tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-670912490786998567.post2574597203856834713..comments2023-10-21T19:57:46.300-04:00Comments on Center for World Conflict and Peace: Is the US Scrapping the Pivot?Center for World Conflict and Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09848386765958182753noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-670912490786998567.post-67675070807861476512013-07-29T00:46:30.006-04:002013-07-29T00:46:30.006-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15042134286106315953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-670912490786998567.post-43906231705429638892013-06-09T21:19:38.910-04:002013-06-09T21:19:38.910-04:00Brad, that's exactly what I'm thinking, th...Brad, that's exactly what I'm thinking, that policy itself is taking a back seat. I just hope it doesn't bite us. Given the situation between Japan and China right now the cold shoulder he gave the newly elected Abe when Abe visited DC on the first state visit boggles me. At least in the interests of regional stability it is logical to do more than just run in circles whenever Kim Jong Un makes some noise. <br /><br />As the Philippines have also looked to closer ties to Japan as a way of dealing with China's growth in presence and the US' lack of Cold War level presence, which is amazing given the history between Filipinos and Japanese, it would seem that making ties with Japan and reaffirming our presence for the sake of the Philippines and ties with Manila as well would make sense.<br /><br />Not only that, but if we were able to sell more arms to nations in the area worrying about China, as well as reaffirming our ties, it would be a boost to our economy. <br /><br />Nature abhors a vacuum, the Chinese are moving to feel one that they sense and by not moving to react we are not just encouraging them in their border and maritime disputes but increasing the chance our traditional allies will feel they have been left out on their own, it risks decreasing our influence, but more importantly the stability of trade and of our allied nations in the region. <br /><br />Thank you for your postings Brad, this forum is a great place, I am glad I have found it. <br /><br />David David E. Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16749567945005799312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-670912490786998567.post-32031277511782279682013-06-08T19:23:20.732-04:002013-06-08T19:23:20.732-04:00Hi David, thanks for your comment. Actually, your ...Hi David, thanks for your comment. Actually, your comment and my blog post could fit together. I really only pointed out the recent changes in US personnel and then suggested some of the consequences of those changes on American policy and politics in Asia. I avoided the question as to why Obama made the personnel selections he has, which is what you discuss in your comment. But, honestly, you could right. It's possible that Obama has played favorites here, picking those people who have remained loyal to him and his administration though the various foreign policy snafus and fiascos over the last 6-9 months. <br /><br />BradCenter for World Conflict and Peacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09848386765958182753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-670912490786998567.post-79290110683826865342013-06-08T10:50:42.509-04:002013-06-08T10:50:42.509-04:00This is very well put.
However I'm about to g...This is very well put.<br /><br />However I'm about to get a bit out there, and this is just my opinion. It may also be possible that the Obama Administration is still fixated on the Benghazi aftermath. Rice's promotion was a reward to her for her support of the Administration line there, and also a position where executive privilege can be used to prevent her testifying about it, however the reward is a shortsighted one.<br /><br />Similar to the attempt to bring back Anthony Weiner's career as Mayor of New York (For Huma) which is being rejected by several key NYC Democratic voting blocs right now, they are focusing on rewarding their team that handled the Post-Benghazi spin, with Kerry focused on the Mideast as you said, rather than picking an "All Pro" team at all levels of their team. <br /><br />It is true that the Mideast is a focus, but it may be closer to the reality to say their main focus is still a "Campaign mode" of maintaining their spin and rewarding the people who have stuck to the "Party Line" on Benghazi and various other domestic scandals, rather than a concrete foreign policy. <br /><br />You are absolutely right in the likely effect of this, at a very sensitive time in Asia, and you may be right that it is a conscious pivot away from Asia, abandoning a smart piece of National policy from the recent past. It could be that, I just wonder if the Administration's motivations are more to do with domestic politics and more shortsighted. David E. Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16749567945005799312noreply@blogger.com