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Friday, October 07, 2011
Romney:Would Increase Israel Military Aid And Defense Coordination, Recognize Israel As A Jewish State
GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney made a major foreign policy speech today at The Citadel, the military college in South Carolina and got a warm reception from the cadets and faculty there as he criticized what he called the Obama administration's "feckless policies of the last three years."
"I believe we are an exceptional country with a unique destiny and role in the world," Romney said, with an audience of cadets sitting behind him. "Not exceptional, as the president has derisively said, in the way that the British think Great Britain is exceptional or the Greeks think Greece is exceptional. In Barack Obama’s profoundly mistaken view, there is nothing unique about the United States."
"I will reverse President Obama’s massive defense cuts," he said. "I will begin reversing Obama-era cuts to national missile defense and prioritize the full deployment of a multilayered national ballistic missile defense system."
"I will bolster and repair our alliances," he said. "Our friends should never fear that we will not stand by them in an hour of need. I will reaffirm as a vital national interest Israel’s existence as a Jewish state."
"Will Iran be a fully activated nuclear weapons state, threatening its neighbors, dominating the world’s oil supply with a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz?" he asked. "In the hands of the ayatollahs, a nuclear Iran is nothing less than an existential threat to Israel. Iran’s suicidal fanatics could blackmail the world. "By 2015, will Israel be even more isolated by a hostile international community? Will those who seek Israel’s destruction feel emboldened by American ambivalence? Will Israel have been forced to fight yet another war to protect its citizens and its right to exist?"
Romney also addressed the Iranian threat. He said that as president he would "enhance our deterrent against the Iranian regime by ordering the regular presence of aircraft carrier task forces, one in the Eastern Mediterranean and one in the Persian Gulf region. I will begin discussions with Israel to increase the level of our military assistance and coordination. And I will again reiterate that Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon is unacceptable."
"I will not surrender America’s role in the world," he said. "This is very simple. If you do not want America to be the strongest nation on Earth, I am not your president. You have that president today" he said, to cheers from the audience.
Yesterday, Romney released his list of foreign policy advisers and it contained more good news. The list includes author and think tank inhabitant Robert Kagan,Eliot Cohen, the director of the strategic studies program at Johns Hopkins University, former CIA director Michael Hayden, career diplomat and former aid to Vice President Dick Cheney Eric Edelman, Norm Coleman, the former Republican senator from Minnesota, former State Department Policy Planning Chief and North Korea expert Mitchell Reiss, Middle East author and former terrorist Walid Phares, and the Heritage Foundation’s Kim Holmes. These are all serious thinkers who have been outspoken about the Iranian threat, America's military deterrence and yes, improving our relationship with Israel and our other allies.
This is a very welcome development, as it shows that Governor Romney has been doing some serious thinking about foreign policy and has attracted some first class like minds.
Interesting speech, however, it contains a number of flaws. First of all America has largely been an "exceptional" country for a long period of tiem, however, it is no longer so. In order for Aemrica to be an "exceptional" country agains, we have to understand what made it exceptional in the first place. Unforunately current leadership in both major political parties do not seem to have a clue as to what made America exceptional in the first place.
ReplyDeleteAmerica was an exceptional country because from its days as a British colony up until several decades ago to a large degree the nation patterned its economic, social, and foreign policies after the Judeo-Christian principles found in the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Scriptures. As the nation honored God's guidance and observed His principles, God blessed our nation and it was "excetpional."
In recent decades the American people and the Government have turend their back on these principle and in some cases have abandoned them wholesale. As this has happened and as it has accelerated in recent years, our country has begun to lose God's deivine blessings and protection and is no longer "exceptional."
In order to become "exceptional" again, America must return to these Judeo-Christian principles. I pray that we will do so as a nation.
"I will reverse President Obama's massive defense cuts." This is just a silly statement. The "defense cuts" cannot be reversed. In fact, they probably arne't as deep as they will need to be. Our national debt is massive, the economy is in the toliet, our infrastructure is crumbling, and the hollowed out manufacturing base is almost non existent. Essentially there is no money for this kind of defense spending. Either Mr. Romeny is aware of this and is simply making a feel good political speech or he is massively misinformed. Since this is NOT a stupid man, I think this just a feel good political speech. Either way, not good!!
