Clinton's visit to the middle-east is seen as a strong signal that the Obama administration is seriously considering closer links with the Arab state.

CCTV correspondent in Washington asked a Senior Fellow of the Brookings Institution, Tamara Wittes, details of Washington's plan.[CCTV.com]

Our correspondent in Washington asked a Senior Fellow of the Brookings Institution, Tamara Wittes, details of Washington's plan. Ms. Wittes is the director of the Middle East Democracy and Development Project.

1. While in Egypt on this trip to the Middle East, Secretary Clinton said that "the United States is committed to a comprehensive peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors, and we will pursue it on many fronts". What does "comprehensive" imply here and what are these "many fronts"? Which countries does the United States want to engage with?

2. How will the United States fulfill its pursuit of "a comprehensive peace" in the region? Can we sketch out a strategy from the recent visits by both Secretary Clinton and Special Envoy George Mitchell?

(CCTV March 5, 2009)