John W. in Ohio writes:

I think That Darfur has been ignored by the world at large for far too long. The people there need a way to stop the violence in there country and rebuild anew however they see fit. We can provide them with the tools, money, and equipment they need change their country through high level diplomacy. Thanks for wanting to know.

Posted on Fri Jan 15, 2010

Ken in Canada writes:

Iran is a major threat to Israel.

USA seems to be stepping back from International affairs due to internal issues.

Extremists are still a problem to deal with. I reccommend getting ground troops better training.

Posted on Thu Jan 14, 2010

Navy Vet in New York writes:

Military power is all well and good, but "Soft Power" -- the strength derived from popularity for one's nation's causes and culture -- is equally essential, or the efforts of the military are confined to the realm of coercion and not true respect.

The previous administration's neo-conservative approach to international affairs focused nearly exclusively on coercive diplomacy, and it failed miserably, especially in an age when other cultures and populations are leap- frogging Western cultures and populations.

Somehow the State Department's key priority is to succeed at where Karen Hughes failed -- to improve the respect other people around the world have for America's goals and America's culture and for all Americans. It should be easy to do a better job than the neo-conservatives did -- but simply better won't be good enough. It has to erase the damage done and then rebuild from there.

Posted on Thu Jan 14, 2010

Normita in California writes:

As we have seen and experienced many challenges in this country, it is imperative to strengthen our foreign relations, understanding other countries' cultures and traditions, without losing ours in the process. When they step in our soils, we expect them to respect our rules and decorum, as much as we respect theirs.

In Secretary Clinton's travels last year, we have seen the power of connecting with the people, embracing their thoughts and ideas, coming to them in their time of need with courage and compassion. Moving on, it is imperative that we strengthen our security by strengthening our immigration policies, without alienating our allies.

Thank you for asking.

Posted on Thu Jan 14, 2010

Charles H. in Alaska writes:

We should make every effort to encourage the governments of Iraq and Uganda to protect and stop persecuting their gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered citizens.

We should also make it possible for U.S. Citizens to get spousal visas for their same sex partners or stop issuing them to couples of opposite sex married or not. It is only fair.

We should only export jobs when they have been replaced in the US with higher paying ones. As in, stop encouraging companies to outsource labor to other countries. Make it a policy that laying off Americans should come at the price of not causing the employment by the same corporation of citizens of other countries. If a company sends its manufacturing jobs overseas, don't let them sell manufactured goods in the US.

Posted on Tue Jan 12, 2010

Susan C. in Florida writes:

Many issues need to be addressed. Certainly the issue of hunger and food safety. Over a billion people around the world are without an adequate, and edible, food supply. Safe water supplies are disappearing. Human trafficking must be stopped. Women and children are the greatest victims of this horrific international crime. The selling of arms to everyone, and anyone, should also be addressed, as it just creates more violence against ordinary people. We are facing huge challenges but we must not lack the courage to do what is right. Human rights is, after all, about the right of a human being to live his/her life with dignity and, ideally, without fear.

Posted on Tue Jan 12, 2010

Katie in Rhode Island writes:

Please, follow the example of so many fair-minded countries, and therefore set an example for support of human rights: pass the UAFA. At 46 years old, I am going to have to sell my house and leave my home country, so that my Swedish partner (of nine years) and I can stay together. We both have masters degrees and work hard and pay taxes here in the US, but she must leave when her work visa expires this year. Since I cannot sponsor her, I have to leave too, and take my skills and American education and try to find a job in another country. This unfair treatment of gay US citizens sends the message that it is okay to discriminate against people on the basis of sexual orientation.

Posted on Tue Jan 12, 2010

Johnny S. in New Hampshire writes:

Though human rights have always taken a back seat to other diplomatic priorities, the United States has always been looked upon by the greater world for our stances on human rights. From the abolition of slavery to the Cold War and beyond, America has always been a human rights beacon for the darker corners of the world.

This is especially true of Iran, which now brutalizes citizens in every sector of its society. This has been most true of LGBTs in the Islamic Republic throughout its existence, though gays in Iraq are now suffering horrific persecution as well via Iranian influence.

The United States should make human rights conditional in diplomatic relations wherever it can, and express our support for those suffering persecution everywhere around the world. It is, in fact, our duty as human beings to speak out for those who cannot.

Lastly, I'd like to share with you an interview I conducted with Mr. Arsham Parsi of the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees that puts very human stories and faces on what are mostly reported as tragic statistics. Mr. Parsi's story is no less profound than that of Oskar Schindler. He should not have to be saving innocent LGBT lives at risk of horrific torture and execution alone.

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/279819

Posted on Tue Jan 12, 2010

Allen writes:

Time to PASS "UAFA" (Uniting American Families Act)

THIS WAY OVER/PAST DUE!!......this ridiculous situation of no path or an option to be able to sponsor one's partner like any normal couple... this petualnce by Immigration is silly....we are all living in the 21st century. so let's have options, laws and rules that reflect that...the process of Immigration is like that of a car....if you keep driving the car without any servicing or maintenance, it will eventually break down, stop....and left even "LOOOONGER".....it will be so broken that it's easier to start from scratch .rather keep fixing it!

Posted on Mon Jan 11, 2010

Rene in the Netherlands writes:

Human Rights should be at the top of America's international agenda in 2010 - and this includes the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders.

The United States can make an important contribution in the struggle to end the criminalisation based on sexual orientation and gender identity, which is already an important priority of the Dutch governement.

The current situation in Uganda, Jamaica, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Gambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Nigeria, the Baltic States and Pakistan to name just a few countries justifies an American initiative - especially because in many cases American orthodox christian groups are involved in the furthering of homophobia and government measures and laws to criminalise gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders.

