http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2012-02-14T01:02:06+00:00
I suggest "balkanization" of the region with Kabul being the capital of N. Afghanistan, and Kandahar as the capital of S. Afghanistan. Pakistan should split away from Waziristan and the Frontier Provinces, and Kashmir should become an independent state like Pakistan and Bangladesh did.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Tue Feb 10, 2009
7 Feb 09

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS REGARDING THE CLOSING OF GITMO, CUBA

1. You cannot bring Afghanistan or Pakistan terrorists into A United States courtroom. Who have done acts of crime or terrorism on foreign soil. If the act or crime was committed in another country, you have to abide by the the host country in allowing them the same and equal rights to prosecute those terrorists. They should be making the decisons on courtrooms, punsishments, and containments of the inmates. If we start prosecuting people for committing crimes in other countries, then what is stopping them from making charges against you and applying that to your charge and be sentenced in their country? It would be like spitting on the sidewalk in the United States and be arrested and contained in Afghanistan. Only in Afghanistan they would decide your faith.

2. Then what to do with the terrorists. It's simple:

You build a Super Maximum Prison in Afghanistan. Then you can also ensure a courtroom and a Justice System be in place to allow each of the terrorist their day in court, only it's in a courtroom in Afghanistan or Pakistan, NOT in the United States. This would also make it easier for people to understand and how to deal with the highest level of terrorists. Hence, it would be far better to deal with these Jihad people in Afghan prison than say in your backyard.

You place the United States Military in charge of building the biggest Prison in Afghanistan. Then you use or build a courtroom to allow for the proceedings. It should be setup just like when Iraq was first got started. Introduce the laws and Justice system to Afghanistan.

Once the new prison has been built. You send all the terrorists from Gitmo, Cuba to Afghanistan to face the charges of terrorism. Then and there they would be charged, have lawyers, and have a day in court. The Leaders of Afghanistan would ensure a fair trial on each of the terrorists. The United States can bring in witnesses for each case to help in the processing.

I believe this would help solve the problems regarding the terrorists situation at Gitmo, on what to do with them. It would also allow for a containment area for future terrorist which are caught in Afghanistan.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Sat Feb 07, 2009
Thje key to understanding the Middle East is understanding the Arab culture with respect to honor and shame. To them, this isn't as much a question of refugees, or Jerusalem or settlements as their capital as it is the shame of losing to the Jews, a people they have historically viewed as their inferiors. Unfortunately logic and compromise are not a part of the equation here.

Peace will come slowly and in very small increments. The victories will be small and very local in nature. I don't think it will begin with major agreements on a governmental level, but with agreements between small groups of individuals.

To be sure, there are extremists on both sides, but the question is how much influence these extremists wield. Extremists in Israel are a small but vocal minority, and the structure of Israel's legislative and executive branches give them more leverage than they should have. It should be noted, that even the mainstream Israeli right is trying to distance themselves from these people, as can be seen by Netanyahu's comment that there would be no new settlements in the West Bank under a Likud government.

The other side of the table consists of a weak Fatah which is really not in a position to uphold any commitments made under an agreement with the Israelis let alone make any of the compromises necessary for even a provisional agreement. Moreover, their basic philosophy vis a vis Israel has not materially changed over the last 40 years. They are still opposed the idea of Israel as a Jewish state, regardless of their stated intent to recognize Israel. Despite the fact that they are participating in a process that by its very nature dictates the necessity of unpopular compromise, Fatah leaders continue to promise their people that they will not accept anything less than the return of the refugees and their descendants to their pre-1948 homes and the absolute necessity that Jerusalem (including all its holy places) be the capital the future Palestinian state. Anything less in a peace agreement with Israel would cost them their position, if not their lives.

What then, is the solution? It's obvious that I don't have the answer to that, but I do know that pursuing an agreement based on western logic and a western sense of compromise isn't a part of it. Does that mean the pursuit of peace in the Middle East and with it, an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict should be abandoned Absolutely not. What is needed is an approach that understands the historic and cultural contexts as seen through the prisms of both sides. Both sides need to regard the other as equals and both sides need to abandon the rhetoric of promises that cannot possibly be kept.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Mon Jan 26, 2009
It appears assertive diplomacy is engaging the origin of today's conflicts, conflicts which seem to have taken over the usual and customary advancement of worldwide diplomacy. A wonderful choice for special envoy, if it can be done George Mitchell will do it. Look to our friends in Norway for assistance but be sure to honor their work. As a former peacekeeper in the region back in '84, I fully understand how this conflict can be viewed as a complicated issue given the historical and emotional implications. The Sinai peninsula has been transformed as a result of the Camp David peace accords, which brought peace between the two strongest nations in the region. I recall the gamble in going into Dahab unarmed when it was off limits since it was a port of terrorism, and today we could take a vacation there at a resort. The Gaza resides on the Mediterranean, capitalizing an economic venture under Palestinian Authority could be one component in establishing and sustaining peace, zone it necessary. Ensuring a self sufficient people in this region would go far. Development of a sustainable vision inclusive of the entire region is necessary if genuine peace is to be had. The potential of this area and its people is mindboggling.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Mon Jan 26, 2009
I commend the administration for adressing the conflict in Gaza so quickly.

