So, how's the 'smart power' thing working for you? Clinton Praises Partnership Between State-Defense

04.30.2009

"Secretary Gates and I are here together because our departments' missions are aligned and our plans are integrated," Clinton said today as she and Defense Secretary Gates testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee about the $83.4 billion fiscal 2009 supplemental war-funding request.

U.S. foreign policy is built upon defense, diplomacy and development, Clinton said. "The men and women in our armed forces perform their duties with courage and skill, putting their lives on the line time and time again on behalf of our nation. And in many regions, they serve alongside civilians from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, as well as other government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture."

State Department employees work with service members in two ways, Clinton said. In Iraq and Afghanistan, they build on military efforts. They also use diplomatic and development tools to build more stable and peaceful societies, "hopefully to avert or end conflict that is far less costly in lives and dollars than military action," she said.

The United States faces serious challenges around the world, Clinton said. These include two wars, political uncertainty in the Middle East, the nuclear ambitions of North Korea and Iran, an economic crisis, terrorism, climate change and trafficking in drugs and human beings.

"These challenges require new forms of outreach and cooperation within our own government and then with others as well," she said. "To achieve this, we have launched a new diplomacy powered by partnership, pragmatism and principle . . . "


read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=33065


related:

April 30, 2009
Clinton brags on 100-day accomplishments
The State Department posted on its website a lengthy recitation of her accomplishments so far
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/dos/122390.htm

but then I hate to see branches of government merge with the military. Soon the state becomes the military or is that the other way around?

But, there's definitely a different dynamic of interests from this administration (reflected in Clinton's efforts so far) and a more sincere push to forge and maintain working relationships abroad.

What I want to see is a measurable shift in resources and focus on the diplomatic and humanitarian and a step back from the military forces' adoption of traditional State Dept. roles and activities. There's a real threat of the military ambition and activity overshadowing the diplomatic efforts, so, I'm as wary as you about the 'partnership' expressed, no matter how reasonably presented by the Secretary.

responsible for this move?


"In an unprecedented move, the Bureau of International Women’s Issues now reports directly to the Secretary through Melanne Verveer, recently confirmed as Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues."


from your link.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/dos/122390.htm


State Department 100-Day Report

BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Washington, DC
April 29, 2009
..................

Other Core Issues

Throughout recent trips and Secretary Clinton’s early work at the State Department, she has highlighted core issues topping the list of the Administration’s priorities. Wherever possible, these issues are emerging as a focal point that can be addressed cross-functionally through bi- and tri-lateral meetings, trips, and budgetary and personnel decisions.

Elevating Women’s Issues: In an unprecedented move, the Bureau of International Women’s Issues now reports directly to the Secretary through Melanne Verveer, recently confirmed as Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. This office will consolidate State Department efforts on behalf of women, providing elevated importance, investment, and attention. Nowhere was this elevated importance on greater display than when First Lady Michelle Obama visited the State Department to honor the International Women of Courage from around the world. Furthermore, Secretary Clinton has also deliberately reached out to women politicians, business professionals, civil society leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators while traveling around the world...................

Sec. Clinton has drawn a lot from her husband's administration in filling her posts and positions at State.

to consolidate global womens issues into an important department such as state.

i was looking for flu things and noted that the usda has a 100 day progress report also.


http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/?navid=USDA_100DAY

I think it makes more sense than having the president outline it all himself. I just included that because it was rolled out with the other presentation today - and it's a good look at how State views their priorities, ambitions, and efforts.