John McCain's foreign-policy agenda (from Süddeutsche Zeitung)

[Roland]

John McCain published an article about his foreign-policy agenda in the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, ehen he will become the next President of the USA. I tried to translate his article exactly from German to English. I hope you can read and understand it. Link

Our future based on the acceptance of the challenge of the 21st century. This comprehend the War on Terror and the handling with other dangers, a combined energy policy, a combined transatlantic market and the institutionalization our cooperation in climate change, foreign aid and the advancement of democracy.

In this case, we, the Americans appreciate the rise of a strong European Union. And we want a capable NATO, too. We can strenghten the NATO as we asked Croatia, Albany and Macedonia to join our alliance, which will conserve the security of Europe - and to leave the door open for further negotiations with democracies like Ukraine and Georgia.

We should work together, to integrate an independent Kosovo into Euro-Atlantic structures. Even we should welcomes the Turkey, who is an reliable ally of the NATO.

G8 without Russia, but with India and Brazil

We need a combined line of the West against a revanchistic Russia, whose leaders apparantly returns to an old policy they are likely to cause in conflicts, unlike to join the democratic peace of the West. We should to make-sure, that the G8 will be again a club of market-oriented democracies. This club should absorb India and Brazil, but should reject Russia.

Western countries should straighten out, that NATO solidarity is inextricably from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea and that the alliance to leave open the door for further negotiations with all democracies, who wants to defend the freedom. A true partnership with Moscow is possible, but only if its fulfil one's obligations compared with the international community and his own citizen.

Europe and the USA should be even improve the range and coordination our programs, to support democracy and the authority of law in countries, who wants for this. Such programs are important for Russia. Or in Belorus, where the dictatorship continues his repression. But its also important to helps the transitional democracies in Georgia, Ukraine and the Balcan states.

League of Democracies
I support the foundation of the League of Democracies, to master the challenges of the 21st century. They do not dispossess, but rather complete the UN or other international organizations. They could engage, if the UN fails - to relieve pain like in Darfur, to fight against HIV/AIDS in the Sub Saharan-Africa, to develop better concepts in the combat against environmental crisis's , to make pressure against repressive governments like in Birma or to assure the right to free entry to the market for transitional democracies.

When I become President, I call a meeting of all democracies to make this vision reality, exactly like America take over the leadership 6 decades ago, to form the NATO.

We have to defeat the danger of the Islamic Extremism, this is the primary security challenge in our times. The Iraq is in this war on the front line. The troops of the coalition have advanced the security situation. Now we have a stability for political advancement. Therefore I am against a arbitrary timetable for a withdrawal of the US forces.

The Taliban grow stronger in Afghanistan. The country is in danger to play the same role like before, as it was a harbor for terrorist with global ambitions. The Nato have to take some steps to come back on the road of success. For that purpose we have to build-up the military and to abolish restrictions when and where to deploy our forces.

We have to improve the apprenticeship and the equipment of the Afghan army and police. And we have to send more police-instructors. Also we have to go about the stunning lack of reforms in justice, the reconstruction, the governance and the anti-corruption arrangements.

Partnership with Pakistan
Europe and America could go responsive an economical and political partnership with Pakistan, in a long term. This would be improve the ability of Pakistan to go about the safe haven of the insurgents, it would bring in the childs in schools and out from the extremistic Islamic schools and support the moderates in Pakistan. We must work together with the Pakistani government, to draw out the al-Quaida and Taliban Camps in the border areas.

Iran is the greatest supporter of global terrorism and continues in the enrichment of uranium and the development of lang-range missiles. Furthermore supports them violent extremists in Lebanon and Iraq. Protected by nuclear deterrent, Iran would be up in a position to add the support of terroristic attacks and to give nuclear material on friendly terror-networks.

When the UN are not willing to apply sharper sanctions against Iran, the USA and the Europeans allies must lead a group of like-minded countries to apply sharper sanctions beyond the UN against the Iran. A military intervention is always the last opportunity, but a suggested possibility. Teheran has to understand, that it cannot win a showdown against the world.

Europe and America has to revitalize the democratic solidarity, who has united the West during the cold war, to master the challenges of this century. Americas leading role is important.