Posted on Mon Jan 11, 2010

Sandy in Connecticut writes:

Immigration equality for LGBT people needs to be addressed, both worldwide and certainly in the US. 20 countries recognize LGBT relationships for immigration purposes. The United States still does not. The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) has been introduced for a decade and still has not passed. Today, it is stuck in Committee. It is a question of equality -- not special treatment, but equal treatment. A bi-national same-sex couple should have the same rights as a bi-national hetero-sexual couple.

Posted on Mon Jan 11, 2010

William W. in California writes:

The escalating violence against gay,lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people through out the world - murder in Jamaica, death penalty in Uganda, beatings in Moscow - ought to be part of the agenda for the State Department. We need to let these countries know that the world is watching. We can no longer be silent because not only does silence equal death, silence also means complicity.

Posted on Sun Jan 10, 2010

Patrick in Maryland writes:

Hello, Peaceful People of the States Department.:)

How is everyone doing? ..thats Great :)

Just wanted to say ,i think our government is doing a good Job on keeping us updated on the issues that the world is facing in 2010.

I think things are getting better and hopefully. This Year will continue on this positive path.

...Have A Great Week....See..Ya..:)

Posted on Sun Jan 10, 2010

Jay B. in New York writes:

Please realize finally that homosexual rights are human rights and that the US and United Nations can no longer ignore the brutality towards, and execution of, gay people as simply the cultural or religious issue of one country's own rights.

Posted on Sun Jan 10, 2010

Greg C. in Poland writes:

Human rights with a focus on LGBT rights!

Posted on Sun Jan 10, 2010

Santiago in Spain writes:

This year should be the one that protects gay rights. I am from Spain and my boyfriend is american.

Unfortunately, we have to live separately because we cannot live in the US together unless I get a job ( unlikely thing in this moment). He doesn't come to Spain due to he has a real good job there.

Why can't he sponsor me?

Suppousedly, all american people have the same rights, indeed? ( Constitution), but he doesn't have the same rights that straight people.

We don't care if we have to get marry or not. We only want to be together in the same territory! We only want to work, share our lives and love each other!

We are speaking about human being rights.

Thank you so much and let's see if this year, America gives a step forward on gay rights

Posted on Sun Jan 10, 2010

Cathy B. in California writes:

It amazes me that basic human rights are so woefully ignored in this day and age. More specifically, the plight of LGBT men and women whose very existence seems mocked by the way in which the US Government publicly states of support (talking of the way in which President Obama proclaims his support for the community and then utterly fails to do anything to support it). Whether here in the US by addressing the needs of our own citizens to have all rights set forth by our Constitution or looking to barbarian locations such as Uganda where the government feels that being gay is a capital offense, the need to protect the LGBT community should unquestionably be at the top of this list.

Posted on Sun Jan 10, 2010

M. Petrelis in California writes:

I am deeply concerned for gay people around the world, and believe a top issue for State should be addressing human rights abuses suffered by gays.

Right now, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda is being debated by lawmakers, and the bill mandates the death penalty and other severe punishments for gays. State must loudly and vigorously oppose Uganda's homo-hatred.

Also in Africa, a gay couple and some of their defenders were recently arrested in Malawi, stemming from the couple getting married. I want State to condemn the arrests and call for tolerance towards Malawian gays.

Closer to home, the plight of gay people in Jamaica must be faced. The violence against Jamaican gays is so horrific the gay Metropolitan Community Church affiliate cannot announce the location of religious services, out of fear the service will be attacked.

Secretary Clinton has said positive things regarding assisting gays in other countries and helping to protect their human rights and personal security. 2010 is the time to put Clinton's words into more action.

Posted on Sat Jan 09, 2010

Joe in Tennessee writes:

I had hoped someone would have answered this question: If these people were so set on upsetting the US power and want to threaten our security and economy, there is quite a lot more they could be doing. Why are they not?

In essence the problem of Culture Identity in the Middle East is tied directly to the fact that War is the congealing force of their identity. The economics of the area leads to collectivism by the poor, which are the majority. You will always find those with the Patty Hurst syndrome, the wealthy children who identify with the injustice of the people and mistakenly apply it to what ever rebellious source there is at that time and in that social sphere. The wealthy who want to maintain their superiority generate funds to continue strife along with any outside source which finds it a political advantage.

They control the elements of a war which holds them together, as adverse as they may sound; it is the reality of the situation overlooked.

Posted on Sat Jan 09, 2010

DipNote Bloggers write:

@ Daniella in Massachusetts -- You may find Secretary Clinton's remarks on the 15th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development here.

You may also be interested in reading Ambassador Melanne Verveer's blog entry on the topic.

Posted on Sat Jan 09, 2010

Donald M. in Virginia writes:

FOUO (FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY)

ADDRESSED TO:

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM & STATE DEPARTMENT

Security Recommendations to help the Airlines and keep the skies friendly.

1. Deploy the National Guard Units at our Major City International Airports to work with the TSA and control the movement of the passengers going through the scanning process. The Small airports should be handled by State Police and local authorities.

2. The cheapest and smartest process, would be to "Shakedown the entire Aircraft first, make sure ground crew or cleaning staff havn't placed anything on the Aircraft for later use by the terrorist. A secuirty checklist conducted and checked-off using what we call, the "HIGH and LOW method of searching. A TSA officer searches high while the other searches the low side inside the plane passenger seating and rest room areas. Once it passes the inspection, then start boarding the passengers by strip searching each passenger at the entrance of the Aircraft. Four TSA Officers, two male, two female search all passengers boarding the Aircraft prior to departure. If a passenger is trying to smuggle weapons, drugs, contraband, explosives, or anything he or she is not suppose to posses while flying, the four TSA Officers along with the US Military observers are present to make the arrest. This process is very simple. Each passenger would remove articles of clothing, the TSA would check all pockets, all pieces including underwear garments, pants, shirts, underclothes, shoes, everything by hand using latex gloves. Then TSA Officer gives a verbal command for the passenger to squat and cough. If they are holding any weapons, or something in the rectum, it would come out during this process. You would also have them open their mouth, and look inside to verify, they are not smuggling something inside the mouth or under the tongue.