I think it is important to first state that I am not Jewish. I am looking at this situation in Gaza with an outsider's perspective, as I have never been to Israel or Gaza (or anywhere in the Middle East, for that matter). With that said, I am confused as to why the US public seems to be leaning towards sympathizing with a terrorist organization. In talking with friends, collegues, and some family members, and in watching the news, I have noticed a shift in perceptions. There is a move away from sympathizing with the civilians trapped in this conflict to even vilifying the actions of the Israeli Defense Force and creating a justification for the actions of Hamas. Hamas' actions are not justifiable.

Between 2001 and 2008, terrorists in Gaza launched 8,165 rockets and mortar attacks on civilians in southern Israel. These rockets and mortar attacks targeted kindergartens, hospitals, schools, day care centers, homes and playgrounds. As many as 94% of the children living in Sderot suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Despite all of this, Israel continued to transfer thousands of tons of humanitarian aid, fuel and general supplies into Gaza through designated crossings. Even during the alleged six month truce between Israel and Hamas, Hamas fired 362 missiles into southern Israel. In the seven days after the truce ended, Hamas fired over 280 rockets and mortars into Israel. These attacks targeted civilians.

Hamas declared war on Israel. Hamas used human shields and embeded its infrastructure in schools, hospitals, and densely populated communities. This violates international law. This is an accepted terrorist group! Yes, the citizens of Gaza have been struck hard by the Israeli offensive. I want peace and security for the Palestinian people, but I do not think we should be so quick to point our fingers at Israel. They continue to uphold international law while dealing with this volatile terrorist organization.

"Rockets against Sderot will cause mass migration, greatly disrupt daily lives and government administration and can make a much huger impact on the government... We are succeeding with the rockets. We have no losses and the impact on the Israeli side is so much."
-- Mahmoud A-Zahar, Hamas minister. Aug, 2007.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Mon Jan 26, 2009
@ Senator Mitchell -- I am grateful that you have been named the Special Envoy to the Middle East. Since you dealt with the problems in Northern Ireland, successfully, you will certainly understand the stubbornness of each side to concede to the other's viewpoint. My grandfather's family was from Northern Ireland and after years of conflict, they finally decided to come to America. Many years later I was able to visit the Republic of Ireland but was not allowed to enter Northern Ireland due to the fighting that was going on there. It was truly remarkable when you were able to work out a peaceful solution. There is one thing that I realized, from following the situation in Northern Ireland, and that is that each side must be ready to have peace. Northern Ireland had had enough, and was being pressured by "everyday people" to resolve the hatred that had been passed down from generation to generation. Let us hope that the Middle East and the "everyday citizens" of these areas of conflict are ready to put aside their generational hatred and desire peace.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Mon Jan 26, 2009
What better way to get started than to focus on Pakistan and Afghanistan. It seems that these two countries have been neglected for the past few years, and I believe there will be great progress in the near future. This is the time for the United States of America to show the world that we are leaders and that we have compassion and concern for their nations and their people. I believe that Secretary Clinton and the Obama Administration will be very successful in showing the world that we are uniter's, not dividers. I am excited about what is yet to come and I know that with the Leadership of Secretary of State Clinton, this country will shine bright and be the leader in the world again!]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Sun Jan 25, 2009
I think that the situation is a grave and bold task to address. There is alot of work to be done and there will all so be give and take. I believe that Secretary Clinton was a great choice for her postion with her back ground and worldly experence. I think that there will be many road blocks when it comes to dealing with the Mid-East from a womaan's out look. Please do not misunderstand, it is just the way women are looked upon in that part of the world. I all so believe that if anyone would be able to handle this situation it would be her. I for one am very happy to see our Goverment move forward and take real measures to strike fast with peace instead on force. Where force is needed I do believe it is our responsiblity to react. I all so believe that if there is a chance to talk, we should do whatever is witin our prowers to exsplore that and with understanding and diplomacy take all steps to over come differences. I do not know the back ground of the two gentleman whom have been engauged to this task. I wish them God Speed and saftey within there travels and endovers.