"....If you don't want America to be the strongest nation on earth, I am not your president." Currently the strongest nations on earth are Russia and China. Given our massive national debt, tanking economy, crumbling infrastructure, and hollowe out manufacturing base, there is simply no feasible way to narrow this gap in the foreeable future. In other words, we have to address these issues before we can even think about making the kinds of military investments that will put us on par with Russia and China. As such, the gap between us and the other major powers is likely to get larger in the coming years with them having even bigger leads than they currently possess.
There's not allot we can do about it. Good out comes are possible for our country, if we deal within reality and not what we wish it to be. Either this is a stump speech or Mr. Romney is dangerously unhinged from reality. I thiink Mr. Romney is aware of these things and this is merely a stump speech of sorts. Either way this is not good. Essentially the likely Republican nominee is a liar or he is dangerously misinformed. My sense is he's a liar.
The missle defense he suggests seems like a good idea. In order to counter the edge that adversaries and potential adversaries have over us and are likely to have over us in the future, we are going to need a robust nuclear deterrent. Again, good outcomes for our country are possible but we are simply going to have to work within the geo political realities and not what we want them to be.
As for Israel, our best approach is to GET OUT OF THEIR WAY!!
Well Poster,
ReplyDeleteGiven the alternatives, You'd better hope and pray America is still exceptional.
FYI, Department of Defense spending for fiscal year 2010 amounted to only 4.7% of GDP, far smaller than we've spent in the past. What's happened is that President Obama has diverted trillions, literally to rewarding his political allies from the proceeds of corrupt schemes like 'green jobs' and the so-called stimulus.
The debt is a major problem, thanks to a trio of poor presidents, but it can be fixed with the right leadership.
As for Russia and China being the strongest nations on earth, they're not and as I've explained to you before, they would absolutely love to switch problems with us. Your best bet, seriously, would be to use Jane's to do some real research or better yet, take a trip to those countries and see how average people live compared to Americans. You'd be shocked.
Regards,
Rob
Yeah, I was born in Russia and I've talked to Americans who have spent considerable time there since...and Russia...
ReplyDeleteWell, in a word it SUCKS. Unless your name is Putin and you own all the oil & gas.
As for Romney, my gut tells me not to trust him much more than I trust Obama (0%) but my head says he's a better alternative than Perry in actually getting Obama out!
"Given the alternatives you'd better hope and pray America is still exceptional." Actually you've hit on a very important point which has been one of America's saving graces in the past decade or so. There haven't been any viable alternatives. The EU was supposed to replace America. I think we can all see where that seems to be headed. Unfortunately now America has grown weaker while russia, China, India have grown stronger. At this time Indis is probably not ready to assume a role of world leadership. Even if a number of countires don't really trust Russia and Chian there's probably precious little any one can do at this time to thwart them.
ReplyDeleteThis leads to a problem America is going to have to confront that the British did not when they lost their empire. When the British lost their empire, they were replaced by America who was and has been largely friendly to them and their interests. As it stands right now, America will have to navigate a world where the two dominant powers are hostile to it. There are probably ways to change this but it can't be accomplished by denying reality.
America can be exceptional again, if it returns to the Judeo-Christian principles upon which it was founded. That is my prayer that the nations's citizens and its government will do this.
While defense spending is less than it has been in times past as a percentage of GDP, this is an apples to oranges comparison. America is not the same country as it was in times past. As such, such comparisons are not valid.
With the massive national debt, crumbling infrastructure, and lack of a manufacturing base we cannot afford even what we are spending much less what we once spent. The massive cuts that Mr. romeny wants to reverse will have to go even lower than they currently are. There are ways to overcome this. Two ways to do this are to invest more in the nuclear deterent and to redeoploy our forces to defensible positions. It saves money, it gives us a better chance to defend our country, and it very likely increases the morale of our warriors. You've already seen my discussion of this.
"The debt is a major problem thanks to a trio of poor presidents but it can be fixed with the right leadership." I agrre. At least the last two presidents have been ABSOLUTEY HORRIBLE!! Yes it can be "fixed" with the right leadership but the fix will not be an easy one. In fact the damage done by the last two presidents will take decades to undo. Assuming we have good leadership for the next 30 years or so. As anyone who has ever made a horrible decision in their personal life knows, it takes a multitude of good decisions to overcome that bad decision and it is not easy. America is in a similar situation.