3. There is no way you can get enough Air Marshals onboard those International Flights to cover the shortfalls of Security, unless you incorporate my idea. Which is having two United States Military in plain clothes but Armed riding the Aircraft, First Class and Coach Business, the Crew of the Aircraft, Stewards, and Stewardess all should have gone through Counter Terrorism Tactics, Defense Tactics and when or if a situation happens again, with a terrorist on a plane, the entire Crew of the Aircraft come together as ONE FORCE to deal with the terrorist or terrorists. The ability to defuse bombs, ability to defend the Aircraft and Passengers, the ability to subdue the terrorists safely without the interuption and placing all the passsengers in danger. There also should be a holding room or cell on the Aircraft to place the terrorist other than the restroom.

4. What value can there be with flying two F-15 Strike Aircraft after a Commercial Jetliner, if a terrorist has a bomb? Which brings me to this resolution. Install remote Communications on the Aircraft where the Air Traffic Control can take-over the plane during terrorist activities. This way the pilots on the ground can land the plane safely to any or the closest Airport and have the Authorities called and waiting for them to arrive in advance. A basic cockpitt of the Aircraft at the Airport terminals which would allow pilots to remote control land the Aircraft safely, removing the pilots ability to fly it.

5. Conduct one last Secuirty round of the Aircraft while it's still on lockdown on the tarmac awaiting to departure.

6. Ensure also Port Authorities and Coast Guard are prepared to handle anything at our shipping ports across the Nation.

7. Train Stations and Subways, and busses all should have some means of Security checking luggage, and strip searching passengers.

8. Remember that the Terrorist groups plot major events, dates, like if you look at the History of Usama bin ladens group, the 11th Day appears many times over. That is why I mentioned it, to help prevent the next 9/11.

"We all pray and hope that Secuirty Measures can be in place to prevent attacks against our Nation. We all have to work together and get resolve. I'm just offering my ideas and suggestions to make it safer."

Posted on Fri Jan 08, 2010

Daniella in Massachusetts writes:

I was Media trained in a large company, have lived abroad ,including South Asia, have followed world events closely for over 50 years, and were I younger would go to Afghanistan because I have loved the Afghani people since traveling overland to India on a spiritual journey in the early 70s.

In this case I strongly recommend that an IMPROVEMENT IN COMMUNICATION -- i.e educating the American People -- must be a part a of a successful foriegn (and domestic) policy.

This especially during times when our information pipelines are poisoned, and people who are busy with their lives and not psychic, are brunning to separate "Silos" for the information they rely on..so increasngly we have an electorate that does not even share the same facts, which makes any honest debates virtually impossible.

And while some of Obama's speeches are very articulate (some are actually not that much) since he doesn't give them during lunchtimes the NO NUANCE individuals who control our information pipelines rarely report the most important key facts.

Since 2000 (When Republicans sent paid aid on the ENRON plane to riot outside the vote recount room) I have had CNBC on for over 23,000 hours & C-SPAN1,2,3 more than 26,000 hours.

I could write several books about all that has transpired that was never repored, nevermind intentionally disreported.

Today, Secratary Clinton spoke about the importance of advocating on behalf of women, as a Key Solution for growing the health, and indeed the prosperity of our international partners, and in fact of all nations.

Yet, this evening I went to your web site hoping to find a transcript (of this and of the short one given after). This so I could send it to hundreds of women, some of whom, out of pure ignorance (in my opionion) seemed to have become Republican.

Instead it's as if your web site went to sleep. In a 24/7 worlds this is not acceptable. I am not a member twitter or shmitter...because as a proud baby boomer I value my privacy. And believe that the Secratary's words speak inspirationally for themselves.

Please feel free to contact me for many more ideas.

Posted on Fri Jan 08, 2010

Umar I. writes:

I think in Line with Madam secretary candid observation about certain country esp some in Africa the govt needs to enforce certain mr= measure on African leaders in particular, restrictions such as access to healthcare, education for them or their families, access or ability to have bank account etc in the US. Madam secretary knows what she is saying but can she really do something about it is what i would love to see on the agenda in 2010.

Posted on Fri Jan 08, 2010

Joe in Tennessee writes:

@ Noah:

These goals include causing as much damage to the United States as possible, the United States (and other "Western" powers, but mainly the US), being the perceived embodiment of modernism in the world. They also include the resurrection of a grand Islamic Empire that is spread all the way from Central Asia to West Europe and Africa. As you can see their views are quite reactionary.

I feel that the major oversight is the overcomplicated nature in which we want to view things. At a Symposium back in 99, the Old Russian Guard stated it best: It is funny how Americans can read books about a country and know more than the people who live there….

The use of statistical analysis for main objective goals can be problematic if it is not used as a reference only. Having been privy to Ann Carlins aspect of who, what, when and where in submission long ago, I stated then as I do now: Nothing will work there unless you win the people, provide productive replacements for the established narcotics trade and provide broad security -which is impossible until the people want change. From the 1970s, not 80s, what has changed other than who is fighting whom?

The real issue is: Cultural Identity in the Middle East. Why did it take eight years to understand this? We seem to not readily recognize that basic elements of their culture are already established on many levels, few of which identify to Democratic Ideology, much less a capitalist system. Therefore, it is irrelevant what name we attach to any person or group who threatens democratic ideology. Even if Al Qaida is quashed, Hamas will grow proportionately or any established group, no differently than in any society. Even here in the US replacements of organized criminal activity here in America is simply replaced by a different group, nothing changes ultimately until the people change. In the Middle East it is enhanced by religious attachment, economics and culture.

How can we change the way a CULTURE views not only us, but the way they think in such a short period of time? It is a multi faceted attack and simply will take much more than just the US and the few allies we maintain.

