maybe behind the scenes the US is urging them to abandon Assad.) And no, we don't need to have conniption fits whenever the United States steps back and lets the spotlight fall on others. I published a Democracy Arsenal post on this very issue four years ago in connection with humanitarian intervention / the Responsibility to Protect. Robert Kagan and Ivo Daalder had written a chapter for a book I co-edited, saying that undemocratic governments had no legitimacy or standing to validate intervention. I argued that, on the contrary, if lesser oppressors joined in condemning the more savage forms of atrocities, it only heightens the pariah's isolation.

One strange thing about Kori's post is that she acknowledges that "Clinton is right that the United States has allowed responsibilities to accrue to us that many states benefit from, and that a more evenly distributed burden sharing arrangement would be preferable." Well, the only way that's going to happen is if the United States defers to others in just the ways that prompt cries of "weakness!" or "declinist!" from our conservative friends.

A last couple thoughts about the administration's posture on Syria. Despite Kori's worries, just last month US Amabassador Robert Ford was given a hero's welcome by resistance forces in Hama. And if you're wondering about sources of caution in calculating how far US policy should go, you really should read Eric Martin's brilliant six-step playbook for how conservatives always demand that more be done. Talk about predictable, I sure wish we could reach a point when that broken clock could be deemed un-newsworthy.

UPDATE: When I wrote this post, the signs of Gaddafi's downfall were just starting to emerge. Not only was the Libya operation an example of the exact approach Clinton was articulating, Kori's post included a critique of "shoving the work off onto others" constituted a failure of leadership and betrayal of the hopes and expectations of those carrying out struggles for their freedom. The apparent success in driving Gaddafi out of power -- with Libyans as the primary authors, in contrast to Iraq -- would seem to undercut the notion of Obama shirking and dooming the effort to liberate Libya. None of his critics will say it; so I thought I should.

Comments

[lace wigs]

I would like to Thank you for your posting ! The content is attractive ! And looking forward to your update news !

[devin mccourty jersey patriots]

I just stumbled on your blog, and hope that I really like surfing in yourblog post.

[hughes jersey]

This is a nice site. Interface and pretty good fresh information blog.I'll be back soon, thanks for the great blog. A real adventure vacationshould involve some risk, otherwise it is just a holiday.

[jerry hughes jersey number]

Hello everybody, this is a great article for everyone who likes a healthy life and health-related lifestyle all, you read the article, youhave to leave with us to share this comment ... Thank you!

[Moncler Jackets]

Shopping on CheapMonclers.org here would save your money WHYD1R5SU8YMA

[ralph lauren online]

Loving beautiful clothing that polo is popular and ralph lauren polo was registered in New York of the USA in 1968. The ralph lauren shirts design shows a perfect combination of the romantic breath, the inspiration of innovation and the classical flavor. As is known to us, Polo Ralph Lauren pays much attention to the detail. Especially, the comfortable fabrics and concise style makes it considered as the representative of the brand creation. Holy ralph lauren sale has become the pronoun of gentleman leisure clothing and, furthermore, the brand cheap ralph lauren of the most polo spirit. Now it is convenient to ralph lauren online and you will find hot ralph lauren polo sale about discount.

[larry johnson jersey chiefs]

I found your article on Google. Thank you for your information, I have been looking for this for a long time to do my report detailed information, which is very useful, I will use my report too.

[Leather jacket]

The kind of activism associated with social media isn't

[LED lights supplier]

Your article is quite good, the content of the paper is organized, and ideas are very original.

[nfl jerseys wholesale]

I agree with the above post.

[cheap nfl jerseys]

Nice post I Like your site very well and continue to do so. I have bookmarked your site.

[Canada Goose Discount]

I simply could not leave your web site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info an individual supply on your guests? Is going to be back steadily in order to check up on new posts

[Cheap fitted hats]

What a wonderful blog you have created. I just stopped in to tell you I really appreciated the read and shall be dropping by from time to time now.

[Perth Internet Marketing]

America's taking the lead does not mean no sacrifices on the part of her allies.

[Melbourne Internet Marketing]

America's influence is still felt whatever role she is to play. The question is what kind of influence it is.

[chuck howley jersey]

Great blog, very informative. I do not know why I did not find your blog. Wonderful blog. Thank you in particular this entry - looking forward to the next.