As for Jane's, while it cerainly has value, it is a main stream organization. As such, it will not want to engage in reporting that might interfere with the standard narrative or "rock the boat" so to speak. Essentailly Russia and Chinese anti-ship missles are likely more than a match for the US Navy. Furthermore Russia's nuclear superiority likely cancels out any other conventional advantages the US may have. Also, China's vast numbers will likely overwhelm any qualitative edge America may have. Also, China can count on its alliance with Russia should active hostilities with the US occur. Finally, while Russia and China have upgraded their militaries in recent years America has not done so to the same extent and America's massive national debt and lack of an industrial base make it problematic at best for America to remain in a fire fight with these nations for an extended period of time.
In my post, I was not really referring to lifestyle's of the average citizen but mainly to geopolitcal power. Frankly, everyone's lifestyle has likely been affected by the global economic downturn or will be unless we are able to turn it around because it is global!!
"Well in a word it SUCKS, Unless your name is Putin and you own all of the oil and gas."
ReplyDeleteActually I was not necessarily refering to the quality of life but to geo political power. For example, somne countries whose citizens enjoy a relatively nice liveing standard aren't necessarily military power houses so to speak and vice versa.
As for controlling the oil and gas, Russia is Western Europe's primary oil and gas supplier. As such, I think we know how they are going to act should they be required to choose between supporitng conflicting Aemrican and Russian interests. If NATO is successful in Libya, this may give Western Europe an alternative to Russia for its all and gas supplies which would be good for everyone, however, I seriously doubt Russia is going to allow Libya to drift to far from its orbit.
America too could be a major player in the oil and gas market if only it would develop all of its oil and gas supplies and utilize coal to oil technologies. If it would do this, it would be able to deprive implacable enemies of a major source of revenue which is used to undermine its interests and it would have more leverage in negotiations with OPEC and other producing nations. Essentailly doing this ONE THING would give us greater utility for aour national security and our economic interests than any thng we are currently doing.
Poster, I at least have to give you credit for consistency.
ReplyDeleteI've already told you in a previous comment why Russia and China would gladly swap problems with America in a heartbeat, but if you choose to ignore the facts I presented - both countries' poisonous demographics, economic vulnerability, and restive Muslim populations within and without - I suppose you're entitled.
Ditto if I give you sources that you're unwilling to make use of.
However I must correct you on one small error. A little research into Russia's 'nuclear superiority' will show you that most of their nuclear arsenal is antiquated and much of it may even be non-functional.
Russia has not had the cash to spare to upgrade most of its nukes or delivery systems for years. It's one reason they were so desperate to get the START treaty approved and have been so insistent about the US abandoning missile defense since the days of Reagan.
If you examine Russia's military in detail, it consists of a few units with SOTA equipment and a lot of others with gear that's antiquated or in poor repair.That also doesn't even cover the internal strife in Russia's military between Muslim and non-Muslim troops.
OTOH, just one of our nuclear armed subs has the ability to devastate much of the planet with precision in seconds...including those missile boats you rate so highly!
As for the Chinese, I suggest you look at what mil experts had to say about the latest home-made 'stealth fighter they revealed.They're still far behind America in technology, among their other problems.
This isn't a reason for complacency,and the US could stand some revamping of certain aspects of its military. But IMO, the doom and gloom scenario you keep painting is wildly inaccurate.
Regards,
Rob
Umm, Poster, Russia is a major oil and gas supplier to Western Europe..along with Norway and Britain. You also ought to remember that France and Germany among other countries have nuclear power plants and hydroelectric.
ReplyDeleteAnd then there's the Arabs...and believe it or not,Israel in a year or two.
In fact, I'd venture to say that Israel emerging as a major energy exporter is going to change the geopolitical and strategic picture in Europe, China, India and elsewhere quite a bit.
There's also the gasification of coal, which Europe has plenty of, if not as much as the US. Synthetic fuel made by this method is between $50 and $60 American per barrel and is a product of clean and proven technology that dates back to WWII.Hitler used it to keep the Panzers and his industry running.
The last time America messed with it was during the OPEC oil embargo in the 1970's. Unfortunately, we didn't keep it up as the boycott ended pretty promptly as prices crashed shortly after we began.
The far Left enviro-commies have kept the West from any number of solutions to this problem, but their days are numbered due to the sheer economics of the current downturn.