Their goals? What goals in reality do they have? What goal does any illegal or corrupt institution have in reality? It is no different than Hitler using the Hebrew population without just cause for attachment; but, here their views are backed by centuries of splintered belief patterns which have sewn them together. They do not have to experiment and the sooner we eliminate them all the better, unless you are an arms dealer…

A poor economy worldwide only deepens the problem presently and if we cannot establish profitable alternatives to war, names and identifications of groups and goals are, in essence, not relevant except for reference.

If these people were so set on upsetting the US power and want to threaten our security and economy, there is quite a lot more they could be doing. Why are they not? It is not simply the dynamics we attached to the overview and a more than great job by our intelligence services...say hello to Mr. N for me.

Posted on Fri Jan 08, 2010

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ John in Greece,

Focusing on the duality of things tends to complicate matters, the trick is to get them to become greater than the

sum of their parts in practical application.

I don't suppose this would cure all the ills of the world, but if the global village planted trees and terrorists,

we could anticipate a better future than not.

One grows, the other decomposes. One becomes the green future survival is based on, the other becomes fertilizer.

One is politically inoccuous, the other a political and social necessity.

It's pretty simple when you get right down to solutions, and a certain clarity resulting from epiphany...(chuckle).

Posted on Thu Jan 07, 2010

Noah in Massachusetts writes:

@ Joe in Tennessee --

Joe: you are completely right, and I applaud your intelligent and insightful comment about our country's intelligence community. It is reassuring to know that there are Americans out there who don't bash our federal system without proper facts to back up their outrageous accusations without impartiality, and it is reassuring to know that there are Americans out there who understand the global climate.

I do have to disagree about your view about al-Qaeda sponsored terrorists. The al-Qaeda organisation was one of many underground resistance cells formed in the late 20th century. They were founded by extreme sects of traditional Islam (like Salafism) in response to the perceived threat of encroaching modernist and secular mindsets that were being spread to the Middle East by the West. Since then several of the terrorist groups in the East have been eliminated or amalgamated, but they do actually act towards a physical set of goals. These goals include causing as much damage to the United States as possible, the United States (and other "Western" powers, but mainly the US), being the perceived embodiment of modernism in the world. They also include the resurrection of a grand Islamic Empire thats spread all the way from Central Asia to West Europe and Africa. As you can see their views are quite reactionary.

It would be quite possible to eliminate Muslim terrorism and related terrorism towards secular countries by thorough education of the Islamic world and deep exploration into possible reformation of Islam in order to include more modern concepts. Such reforms are taking place in small pockets throughout the Middle East already, however few they are. With a little bit of help and encouragement, the reactionary extremist Islamic community of the world could be brought down a notch.

Then again, there are terrorists whose minds are not open to change and are simply unable to understand both sides of an argument. There are also terrorist whose motives are completely independent from al-Qaeda's and it's cousins'. Those men and women will have to be dealt with with force, or left in peace.

It is true nevertheless that most terrorism is a result of a religion being twisted and abused by sick men and then preached to people who are insecure in our new world. If people were merely taught to understand that Islam can exist with the modern world without conflict then most Islamic terrorist activities in the world would desist. It is a sad fact.

Posted on Wed Jan 06, 2010

John in Greece writes:

@ various DipNote receivers

You are right Joe. There is a Global financial chaos. Maybe some political too! However, there is no chaos without a light and no “entrance” to a chaos without a light at the end of the tunnel.

Black needs white to identify itself as black and white needs black to identify itself as white.

So, I’ll remain in one of Eric’s in NM great, recent, (he’s got plenty all these years) “phrases”: QUOTE: , but promoting world peace in a time of war involves getting the other guy to lay down his weapons, since that's what winning the peace is all about. END OF QUOTE.

I know you love America more than me. I know you want to help people. I love your posts. Think positive! Don’t bring the chaos! We love the light!

Please (Joe), don’t misunderstand my post.

P.S. @ Zharkov in U.S.A.: French and Russians have sold technology for the Iranians. Don’t start these trips from China to Moon and back to Iran via USA. Period.

Best regards to all of you!

Posted on Wed Jan 06, 2010

Joe in Tennessee writes:

Face the unfortunate understanding that politics will have to be put aside for the human race to continue in a productive manner and agreements and accords, regardless as to how temporary that are productive must be acted on with the exception of terrorist.

Chaos is the actual problem world wide presently. Be it in the form of terrorism or economics, the fact remains that chaos has reigned supreme in many ways due to a lack of oversight. If oversight has to be implemented by governments to bring situations into control, then so be it.

Freedom without boundaries is as dangerous as any terrorist organization. We have experienced that economically in America where even now, last year represents a very good year in the stock market; but, tell that to the displaced workers and homeowners.

I find it a sincere shame on humanity in general that America seems to be the only country, even wounded as it is, to be so active in the protection of human rights world wide.

On terrorism: I am not gratified in anyone putting down our Intelligence community here in the US. They have done more than an outstanding job. We have ninety five thousand four hundred and seventy one miles of exposed shore line, the Canada US land border is the longest undefended border world wide at over three thousand miles and a vastly growing Islamic population on both ends, Mexico is close to two thousand miles and we have no idea of how many people still cross over. Does anyone understand the amazing job which has been done so far by so many of our Homeland Personal and sub divisions?
To be honest, what could you not get into this country if you wanted to? Many people have done an outstand job on both International and National levels…PERIOD. Even now, the upstarts in various areas show the same nature of MS 13 in the CA area. Once the DEA and other Federal authorities became involved and persisted, they moved from the area to areas of less resistance…which is exactly what Al Qaida is doing presently. The Taliban is a different situation as they are openly allowed to profit in opium trade, they are no more than criminals who have established a community premised on corruption and need to be dealt with in separate regard as they are the primary cultural money machine for much of what is wrong in the Middle East beyond external fiscal support.

