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Eminentoes
Secretary Kerry’s Maiden Voyage
Did Obama know he would be so Eurocentric?
Former Senator John Kerry has a long-standing reputation as someone lacking an ear for the minor key. He seems to be tone-deaf, not a good thing in the vicar of American foreign policy. In his abortive run for president in 2004, it was the little things: wife Teresa, the wealthy widow of Heinz ketchup heir John Heinz made it clear she wasn’t going to adjust her extravagant lifestyle whether her new husband got elected or not. The photo of candidate Kerry taking a break from his campaign to go windsurfing off the Massachusetts coast left Joe Sixpack perplexed. And asking for Swiss cheese on his Philly cheesesteak probably lost him at least the eastern half of Pennsylvania.
Kerry has long coveted the job of Secretary of State, and now he has it. Unfortunately, he got it on the heels of Hillary Clinton, who had already set a clear course for the nation’s foreign policy, a course designed in concert with the Obama White House. That course was signaled by her inaugural visits to the Pacific Rim nations of Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and China itself. Now Secretary Kerry, on his inaugural foreign junket, has not only turned his back on the Pacific Rim in favor of hugging fractious Europe and jumping back into the Middle East quagmire, but counseled his European audiences not to put too much stock in the Pacific focus, cf. “you know — people called it the pivot, right?”
Policy analysts in other nations spend their lives poring over every statement, every bit of minutiae that may signal the intentions of the United States. Policy analysts in the United States do the same with other great powers: during the Cold War, the term “Kremlinologist” came into vogue as a short-hand description of those who tried to read the intentions of the Soviet leadership. Today, Kremlinology has been replaced by Sinology, as our analysts assess every phrase of every statement uttered by every Chinese official of any stature whatsoever.
Consistency in foreign policy is not simply a virtue; it is a vital component of the national security. Inconsistency in this realm is jarring to others; it troubles the defense establishments of those nations that see the United States as a real or potential adversary. It raises the risk of miscalculation in foreign capitals.[1] It offers the prospect of confrontation.
So, it is a real question why Secretary Kerry is pirouetting around Europe, speaking derisively of the policy of paying greater attention to our interests in the Pacific, and dropping in first on the British Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street. Is our relationship with England that shaky? Are there matters engaging France or Germany that can’t be managed by our ambassadors in those capitals? Kerry was raised in Europe, the son of a diplomat, schooled in Switzerland, speaks French and German, and apparently some Italian — which may go far toward explaining those stops on his itinerary.
But they don’t go far toward explaining the downgrading of the Pacific Rim. Here, U.S. allies are saber-rattling over claims to islands and their resources in claimed territorial waters. China is in a parlous state as it changes heads of government, and seeks to bring its military power in line with its economic power. North Korea is pressing on with refining its nuclear capability while developing the means to deliver it not merely regionally but globally. And our Eurocentric Secretary of State is taking tea with David Cameron. What is China’s Xi Jinping to make of it? What is Vladimir Putin to think?
But the Secretary’s journey is not restricted to Europe. Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar are also on his itinerary. It is difficult to overstate the importance of Turkey to the NATO Alliance, although Washington, D.C. seems sometimes to forget the fact that Turkey is a NATO ally. Kerry took the opportunity of his stop in Ankara to lecture Prime Minister Erdogan on the latter’s equation of anti-Muslim bias with Zionism and anti-Semitism. It was the reference to Zionism that raised hackles in Israel, which responded accordingly. Kerry’s rebuke contributed nothing constructive to his talks in Ankara, nor to relations between the U.S. and Turkey nor, for that matter, to relations between Turkey and Israel. So, what was the point?
Finally, Kerry seems bent on intervening in Syria, a position he does share with his predecessor, Mrs. Clinton, who also felt the need to leap into the mess in Syria. The White House did not support her on this. It remains to be seen whether it will support Secretary Kerry. Some non-lethal aid has already been provided. We shall soon discover whether that constitutes a foot on the slippery slope leading to full-scale U.S. involvement in that conflict, with all the dangers that will involve.
