A couple of nights ago, I was watching an open forum discussion airing on CNN that included five former secretary of states: Colin Powell (Jan. 2001 - Jan. 2005, George W. Bush), Madeline Albright (Jan. 1997 - Jan. 2001, Bill Clinton), Warren Christopher (Jan. 1993 - Jan. 1997, Bill Clinton), James A. Baker III (Jan. 1989 - Jan. 1993, George H.W. Bush) and Henry Kissinger (Sept. 1973 - Jan. 1977, Nixon/Ford). It was a non-partisan discussion that focused mainly on foreign policy. The purpose was to leverage the experience of all of these individuals that have been there done that, and present their views as advice for the next President to think about.
What I found refreshing was that these former secretaries left their partisan banners at the door and had a honest, intelligent conversation about the real world challenges that the next President will need to deal with in the ever changing global climate. They covered various topics such as the recent Russia-Georgia conflict, the Middle East and more specifically Iran, the use of the Guantanamo Bay torture camp, as well as the changing role of America on the global playing field.
On the Russia-Georgia conflict: The consensus was brash actions and sabre rattling is not the solution. Colin Powell was most critical of McCain’s statement “We are all Georgians now” with the response, “One candidate said that, and I’ll let the candidate explain it for himself.” Powell, as well as the rest of the panel agreed that Russia is an important ally to have and it would be irresponsible to jump to one side of the conflict without fully analyzing the situation and understanding the interests of both Georgia and Russia. He even went as far as laying the blame of the conflict on Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, indicating that he was lighting a flame in a room full of combustibles, and the resulting conflict was predictable and avoidable. Interestingly enough, a call to restraint without jumping to the backing of either side was a position that Barack Obama took. John McCain on the other hand, put out his “We are all Georgians” speech without too much thought of the consequences or meaning of his words. Perhaps it’s because one of his closest advisers on foreign policy is a former lobbyist for the Nation of Georgia, that McCain had such a harsh tone. I’ll let the people past judgement on that one.
On initiating talks with Iran: Once again there was a consensus from the panel that the next administration must start dialogue with Iran or other nations that may not hold the US in high regard. They were all flustered with why there currently isn’t any dialogue with these nations, and emphasized that diplomacy and multi-lateral negotiations with the help of other UN countries was the key. Warren Christopher put it bluntly, “We can’t be complacent about the nuclear possibilities in Iran, but nevertheless we cannot afford not to have a comprehensive dialogue to see if it can be stopped because, frankly, the military options here are very, very poor.” Again, seeking diplomacy and a multi-lateral discussion with other UN countries on Iran is a policy that Barack Obama has put forward. Of course, this approach has been ridiculed by John McCain as being naive and never one to withhold an opportunity sabre rattle, McCain is well known for his “Bomb Iran” joke.
On torture and Guantanamo Bay: All members of the panel agreed that the Guantanamo Bay prison camp is unconstitutional and should be shut down right away to signal to the world that America actually follow actions that it preaches. The torture of the POWs there is unethical, and it reduces America’s credence in the free world as well as alienates its allies. This is one thing that both candidates agree on, however, the opinion on the rights and treatment of the prisoners is where Obama and McCain diverge.
Finally, a theme that was persistent during the whole conversation was the acknowledgement that the role of America is changing. The days where America can work solely as a demander of other nations is no longer a reality. As other nations have grown into power, something that should not be seen as a threat to America, it is now more important than ever for America to be a leader and respect the needs and positions of other nations. The need for America to patch up the relationships with their allies are paramount to any foreign policy decision moving forward.
I found it quite interesting that although John McCain is generally viewed to having the advantage and experience in foreign policy, it is actually Barack Obama’s ideas and views that are closely aligned to what the panel is suggesting. Perhaps with everything else, judgement and intellect does outweigh go-with-your-gut instincts and experience. I am looking forward to the debates this coming Friday, and see if Obama can use his judgement and temperament to trump McCain on his strongest suit: foreign policy. It’ll be interesting to watch indeed.