The only way to deal an abstract which is developing is to totally eliminate it. There is no other solution, especially given the fanatical nature of these people. You can offer them nothing that will quell them as there ultimate objective is not even beneficial or productive to their people.

The major problem in the world is Chaos need to be controlled…Nothing can develop with it in existence...perhaps President Bush and even Obama were right when they referred to it all as evil, as it is Latin from Greek for Abyss.

Posted on Wed Jan 06, 2010

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

The Clinton Administration allowed transfers of missile technology to China, and now we discover that Chinese companies have transferred missile technology to Iran.

The "heart of America's mission in the world today" appears to be arming the enemies of the free world, either directly or indirectly.

One would presume that other governments should be highly irritated by these developments as those governments are threatened to be destabilized by our own actions.

Perhaps we should reconsider the effect of our war industry and our arms deals on world peace?

How about requiring some sort of "Environmental Impact Report" to determine whether an arms deal would entrench a government so well that it could dispense with free elections and liberty?

Shouldn't representatives of neighboring nations have a right to present evidence of harm to their country from an over-militarized neighbor?

Shouldn't neighboring nations take up the issue at the U.N. in order to have a veto on our arms deals which threaten to create arms races among small nations?

Isn't the U.N. a venue of last resort for stopping the transfer of weapons from advanced countries to poor third world nations?

We would not be so concerned about Iran's nuclear program if their missiles were not so accurate and reliable.

We would not be concerned about China's military buildup if their technology remained 40 years behind ours, as it once was.

We did this to ourselves. When are we going to stop it?

What does it take to stop arms sales to poor countries who need seeds more than bombs and water purification more than a heavily-armed government to opppress them and threaten their neighbors?

If we cannot stop ourselves from making a profit from war, perhaps other nations will begin to speak up and protest arms sales to their neighbors?

Posted on Wed Jan 06, 2010

Eric in New Mexico writes:

Farah in California,

These are all nice ideas, but promoting world peace in a time of war involves getting the other guy to lay down his weapons, since that's what winning the peace is all about.

RE: "Limit on military spending and spend more on global awareness..."

Posted on Tue Jan 05, 2010

Farah in California writes:

Limit on military spending and spend more on global awareness education to promote world peace, tolerance, compassion and eradicate, AIDS, discrimination, bigotry, child Abuse, human trafficking, labor exploitation, hunger.

Posted on Tue Jan 05, 2010

Val B. in Minnesota writes:

I agree we need to focus on Peace. We spend too much money, time and effort on War. War is an assault against poor people, women and children. Its seems our American Government spends much of its time assaulting and hurting poor people here and abroad. One solution I would like to see is more stronger support, ties, programs, between poor people here in American and abroad. To me thats the strongest disconnect. Poor people around the world are not communicating often and daily. The Impact could be phenomenal.

Posted on Tue Jan 05, 2010

Patrick in Maryland writes:

Hi, Gentlefolks of the Department of States.

The Most Important Issues Of 2010 Are ?

1. Farming and Agricultural improvements in the ways we produce our foods.

2.Communication with Everyone even the little Gray men from outerspace hehe. :)

3.World Peace

4.Feeding the Hungery and helping their familys.

5.Finding jobs and training for careers for Everyone, for free if possible. :)

6.Save the World from Global Warming

7.Find a new green energy source for everyone.

8.Fix the Health Systems and Insurance problem.

9.Fix aging roadways and infrastructure of our country .

10.Find more things too, do hehe. :)

...."Happy New Year....Everybody "

......See Ya....:)

Posted on Mon Jan 04, 2010

Anna in Washington, DC writes:

I think the issues of 2010 will be the same as the ones from 2009: keeping the United States safe from terrorists and economics. We also must be cognizant of often having an ego-centric mentality and look towards working together with other nations and promote open-mindedness both domestically and abroad.

On a different note, I really like the image chosen for this question. Like the individuals in the picture, we must work together! It is inspiring for the new year.

Posted on Mon Jan 04, 2010

Palgye in South Korea writes:

Dear to...

2010? only, "JOB"
international and domestic`s important issue
and
..............................................
Is appropriate in the new world and must apportion a new role. detais? i don`t know.
please discuss with. world is changed.

thank you.

Posted on Mon Jan 04, 2010

Sarkaut in Iraq writes:

In 2010 finding the factors of rising terrorist groups should be prioirity. We need a world without fear and nuclear bombs.

Posted on Mon Jan 04, 2010

Palgye in South Korea writes:

Dear to..

"smart"

Me is anxious plentifully about 2010, As it is does not become the help at 2009 the thing under the nail and " smart" Column the word earnestly also polyvalence came in different impression to was new. and, I personal, Mr. President Obamar and Former President Bill Clinton and west fractionating the single step does opinion tuning and thinks to first time matter.

From the outside to overcome a economic crisis internally the various nations under visiting from hour cotton " smart" Thinks constructed the cooperative system with mediation.
and,

Recently escapes from the method which exacts the principle which is custom and disciplined must prepare in election and thinks that - with economy. Meets so first and thinks that tuning is necessary.

"smart"

2010? The answer spoke already in me. Me only " job" Thinks. With whole world-wide, new investment place about investment field thinks the investment which does not rest. So, "three person" meet and thinks that. With the direction which applies the strong point of each one.

"The middle classes namely, thinks that again must create the consumer."

Is an opinion which is personal.

P.S now, snow falling in Seoul, Probably, tomorrow sees the condition of Michelle Wing Kwan players appears the thing to be going with information which the total identity gives to the United States Embassy, Seoul, Korea. There is a good result.

Thank you.
and
the United States Embassy, Seoul, Korea`s employee.

from, only receiving, does and supporter.

