Kerry, Hagel urge ‘transatlantic renaissance’ to confront political and security challenges
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/kerry-and-hagel-urge-transatlantic-renaissance-to-confront-security-challenges-abroad/2014/02/01/3009599a-8b3a-11e3-a5bd-844629433ba3_story.html
Secretary of State John F. Kerry, left, and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speak before addressing the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel.
Kerry, Hagel urge transatlantic renaissance to confront political and security challenges
By Craig Whitlock, Published: February 1
MUNICH In an unusual joint appearance overseas, Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told European allies Saturday that Washington would depend more heavily on them to tackle a litany of political and security crises, even as the two pushed back against concerns that the Obama administration was abdicating leadership on the same issues.
The two senior members of Obamas Cabinet told a gathering of world leaders, business executives, journalists and others at the annual Munich Security Conference that a transatlantic renaissance was necessary to confront an array of challenges, from climate change to violent extremism in the Middle East and collapsing states in Africa.
In contrast with past lectures from U.S. officials, Kerry and Hagel did not hector European countries to simply boost military spending or send more troops to hot spots around the world. Instead, the U.S. leaders exhibited an uncommon measure of humility, gently urging rather than exhorting their European allies to work together to project their influence over Syria, Iran and Afghanistan.
In order to meet todays challenges both near and far, America needs a strong Europe, and Europe needs a committed and engaged America, Kerry said. That means turning inward is not an option for any of us. When we lead together, others will join us. But when we dont, the simple fact is few are prepared or willing to step up.