Us Defense Strategy

Question 1

In Secretary Gates' speech, he reiterates the current focus of the US Defense Strategy

objective from the Strategic Environment section: [U.S. dominance in conventional warfare has

given prospective adversaries, particularly non-state actors and their state sponsors, strong

motivation to adopt asymmetric methods to counter our advantages. For this reason, we need to

display a mastery of irregular warfare comparable to that which we possess in conventional

combat. We are building partner nation capacity so friends can better defend themselves].

(Sec. Gates): While preserving all of our conventional military deterrence abilities as

traditionally understood, we have become more attentive to both "hard" and "soft" elements of

national power, where military, diplomatic, economic, culture, and humanitarian elements fold

into one another to ensure better long term security based on our own capabilities and those of our

partners.

The Defense Strategy counterbalances what Sec Gates sees because it has traditionally focused

on defending the American people and winning the nations wars at all cost. Sec Gate said that

while that still holds true we are also more focused on those efforts of building strong alliances

with Asia and other countries to deter/prevent any conflicts or misunderstandings and to promote

a peaceful, tyrant free, region between alliances so as to mutually continue to prosper.

Question 2

I. Offered a positive vision of hope and opportunity that is rooted in our most basic

values.

He discussed our values that included our deep belief in freedom, and the dignity and equality

of every person and all people deserve to live in just societies that are governed by the rule of law and

free from corruption or intimidation. America has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity for

people across the world and we must continue to be that beacon of hope for a better life.

II. Sought to isolate and marginalize violent extremists who threaten the freedom and peace sought

by civilized people of every nation, culture and faith.

Conveyed the hope and values that are consistent with a free and secure society. Promoted

democratization and good governance as a path to a positive future, in secure and pluralistic societies;

Isolating and discrediting terrorist leaders, facilitators, and organizations. He de-legitimizing terror as an

acceptable tactic to achieve political ends; and demonstrated that the West is open to all religions and is

not in conflict with any faith.

III. Emphasized how America must work to nurture common interests and values between

Americans and peoples of different countries, cultures and faiths across the world.

Emphasized shared interests in expanding economic opportunity, promoting peaceful resolution

of conflicts, enhancing scientific collaboration, fighting diseases that respect no border, and

protecting our common environment. He talked about how all Asian countries whether large or

small are strongly and positively enhanced by a strong U.S. presence. He described the United

States as a Pacific nation and strongly emphasized our roles of ally partner, and friend; as a

routine offshore presence; and as an agent of professionalism and capacity in service to a range

of non-military needs, such as disaster response. He stressed that our alliances are the foundation

of our security presence, enabled and strengthened by our relationships with partners and friends.

He reminded the audience how globalization has permitted our shared rise in wealth.

Question 3

ENDS - U.S. foreign policy objectives in Somalia are to eliminate the terrorist threat and promote

political stability by supporting the establishment of a functioning central government, and to address the

humanitarian needs of the Somalia people. Our policy in the region is to eliminate any platform for al-

Qaida or other terrorist operations, to promote and support regional stability and representative

governance, to provide humanitarian assistance in the wake of a drought, flooding and 16 years of near

constant conflict in southern/central Somalia, and work with governments in the region to transform their

countries through investing in the people and good governance and promoting economic growth.

WAYS - Encourage political dialogue between the Transitional Federal Institutions and other key

Somalia stakeholders with the goal of forming an inclusive