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My synopsis:
As a continuation of Wes Clark's previous podcast (#9) on the "State of the Middle East, Clark answers questions from Iowans; and once again shares his great depth of insight regarding the Middle East: Iraq vs America's F vs C- Option; the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and the new Hamas government; and Iran on its nuclear enrichment program --- each consequential of Bush's failure in leadership and foreign policy failures with diplomacy, particularly in light of the Administrations decision to use torture, renditions and secret camps.
Overall, Clark explains why US policy in the region must change course and how to start this process; and why it's vital that America restore its credibility, standing and respect around the world through real leadership, particularly as these issues pose serious challenges to our longer term and broader national security interests. ...
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UPDATE: New Transcript is up, by RegNYC.
Excerpt:
"Panelist #1: It seems like through history whenever a Western power has involved itself in the Middle East, it's made things worse for the Western power and really hasn't hurt- helped too much in the Mid East. What do you think about a timetable to get out of Iraq?
GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: I think we should be saying as a declaratory policy that we have no permanent bases in Iraq. I don't think it's possible with as good operating practice to a fixed timetable. You can't legitimately do it unless it's in reference to events on the ground, but you can't control the events on the ground. They're a function of factors that are really out of our control. If you announced a timetable, it would only be in response to US domestic political needs. Believe me, no one wants to get out of Iraq faster than this administration does. They've been trying to get out of Iraq for three years, starting with President Bush's first visit to the aircraft carrier declaring 'Mission Accomplished'. What they've always wanted, I suspect, is a nice parade down Constitutional Avenue, like his father had, with the troops marching in formation and then the medals being pinned on, saying "Successful Conquest of another-" sorry, "Successful Deliverance of Another Country to Freedoms" banner. But it hasn't quite worked out that way. ..."
Transcript: ClarkCast 010 - Common Voices From Iowa
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"Debate, Dialogue, Discussion, Disagreement - that's not wrong -that's not unpatriotic, that's one of the highest forms of patriotism and love of country, and we need to say it!" - Gen. Wesley Clark (Ret.)