SCENARIOS: Hillary Clinton has challenges from Iran to China

(Reuters) - If Sen. Hillary Clinton is confirmed as the next U.S. secretary of state, she will face challenges from Iran and North Korea's nuclear plans to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and poor U.S.-Russia relations.

Here are some of the key issues Clinton must tackle:

GAZA AND ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

The fighting in Gaza since Israel's invasion last month will be one of the most pressing problems facing Clinton, who was seen on the campaign trail as being pro-Israeli. The outgoing Bush administration failed to achieve its goal of a peace deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians by the end of its term and President-elect Barack Obama has said he would focus attention on this issue early on.

IRAN

The United States has been involved in multilateral diplomacy to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions, and imposed several rounds of its own sanctions against Tehran for refusing to give up sensitive atomic work. A key question will be whether the incoming administration will have direct contact with Tehran and at what level. The Bush administration was on the cusp of having a low-level diplomatic presence in Iran but ultimately decided to leave this up to the next president.

NORTH KOREA

A six-nation deal with North Korea to abandon its nuclear programs is stalled over Pyongyang's refusal to agree to a verification protocol of its atomic activities. Talks have also broken down over the North's unwillingness to commit to inspections and other steps when verifying nuclear disarmament. These issues may be a priority early in Clinton's time at the State Department.

RUSSIA

U.S.-Russia relations have deteriorated in recent years, particularly after Moscow's intervention in Georgia last August. Russia also strongly opposes a U.S. missile shield proposed in Poland and the Czech Republic. Obama has said he wants to be sure any missile defense system has been proven to work before it is deployed and must be cost-effective. Another key issue is the replacement of a Cold War agreement on strategic arms, which expires later this year.

IRAQ

Iraq's stability and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from there will be a focus for Clinton who has said that ending the conflict there is the "first step toward restoring the United States' global leadership."

AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN AND INDIA

Improving security in Afghanistan and increasing troop numbers as well as diplomats on the ground will likely be an early decision. Clinton has suggested a U.S. envoy to shuttle between the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan to help them fight against a resurgent Taliban and al Qaeda presence. Tensions between India and Pakistan will be another priority, particularly following last year's attacks in Mumbai.

ECONOMIC CRISIS AND TRADE

The impact of the economic crisis on foreign aid will be another challenge as well as how governments work together on tackling the financial meltdown. On the trade front, several key agreements, including with Colombia, South Korea and Panama, were negotiated by the Bush administration but have still not been approved by Congress. Clinton may use her clout on Capitol Hill to push those through.