Engagement at Work
While much of the media focuses on the military effort in Marja, Afghanistan, the importance of engagement and diplomacy is getting notice and good results according to National Security Advisor Jim Jones. In today’s Politico, Jones said, “The president’s guidance to us is be respectful, to engage, be transparent and try to bring people into the tent so they feel part of the decision.” Special envoy to the region Richard Holbrooke commented the U.S. is forming stronger relations with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Jordan, China and Russia in dealing with Afghanistan saying, “We’re consulting with them. We’re sharing information. We’re talking about common strategic symmetry.”
Also, USAID is staffing up, and next week Sean Carroll will become USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah’s new chief of staff. Carroll was most recently program director for the Club of Madrid.
