Obama’s Foreign Engagement Scorecard

[ProSense]

Obama’s Foreign Engagement Scorecard

By JAMES TRAUB
Published: December 19, 2009

If there is a one-word handle that fits the conduct of foreign relations in Barack Obama’s first year as president, it is “engagement.” The Obama administration has engaged with Iran, Russia, Burma, Sudan, North Korea. “Engagement” sounds harmless — something any sensible administration would do (though the Bush administration apparently did far less of it).

<...>

That was why, in the CNN/YouTube debate of July 2007, the Democratic candidates were asked if they would, “without preconditions,” talk to leaders of states with which America has hostile relations. Mr. Obama said, “I would,” adding that it was a “disgrace” that President Bush hadn’t done so. Hillary Rodham Clinton called that answer “irresponsible and frankly naïve.” That remains the view of many conservatives as the policy unfolds, but centrist and liberal foreign policy experts have widely applauded the engagement policy. In the current issue of The American Interest, for example, Jessica T. Mathews, head of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, gives the president “an unequivocal ‘A’ ” on this score.

<...>

Engagement, then, has two faces: It seeks to offer even the most ruthless regime “the choice of an open door,” as the president put it in Oslo. It also furnishes a kind of diplomatic currency. At the time of the YouTube debate, one of Mr. Obama’s chief foreign policy advisers told me that “the cost-benefit analysis” of engagement had as much to do with changing America’s global image as with changing the behavior of the state in question. If the United States changes its language and diplomacy, “then you’re a different America” — one in a far better position to marshal world opinion in order to advance its goals.

Perhaps, then, the ultimate measure of the success of the engagement policy will be the extent to which the good will President Obama has generated will tip the balance in the hard bargaining before his administration — over assistance from allies in Afghanistan, over new approaches to the Middle East and the international economic structure, and, most immediately, in the struggle to reach a meaningful agreement on how to slow global warming — an issue where the global good collides with the most basic questions of national interest. The credit Mr. Obama has earned will have to stretch a very long way.

[babylonsister]

1. Already unrec'd. What site is this again, and why isn't this good news? Rec'd. nt

[FrenchieCat]

2. They are looking for any Waterloo at this point......

sniffing through threads, and not being able to contain their disappointment
at good news for this country.

[babylonsister]

6. I'm so sick of this, Frenchie. Hard to even get good news noticed.

:(

[IndianaGreen]

15. Good news? Tell that to the civilians we are killing with our drone strikes

in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and in the Horn of Africa.

[FrenchieCat]

23. Noticing it hurts them......

YOu should be flattered....as it means that you are effective at putting out a message
that differs from their hyperbolic illusions. They are the sick puppies thrashing and groping,
just like the Republicans today on C-Span. Hardly a difference, cause now, facts get in the way
for both.

[IndianaGreen]

24. U.S.-Trained and Funded Philippine Military Implicated in Abduction and Torture of American Citizen

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what we are currently doing in the Philippines.

U.S.-Trained and Funded Philippine Military Implicated in Abduction and Torture of American Citizen

June 3, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reference: Rhonda Ramiro, Secretary General, BAYAN-USA

Alliance of Filipino American Organizations Vows to Hold U.S. and Philippine Governments Accountable and Demands End to U.S. Taxpayer Support for Philippine Military

The U.S. Chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or BAYAN-USA, denounced the abduction and torture of Melissa Roxas by suspected elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. An American citizen of Filipino descent, Roxas is a well-known Filipino American human rights advocate and was BAYAN-USA’s first Regional Coordinator in Los Angeles, CA and a founding member of the Los Angeles-based cultural organization Habi Arts. Roxas’ sworn affidavit about the torture she experienced from May 19-25, 2009 while in captivity was made public today when she filed a Petition for a Writ of Amparo and Habeus Data with the Philippine Supreme Court, seeking protection from further harm for herself and her family.

In the affidavit, Roxas describes being abducted by approximately 15 armed men, thrown in a van, handcuffed and blindfolded for six days, and dragged from jail cell to jail cell. She recounts being subjected to torture via asphyxiation using a doubled-up plastic bag, repeated beatings to the face and body, and having her head banged repeatedly against the wall by her interrogators. Roxas said that one interrogator stated those who tortured her were from the Special Operations Group (SOG), and she heard one of her interrogators addressed as “Sir.” She also heard gunfire from what she believed to be a firing range as well as the sounds of aircraft, pointing to the high probability that she was held in a military camp. She was denied legal counsel despite her persistent requests and forced to say that she was a member of the New People’s Army.