It is no secret that John Kerry was not President Obama’s first choice for Secretary of State. His preference was for U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. Events have prevented anyone from learning whether Rice was qualified for the job; the consensus everywhere except in the Oval Office was that she was not. But that is a moot point now. The issue now is whether John Kerry is qualified for the job. In a time when the United States is trying to extract its battered forces from two war zones and to reset its defense capabilities, Secretary Kerry’s self-indulgent first steps are not reassuring.
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[1] In a speech before the National Press Club in January 1950, Secretary of State Dean Acheson appeared to suggest that South Korea lay outside the United States’ sphere of interest. There is a substantial body of thought holding that Russia’s misapprehension of Acheson’s remarks led directly to the Korean War.
Photo: UPI
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MelvinNC| 3.5.13 @ 7:50AM
I suppose one must keep in mind that the good people of the Pacific Rim don't speak French. Mr. Kerry more in likely wet himself when he finally was able to show the world his prowess with the French language.
I'll be frank here. Europe is dying a long a protracted self-inflicted suicide. For the life of me, I find it inconceivable that our political dunces here can't figure that out on their own.
There was no need for John Kerry to tour the world displaying his credentials. He has been a lifelong politician for how long. I think the world is very aware of Mr. Kerry's credentials already or then again a lack of.
For most of my adult life my attention and in the performance of my duties has dealt with the good people of the Pacific Rim. They don't trust us anymore to keep the Chinese boogy man away.
"Well it's not our job." Well, yes it is and we got handed that job, and it was called World War Two. Then it became our job.
Old Pan Face is going to be as effective at Old broad butt, world traveler extraordinaire her croneness Hillary Clinton.
That woman couldn't make cookies, if someone handed her the pan with em on it.
Stephie| 3.5.13 @ 8:24AM
After all, he IS John Francois Kerry
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 12:03PM
Soon it is Arabic you will need to speak in order to communicate with the people living in Europe.
Occam's Tool| 3.6.13 @ 1:53PM
Markenoff: too friggin' true, my friend, too damn true.
Al Adab| 3.5.13 @ 8:33AM
A little late to ask if Kerry is qualified to be Sec of State. Clearly the unindicted traitor is not, except in the mind of an administration, and a Dem/Left Senate that obeys rather than advises, that believes the United States is a problem rather than a force for good in the modern world.
Each and every cabinet nomination of late represents the ideology rather than the competence of this administration.
Hardcard| 3.5.13 @ 8:40AM
You spelled it wrong it's jean francois heinz kerry, some say catsup, and others ketchup. This POS is swift boating around the EU on the way to Egypt and obamao jdingo's brotherhood to drop off the payments to morsi (F16's and our tax $$$). Maybe he can get that mega yacht docked in the EU someplace. What ever happened to his Elmer Fudd hunting cap? Tally Ho MF!!!
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 12:04PM
He is an expert at marrying other men's money.
TLP| 3.5.13 @ 9:27AM
Melvin is absolutely right, in his ASSessment of Secretary @SS. He probably DID wet himself when he got to Parlez Francais at the Restaurant, as he asked for an order of Freedom Fries in a Bearnaise Sauce, and a small container of Beurre Blance Sauce, in case he ran into Miss Delaware, standing outside the Super Huit Hotel.
If you ask me? I think he's the perfect choice for the Arabist State Department, from President Shared Sacrifice. President $2 Billion in Vacation Costs to the Taxpayers, has just replaced a Multi-Millionaire Know Nothing, with a Billionaire Knows even Less.
Obviously, President Narccissist (whom we all know HATES Millionaires and Billionaires) likes to keep his Friends close and his Enemies Closer. (in case he needs some money.
Kerry hails from the Uber Liberal State of Massachusetts, where they Hate the Jews even more than they Hate the Blacks. Where Live Kennedy's are worth way more than the Dead Girls they leave to die in their Submerged Car. And where Sales Taxes on Brand New Luxury Yachts and Docking Fees for Brand New Luxury Yachts are for SUCKERS and not Billionaire Senators on their second Rich Widow and counting.