But to be a good leader, it must be a good ally - ready to satisfy his partners and to satisfy itself. If I am the elected President, I will reanimate Americas global leadership, restore our moral creditability and to renew the solidarity of the West and to seize the opportunity to go about the challenges of this new century
with a concerted action.

 

[Kreskin]

Better to align with India and Brazil because they'll be packing some economic heat in the future.

 

[Unforgiven]

Better to align with India and Brazil because they'll be packing some economic heat in the future.

This is true but I see what McCain would choose to strike the balance of the GOP looking for support. More of the same with a nice new set of smiles and weasel words. He's a puppet every bit as much as Bushco was.

 

[dancing-loon]

I was searching for McCain's speech in Englisch... look, what I found:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5ENwej0fpc&NR=1

.... he said: "Do you know why Chelsea Clinton is so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father." Pirate John has a few more skeletons in his closet.

:lol::lol:

 

[dancing-loon]

Excellenter Artikel, Roland!:smile:

Reading this article by McCain for the German newspaper "Sueddeutsche Zeitung", I can't help feeling he is another Bush, only worse!! So openly he offends the Soviet Union by stating again and again..."without Russia..." and "only if you do as I say are you welcome to join us". He is blunt and antagonistic!!
In his mind he already divided the World into one big Western Democracy on one side and Russia on the other by drawing a line from the Baltic to the Black Sea. His every second word is "democracy", certainly meaning American style. To include the two huge and still neutral countries, Brazil and India, in his Empire, means he is getting in line for a stronger power-grab... to be ready for the inevitable show-down with Russia and her allies.
Designating Pakistan as the central Middle Eastern Country, with India as an ally, he is pretty much in position to defend his interests in the Caspean riches.
Brazil is needed to undermine Hugo Chavez' plan of an alliance of South American countries.
His honey-sweet words for the small European countries, how it was them who helped win the Cold War, is another kick against Putin's shin. He is wooing Europe to join him (USA) to form a strong alliance against the danger of the Islamic Extremism, which he sees as the primary threat to democracy and security in the West. Fight terrorism!!! Not a hint of trying to make peace with the Muslim world - no mention of healing that festering sore in Palestine.

The US is on the way down and now they honey the Europeans to help pull them back up!

Nachtigal, ick hoer Dir trapsen!!

 

[Roland]

Oh, I read many positive aspects, contrary to the policy of the Bush Administration. He will work together in all topics with his NATO partners, especially in the ecological policy. Thats really fine. Important for many European countries are the combined energy policy. Europe depends too much on Russias gaz and oil delivery.

That he will works together with his allies, means that he has to reach a consensus with European demands. If he will make that, eg about Guantananmo, so I think Europe will push more forces to Afghanistan and will cooperate in many other subjects.

From all American candidates, is McCain this one who travelled most around the world and knows the specific mind of foreign people.

PS at dancing-loon: How is my translation of the article? Can native english speaker understand that in an easy way?

 

[MikeyDB]

Roland

Thanks for the article.

John McCain is "old-school", product of an era of covert American expansionism from Nicaragua and Columbia to East Timor and Viet Nam. He's a firm believer in the schooling of Ronald Reagan who had no compunction in dealing with America's sworn enemy (Iran) when he and Oliver North dealt arms to various groups in Central America. As a "republican" his agenda won't be anything less than Manifest Destiny taken to the extreme. George Bush was a pussy-cat compared to what we can expect from McCain.

If there was ever the liklihood that the world would face a major military conflict under the guidance and manipulation of George Bush, multiply that tenfold with John McCain at the controls.

 

[Kreskin]

Roland

Thanks for the article.

John McCain is "old-school", product of an era of covert American expansionism from Nicaragua and Columbia to East Timor and Viet Nam. He's a firm believer in the schooling of Ronald Reagan who had no compunction in dealing with America's sworn enemy (Iran) when he and Oliver North dealt arms to various groups in Central America. As a "republican" his agenda won't be anything less than Manifest Destiny taken to the extreme. George Bush was a pussy-cat compared to what we can expect from McCain.

If there was ever the liklihood that the world would face a major military conflict under the guidance and manipulation of George Bush, multiply that tenfold with John McCain at the controls.

George didn't know how to work the button.

 

[Roland]

Roland

Thanks for the article.