Posted on Mon Jan 04, 2010

John in Greece writes:

@ Donald in Virginia

Well, I didn’t exactly attempt to say this, but you made me think. However, this is my last post on this, because I’m really “small”. I’ll leave it to the pros…

People say: “Small people talk about other people, Great people talk about ideas”. So, it’s my honor to discuss this matter, especially with you, but I do not want to cross the line, on the ground that I am not an expert on Security. Not even a sophomore.

Nevertheless, I will clarify my thesis, although not an espionage writer. I owe this to our readers and you.

You have a great point concerning this “Empire”. (I would not call it this way, though, because you also know that all anti-American propagandistic mechanisms use this word in order to characterize America as an “Empire”. U.S.A. is a democracy and teaches the Democracy all around the globe. So, Certainly not an Empire!)

Anyway, this is not the time for a marketing analysis concerning the name of this “brain” proposal. Secret Services don’t care about marketing. Let’s call it “Central Processing Unit” in a virtual way of definition.

You have a point! I absolutely agree with this centralization of various Services that have to be in touch in order to collaborate in a A+ level.

Recently, reading the Statement by the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Mr. Michael E. Leiter, I noticed under the logo of the NCTC this very important phrase: United To Protect. I absolutely agree!
However, Security has to deal with more than counterterrorism…

That’s why, I’d leave CIA out of this security infrastructure, working independently, or at least working in a different format in order to be sure that all the others do not “feed rats” and everything works OK.

So, as an “elementary”, I’d go for a bigger CIA budget and role, but at the same time, I agree with the rest of your scenario.

But, we are amateurs! (LOL)

I apologize if I crossed the line in such a tough matter.

Posted on Sun Jan 03, 2010

Donald in Virginia writes:

@ John in Greece

Happy New Years!!!!

16 sounds reasonable, a National Security Empire that would use all the resources, collect data, issue warrants, track down terrorist networks, using wide screen displays, Professionals from every level Top Security fields monitoring major International Airports, Subways, and Bus services. Issue Security Bulletins, Conduct training, Crime Scene Investigations, homicide and investigate fraud, protect the American Public at large. The ability to dispatch warrants for the arrest of known terrorists, using State and local law enforcement. Inside the facility can have the state-of-art electronics survillence, all units are combined jointly on Missions. The mission of this Command should be to find the terrorist before he or she carries out their mission, to also include tie ins from Europe and around the Globe. This type of Command would be the "Brain" of our Security Operations Center.

I think Mr. Tom Clancy made a tv sitcom years ago, "Operations Center" which is what our country needs to stay ahead of the extremist that would do harm against our country.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

AR in Washington, DC writes:

We still believe that, the United States should not let its desire for secure oil resources obscure its goal of expanding democracy in Post-Soviet countries, like Azerbaijan, which will hold parliamentary elections in autumn 2010.

BTW, this country has never had a free election. Instead, Heydar Aliyev took command in a 1993 coup after the fall of the Soviet Union. His son Ilham, the current president, ascended to power after a fraudulent election in 2003. Aliyev has cultivated ties with the Bush administration by cooperating with American counter-terrorism efforts and reliably exporting oil and natural gas.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

LC in U.S.A. writes:

Free Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito

End the Wars in Afghanistan & Iraq

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Carissa in Texas writes:

END the 7 year genocide and hurtful rapes, 2+ million deaths, and starvation by the Sudan army in Darfur. UN and AU unite and work together to :
1. 1.Immediately press for multilateral targeted sanctions against Sudan and government officials at the UN Security Council.
2. Press for immediate and full deployment and logistical support of the UNAMID peacekeeping force.
3.Press for immediate deployment of EUFOR, the EU peacekeeping force for Eastern Chad.

End the "Devils on Horseback"!

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Eric in New Mexico writes:

I mentioned to my dad that it seems Al-Quaida has matasticized into a beaurocracy and thus has become incompetent in its implementation.

He replied, "Could be."

Now the question above is qualified by the word "should" in reference to what may or may not become an issue, and maybe we should make this an issue by creating better conditions for their incompetence, seeing as how we could just as soon be questioning ourselves after a tragic event.

While at the same time, the philosopher in me reflects on the fact that the civilized world is again witness to the fact that not even the most prestigious education can prevent terminal stupidity from becoming a career path for some.

In fact it is the governments that sponsor terror that keep al-quaida from running out of bullets and willing idiots, for they would have run out of human and financial resources long before this.

The Iranian people are not involved in a simple protest, they are out in the street trying to preserve some semblance of sanity within the Iranian cultural idiom, and constitutional order. This is about self preservation of anything decent and civilized in their value structure, and there is this concept that drives them we as Americans can identify with, and should support with all available resource.

Because at its root, what they are fighting against is terrorism itself, and that is self evident by the regime's own actions in Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan....just about anyplace on Earth there is terrorism, the Iranian government aids and abets it through material means, commits terrorism on its own citizens, and the body of evidence to these crimes against humanity SHOULD now be presented in the UN as an international issue of the highest order, as these actions also stand directly against all the good work done in conflict resolution that the UN is engaged in globally.

Failure to take imminent corrective action will cost more lives in the long run than taking the direct route of declaring war and removing the regime from power next week, as a collective international mission to end the sponsorship of terrorism on a global level.

We are witness to the beginnings of cival war in Iran, and this is not the time to be fence-sitting, hoping for diplomacy to save the day, or wait for sanction to fail to work, again and again. Eventually one must be convinced "behavior change" just isn't in their vocabulary.

Frankly sportsfans, peace on Earth is in the play-offs, or at least hangs in the balance, so in this new decade we better start getting serious about nations that publicly advertize government recruitment of wannabe martyrs in state-run publications, and send terrorist missionaries abroad to recruit them directly out of their embassies.

(the things one learns from the inside, playing the part as a friend so boldly did in a visit to an Iranian embassy)

This issue is not in the "should" catagory- per se....simply because it has been designated "inevitable" by the regime's design.

