Introduction

During her tenure as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton faced numerous criticisms for her management and strategic decisions. This article examines some of her most criticized actions, including the Libyan intervention and her handling of the Syrian crisis. We will also explore whether these mistakes had any strategic benefits for the United States.

Libya Intervention: A Miscalculation of Global Diplomacy

One of the most damning critiques of Hillary Clinton’s time as Secretary of State is her administration’s handling of the Libyan intervention. Critics argue that getting rid of Muammar Gaddafi was a significant miscalculation, as it led to a destabilized region and the rise of extremist groups. Some have even suggested that Clinton should have learned from George W. Bush’s experience in Iraq and ensured adequate preparations for regime change.

While Clinton’s administration was criticized for its involvement in the 2012 Benghazi attacks, which resulted in the deaths of four American diplomats, it is important to note that the primary responsibility lay with the extremist groups on the ground. The decision to limit American involvement and rely on British and French forces instead was seen as a prudent measure to avoid unnecessary casualties.

Strategic Incoherence in the Middle East

Another significant criticism is that Clinton did not adhere to the firewall between her role as Secretary of State and the Clinton Foundation, which potentially compromised her impartiality and the integrity of diplomatic efforts. Her failure to push for a more aggressive Syria intervention strategy also garnered criticism, as it left the situation in Syria unresolved and potentially more dangerous for the United States and its allies.

During her tenure, the United States became embroiled in an open-ended and costly “Global War on Terror” (GWOT), costing trillions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of lives. Despite the massive investment, the strategic benefits remain unclear, with more failed states and terrorist-supporting regimes emerging.

Incorrect Intelligence and Strategic Blindspots

The Libyan intervention was based on faulty and biased intelligence, which allowed extremists to thrive in the post-Gaddafi landscape. This oversight had long-lasting consequences, leading to the rise of ISIS and other extremist groups in the region. Additionally, the American commitment to intervene in the Syrian conflict further complicated the situation, mistranslated as a pledge to protect protesters, which led to the concentration of rebel forces that were subsequently supported by America.

During the presidential debates, Clinton's offers to confront Russia over additional bombing of ISIS were seen as strategic incoherence. This mismatch was part of a broader pattern of incoherent and ineffective strategies towards the Middle East, which resulted in a significant number of strategic failures.

Conclusion

While some of the criticisms against Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State may be valid, it is worth noting that the underlying issues are deeply rooted in broader strategic misjudgments made by the United States government. The region remains in turmoil, and the impact of these decisions will likely be felt for years to come.

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