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TOPIC: Clinton launches reform of US diplomacy (AFP 12/15/10)

Jen the Michigander

SuperModerator

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Posts: 1788

Date: Dec 15, 2010

Clinton launches reform of US diplomacy (AFP 12/15/10)	Permalink

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101215/pl_afp/usdiplomacyreform_20101215184621 US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday launched a reform of US diplomacy that will turn ambassadors into corporate-like CEOs tasked with helping a country develop and avoid armed conflict. Wary of Republican calls for cost-cutting, Clinton promised that the reforms at the State Department and the US Agency for International Development, USAID, seek to "minimize costs and maximize impacts, avoid overlap and duplication." In a speech marking the first Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review, Clinton pledged to enhance America's civilian power overseas, drawing from experts not only in the State Department but across the federal government. Her speech was also a tribute to Richard Holbrooke, the US special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan who died on Monday from heart surgery, saying his work was a model for the reforms being undertaken. "Professionals at the Department of Agriculture know how to boost crop yields and irrigate fields in Kansas and in Kandahar," the chief US diplomat told State Department and USAID colleagues. "Justice Department experts are adept at strengthening rule of law in countries whose democracies are young and vulnerable," she said. "To achieve our goals -- for example, tipping a fragile state away from conflict and toward stability -- all elements of America?s civilian power must be prepared to work together," Clinton said. "This is a program of reforms that will fundamentally change the way we do business," she said. In drawing on experts from across the government, the State Department and USAID will also work more closely with US government agencies which also work abroad, she said. She did not name them but they include the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce as well as the intelligence agencies. "We will support our diplomats as they reach beyond their embassy walls to engage directly with foreign publics, the private sector, NGOs, and civil society -- including with women and others who are too often on the sidelines," she said. "And we will ensure that our development experts have the tools they need to lead projects themselves, not just dispense grants and manage contracts," she said. "At the heart of this effort will be our ambassadors and chiefs of mission, who are responsible for directing and coordinating US government personnel in their countries," she said. "We will empower them and hold them accountable as CEOs of multi-agency missions," she said, adding they will be chosen for their posts partly based on their experience working with other government agencies. __________________ Nobody puts THIS baby in the corner!

Sanders

Diamond

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Posts: 4567

Date: Dec 16, 2010

	Permalink
Excellent move, especially in engaging other agencies as well. Hillary looks more presidential every day! __________________ *Democracy needs defending* - SOS Hillary Clinton, Sept 8, 2010 Democracy is more than just elections - SOS Hillary Clinton, Oct 28, 2010 Madam Secretary Blog at ForeignPolicy.com Project Vote Smart - Stay informed and engaged!

Jen the Michigander

SuperModerator

Status: Offline

Posts: 1788

Date: Dec 16, 2010

	Permalink
Two words: Executive Experience __________________ Nobody puts THIS baby in the corner!

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