It only takes one to start a war.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Karina in Florida writes:

I would say the top priority should be to unrelentingly bring the unemployment rate down in the U.S., but speaking about foreign affairs, America needs to be more culturally open-minded and focus on rebuilding its image with humbleness.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Jeannette in Pennsylvania writes:

To see Amanda and Raffaele freed this year to go back to their families.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Tom in Maryland writes:

To stop the horrifying 21st century witch hunt of Amanda Knox. This case is a threat to all of our civil liberties. The worst case of predatory journalism I've ever scene. Justice by rank speculation with no evidence required.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

John in Greece writes:

@ Donald in Virginia -- Indeed extremely thought provoking post as always. However, “tough debate.”

There are 2 schools of thinking on this. At least as I understand it:

School1.: (they say) If we concentrate all Services in 1, we can have a better collaboration. This circle of thinkers say that we wouldn’t have suffered from 9/11 if all Services were in touch. It’s a thought!

School2.: (they say) Nevertheless, if you concentrate everything in 1 you have to deal with a major national security problem. If someone put some "rats" in your “house”, you are “dead”. It’s a fact!

So, I’d go with the old school of thinking. Neither a 5gon, nor a 8gon. I think that the “16 way to go” school of math is the most wise. Only this way you can detect “rats."

Obviously, I vote 4 2X8 all of which makes us 16! (ways to be sure about the truth)

Best Regards Sir and HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Sorrel in New York writes:

Unbalanced sex ratios, especially on the Indian subcontinent. Large numbers of young men who are both beset by extreme poverty and unable to integrate into adult society through the mechanism of marriage, should be viewed as a global security concern. Many wonderful scholars have and continue to address this issue, but it seems to receive remarkably little attention in the- forgive the phrase- mainstream media. It seems to get even less attention in what might be called the public consciousness. One hopes to see not just a continuation of efforts to address this issue, but increased attempts to make the average citizen more aware and informed.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Ueremia A. in U.S.A. writes:

TO ELIMINATE TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Donald in Virginia writes:

NATIONAL SECURITY

1. Protecting our homeland and ensuring adequate secuirty measures are in place to deal with the extremist who intend to do harm against our Nation.

2. OCTAGON - In Geometry it's an eight sided shape. What I can visualize is the creation of HOMELAND SECURITY OCTAGON having all of our major Security agencies located in one OCTAGON building. The CIA, FBI, DSA, NSA, Including the four branches of US Military intelligence all working and combing actual intelligence, this would be far smarter centralizing all of our Secuirty Agencies, so they all can stay on the same page.

3. The Pentagon is good, but with the OCTAGON can operate on its own like an Operations Center for all Homeland Security Issues and addressing current threats, issuing warrants, and providing the best possible security means to the highest office in our Nation.

4. The Field Offices can still be used, but the OCTAGON HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER would be the first line of defense for our Nation.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Donald K. in Texas writes:

Be considerate of your neighbors and friends. Lend a helping hand to the many vetrans who served our country. Leave no man behind!!! The world knows Amanda Knox is Innocent; so send her Home!!! FREE AN INNOCENT AMANDA KNOX!!

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Jeff B. in Virginia writes:

Amanda Knox. This young American student was railroaded into prison without a fair trial by a foreign ‘justice’ system that assumes suspects guilty unless proven innocent. Proof of guilt ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ is a concept they apparently don’t understand. Wild speculation, flimsy ‘evidence’ and media hype was sufficient. Clearly, anti-Americanism played a significant part.

Until this issue is resolved, I don’t care about Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, N. Korea, health care or fixing the economy. If the U.S. government allows this young woman’s life (and the lives of her family) to be unjustly destroyed without lifting a finger to help, then it has no moral authority to do anything else. The U.S. has a responsibility to protect its citizens from this kind of abuse and if our government abandons Amanda Knox, then for the first time in my life, and after twenty-four years of military service, then I am ashamed of my country.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Ron in New York writes:

Heart of the U.S. Mission: Global Ethics

2010 should mark the start of a program of Global Ethics. With the implementation of this program, we will see many other opportunities and challenges come into better focus and balanced perspective.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Adelchi in Italy writes:

First Amanda knox and Raffaele Sollecito has to be freed.

Second USA immigration law must require a good heart, honesty, loyalty, good moral and spiritual values, from people who are applying for the green card, USA dont need investors or people with particualar skills. Needs good people. I am a good person do you hear me?

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Matthew R. in Wisconsin writes:

The Amanda Knox case in Italy!

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Tom in New Jersey writes:

The return of a NJ boy after 5 1/2 years of unlawful retention in Brazil has finally focused media attention on the growing problem of international child abduction. There are currently about 2800 American children held hostage in various countries around the world, including 65 more in Brazil. The US State Dept needs stronger tools to deal with this problem and our legislators need to pass laws to address this issue. Bills like HR3240 and HR2702 need to be pushed through the legislative process with utmost urgency.

This serious problem will only get worse if not addressed, and the victims are our most vulnerable citizens, our children.

The Goldman case demonstrates that appropriate efforts can indeed be successful, but it should not take 5 1/2 years to get a just resolution to a child abduction case.

The solution is readily available with concerned efforts of our government. Do not allow lack of effort and apathy to preserve the status quo for these innocent victims of international child abducton.

Posted on Sat Jan 02, 2010

Robert in Florida writes:

Corporate Criminality

The US abandoned Royalty and Baronies in 1776 but they have come creeping back and threaten to overwhelm even the concept of National Government. Eventually they become "Too big to fail" and "Too big to oppose" but no one dares to say "too big to exist".

The first Step must be a special Prosecutorial team to prosecute and jail all persons in charge of corporate conspiracies to sell or cover up fraud and murder from the Vioxx case to the mass environmental disasters like Bophal. Any decent civil litigation lawyer can point to a hundred grievous cases where massive death and destruction was protected because the corporation was at fault and the people involved felt immune.

