Clark - Counter Terrorism Plans - Specifics that we need on the ticket

[Bread and Circus]

Protecting America

Abroad and at Home

A Joint Counter-Terrorism Strike Force, composed of countries both in and out of NATO, is the centerpiece of the innovative homeland security strategy that Wes Clark described to a Concord, New Hampshire crowd on Wednesday. The primary purpose of the Strike Force will be to destroy al Qaeda. Its first mission will be to capture Osama bin Laden.

"George Bush hasn't done his job. Al Qaeda is at large. Our world is more divided. Our reputation has been compromised. Our homeland is unnecessarily at risk," Clark said in an address at the Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire. "We can - and we must - do better."

Clark's three-part Homeland Security Strategy involves isolating terrorists, instead of isolating the United States, recognizing that using military force may still be necessary, and protecting America's homeland.

To isolate the terrorists, Clark will launch a new Atlantic Charter, broadening the scope of NATO. Clark will commit to working together with our allies as a first, not a last, resort. He will also focus more on working with our Middle Eastern friends.

To fight terrorism, Clark will create a Joint Counter-Terrorism Strike Force. The Force will be composed of NATO nations and other allies, including countries like Jordan, South Africa, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.

Clark will upgrade NATO's intelligence capabilities, so that the Strike Force can act on the highest-quality counter-terrorism information.

"With help from Arab countries, who may have intelligence and access that Americans can't get," Clark said. "I will send that Strike Force into the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan where most believe bin Laden ... and his deputies continue to order terrorist attacks...

(more) http://www.clark04.com/story/78/

[jcgadfly]

1. A Joint Counter Terrorism Stike Force

under the sole command of the US?

I don't think that's too much different from what we have now.

I also doubt that other countries will be amenable to a US commander leading their forces to aid US interests.

That's how much damage Bush has done to international relations.

[Bread and Circus]

2. Terrorism is not just a U.S. problem, it is a worldwide problem...

It's only been this huge of an issue for the U.S. (at least
on the surface) since 9/11.

And yes, the many countries will follow us on a true multi-lateral
effort to combat terrorism.

The world doesn't hate us as much as it hates Bush.

[jcgadfly]

3. My take on reading Clark's statement

My problem was with all the "I" statements that he used in reference to the Joint Task Force.

"I will send that Strike Force into the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan..."

"I will bring a higher standard of leadership to America, leadership that will win the war on terrorism while living up to our ideals, and retaining the respect of the world."

He's proposing to do all this by placing soldiers from other countries under US command to move at his behest and protect US interests. That doesn't look that much different from the Coalition of the Bribed.

I don't think the first statement will be able to bring about the second. That's because Bush has spent all the international respect we had. America needs to concentrate on regaining the world's respect, not merely retaining what little we stil have.

[Bombtrack]

4. Clark should also make Edwards his AG and let JE implement his DOJ

reform proposals. Many of which will help with the war on terror. Greatly.

http://www.johnedwards2004.com/issues.asp

specifically:

http://www.johnedwards2004.com/civil-rights.asp
http://www.johnedwards2004.com/crime-and-justice.asp
http://www.johnedwards2004.com/foreign-policy.asp
http://www.johnedwards2004.com/security.asp