Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tune Up 2011 Seems to be
Tweaking the Machine for Good...
I also changed hard disk usage with Console Command fsutil behavior set memoryusage 2
I also changed hard disk usage with Console Command fsutil behavior set memoryusage 2
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
With Hard Disk Cache Increased to 128 GB
The System goes as smooth as the water of a river where nothing else interferes...
For Now...
For Now...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Problems with Autodesk 2010?
Search and Delete File adskflex_[number]_tsf.data
Also make sure the Flexnet Service runs in auto mode...
Also make sure the Flexnet Service runs in auto mode...
Monday, June 6, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
DoD
Mullen: Long-term Relationship Vital Between U.S., Pakistan
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2011 - Pakistan's senior military leaders believe a long-term relationship with the United States is important despite ongoing tensions between the countries, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told the Defense Writers Group that during recent meetings in Pakistan -- one in April and one last week with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton -- military, political and diplomatic leaders committed to working with the United States on mutual issues such as terrorism.
"It is important to figure out how we can engage each other, particularly in these areas that mutually threaten us," Mullen said. "At the top of that list is the terrorism threat in that country, in that region, that affects all of us."
Ongoing tensions have intensified since the May 1 death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of American forces inside his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, Mullen said.
Discovery of the al-Qaida leader in Pakistan, where he had lived for at least five years, has prompted investigations and the formation of a commission by Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to seek the facts surrounding bin Laden's presence there, the admiral said.
Mullen said he has seen no evidence that senior military or government leaders knew about the compound. The discovery also caused a period of "internal introspection" for the Pakistani army, he added.
"They're going to have to get through that," he said, "and I think we need to give them the time and space to do that. ... When something happens, you're going to ask a lot of questions, and that's what they're doing right now."
Over three and a half years, Mullen and Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the Pakistani army's chief of staff, have developed what the admiral calls "a very strong personal and professional relationship." Such a relationship "is critical, and even more critical in difficult times than in times when things are going well," the chairman said.
"It would be almost impossible to be picking up the phone for the first time and calling him or going to see him for the first time in the middle of this crisis and expect to have anything happen," he added.
Pakistan is a critical country in a critical region, Mullen said.
"They're tied directly to our success against al-Qaida, they're tied directly to our potential success in Afghanistan, and it's a region that we walked away from many years ago and here we are," he said.
The admiral said coalition forces in Afghanistan have taken "enormously positive steps in the east" over the past year.
"Helmand is almost turned, ... and certainly Kandahar is a different place than it was a year ago," he added.
Challenges there are still substantial, Mullen added, noting that he remains concerned about the Afghan government's ability to provide for its people at the provincial, district and sub-district levels.
Another challenge involves a Pakistani effort to do more to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries in North Waziristan, where the Haqqani network and other extremist groups use the tribal-area province to plan and launch attacks against NATO troops in Afghanistan.
In meetings in Pakistan with Clinton, Mullen said, "I was encouraged by the commitment on both sides to work in particular the terrorist issues jointly."
North Waziristan and the Haqqani network are central to a long-term solution with respect to instability and terrorism in that area, Mullen added. "It's something that we routinely discuss," he said.
Biographies:
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2011 - Pakistan's senior military leaders believe a long-term relationship with the United States is important despite ongoing tensions between the countries, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told the Defense Writers Group that during recent meetings in Pakistan -- one in April and one last week with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton -- military, political and diplomatic leaders committed to working with the United States on mutual issues such as terrorism.
"It is important to figure out how we can engage each other, particularly in these areas that mutually threaten us," Mullen said. "At the top of that list is the terrorism threat in that country, in that region, that affects all of us."
Ongoing tensions have intensified since the May 1 death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of American forces inside his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, Mullen said.
Discovery of the al-Qaida leader in Pakistan, where he had lived for at least five years, has prompted investigations and the formation of a commission by Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to seek the facts surrounding bin Laden's presence there, the admiral said.
Mullen said he has seen no evidence that senior military or government leaders knew about the compound. The discovery also caused a period of "internal introspection" for the Pakistani army, he added.
"They're going to have to get through that," he said, "and I think we need to give them the time and space to do that. ... When something happens, you're going to ask a lot of questions, and that's what they're doing right now."