[Adidas Shoes]

Whatever you do, do with all your might.

[Air Jordan Heels]

Whatever you do, do with all your might.

[jinlala]

Whatever you do, do with all your might.

[jack tatum jersey authentic]

I appreciate the time you published this post. It has long been very useful, I. Enjoy it.

[china crusher]

This requires a transfer, or a tax cut in the present, and leaves the present value of taxes unchanged

[dan marino jersey autographed]

This will be a lot of reading good articles here. A themeHere is a very interesting read which is why I often visit here to read more.

[plus size wholesale]

Like walking on clouds.these shoes are extremely comfortable and cozy. Overall, very pleased with the purchase!

[Chanel taschen]

Ich mag lesen Ihre Post Sir. Ich fühle, dass ich ein Sachverst?ndigen auf diesem Gebiet zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt zu werden. Vielen Dank für die mir die dringend ben?tigte Inspiration.

[jacketsale]

The secretary of State unreflectively made the statement that it mattered more what Turkey and Saudi Arabia said about

[north face discount]

I feel you definitely the most welcome person in everywhere. So harmful of all your content.

[wes welker jersey]

I find errors in this blog a bit, but it caught my attention, after I thought I would let you know, I really like it. I like this post, and will tell my friends this site.

[Air Yeezy Shoes]

Care kill a cat.

[下着]

I liked this article. It was so great.

[jerseys]

so lucky to read your post, i will read your post time to time,thank you!

[Canada Goose Jackets]

Many thanks for the article. I will have a link back to this information from our fresh blog.

http://www.cheapcanadagooses.com

http://www.cheapcanadagooses.com

http://www.cheapcanadagooses.com

[Pandora The Princess And The Pea Bead]

There are distinct categories of necklaces like adjustable necklaces, short necklaces,Pandora The Princess And The Pea Bead etc.

[Adidas Shoes]

Joys shared with others are more enjoyed
y

[Air Jordan Heels]

The only way to differentiate yourself from the competition is through service.
by

[yiwu]

It's true that [url=http://www.yiwuen.com/]yiwu[/url] we don't know [url=http://www.yiwuen.com/services/yiwu-agent]yiwu agent[/url] what we've got until we lose it, but it's also [url=http://www.yiwuen.com/yiwu/yiwu-trade-shows/yiwu-fair]yiwu fair[/url]
true that we don't know what we've been losing until it arrives.

[Adidas Shoes]

It has come to our knowledge that you have been cheating the company.
u

[Jeremy Scott Adidas Shoes]

It's pointless trying to keep your friendship secret----it's common knowledge already.
t

[r4i]

Good ideas! I like the way you express your idea and the topic you choose. KEep on your sharing! I appreciate it. It’s funny how we adopt words and adapt our lexicon to the times. This is a very useful slant on things.

[r4 card]

Thanks for the insight. You are absolutely right.

[Air Max Shoes]

The secretary of State unreflectively made the statement that it mattered more what Turkey and Saudi Arabia said about

[Nike Dunk Shoes]

Everyone’s familiar with the ebay.com, a popular b2c website, which plays a very important role on online business. In the same way, we strive to provide a better place to all our customers: not only satisfying your needs and expectations, but exceeding them.

[Ottawa Senators Jerseys]

An interesting discussion of the value of advice. I think the best is to write on the subject of additional, it may not be a taboo subject, but usually not so personal presentations. To the next. Cheers

[rolex watches]

Hong Kong actress Carina Lau admitted that her marriage with Tony Leung Chiu-Wai has problems and they have given up on plans for artificial insemination, Taiwan media reported.Carina Lau and Tony Leung have shared a relationship of more than 20 years and finally tied the knot 3 years ago in Bhutan. Lau said she has marriage problems just like everyone else and how to working it out is the most important thing."God has given me a lot, and I am grateful for the challenges. I have communicated with Tony that when it comes to the baby thing, we would leave it to fate," she said.

[r4 card]

Keep working ,great job! thanks !! very helpful post!

[Denver Broncos Jersey]

Thank trusted to talk about this. I believe very strong about and want to learn more. If it is determined, you gain additional insight, maybe you do not mind adding additional terms are very similar, of which more information? It would be very useful for me and my friends help.

[Business Loan]

I looked around your website and found your blog is tremendous. There are a lot of information for me to know, thanks for your great share.

