Now that President Obama, and his administration, have kicked the tires and taken the USA around the block, what stands out in foreign policy and national security? Here's my take:
The foreign policy method of the current administration is becoming increasingly dangerous. Changing policy and attitude is one thing, putting America second, is wrong. Also, the Executive is focusing on the wrong problems, to wit:
1) The Taliban has taken control of the Swat region of Pakistan, and is 60 miles from Islamabad. Should the Taliban obtain control of Pakistan, they will now have access to nuclear weapons. The Taliban's actions over the past decade indicate they have no regard for anyone who does not subscribe to their bizarre interpretation of Islam. Additionally, they have the inclination to strike at their neighbors, whether India, Iran, or perhaps to create a single country out of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Unfortunately, the US is putting more troops in Afghanistan.
2) North Korea is re-starting its nuclear program. While the North Koreans only pose a regional threat, their continued research and development efforts are in high demand on the world market. Perhaps China might see fit to restrain NK; however, Kim Jong Il is acting more to poke Obama in the eye, than in most other self-interests.
3) Apparently, the administration's p.c. buzzword for the area south of Lebanon, northeast of Egypt, and west of Jordan is Palestine. Two senior bureaucrats, in two separates sessions, described "the events happening in Palestine" and "the human rights issues in Palestine" to a class of senior Marines. If the Executive has issued a mandate to name a region that has not existed in over 60 years, then Israel should be on notice (which it likely is), that this administration is NOT committed to its security, and perhaps not even to Israel's existence. Frankly, words, speeches, and reassurances, are insignificant tripe compared to actual actions.
4) The vapid accusations and accompanying statements of the Department of Homeland Security regarding "right-wing extremism" have been discussed to a point of near nausea. Secretary Napolitano netiher understands her job, the security situation in North America, or who might be involved in a plot to overthrow America. The calls for her resignation are well-founded and the correct thing for her to do is step down. She is out of her league and it shows.
Hopefully, these are just cases of Executive naivete. Perhaps the next 100 days (though I do think this is an unfair standard) will be better.
Friday, April 24, 2009
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