Over three and a half years, Mullen and Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the Pakistani army's chief of staff, have developed what the admiral calls "a very strong personal and professional relationship." Such a relationship "is critical, and even more critical in difficult times than in times when things are going well," the chairman said.
"It would be almost impossible to be picking up the phone for the first time and calling him or going to see him for the first time in the middle of this crisis and expect to have anything happen," he added.
Pakistan is a critical country in a critical region, Mullen said.
"They're tied directly to our success against al-Qaida, they're tied directly to our potential success in Afghanistan, and it's a region that we walked away from many years ago and here we are," he said.
The admiral said coalition forces in Afghanistan have taken "enormously positive steps in the east" over the past year.
"Helmand is almost turned, ... and certainly Kandahar is a different place than it was a year ago," he added.
Challenges there are still substantial, Mullen added, noting that he remains concerned about the Afghan government's ability to provide for its people at the provincial, district and sub-district levels.
Another challenge involves a Pakistani effort to do more to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries in North Waziristan, where the Haqqani network and other extremist groups use the tribal-area province to plan and launch attacks against NATO troops in Afghanistan.
In meetings in Pakistan with Clinton, Mullen said, "I was encouraged by the commitment on both sides to work in particular the terrorist issues jointly."
North Waziristan and the Haqqani network are central to a long-term solution with respect to instability and terrorism in that area, Mullen added. "It's something that we routinely discuss," he said.
Biographies:
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
DoD
BG Blotz Briefing
Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:46:58 -0500
NATO officials say poppy production for the purpose of making heroin is a major source of income for the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:46:58 -0500
NATO officials say poppy production for the purpose of making heroin is a major source of income for the Taliban in Afghanistan.
CNN
"Hopes fading for Arab democracy?" - CNN
It is not about fading but who is lying and in particular who is lying to himself or herself...
How can you know what is right when you do not know what is the Truth about anything or you can not find for yourself?
It is not about fading but who is lying and in particular who is lying to himself or herself...
How can you know what is right when you do not know what is the Truth about anything or you can not find for yourself?
IMF
Summary of Editorials from the Hebrew Press
(Israel Government Press Office)
Yediot Aharonot refers to Jerusalem Day yesterday and suggests that "Whoever believes that there will not be territorial compromises in the capital area as well is an escapist."
Ma'ariv discusses Israeli chess grandmaster Boris Gelfand's impending challenge to World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand and asserts that "The gap between Gelfand's achievement and the weak coverage he has received is unacceptable."
Yisrael Hayom accuses Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen of "rewriting history" in his recent article in the New York Times, in which "He presented a false picture, very convenient for Thomas Friedman and his friends, who champion his 'moderation.'" The author notes that Abu Mazen referred to the 1947 UN partition resolution, but adds that he failed to mention that the Palestine National Charter "which has never been legally amended," declares the 1947 UN partition resolution to be illegal. The paper also notes that the Charter denies the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel. The author says that "This is the national charter of our 'moderate' partners," and concludes that "Abu Mazen's article joins the long series of lies that the Palestinians are experts in."
The Jerusalem Post is skeptical of the new tax-based tactics employed by the Finance Minister to encourage people to sell their second homes to increase housing supply and thus reduce housing prices, and declares that “The only genuine antidote to the housing shortage is making more land available in areas of high demand, making the periphery more accessible via 21st-century high-speed rail transport and simply building more.”
Haaretz criticizes the Ministry of Education for the last minute shortening of the summer vacation by one week, and states: “Shortening summer vacation with a last-minute announcement shows a lack of management, and will cause parents unnecessary trouble without contributing a thing to education.”
[Yonatan Yavin, Meiron Isaacson and Dror Eydar wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Ma'ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]
(Israel Government Press Office)
Yediot Aharonot refers to Jerusalem Day yesterday and suggests that "Whoever believes that there will not be territorial compromises in the capital area as well is an escapist."
Ma'ariv discusses Israeli chess grandmaster Boris Gelfand's impending challenge to World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand and asserts that "The gap between Gelfand's achievement and the weak coverage he has received is unacceptable."
Yisrael Hayom accuses Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen of "rewriting history" in his recent article in the New York Times, in which "He presented a false picture, very convenient for Thomas Friedman and his friends, who champion his 'moderation.'" The author notes that Abu Mazen referred to the 1947 UN partition resolution, but adds that he failed to mention that the Palestine National Charter "which has never been legally amended," declares the 1947 UN partition resolution to be illegal. The paper also notes that the Charter denies the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel. The author says that "This is the national charter of our 'moderate' partners," and concludes that "Abu Mazen's article joins the long series of lies that the Palestinians are experts in."