[best watches replica]

Wheat yesterday traded with the negative node and settled -0.21% down at 1138.6 and prices are expected to remain steady as prices have touched bottom and are trading below government-set prices and a further correction is unlikely. Higher stock position with the government due to a record harvest in 2010/11 season is hurting the sentiment and is preventing prices from going up. On July 1, India's wheat stocks in government warehouses were 37.1 million tonnes, well over its target of 17.1 million. India's wheat output for 2010/11 season is estimated to hit a record high of 84.27 million tonnes.

[acekard 2i]

I learn a lot with your words.. thank for the post.

[women jordan heels]

It is I rarely find in the Internet as entertainment and you have something interestinghere. Your page is lovely, your graphics highlight, not to mention that you refer to, the use of relevant what you're talking. Of course you are a in a million, good!

[リアルマネートレード]

I learn a lot with your words.. thank for the post.

[chaussures femmes]

We have gotten many great comments from our customers and earn a good reputation in foreign makerts, more than 90% customers are satisfied with our products and service, till now our online members are beyond 80,000. As of right now, we Replica Handbags currently serve customers from over 18 countries, and we are still growing. We really hope to expand our business through cooperation with individuals and companies from around the world.

[Moncler outlet]

Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts

[Air Jordan Heels]

A small rodent is regarded by its note, as well as a dude by his talk.

[ugg retro cargo]

Very useful article for me, there is more information I have is very important. Thank you! I'm glad you could get out of it to share with us.http://www.bootstrade.ca

[best watches replica]

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has warned misfiring striker Fernando Torres that he has two more matches to improve his game or face being dropped.

Villas-Boas has insisted that he will not jeopardise his team’s ambitions for the sake of an individual.

The Daily Mail quoted the Portuguese, as saying: “I have no problem dropping players. You have to persist, but it can never compromise the objectives of your team and the things you want to achieve.”

[ac adapter]

Villas-Boas has insisted that he will not jeopardise

[air jordan heels]

Thank you so much for the update though, I’ve been wondering what they would do this year. I’m getting so excited.

[luxury handbags]

your opinion is right! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[full lace wig]

not a good guy

[Air Yeezy Sale]

Genius only signifies hard-working all one's existence .( Mendeleyer , Russian Chemist)

[Herve Leger]

The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for circumstances they want, and if they cannot find them, make them.
j

[Canada Goose Jackets]

Stray birds of summer come to my window to sing and fly away. And yellow leaves of autumn, which have no songs, flutter and fall there with a sign.

[Ugg Delaine]

I will let my friends to read! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[Red Bottom Heels]

Activity is steering to be the only path to know-how .

[Cheap New ERA HATS]

thanks nice post,and thanks sharing!!!!

[Air Jordan]

I would rather see a young man blush than turn pale. (M. P. Cato)

[Discount UGG Boots sale]

The article in your blog reminds me some old memory .That is good .It gives me happy .I think we will have a harmonious talk.Do you agree?

[For Kids Games]

great post

This is a very informative article.I was looking for these things and here I found it. I am doing a project and this information is very useful me. If you are interested, but this is my duty to inform you that virtual administrative assistant a very dedic

[Y8]

Writing practice would have been a nice follow-up wishes to you I hope I am constantly reading the posts, Thanks again

[lvborse]

cxz

[coal crusher]

I believe very strong about and want to learn more. If it is determined, you gain additional insight, maybe you do not mind adding additional terms are very similar, of which more information?

[Handbags]

The nice thing about standards is, there are so many to choose from.

[best replica watches]

I was actually looking for this resource a few weeks back. Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.This will absolutely going to help me in my projects.

[Escort Bayan]

The nice thing about standards is, there are so many to choose from. I like this comment , he is right. Eskort,Eskort Bayan,Bayan Eskort,Escort Bayan,Escort

[Nike Dunk High Heel]

chaussures nike
chaussures nike pas cher
nike pas cher
chaussures nike air max
chaussures air max
air max femme
chaussures nike homme
Nike Free Run
Nike Free Run 2
Nike Free Run 3
Nike Free 3.0
Nike Free 3.0 V3
Nike Free 5.0 V4
Nike Free 5.0 V5
Nike Free 7.0
Nike Air Max 87
Nike Air Max 90
Nike Air Max 91
Nike Air Max 95
Nike Air Max 24-7
Nike Air Max 2009
Nike Air Max 2010
Nike Air Max 2011
Nike Air Max 2012
Nike Air Max TN
Nike air max BW
Nike Air Max LTD
Air Max Skyline
Air Max Lebron
Air Max Tailwind
Nike Air Max Press
Nike Dunk SB
Nike Air Max Preview
Talons Nike Dunk
Talons Jordan
Nike Dunk High Heel
Air Jordan High Heel

