We have not been an active proponent of "Nuclear - Non-proliferation" for some time now, so how can we be surprised that additional nations have sought nuclear weapons systems. We have troops actively engaged in the Middle East, the Far East, the Philippines, Columbia and Central America. We need to reach out with more than military tools in this complex world.
There was a concensus that we must return to diplomacy and staff up our diplomatic corps. Create a new civilian volunteer corps to provide a tool set beyond the military only toolbox. Will it be dangerous from time to time, yes! Not having a full set of diplomatic tools, that is even more dangerous.
The closing remarks were centered on a final question. I'll include just two of the answers.
What are the problems that keep you up at night, that Americans may not be aware of yet.
Vin Webber offered that he is concerned that Israel cannot be restrained from attacking Iran which he believes will inevitably draw in the United States.
Richard Holbrooke walked us down a very different path. He explained that he has some business interests in the world of of international medicines ands vaccine development. The nation of Indonesia, a leader in the Non-Aligned Movement (an alliance of smaller nations left over from the Cold War) has decided to chart a course toward non-cooperation with the rest of the world in so far as genetic research. The have developed a concepts they call "VIRAL SOVEREIGNTY".
This movement toward "VIRAL SOVEREIGNTY" has begun to catch on among many of nations in the Non Aligned Movement. There is a big meeting coming early this winter, even more nations may sign on to the concept of "VIRAL SOVEREIGNTY".
(VIRAL SOVEREIGNTY refers to this issue, Indonesia is the source of more strains of Avian Flu virus than any other country in the world. Typically international researchers are provided with samples of the virus so that International Scientific teams can be brought to bear to analyze the viral agent and working together developing the fast response possible. "VIRAL SOVEREIGNTY".proponents do not want to participate in these exchanges and explain they want to do their own research. They believe that these international scientific teams exist to exploit the viruses and primarily to make money by selling the vaccine back to the nations harboring these agents.)
Holbrooke explained that should this movement succeed and expand it will greatly slow the international response to any epidemic that springs from these nations.
Who will build this better America?
It is the voters this November. It is you!
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