http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2012-02-11T15:54:03+00:00
I honored to write the U.S. Presidency, my congrats to the new President on the job! His recent visit to London for the G20 meeting fills everyone -- EVEN NON-AMERICANS with so much zeal and exitement. He is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Well the reason why I am writing is because of the current Somali situation where pirates go about hijacking vessels. May I suggest that the press should be advised against giving undue attention to those crooks because that is what they crave, no negotiations or ransom instead massive pressure should be mounted on Somali govt. and the African Union, surely they can stand aside and let this cankerworm develope over the years into a tragedy and also various international countries whose trade zones cuts accross that route must step up immediately as this is not a U.S. problem alone. The last time it was a Saudi Vessel but definitely things can't and should never be allowed to go on like this. I am shocked the press is busy going on about this being a test of Mr President at a time when they ought to be call on African leaders to safeguard their foreign trade/investments by stepping up joint security measures to monitor, pursue and bring those hoodlums to justice.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/natos_60th_summit/ Thu Apr 09, 2009
@ Ambassador Volker, In reference to my previous post of Sat Apr 04, on

http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_natos_future/

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Since 9/11, the US military has been rotating troops in and out of combat zones to the point that today perhaps 90% of all U.S. military personel have either served in combat directly, in direct support of combat ops, or in-theater logistics.

Which means that not only do we have the best trained, best equipped military on Earth, but the most combat experienced force in the world today.

Can you please tell me what percentage of forces overall from all other NATO members combined have direct combat experience?

Obviously the level of experience directly correlates to the level of effective common defense NATO can deliver to its citizens under its influence as a military structure.

Why it is that the 25 other nations involved can't bring themselves to come up with 17,000 combat troops to match this one member's commitment to the common defense and common cause in Afghanistan is beyond all logical comprehention, and if you would take a stab at explaining this quandry to me, I would certainly appreciate that as well sir.

I regard this as a sole and separate issue from training and support personel involved in any civilian effort and commitments made.

Best,

EJ]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/natos_60th_summit/ Tue Apr 07, 2009