Corporate Governance

There is no such thing as "Free Enterprise" where there are no rules but only Government enforced rules that till now have only been written by those wishing to protect only themselves. As a result it is not a surprise that CEO's who are supposedly only hirelings of the investors are walking off with what is often more income than the entire Corporation managed to net.

It is possible to create a path for the emergence of the new Argentine style of Corporation that is owned and operated by all the people who work there in an American style Democracy that all levels of management are elected by those below.

Posted on Fri Jan 01, 2010

Bob in Florida writes:

The Science Commons

a Chemicals - There was a time when most research was funded and run by the Government. Folks like the EPA went out and measured what was happening themselves, and HEW did basic research on chemicals to find beneficial and harmful chemicals like penicillin that drug companies competed to produce at the best quality and price.

There needs to be a return to Government research labs to build unbiased data in all fields. It can be easily paid for by charging a tax on all use of Government patents for private profit like the penicillin. Or taxing income from private patents funded by government research. Just collecting what is already owed would go a very long way to paying those bills.

b Biology- like the drugs genetic engineering all exists on the shoulders of research of hundreds of years, and like the Chemical and Drug Industries the Socialized dreams painted of abundant food and health have become unsocialized nightmares as power and profit rule ahead of social good.

Today one only has to patent a gene, even if it is detrimental overall, and have it spread to the entire ecosystem to be able to sue everyone in possession of the gene for patent infringement and control an entire food source. Such is the case with Soybeans, Corn, and many major crops. Instead it must be the patent holder that is responsible for the gene spread, that if the gene spreads beyond the control of the patent holder the patent cannot be enforced.

The Knowledge Commons

We need every brain with the chops to manage the maximum contribution possible lest we all go the way of every previous civilization.

So what is needed is an Internet based National education program that anyone can obtain the knowledge and have a means of certifying that knowledge.

To open a well planned and managed system that organized what the Internet already makes available, and added all the libraries and other forms of commons would leapfrog the entire civilization. Limiting the current copyright and fair use laws back to sanity would also be a necessary step.

Posted on Fri Jan 01, 2010

Bob in Florida writes:

The entire world is United as never since 9-11 and the time is now to unite it more by doing the right thing and not disappoint and wreck all that has been gained. Here are ten things that can put us on that track.

#1 Justice

A. Do no harm, or perhaps better put, stop doing harm. There must be a lawyers committee to seek out all activities that the Bush Administration was doing that violate ethics, the Constitution, the law, human decency, and the Geneva Conventions and call a halt to all of it.

B.To allow all that has happened in the past eight years to pass uninvestigated much less prosecuted is to ensure that it will happen again and soon and very much worse, just as Bill Clinton not pursuing the facts of Iran Contra and the S&L bomb gave us Enron, Bush2, and the current economic meltdown.

Fortunately there are people who have been looking at most of the details for several years now. It would not be a problem to sort them out and organize a program that will find wrong doers and have a Special Prosecutor sort out

#2 Honor

A.The War on Totalitarian Theocracy - There is no war on "terror"! Terrorism is a technique. The only one open to anyone fighting overlords (like the Founding Fathers)and/or seeking to become them (like in Iran). It is used because it is effective, and because the military is the worst way to fight it.

It is not a war on Muslims. This is not about fundamentalist religion but eliminationism, Bin Laden or C-Street, they do not want negotiation but conquest. But they cannot be defeated by military but only on the field of ideas. It is only there that they are poorly armed. Attacked they swim in a sea of supporters, defending their policies they are a fish out of water as few would support if they knew the facts.

Unfortunately Israel is also led by Neocons and Theocrats. One cannot support the freedom, safety, and democracy of Israelis and at the same time support those who would use a perpetual war on Muslims, to give and keep themselves in power, and there will be no peace as long as Gaza is a concentration camp. The choice is only Apartheid or Secularity where there can be NO favored religion, the only other choice is the German path of extermination, and final solution, and I don't think even the most theocratic Jew could live with that.

3. Real Socialism- Not Soviet "government owns everything" "Socialism" but Socialized Person / child/ dog Socialism (the Soviets also claimed they were democracies. Why didn't everyone think one was as phony as the other?)My understanding of Socialism is an agreement to all work for a world where every person can contribute at their highest ability. That a person who has the talent to invent the solution to world energy needs not find themselves on the night shift of a 7-11 because their path was blocked on social or financial grounds. And not just the stars like that but at every level the whole society benefits if each person is as productive as they can be.

1. The National Bureau of Standards - One very great place that the Government can be crucial and reinvigorate the auto industry, as well as create industries as yet undreamed of is to rebuild the National Bureau of Standards to take back Government primarity of standards that corporations work to create their own standards to control and thus limit free trade, often crushing competition.

By taking control of everything from Computer Operating systems to bolt patterns on car parts, so that there was one published standard or a limited group of standards, managed as the GNU software is managed or the way that any hard drive fits in any computer, than any garage mechanic could produce the next generation of Green Car and become the American Honda.

2. The Electronic Commons

a. The Internet Al Gore was right that the government must create and defend a major Internet backbone that no other entity foreign or domestic can rule that Internet. Do that and demand Net Neutrality but allow other backbones as we have both USPS and FedEx will keep all sides honest and competitive.

A national investment in targeted satellite WiFi would also be a major leap that no NGO could do or should control that backed up with a program to make Internet available to every person no matter who or where, and especially backed up with a national education program that anyone could have college graduate level knowledge just by spending the time to learn it.

b. The Electromagnetic Spectrum - The electromagnetic spectrum is a limited resource, and more importantly it is one home to the font of information that our society bases it's Democracy. If that is captured Democracy fails, as indeed it would have even now but for the rise of the Internet to provide a surprise alternative. The ownership of even two television stations, or other media is a restraint of trade.





There is more here http://tinyurl.com/modsug

Posted on Fri Jan 01, 2010

Christine in California writes:

Please bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Posted on Fri Jan 01, 2010