Roxas was dropped off near her relative’s house around 6:30 AM on May 25. Her captors left her with a SIM card and phone, which one of her interrogators used to contact her after she was released.

“We are distraught that Melissa was subjected to such cruel, inhuman, and blatantly illegal treatment as a result of the Philippine government’s counter-insurgency witch hunt,” stated BAYAN-USA Chair Berna Ellorin. “We must hold the perpetrators of this torture accountable, up to and including the U.S. government which is providing military aid and training to the Philippine military.”

http://pinaynews.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/u-s-trained-and-funded-philippine-military-implicated-in-abduction-and-torture-of-american-citizen/

[IndianaGreen]

3. Unlike some around here, many DUers have a good grasp of what Obama is really doing overseas

His pretty words don't match his policies.

[Ildem09]

4. Indeed

He still is engaging in Neo-Realist/ Classical Realist doxology in regards to the engagement of the world. He should be attempting some Neo-Liberal Institutionalism. Clinton tends towards the latter and certainly its not as hard realist as the Bush years were. but there is still a cringe of it in the air

[ProSense]

5. It's always the closet

Clinton supporters that are trying to paint Obama as being to the right of Clinton.

He still is engaging in Neo-Realist/ Classical Realist doxology in regards to the engagement of the world. He should be attempting some Neo-Liberal Institutionalism. Clinton tends towards the latter ...

Absurd.

[Ildem09]

9. Obama

espouses Constructavist views during his speeches. however his actions are clearly neo-realist in application. Clinton however is more generally seen as a neo-liberal institutionalist

[ProSense]

10. "Constructavist" What the hell is that?

:rofl:

[niceypoo]

25. Wow

Spelling police. Impressive.

[jefferson_dem]

14. Now you're just talking out of your ass.

Nice try...

Not really.

[Ildem09]

16. Ok

If any of you knew anything about International Relations. you would know that Constructavism is one of the four major constructs from which a rational actor bases it's world view. It is generally seen as being the most liberal in concept, a lot of feminist and other concepts merge in this framework. Realism is the oldest construct and the most militaristic and self important. Neo-liberal institutionalist is one that relies on institutions such as NATO and the UN etc. But what do I know I'm only a political scientist with a degree in International Relations

[babylonsister]

26. Sure you are. Maybe you spelled it wrong? Or

perhaps you're not who you say you are? :shrug:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Constructivist

[babylonsister]

7. Give it a rest and tell us what you really think. Explain

the 'doxology in regards to engagement' for those of us who don't know WTF you're talking about.

I admit proudly, I don't.

[Ildem09]

12. ok

doxology is a fancy word for belief in action basically. and the engagement i'm talking about is globally. Sure he gives constructivist platitudes but he still has realist tendencies. whilst there is nothing wrong with realism as a way of framing our engagement it is still far to militaristic for my liking

[babylonsister]

19. So you abhor realism because it has to do with war?

I abhor war, and am sorry the President had to take that stance, but I prefer realism coming from him, and am hopeful he's giving his current plan a limited chance. If it doesn't work, I fully expect he will get us the hell out of there.

[Ildem09]

20. I think

realism helps explain a lot in the international sphere however, its base response is always do whats best for me and mine in the immediate it is very narrow sighted. He is certainly taking a realist approach to Afghanistan which i hope works but i'm not holding my breath

[IndianaGreen]

8. Here is another of those wars Obama is getting the US involved in

Colombia to build new military base on Venezuelan border

December 20, 2009, 8:31 am

BOGOTA (AFP) - Colombia has announced it will build a new military base near its border with Venezuela, in a move likely to further strain its tense ties with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Defense Minister Gabriel Silva said Friday that the base, located on the Guajira peninsula near the city of Nazaret, would have up to 1,000 troops. Two air battalions would also be activated at other border areas.

"It is a strategic point from a defense point of view," Silva said.