Sound Advice for the Next President
Tags: barack obama, colin powell, foreign policy, henry kissinger, james baker, john mccain, madeline albright, presidential election, secretary of state, warren christopher
A couple of nights ago, I was watching an open forum discussion airing on CNN that included five former secretary of states: Colin Powell (Jan. 2001 - Jan. 2005, George W. Bush), Madeline Albright (Jan. 1997 - Jan. 2001, Bill Clinton), Warren Christopher (Jan. 1993 - Jan. 1997, Bill Clinton), James A. Baker III (Jan. 1989 - Jan. 1993, George H.W. Bush) and Henry Kissinger (Sept. 1973 - Jan. 1977, Nixon/Ford). It was a non-partisan discussion that focused mainly on foreign policy. The purpose was to leverage the experience of all of these individuals that have been there done that, and present their views as advice for the next President to think about.
What I found refreshing was that these former secretaries left their partisan banners at the door and had a honest, intelligent conversation about the real world challenges that the next President will need to deal with in the ever changing global climate. They covered various topics such as the recent Russia-Georgia conflict, the Middle East and more specifically Iran, the use of the Guantanamo Bay torture camp, as well as the changing role of America on the global playing field.
On the Russia-Georgia conflict: The consensus was brash actions and sabre rattling is not the solution. Colin Powell was most critical of McCain’s statement “We are all Georgians now” with the response, “One candidate said that, and I’ll let the candidate explain it for himself.” Powell, as well as the rest of the panel agreed that Russia is an important ally to have and it would be irresponsible to jump to one side of the conflict without fully analyzing the situation and understanding the interests of both Georgia and Russia. He even went as far as laying the blame of the conflict on Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, indicating that he was lighting a flame in a room full of combustibles, and the resulting conflict was predictable and avoidable. Interestingly enough, a call to restraint without jumping to the backing of either side was a position that Barack Obama took. John McCain on the other hand, put out his “We are all Georgians” speech without too much thought of the consequences or meaning of his words. Perhaps it’s because one of his closest advisers on foreign policy is a former lobbyist for the Nation of Georgia, that McCain had such a harsh tone. I’ll let the people past judgement on that one.
On initiating talks with Iran: Once again there was a consensus from the panel that the next administration must start dialogue with Iran or other nations that may not hold the US in high regard. They were all flustered with why there currently isn’t any dialogue with these nations, and emphasized that diplomacy and multi-lateral negotiations with the help of other UN countries was the key. Warren Christopher put it bluntly, “We can’t be complacent about the nuclear possibilities in Iran, but nevertheless we cannot afford not to have a comprehensive dialogue to see if it can be stopped because, frankly, the military options here are very, very poor.” Again, seeking diplomacy and a multi-lateral discussion with other UN countries on Iran is a policy that Barack Obama has put forward. Of course, this approach has been ridiculed by John McCain as being naive and never one to withhold an opportunity sabre rattle, McCain is well known for his “Bomb Iran” joke.
On torture and Guantanamo Bay: All members of the panel agreed that the Guantanamo Bay prison camp is unconstitutional and should be shut down right away to signal to the world that America actually follow actions that it preaches. The torture of the POWs there is unethical, and it reduces America’s credence in the free world as well as alienates its allies. This is one thing that both candidates agree on, however, the opinion on the rights and treatment of the prisoners is where Obama and McCain diverge.
Finally, a theme that was persistent during the whole conversation was the acknowledgement that the role of America is changing. The days where America can work solely as a demander of other nations is no longer a reality. As other nations have grown into power, something that should not be seen as a threat to America, it is now more important than ever for America to be a leader and respect the needs and positions of other nations. The need for America to patch up the relationships with their allies are paramount to any foreign policy decision moving forward.
I found it quite interesting that although John McCain is generally viewed to having the advantage and experience in foreign policy, it is actually Barack Obama’s ideas and views that are closely aligned to what the panel is suggesting. Perhaps with everything else, judgement and intellect does outweigh go-with-your-gut instincts and experience. I am looking forward to the debates this coming Friday, and see if Obama can use his judgement and temperament to trump McCain on his strongest suit: foreign policy. It’ll be interesting to watch indeed.