He's been in Congress since the 70's, and what has he done that will stand the Test of Time, other than "Voting for it, before Voting against it", and his most recent Pear of Wisdom in his effort to Reassure the World.
"In America, people have the right to be Stupid."
And, there's your proof.
loulou| 3.5.13 @ 9:34AM
Why the long face? Because Kerry was hit with an ugly stick. He needs to wear a bag over his head.
Sorry everybody for addressing Kerry's appearance and not his character (poor) and his policies. I couldn't resist. I had a shallow superficial moment.
Stephie| 3.5.13 @ 11:09AM
It's okay Loulou. We all fall off the wagon every now and then. I did yesterday and was brought back to my senses by one of our wiser contributors here at AS. Forgive yourself. We do :-)
Bob Grant| 3.5.13 @ 5:54PM
Oh, but I though Kerry was a trophy husband? A kept man?
How does Horseyface pull that off?
Occam's Tool| 3.6.13 @ 1:54PM
We can tell Kerry will be a problem because of his long feces.
cicero| 3.5.13 @ 9:54AM
To question whether Kerry is qualified to be Secr. of State is to answer that question. This guy has not been qualified for any position he has ever held. That is the beauty of a democracy. The majority can elect anyone they want into positions of power over them (and the rest of us). Now we have Kerry traipsing all over the world announcing that his country is a nation of fools. After all, they ahve put him in positions of power for decades.
I have no doubt that these fools will get us into aonother war, fighting people that we have no business even talking to. The only possible reason for talking to the Arab League countries is that their oil was at one time vital to the economies of the world. Now that we know that the world is floating on the stuff, that reason is gone. The only reason for dealing with the European nations, is for sentimental reasons. They were old friends, at one time. Now, they are a pathetic shell of what they once were, and hell bent on committing suicide. The Pacific countries are intent on testing their new ability to make war on anybody near enough to be threatened. We are living in a new world, and sending emmissaries out into it who haven't had a new idea in decades. They are all posture, and no substance. We are in trouble.
SUBVET| 3.5.13 @ 10:00AM
Today this TRAITOR says he will get to the bottom of benghazi..........maybe he will ask the traitor bitch jane fonda to help him.
folks you can't make this sh*t up.....we live in a most unusual time....it seems we will have to watch this circle jerk implode....
Any thoughts on the supreme courts decision on CA prop 8.....????
Herd on Rush yesterday that if you can't pay your med bill the government can take your house...the law was passed a few years back.
one brick at a time............
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 12:06PM
He's out looking for the real terrorists....kind of like OJ looking for the real killer.
atilla| 3.5.13 @ 10:16AM
THE quintessential empty suit…john effffing kerry
atilla| 3.5.13 @ 10:29AM
This whole regime in D.C. is gonna prove very disastrous for this country.
We could not have placed more unqualified and anti-American people in powerful positions.
The sane people in Washington, IF THERE ARE ANY, should keep their eyes on the levers of power until someone starts the ball rolling for IMPEACHMENT.
When you hear questions like "Will America survive?"; you have to be numb NOT to think the situation is that grave to most people.
THAT QUESTION WOULD SOUND SERIOUS EVEN IF IT WERE ASKED AFTER REGIME CHANGE.
ASKING IT WHILE THESE TRAITORS ARE STILL IN POWER SEEMS INCOMPREHENSIBLE!!!
Riff Raff| 3.5.13 @ 11:11AM
Interesting question, whether John Kerry is "qualified" to be Secretary of State. According to the US Constitution, he is. According to justice and common sense, he clearly is not. John Kerry went to Paris to negotiate with the North Viet Namese government, during the Viet Nam War. He was neither commissioned to perform this task, nor was he any kind of emissary of the US government. He was in fact STILL a uniformed Officer of the US Navy. This makes his actions in "negotiating" with the North Viet Namese government an act of Treason. John Kerry should be spending his life in prison, not galavanting around the globe as Secretary of State. But no Administration since Viet Nam has seen fit to charge Kerry with the crimes he has admitted to committing, and for which there is ample evidence. I would to say that Kerry is a Traitor Secretary fo State for a Traitor Administration, except that Barack Obama can not even prove that he is a US citizen (natural born or otherwise), so realistically, Obama can't be accused of Treason against a nation he has never been loyal to in the first place. Suffice it to say that we will never see justice until this entire Administration is wearing orange jumpsuits and manacles.