Mr. Preident, I have faith in you and your goals to set aisde all of the old ways of doing business and commend you or you actions to move forward in the best interset of out Great Nation.

With this being said, I will keep you all in my prayers and entrust you to peace for all mankind.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Fri Jan 23, 2009
I think the most important job you will have to do; is try to find a way too make peace in the Arab-Israeli Conflict. This should be #1 Priority in the Obama Administration.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Fri Jan 23, 2009
I am very hopeful for America now. I want to congratulate, and thank, President Obama and Secretary Clinton as they endeavor to "make things right" both here and abroad. The challenges are great and it will be difficult, but I am confident that they are the right people for this time in our history. It is with confidence that I say that America and the world is rooting for you!!]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Fri Jan 23, 2009
Mr president of the United States of the America and the secretary of state.gov

Mr president we need confurme us preparation of high war and every time we need confurme us check the all command us mussil and material of comunication and all satelite armour in all point strategy of defence usa,as far as I ready build us Negotiation of strategy war and the usa army already take us the US009 new strategy of war for unssure us winner in all action of war and victor in the world.

Mr president we need confurme us ready of war use for war on terrorism and confurme us protection us all people america in the world and the all acompany of usa ,and for deliver us true peaces in the world for protect the democracy and right of man in the five contunent and building us project peaces world use for only road for reiforcement the usa on economic and defence and for waranty security the world on peaces and democracy and for along timent ago on developement,and for liberate africa contunent and to become africa unit states of america and only coperation on defence and economic.

When us meeting are finish we need open us all program and project use for up again the usa on economic and defence and realize the us politic and diplomacy for stability of all gestion for benefit usa in the world.

Mr president I hope you are the hope and waranty for future generation people in the world on peaces and democracy.

Thank very much Mr president and I wait your aide and help and suport on buidget and materiall of comunication for realize my traveling and contuie us work for benefit usa. the terrorism not stop sabotage us corespondece for defence and economic the usa and slander us name and honor of usa ,but:

We are never lost a war we are on time peaces and on time war we are the ledear and number one in the wolrd on defence and economic.

The God us protege

Your coperation

Solomon]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Fri Jan 23, 2009
My Dear Secretary Clinton,

I agree with you that it was important for President Obama to visit the State Department for these announcements. By this gesture, President Obama demonstrated his commitment to a new, strong and effective role for diplomacy by the United States. This is a good thing.

I am an American citizen residing permanently in Europe. I am registered to vote by absentee ballot in Polk County, Florida. As a fellow American, I am relieved to see the State Department getting the support that it should have from the President.

My Dear Ambassador Mitchell,

I wish you well. You face daunting challenges, of course. I feel the approach taken by the previous administration to Palestine and its people was intellectually bankrupt and morally depraved. I know you can do better than that.

I hope that this diplomatic initiative on the Middle East will embrace the values and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Of particular relevance is Article 2:

"Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty."

As well as Article 7:

"All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Fri Jan 23, 2009
QUOTE- He will help us to develop an integrated strategy that defends the security of Israel, works to bring an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that will result in two states living side by side in peace and security, and to achieve further agreements to promote peace and security between Israel and its Arab neighbors. END QUOTE.

...And all the neighbor princess surrendered to the king of kings, David of Israel, and all lived in submission to him happily ever after. But suddenly the big monster that gobbled up the gold and silver of the Middle East is awoken to the fact that his stomach is empty and need more wars to get cash. As the soothsayer of the two Bibles prophesized in the golden fairy tale tablets WOW...when they all crying peace, suddenly war broke out and that is the end of the last chapter of King David and his kingdom of Golden Arches and blood bathes.

You can not have peace and supremacy for Israel at the same time. You can not have peace with Iran, Hizbullah and others, that this peace issue is of their concerns, not sitting on the negotiation table. It seems that the U.S. (Rockfies) is just quickly trying to please the Arabs and Chinese to keep the cash flowing. Otherwise, how on earth would an abhorred and hated all over the Islamic world Jordanian, Gulf Sheikhs and Saudi rulers along with Mubarak have any say whatsoever in this Peace process, they are all -non-party- to the settlement. In fact their participation is sure way to failure.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Thu Jan 22, 2009
Feels great to be treated with respect, as an American citizen. Thanks for the informative posts and communications.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_envoys/ Thu Jan 22, 2009