Diplomatic novice Nikki Haley easily won over her Senate interrogators Jan. 18 by reassuring them that the incoming administration will at least have a steady hand guiding the US Mission to the United Nations. 

On every issue from the Iran deal to Israeli-Palestinian peace to the global world order, the South Carolina governor offered a nuanced and measured counterpoint to President-elect Donald Trump's inflammatory rhetoric. During 3½ hours before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Haley tactfully won over conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats with pointed answers to a wide variety of questions that repeatedly put her at odds with her future boss.

Rather than rip up the nuclear deal with Iran, "I think what would be more beneficial at this point is that we look at all the details," she said. "And if it is not being followed, and if we do find violations, then I think we should act and I think that we should act strongly."

Likewise on the issue of Israeli-Palestinian peace, Haley said the Trump administration remains committed to a two-state solution.