Thanks, I am pleased to do this :smile:

John McCain is "old-school", product of an era of covert American expansionism from Nicaragua and Columbia to East Timor and Viet Nam. He's a firm believer in the schooling of Ronald Reagan who had no compunction in dealing with America's sworn enemy (Iran) when he and Oliver North dealt arms to various groups in Central America. As a "republican" his agenda won't be anything less than Manifest Destiny taken to the extreme. George Bush was a pussy-cat compared to what we can expect from McCain.

If there was ever the liklihood that the world would face a major military conflict under the guidance and manipulation of George Bush, multiply that tenfold with John McCain at the controls.

Hm, I am astounished about your opinion. German media characterize John McCain as a very liberal, nearly left-winged Republican, who is not a follower of the "Neorepublicans" like George W. Bush.

 

[Kreskin]

Thanks, I am pleased to do this :smile:



Hm, I am astounished about your opinion. German media characterize John McCain as a very liberal, nearly left-winged Republican, who is not a follower of the "Neorepublicans" like George W. Bush.

So do the Republicans Roland.

 

[Roland]

You think the Republicans fools all other people?

 

[Colpy]

I was searching for McCain's speech in Englisch... look, what I found:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5ENwej0fpc&NR=1

.... he said: "Do you know why Chelsea Clinton is so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father." Pirate John has a few more skeletons in his closet.

:lol::lol:

WOW!

McCain has lived 71 years......and THAT is all the dirt you can dig up on him?

I'm even more impressed with the guy.....

We all should thank God Almighty we're not living under the spotlight.

 

[dancing-loon]

Hi, Colpy...
your quote: McCain has lived 71 years......and THAT is all the dirt you can dig up on him?

I haven't even punctured the surface yet!!! Gimme some time!:roll:

 

[Andem]

The thought of McCain as president scares me. Actually most of the candidates do in the long run, but after reading something in Der Spiegel, I agree with Unforgiven. He's just another puppet.

McCain ist bekannt dafür, dass er mehr Truppen im Irak haben will - nicht weniger. Er glaubt, dass der Krieg dort - so scheußlich sein Ursprung und seine Ausführung gewesen sein mögen - immer noch zu gewinnen ist. Den Irak zu verlassen, bevor das Land vollständig sicher ist, wäre seiner Meinung zugleich Mord und Selbstmord

McCain is known to want more troops in Iraq instead of less. He believes that the war there, though very horribly done is still winnable. If they (the US) were to leave Iraq before it's totally secure would mean a great and deadly threat to the United States.

Sounds like fearmongering to me.

I don't think German media isn't really as light on McCain as you say, Roland.. but I read Spiegel and Berliner Zeitung.

Good translation by the way.

 

[Colpy]

The thought of McCain as president scares me. Actually most of the candidates do in the long run, but after reading something in Der Spiegel, I agree with Unforgiven. He's just another puppet.



McCain is known to want more troops in Iraq instead of less. He believes that the war there, though very horribly done is still winnable. If they (the US) were to leave Iraq before it's totally secure would mean a great and deadly threat to the United States.

Sounds like fearmongering to me.

I don't think German media isn't really as light on McCain as you say, Roland.. but I read Spiegel and Berliner Zeitung.

Good translation by the way.

I don't see that as fear-mongering.....if the US left Iraq, it would probably fall into the hands of extremists, either Sunni or Shi'ite.......then it would be a threat, whether or not Saddam was a threat.

The Surge worked..........violence in Iraq lessened immensely. more of the same is in order.......

The invasion of Iraq may well have been a collosal mistake, but it is done, and The USA now has the responsibility to stay and contribute whatever is necessary to stabilize that state..........to make the sacrifices worthwhile.

McCain is dead on.

 

[dancing-loon]

Oh, I read many positive aspects, contrary to the policy of the Bush Administration. He will work together in all topics with his NATO partners, especially in the ecological policy. Thats really fine. Important for many European countries are the combined energy policy. Europe depends too much on Russians gaz and oil delivery.

That he will work together with his allies, means that he has to reach a consensus with European demands. If he will make that, eg about Guantanamo, so I think Europe will push more forces to Afghanistan and will cooperate in many other subjects.

From all American candidates, McCain is this one who travelled most around the world and knows the specific mind of foreign people.

PS at dancing-loon: How is my translation of the article? Can native English speakers understand that in an easy way?

