New York Post  |  July 20, 2009

Hillary's Tough Talk

To hear Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tell it, America under President Obama is every bit as strong and as willing to use military force as it was under -- dare we say? -- George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.

Now, from a national-security perspective, that's surely a worthwhile message to send potential enemies.

Trouble is, who can take her seriously?

In a "major address" last week, Clinton insisted that America "will remain clear-eyed about our purpose."

She added: "To these foes and would-be foes, let me say: You should know that our focus on diplomacy and development is not an alternative to our national-security arsenal. You should never see America's willingness to talk as a sign of weakness to be exploited."

And, in case there was still doubt, Clinton vowed: "We will not hesitate to defend our friends and ourselves vigorously when necessary with the world's strongest military." Hear, hear.

Alas, the lady doth protest too much.

After all, if the nation's top diplomat finds it necessary to correct possible perceptions that America has become a nation of wimps, well . . .we've got but one question: Where, exactly, does she think folks might have gotten that idea?

Indeed, even as Clinton feigned toughness in one breath, she made sure to note in another that the Bush administration's strong language on Iran did not succeed "in altering the Iranian march toward a nuclear weapon, reducing Iranian support for terror or improving Iran's treatment of its citizens."

Clinton dangled both carrot and stick.

"Iran can become a constructive actor in the region if it stops threatening its neighbors and supporting terrorism. It can assume a responsible position in the international community if it fulfills its obligations on human rights . . . but the time for action is now. The opportunity will not remain open indefinitely."

Which means what, exactly? A trip to the United Nations, which will tell the mullahs to go to bed without supper?

No wonder nations like Iran continue to call America's bluff.

Original article here.