The 1.5-million-dollar facility, paid for with Colombian tax funds, would also have a care facility for indigenous Wayuu people who live in the area, he added.

Army Commander General Oscar Gonzalez meanwhile announced Saturday that six air battalions were being activated, including two on the border with Venezuela.

Tensions between Venezuela and Colombia have been spurred by a US deal with Bogota allowing US forces to run anti-drug operations from Colombian bases.

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/6607053/colombia-to-build-new-military-base-on-venezuelan-border

Here is an important background article:

Official US Air Force Document Reveals the True Intentions Behind the US-Colombia Military Agreement

November 10, 2009 By Eva Gollinger

An official document from the Department of the US Air Force reveals that the military base in Palanquero, Colombia will provide the Pentagon with "...an opportunity for conducting full spectrum operations throughout South America..." This information contradicts the explainations offered by Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and the US State Department regarding the military agreement signed between the two nations this past October 30th. Both governments have publicly stated that the military agreement refers only to counternarcotics and counterterrorism operations within Colombian territory. President Uribe has reiterated numerous times that the military agreement with the US will not affect Colombia's neighbors, despite constant concern in the region regarding the true objetives of the agreement. But the US Air Force document, dated May 2009, confirms that the concerns of South American nations have been right on target. The document exposes that the true intentions behind the agreement are to enable the US to engage in "full spectrum military operations in a critical sub-region of our hemisphere where security and stability is under constant threat from narcotics funded terrorist insurgencies...and anti-US governments..."

The military agreement between Washington and Colombia authorizes the access and use of seven military installations in Palanquero, Malambo, Tolemaida, Larandia, Apíay, Cartagena and Málaga. Additionally, the agreement allows for "the access and use of all other installations and locations as necessary" throughout Colombia, with no restrictions. Together with the complete immunity the agreement provides to US military and civilian personnel, including private defense and security contractors, the clause authorizing the US to utilize any installation throughout the entire country - even commercial aiports, for military ends, signifies a complete renouncing of Colombian sovereignty and officially converts Colombia into a client-state of the US.

The Air Force document underlines the importance of the military base in Palanquero and justifies the $46 million requested in the 2010 budget (now approved by Congress) in order to improve the airfield, associated ramps and other installations on the base to convert it into a US Cooperative Security Location (CSL). "Establishing a Cooperative Security Location (CSL) in Palanquero best supports the COCOM's (Command Combatant's) Theater Posture Strategy and demonstrates our commitment to this relationship. Development of this CSL provides a unique opportunity for full spectrum operations in a critical sub-region of our hemisphere where security and stability is under constant threat from narcotics funded terrorist insurgencies, anti-US governments, endemic poverty and recurring natural disasters."

It's not difficult to imagine which governments in South America are considered by Washington to be "anti-US governments". The constant agressive declarations and statements emitted by the State and Defense Departments and the US Congress against Venezuela and Bolivia, and even to some extent Ecuador, evidence that the ALBA nations are the ones perceived by Washington as a "constant threat". To classify a country as "anti-US" is to consider it an enemy of the United States. In this context, it's obvious that the military agreement with Colombia is a reaction to a region the US now considers full of "enemies".

http://www.zcommunications.org/znet/viewArticle/23098

[jefferson_dem]

11. It's really grown tiresome.

How long can DU sustain the weight of the negative shit?

[IndianaGreen]

13. Why don't you take the trouble of finding out what your government is doing in your name?

It is really scary out there.

[jefferson_dem]

17. I appreciate your concern, IndianaGreen.

You've trumpeted it loud and clear.

I wish I could get all worked up over a loaded report posted on Pravda... Venezuelanalysis but that's really not my bag. Reeks too much of Bolivarian sulfur. Enjoy.

[Ildem09]

18. You say im talking out my ass

I explain basic concepts of politics and you don't comment. the lest you could say was sorry.

[jefferson_dem]

21. One important thing about DU...

Thick skin is helpful. Don't take it personally.

[Ildem09]

22. I'm not :)

Im just getting used to the place :)

[Jeneral2885]

27. How about Africa?

You forgot to mention his attempt at engaging Africa but failing to reform US development assistance globally.

[Cha]

28. Yes, he's very engaging and that

burns like hell for so many fail pushers.