Barnett’s foreign policy top 10 “wish list” for 2007
I really liked Thomas Barnett’s 2007 “wish list” of foreign policy events. These aren’t necessary predictions, but rather things he hopes will happen. Check out the article; here’s the abbreviated list, in my words:
10. Fidel Castro’s death
9. Better leadership in France (just about anyone will do)
8. Lasting commitment by Pentagon in Africa, the next stronghold of the global Salafi jihadist movement
7. Russia’s Vladamir Putin steps down rather than trying to retain power
6. CentCom replacement who is as competent as the highly prescient John Abizaid but who also is given more freedom to do what needs to be done
5. Deal with Syrian leadership to make that country a regional stakeholder rather than employing the ol’ “isolating the enemy” tactic (which has never worked very well)
4. Targeting Iran to make that country a regional stakeholder while, again, eschewing the ineffective “isolationist” tactic
3. Agreement between Iraqi Kurds and Shiites on acceptable strong leadership to crush (primarily Sunni) insurgency & establish security and semi-autonomous rule in the 3 divided Iraqi provinces
2. Establishment of East Asian equivalent of NATO; Chinese plans to overthrow N Korean leadership & reform country
1. Good leadership by new defense secretary (Robert Gates) who is willing to put more defense spending where it’s needed: ground troops & nation-building resources rather than big, expensive weapons systems
That’s my summary, but Barnett is far more eloquent than I am, so check out his article. Enjoy.
October 11th, 2007 at 7:42 am
I couldn’t have said it better myself! Thanks a lot!!!