[Red Bottom Heels]

Distrust can be contagious. But, so can trust. （Robbins Stacia, British writer）

[Red Bottom Heels]

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. （Voltaire, Frech writer）

[outletlouisvuitton]

your opinion is right! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[Cheap Ugg Boots]

Your ideas are too great. You analyze the problem from the point of view of new and original., From your point of view I learned many things. I quite agree with what you talk about. I hope I can continue to study with you and know more novel ideas from you.Thanks for your sharing.
hongxinmaoyi233post

[mynet sohbet]

With so much going on this week, one piece of terrorism news went largely under the radar. Mahamud Said Omar, a suspect on charges of material support for terrorism was extradited from the Netherlands to the U.S. after being indicted by a U.S. federal court in 2009 and arrested in the Netherlands later that year. The FBI press release has more details

[wholesale nfl jerseys]

The article is very good, I like it very much.Here I learned a lot, then I will pay more attention to you. zhongchengmaoyi110post

[Lebron VIII]

of the Bag Boy EZ Fold 12. This cart has an fast one-step folding mechanism, a scorecard holder

[rolex daytona]

to show the etched Rolex crown just below the 6. It’s tiny, but very clear, and generally not done well by fakers. Genuine case backs will also have a hologram sticker. The fakes might try to duplicate this, but move the watch around in the light and you’ll see it’s not a real hologram.

[Wholesale jerseys cheap]

Wow, I’m obviously not being creative enough, haha…Great work!

[louis vuitton handbags on sale]

your opinion is right! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[hermes handbags on sale]

I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[moncler boots womens]

With moncler jackets are a good way to keep your fashion feeling in 2011 . When you have the fashion Mulberry Bags Sale , you will can't help falling in love with confidence and personality that Mulberry Bags bring to you . As for a world famous brand , moncler bags is keep moving in the fashion world , continues to launch more and more fashion moncler down jackets to meet more people's fashion feel. Many people look for a certain option with Mulberry Alexa Bags , which are colors, owning a black Mulberry Alexa Bag increase the sense of versatility, I think you will like the jackets and coats

[replica wallets]

replica handbags .Relations with Turkey - where the Erdogan government threw Israel's ambassador out of the country.

[moncler coats uk]

HHH Yes, the design of national policy is important, how our economic development plans for the next five years, how the implementation, how to make our economy even faster. Are designed to advance our focus to invest money in what ways it should be carefully arranged.

[supra skytop]

i went to the same school as patrick. i remeber those girls from my school who wrote in. they were white trash...i always felt so bad for them.

[CL outlet]

There are different kinds of business and home security systems that protect property and inhabitants. Here are some things to think about.

[knockoff handbags]

You have done some good points there. I did a search on the subject, found a considerable number of people will follow your blog.

[dr dre beats headphones]

Obama, since his first day in office - has been actively trying to restore US engagement and influence in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia

[dr dre beats headphones]

Obama, since his first day in office - has been actively trying to restore US engagement and influence in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia

[louis vuitton outlet]

your opinion is right! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[moncler switzerland]

I love your blog very much, more more info, I will concern it again!

[SBR 1502]

Thank you for ur information,I really like it .

[Jeremy Scott Panda]

Such a good writing, or by I saw for the first time. I'm quite happy, you are a good writer!

[john]

Hong Kong actress Carina Lau admitted that her marriage with Tony Leung Chiu-Wai has problems and they have given up on plans for artificial insemination, Taiwan media reported.Carina Lau and Tony Leung have shared a relationship of more than 20 years and finally tied the knot 3 years ago in Bhutan. Lau said she has marriage problems just like everyone else and how to working it out is the most important thing."God has given me a lot, and I am grateful for the challenges. I have communicated with Tony that when it comes to the baby thing, we would leave it to fate," she said.

[Home Security Houston]

Among those posts I've seen, this is the most particular one, and I think the blogger must have spent lots of time on it, thank you so much!