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‘The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton to become the next secretary of state, endorsing President-elect Barack Obama’s promise to take U.S. foreign policy in new direction.
The action paves the way for a full senate vote after Obama takes office on January 20 Clinton is not expected to hit any major roadblocks, with Republican and Democrats alike praising her acumen on the issues’
Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana cast the lone opposing vote. He is among the other Republicans who originally opposed Hillary’s appointment because of her husbands fund- raising activities for his charitable projects.
Those who opposed the Clinton appointment stated that the former President Bill Clinton’s overseas fund raising activities could pose possible conflict of interest.
The new State Secretary-designate is expected to inherit from her predecessor Condoleezza Rice, the unresolved and escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas which had claimed more than a thousand lives in the 18-day old war.
Another area of great concern for the US is the on-going war in Afghanistan where thousands of American soldiers are deployed with very little hope for an immediate and lasting peace.
Other areas of concern include, Iran for its nuclear armament build-up, North Korea and Iraq, among others.
Indeed Hillary Clinton will have a very busy day once her appointment is officially confirmed