Hardcard| 3.5.13 @ 11:18AM
you spelled pearl wrong. no GED for you!!
TLP| 3.5.13 @ 11:28AM
No. I spelled "Pear" correctly.
It's just that I wanted Pearl, instead of Pear.
I think they call that: An Enigma, and that's considered an "En Word" and only other Enigmas are allowed to use it.
Gesundheit.
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 12:07PM
You spelled enema wrong.
TLP| 3.5.13 @ 2:41PM
You spelled "Cinema" wrong.
atilla| 3.6.13 @ 10:04AM
ENEMA IS CORRECTLY SPELLED OBAMA
Buck Ofama| 3.5.13 @ 5:12PM
Well, if we can't use the EN word, how about NIGNERAMOUS? Can we use that?
Jim Adcox| 3.5.13 @ 11:25AM
Louis XIV: "L'etat, c'est moi."
John Kerry: "Le cluster, c'est moi."
Baracko Mussolini: "Apres moi, le deluge. Devant moi, le choom!"
Crassus| 3.5.13 @ 11:29AM
John Kerry served in Vietnam. Let's all remember that.
Stephie| 3.5.13 @ 1:28PM
"And he won 2 purple hearts..."
Jib Jab
atilla| 3.6.13 @ 10:06AM
I THOUGHT IT WES THREE, NO?
Buck Ofama| 3.5.13 @ 5:17PM
Yes, the poodle served really well... the piece of sh1t served up a nice traitorous statement regarding the evil USA. The commie rats loved it then, and the commie rat Ovomit loves it today. This is why the chief c0cksucker appointed Kerry to be his bowing, groveling, sucking proxy. Now Ovomit can be the poodle's tutor. Maybe they'll both get stains on their suits.
markenoff| 3.5.13 @ 12:09PM
John Kerry is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.
Crassus| 3.5.13 @ 2:18PM
John Kerry is more powerful than a locomotive, faster than a speeding bullet, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Not to mention that his flatulence smells like Chanel No. 5.
Al Adab| 3.5.13 @ 3:24PM
But he clearly does not stand for Truth, Justice and the American way.
atilla| 3.6.13 @ 10:07AM
SHIRLEY YOU JEST!!!
Intelligent Design| 3.5.13 @ 4:12PM
Kerry's mindset is that of a perpetual prep school student debating world events inside a brick schoolhouse with leaded glass windows in a rural setting in New England. He is a smug, feckless, bungling dilettante who dreamed of being president. Along with the ignorant, arrogant, Impostor in the White House, he will destroy any remaining semblance of credible American foreign policy, undermining our national security in the process.
Buck Ofama| 3.5.13 @ 5:11PM
> he will destroy any remaining semblance of credible American foreign policy, undermining our national security in the process.
Look on the bright side: the weakening of our national security might lead to serendipitous results.
aware| 3.5.13 @ 4:44PM
Trilateralist, CFR, Bilderberger, Bohemian Grove, Skull and Bones.
Of course he's "qualified". You might even say "groomed". The puppet masters are changing the puppets.
Buck Ofama| 3.5.13 @ 5:09PM
So, the chief apologizer has appointed an emissary made in his own image. The clone is a sniveling anti-American apologizer, who will now continue the chief apologizer's embarrassing juvenile show of going around the world bowing, groveling and sucking.
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Mnestheus| 3.6.13 @ 2:21AM
We can't have francophone diplomats speaking French on the Pacific Rim- who knows what they might get up to
Occam's Tool| 3.6.13 @ 1:55PM
He fits in well with the State Department, well known for a very long time as a Den of Traitors.