Changes

In November 2009 before George Mitchell's awkward removal as Middle East emissary, Clinton finally took a foreign policy initiative in the highly sensitive Palestine-Israeli peace process. However, she offended the Palestinians by praising Israel for offering to curb its settlement-building program in the [[West Bank]]. <ref>Associated Press (November 1, 2009).  [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/01/palestinians-accuse-clinton-undermining-peace-talks-shift-settlements/ "Palestinians accuse Clinton of undermining peace talks with shift on settlements"].  Fox News website/Politics/Executive.</ref> The Palestinians accused her of undermining progress toward Mideast peace talks (the Palestinians want to see all settlements dismantled). To try and make amends and smooth over Palestinians, she issued a new statement saying the US wants [[Israel]] settlement halt forever, “We do not accept the legitimacy of settlement activity and we have a very firm belief that ending all settlement activity, current and future, would be preferable.” <ref>JTA (November 4, 2009). [http://www.jewishjournal.com/israel/article/in_cairo_clinton_clarifies_settlement_position_20091104/ "In Cairo, Clinton clarifies settlement position"].  Jewish Journal website/News/Israel.</ref>  

In November 2009 before George Mitchell's awkward removal as Middle East emissary, Clinton finally took a foreign policy initiative in the highly sensitive Palestine-Israeli peace process. However, she offended the Palestinians by praising Israel for offering to curb its settlement-building program in the [[West Bank]]. <ref>Associated Press (November 1, 2009).  [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/01/palestinians-accuse-clinton-undermining-peace-talks-shift-settlements/ "Palestinians accuse Clinton of undermining peace talks with shift on settlements"].  Fox News website/Politics/Executive.</ref> The Palestinians accused her of undermining progress toward Mideast peace talks (the Palestinians want to see all settlements dismantled). To try and make amends and smooth over Palestinians, she issued a new statement saying the US wants [[Israel]] settlement halt forever, “We do not accept the legitimacy of settlement activity and we have a very firm belief that ending all settlement activity, current and future, would be preferable.” <ref>JTA (November 4, 2009). [http://www.jewishjournal.com/israel/article/in_cairo_clinton_clarifies_settlement_position_20091104/ "In Cairo, Clinton clarifies settlement position"].  Jewish Journal website/News/Israel.</ref>  

Once again, Clinton's failure as Secretary of State came into question as [[John Kerry]] planned a visit to [[Iran]], which Iran rejected. <ref>Solomon, Jay (December 24, 2009).  [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126161465189603571.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_us "Kerry floats plan to visit Tehran"], ''The Wall Street Journal'' website/U.S./Politics.</ref> Kerry was named as the replacement of Hillary Clinton after President Obama's embarrassing failure to garner support for Amb. Susan Rice's nomination.<ref>[http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/20091022_Kerry_plays_key_role_for_the_president.html Kerry plays key role for the president, Philly.com, October 22, 2009]</ref>

Once again, Clinton's failure as Secretary of State came into question as [[John Kerry]] planned a visit to [[Iran]], which Iran rejected. <ref>Solomon, Jay (December 24, 2009).  [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126161465189603571.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_us "Kerry floats plan to visit Tehran"], ''The Wall Street Journal'' website/U.S./Politics.</ref> Kerry was named as the replacement of Hillary Clinton after President Obama's embarrassing failure to garner support for Amb. Susan Rice's nomination.<ref>"Kerry plays key role for the President" (October 22, 2009). ''Philadelphia Inquirer''/World/U.S. [http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/20091022_Kerry_plays_key_role_for_the_president.html dead link].</ref>

====China and Tibet====

====China and Tibet====