Regards,
Rob
Rob,
ReplyDeleteI'm not ignoring any facts you present. Admitedly a military analysis and a geo poltical analysis can be subjective, however, if you are going to be in the mainstream as many of the sources you cite are you are going to have to adhere to certain guidlines and you better not rock the boat so to speak. With all due respect certain sources over estimate the American strengths while underestimating the strengths of adversaies and potential adversaries.
As for poisnous demographics, economic vunerability, and restive populations we've got those hree in abundance. Many of their supporters hold high postions in goverment and in the news media here in the US. This makes it even more difficult for us to deal with than it is for others.
We must try and make use of all information that is presented not just that which supports the postion we wish to be true, Its not always pleasant nor is it easy and sometimes we will all make mistakes.
America's nuclera arsenal is also antiquated and may not work. The Russians have made efforts to upgrade the delivery systems and likely the arsenal itself in recent years. There is some evidence tha tthe US may be starting to do this That is if the hysteria of leftists is to be believed. Unfortunately the Russians have a head start here. Hopefully we can close the gap but our science is not as advanced as theirs is. As such, it is hard to express optimism.
At least Russia is spending cash to upgrade their military as opposed to going into debt as America has been for almost every thing. Essentiallly if you can't pay for it out of current funds, don't buy it!! This should be our motto going forward. Sicne Russia and China don't have this debt and Russia is a major producer of oil they will have a huge advantage in the event of a military conflict. That;s not to ssay they can't be beaten. They most certainly can be beaten!!
As for strife in Russian military ranks, America is a common enemy. They will put any differences aside to deal with what they percieve as a common enemy. America has never really been able to capitalize on divisions within Russian society because generally they all percieve America as a common enemy.
Rusian subs possess the same abiliteis that American subs do and perhaps more. As for the missle systems, the main stream sources you cite over estimate our capabilies while underesimating the capabilities of adversaries and potential adversaires. I'm assuming the folks in the military whose job is to assess these things rather than wirte books and magizine articles are not making the same mistake. Main stream sources should be considered along wtith those who are less popular to try and reach a valid conclusion. Admitedly we will al lmake mistakes sometimes.
A bit off topic but a co worker of mine and I ttied to compile a list of things we would believe if our only source of information was the main stream media. It was somewhat amusing what we cane up with.
China probaly has a way to go, however, the tendency among "ex[erts" is to over estimate America's qualitiative edge while underestimating China's quantiative edge. For example, China may have the largest sub fleet in the world now. Also, in any military conflict with America China will likely have the support of Russia. That support cannot be dismised or taken lightly by American planners.
TI apreciate you giving me credit for consistency. I think you ar ethe best blogger on the internet. Please continue the excleelent work!! Even if we don't always agree, I very much appreciate the dialogue.
The reasons the Russians opposed the START treaty is because they wish to maintain their lead in nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them and even to further solidify this lead. The problem with our current missle defense plans is the systems we are attempting to design do not even have Russia in mind. The systems we are currently trying to implement MIGHT be effective at stopping a small number missles from country like Iran or North Korea. It is totally inadequate to deal with something like Russia. Russian weapons and systems would be able to easily overwhelm any thing we are developing or have on the drawing board.
ReplyDeleteIf the goal is going to be to thwart Russia, the systems we have or are developing are a bit like using a standard issue hammer to break up a large block of concrete. For this task, one would need a jack hammer or something like that. The hammer is totally inadequate for the task. This is the same with our missle defense systems. If they are going to be intended to defend against Russia, we would need to scrap the current systems completely and start over from scratch.
The people of Poland and the Czech Republic quickly realized the proposes system would not be adequate to defend against Russia and would only serve to antagonize Russia further which would make things worse for them. This is why they opposed the construction of the system.
I do agree with you that the new supplies of energy coming on line from places like Israel do have the potential to change the geo politcal landscape significantly. This is very exciting!!
As for the gassification of coal and other things you mention, it is going to take time to get infrastructure built and in place. I'm not sure about other coutries but it will take at least ten years for the US to fully develop all of its reserves, develop the infrastructure for the gassification of coal, and build more refineries. Fortunately it may be in less time than that before we will see a difference. With that said no time like the present to get started!!
Btw, "far left enviro commies", I could not have said that one better myself. Ten years to fully get the infrastructure in place assumes we can get the regulatory jack boot off of industry. Due to "the sheer economics of the downturn" we may finally be able to tame the regulatory beast. That would truly be wonderful news for our country and the world!!