Hi, Roland...
Don't asked me, because I'm biased;-).... I'm so pleased you joined CC! To have a genuine German amongst us is very beneficial for us, it means we get a real sense of what the German people are thinking about us Canadians, the US and the rest of the world. You have only been here a very short time and already you are presenting good, complex topics for debate. I look eagerly forward for many more!!;-)
I'm sure my fellow Canadians feel the same and have no trouble understanding what you are saying. ;-) Your translation is just fine, but it must take you a lot of time and effort, or? I used to do that too, and found it to tiresome and time consuming. Usually one can find an article in the other language if you give the title or question in English into Google. That's what I was trying last night, to show you how to save yourself time, but, alas, I couldn't find McCains article in English. Instead, I found a few other amusing things about him!!:lol:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
To be quite frank, I admired McCain for his stamina, his no-nonsense talk, not afraid to say what he thinks, BUT now that he is going for US presidency and I read your article, I'm alarmed about his aggressive stance and his honeying of the Europeans. One thing we must not forget... he is first and foremost interested and engaged for the benefit and welfare and world dominance of his country... the USA.
Mikey said it very clearly earlier and I, at this point, agree with him wholeheartedly. But, Roland, we shall see WHO will actually win the presidency... sofar it is mere speculation. One thing I fear, and that is manipulation, tampering and outright fraud at the polls. We already got a good dose of suspicion in New Hampshire, with Hillary pulling from way down to the top. Plus the fiasco in Florida years ago that simply declared Bush the winner! Done it once, they'll do it twice, especially if the race will be between Obama and McCain.

How's the weather in Germany? We just survived another winter storm!:roll: The tornadoes in the States end up here as SNOW storms, dumping between 30 to 35 centimeters on us!!

 

[Andem]

I don't see that as fear-mongering.....if the US left Iraq, it would probably fall into the hands of extremists, either Sunni or Shi'ite.......then it would be a threat, whether or not Saddam was a threat. <SNIP>

It already has. I believe the US has lost this war and will only increase their losses if they still stay there. The longer they stay, the biggest the resistance will grow. That or a completely revamped strategy which nobody has been able to come up with.

How's the weather in Germany? We just survived another winter storm!:roll: The tornadoes in the States end up here as SNOW storms, dumping between 30 to 35 centimeters on us!!

Cloudy and grey in Berlin, but mild.

 

[dancing-loon]

It already has. I believe the US has lost this war and will only increase their losses if they still stay there. The longer they stay, the biggest the resistance will grow. That or a completely revamped strategy which nobody has been able to come up with.snip

Cloudy and grey in Berlin, but mild.

Thanks for the Wetterbericht! Here, at my place, the sun is shining and I should be outside if I had any sense in my head!

As to Iraq?... I'm at a loss myself. They'll be damned if they stay and be damned if they leave. They should have stayed home in the first place and not listen to Perle and Wolfi!:roll:
http://www.rense.com/general27/jlobby.htm

Today, though barely two percent of the nation's population is Jewish, close to half its billionaires are Jews. The chief executive officers of the three major television networks and the four largest film studios are Jews, as are the owners of the nation's largest newspaper chain and the most influential single newspaper, the New York Times ... The role and influence of Jews in American politics is equally marked.

The Iraq war was primarily started to serve Israel, in my humble opinion.

 

[Andem]

Thanks for the Wetterbericht! Here, at my place, the sun is shining and I should be outside if I had any sense in my head!

As to Iraq?... I'm at a loss myself. They'll be damned if they stay and be damned if they leave. They should have stayed home in the first place and not listen to Perle and Wolfi!:roll:
http://www.rense.com/general27/jlobby.htm The Iraq war was primarily started to serve Israel, in my humble opinion.

Immer wieder gern!

I agree with you on Iraq.. but they'd be more damned if they stay. The US cannot afford the financial losses nor should the families of the soldiers be asked to give up anymore lives to another lost battle, and moreover a lost war.

 

[normbc9]

John McCain is the best Democrat the Republicans have. He is a flip flop artist, learns quickly how to appease the group he is speaking to and always has an excuse why his last prediction didn't materialize. Hell with a candidate like McCain in the hunt why should the Dems even waste their time and financial resources? He will serve them well. I still think Hillary and Obama are going to cancel each other out too.