Many of the President's critics say that he is taking on too much at one time and ask how can he be effective in taking on so many things simultaneously. The simple reason that he has taken so much at one time is that he has to. When you look back at the years of the previous administration, you feel inclined to ask, what really got done domestically? The signature example that someone would give you is the prescription drug benefit for senior, which most seniors would tell you the 'donut hole' aspect of the legislation is a tremendous physical and mental burden on them. Outside of the two wars and the 'war on terror,' nothing else got done so that's why President Obama has many things to tackle.
By that same measure, HIllary Clinton, in the first six months of her tenure as Secretary of State, has logged in over 100,000 miles traversing the globe repairing America's reputation around the world. No easy task given our recent unilateral approach to foreign policy. Mrs. Clinton rightly noted that, 'Our priorities for the last eight years did not seem to include other countries or consider them.' Unilateralism is leadership by 'follow us or else,' which by nature sparks resistance.
However, where the unilateral approach should be maintained is with North Korea, which Mrs. Clinton addressed first in today's exclusive interview. The rudimentary policy toward North Korea is contain, sanction, and deny. Mrs. Clinton stated that North Korea's behavior would not be rewarded. This column would take it further and not reward bad or good behavior by Kim Jung Il's regime. The writing is on the wall, so to speak, for North Korea. Kim Jung Il appointed his youngest son to succeed him. It has been reported that the Great Leader has pancreatic cancer. When he passes, there will most certainly be a power vacuum, and like Rome, once Caesar is gone, those who are left will squabble for control and things will crumble. This will bring the generals to the table and not unwillingly. This is the waiting game being played.
With regard to Iran, a country which this column believes is a linch pin for a more stable world. Secretary Clinton's statements were mixed on the regime and taken at face value, could negatively effect any thawing of relations between the U.S. and Iran. She first stated, "We want to affect The internal calculus of the regime." There are a myriad of interpretations for a statement like that. Knowing how sensitive Iran to such statements, it can be troubling given the tenuous situation post-election in the country. To 'affect the calculus,' or in other words, try to overtly stir the public ire for the regime could see a backfiring effect. The people of Iran, it seems, have come to a conclusion. The people have moved and are fighting past the regime, oppression is no longer tolerable to the Iranian people. Mrs. Clinton's concluding statement should be the tact we take at the moment, which is to say that 'the people deserve better.' Mr. Gregory asked her if the regime was illegitimate, which she wisely circumvented when answering the question.
The other significant topic that needs to be touched on is Afghanistan and the fact this is month has been the most deadly since we entered the country in 2001 - an unsettling fact given that we've been in country for 8 years. David Gregory questioned when Mrs. Clinton pointed out that we are there with the goal to dismantle and destroy Al Qaeda, but that we are fighting the Taliban. Instead of asking this obvious leading question, which only leads us to an answer we already know, why not ask what the depth of the relationship is between Al Qaeda and the Taliban at this point. How much of a proxy are the Tabiban to Al Qaeda now? How coordinated are they? Are they, in fact, what stands in the way of us capturing Al Qaeda leadership?
Mrs. Clinton said that a key strategic change has been that we are clearing and holding areas of the taliban while and training people in those towns/villages to live without a Taliban presence. The United States has to at some time stop the strategy of 'going in, destroying everything, and then leaving things as a crap show' as has been our history. The administration's approach is the right one, but because of this absolutely necessary 'hands-on' approach, proximity is risk and there will unfortunately, but inevitably, be casualties. And had the focus always been on Afghanistan and not Iraq, this month would not carry that statistic.
--
Much has been made, yet not of late, of how the working relationship would be between Secretary Clinton and President Obama. To hear Mrs. Clinton say that the real story should be the common cause that the two officials share is reassuring to say the least, but you also believe it. It's like people of the same zodiac sign, if you believe in that sort of thing. Two people of the same sign get along very well but also occasionally butt heads pretty hard. Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton share the same political sign, not to mention a mutual respect. Mrs. Clinton also mentioned decisiveness and dedication in describing Mr. Obama - these are two qualities Madam Secretary also possesses. Something important should be pointed out with regard to shared philosophy. As we said, everyone wants a piece of Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton and what they both do is talk to ordinary citizens [people] home and abroad. It's not a forum that many politicians are comfortable with and most only meet with country officials when visiting, but this continued effort to connect with the people has immeasurable dividends. This is the dream team - world famous people that others gravitate to - tasked with restoring the American Dream home and abroad. As our parents always said, 'We'll see.'
Pertinent Link from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/us/politics/27clinton.html?_r=1&hp
No comments:
Post a Comment