Obama redefines national security strategy, looks beyond military might

[Robb]

Source: Washington Post

In a broad redefinition of U.S. strategic priorities, President Obama has said that the United States must revitalize its own economic, moral and innovative strength if it is to continue to lead the world.

Just as it did following World War II, the United States today must also shape a new international order and system of global institutions that reflect a 21st century reality in which "America's greatness is not assured," Obama says in a 52-page "National Security Strategy" released Thursday morning.

"As we fight the wars in front of us, we must see the horizon beyond them," he writes in an introduction to the document. "To get there, we must pursue a strategy of national renewal and global leadership -- a strategy that rebuilds the foundation of American strength and influence."

(snip)

Military superiority must be maintained and "the United States remains the only nation able to project and sustain large-scale military operations over extended distances," the document says. But "when we overuse our military might, or fail to invest in or deploy complementary tools, or act without partners," it said, "then our military is overstretched. Americans bear a greater burden, and our leadership around the world is too narrowly identified with military forces."

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/27/AR2010052701044.html?hpid=topnews

[ShortnFiery]

1. Newsflash: The rest of the work already KNOWS that we're the biggest bad asses on the planet.

We don't need to occupy third world countries and threaten their neighbors in order to prove the bloody obvious. :crazy:

[icee]

2. Another nice speech, signifying nothing.

[blueclown]

3. Meanwhile, more troops get sent to Afghanistan every day.

[paparush]

4. Yes, and another $30B in funding.

[Robb]

5. There were 170,000 troops in Iraq ALONE in 2008.

There aren't that many in BOTH theaters today. And they're well out of Iraq, 90K and falling.

[zipplewrath]

6. If you consider 90k "well"

You're splittin' some might fine hairs here. There are about a combined 180K right now, depending upon what day you are referring. They are STILL increasing the numbers in Afghanistan. These totals and splits are in constant motion and the numbers in Iraq are going down faster than they are increasing in Afghanistan.

But in the end, despite how you do the accounting, none of these actions seem all that consistent with this new rhetoric. It does tend to feed the image of "Obama the great Orator".

[madrchsod]

7. oh well another meaningless speech.....

[Robb]

8. It's a printed report, actually.

Perhaps you should read the article before jumping straight into the talking points, mm?

[swilton]

9. Joseph Nye

used the term 'soft power' vs. 'hard power' (military might) in the 90's.

I agree with the concept now I would like to see some tangible actions of what Obama plans to do YESTERDAY.

[Iowa]

10. Blah, blah, blah...

The master of empty words. Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy.