Tuesday, November 4 was a momentous day for Republicans in the U.S. The mid-term elections resulted in a streak of red across the country signifying several Republican wins for key elected positions in many states and most notably a decisive majority in the U.S. Senate. These victories may be explained in many ways: low approval ratings for the President, lack of confidence in the Administration and government in general, dissatisfaction in political gridlock, and a growing sense that a “changing of the guard” could be helpful. Whatever the reasons why the Republicans were elected, now that they are elected, the more significant question is: what will they do now? What will be the impact of this political shift of power? And, in particular, what are the implications for geopolitics?
The President and Foreign Policy: The Significance of Running the Distance
When President Obama ran for office in his first term, his platform focused on “change” – while critics would question what change he was advocating, the general implication was a change in approach to address a series of unfortunate domestic issues from the end of President George W. Bush’s years. President Obama’s focus in both his first and second term continued to center on domestic issues – particularly stimulating the US economy and passing/implementing “Obamacare.” These efforts may have had their reasons and rationale, but they required a high degree of resources and effort both from Congress and from the White House, and resulted in highly politicized and divisive domestic policies and programs. While the cost of these efforts is high domestically, the cost may be even higher globally. Especially with recent global events including the barbaric terrorism of ISIS and the series health threats of Ebola, foreign policy and geopolitics is proving to have increased significance and growing demands for the Obama Administration.
ISIS: A New Brand of Terrorism or More of the Same?
Since September 11, 2001, terrorism is both a word and a concept that is front and center in not only government but also the daily lives of individuals and communities around the globe. Although terrorism has existed for centuries, the contemporary version of terrorism, particularly Islamist, has been a development of the past 40 years or so. While many terrorist groups and incidences currently exist, the present face of global terrorism is identified as the Islamic State (IS or ISIS). ISIS has rapidly become a focal point of both news and foreign policy not only for the U.S. but also other countries. But the question is whether ISIS presents a new brand of terrorism, requiring new approaches and new methods to address. Or, does it present more of the same of what we have experienced in the past few decades?
Two Historic Secretaries of State: Two Special Recognitions
It’s worth noting that two historic U.S. figures — former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice — were each recently recognized for their service. Both are not only respected for their role as Secretary of State, but also held in high regard by a wide circle of leaders and citizens.
Why I Said, “Yes,” to The CNN Freedom Project
We held hands as we sat on our couch in the suburbs of California. Our jaws were slack, tears raining down our cheeks by the conclusion of the news report, which explained the sale of little girls in Svay Pak, Cambodia to men who raped and tortured them. My wife turned off the television and looked at me. “Did you have any idea when we were walking the streets of Phnom Penh last week that this was going on?” she asked. “No,” I answered. “But now that we know the truth, we have to go back. We have to do something.” That was 8 years ago and my wife, Bridget, and I have lived in Cambodia ever since.