The Jerusalem Post is skeptical of the new tax-based tactics employed by the Finance Minister to encourage people to sell their second homes to increase housing supply and thus reduce housing prices, and declares that “The only genuine antidote to the housing shortage is making more land available in areas of high demand, making the periphery more accessible via 21st-century high-speed rail transport and simply building more.”
Haaretz criticizes the Ministry of Education for the last minute shortening of the summer vacation by one week, and states: “Shortening summer vacation with a last-minute announcement shows a lack of management, and will cause parents unnecessary trouble without contributing a thing to education.”
[Yonatan Yavin, Meiron Isaacson and Dror Eydar wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Ma'ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]
It
"Palestinian Authority Presidential Advisor: The Refugees Are the New 'Palestinian Nuclear Weapon'" - It
The Atom Usually means something you can not further cut...
All Some Arabs know when dealing with Arabs is Blowing them to Pieces...
The Atom Usually means something you can not further cut...
All Some Arabs know when dealing with Arabs is Blowing them to Pieces...
DoD
Recon: Future Soldier
Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:41:45 -0500
U.S. Army researchers explore new technologies to provide future Soldiers more strength, safety, and firepower.
Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:41:45 -0500
U.S. Army researchers explore new technologies to provide future Soldiers more strength, safety, and firepower.
It
"Egyptian Cleric Mazen Al-Sarsawi: We Ask a Person Nicely to Convert, But If He Refuses and Does Not Pay the Jizya Tax, We Fight Him" - It
Do you ever use the word 'please'?About Research
Vita
I Remember…
A Dream to Watch For Every Day, Every Single Night…
A Dream to Watch For Every Day, Every Single Night…
All that Tender…
A Recalling Elevating Worth , The Essence of a Lifetime…
A Recalling Elevating Worth , The Essence of a Lifetime…
A Conscious Voice bringing the Darkest of My Thoughts in a Surprise Sunrise...
The Taste of your Kiss…
The First Dance we had the Chance to Share…
The Last Thing we Said Before Distance became part of what we Are…
The Last Thing we Said Before Distance became part of what we Are…
In that Small Little Room, The Top of the World We Learned To Know…
My Reason to Be, To Become, To Be Fighting For…
CNN
""It is important to know what the outcome of an attack on Iran would be, what would happen on the day after and what situation Israel would find itself in on the international stage," Dagan said." - CNN
That again only implies that an Unconditional US Withdrawal ay cause irreversible instability in the middle east.
That again only implies that an Unconditional US Withdrawal ay cause irreversible instability in the middle east.
FoxNews
"Romney to Make It Official, Says Obama 'Failed' U.S." - FoxNews
And it can become better and worse than that...
FoxNews
"Mexico: U.S. Companies Buying Oil From Cartels" - FoxNews
Does this mean that they take Free Coka as a Bonus?
Does this mean that they take Free Coka as a Bonus?
FoxNews
"Syrian Troops Pound Central Town; at Least 43 Die" - FoxNews
Where Man can not succeed succeeds in failing his people more by not killing those whom he is supposed to fight or (based on Post 1979 Trends) simply hate...
Where Man can not succeed succeeds in failing his people more by not killing those whom he is supposed to fight or (based on Post 1979 Trends) simply hate...
Afghan Constitution Analysis
<a title="View Analysis of the Afghan Constitution v. II.I on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/35557184/Analysis-of-the-Afghan-Constitution-v-II-I" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Analysis of the Afghan Constitution v. II.I</a> <object id="doc_87520" name="doc_87520" height="600" width="100%" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" style="outline:none;" > <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=35557184&access_key=key-olnn5iy479gy83kd5qi&page=1&viewMode=list"> <embed id="doc_87520" name="doc_87520" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=35557184&access_key=key-olnn5iy479gy83kd5qi&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object>
Bonds without Return
Are One Way Bandages Mummifying a Relationship to keep a sick body from falling apart...
Pakistan is a Friend and an Ally of the United States of America...
Pakistan is a Friend and an Ally of the United States of America...
DoD
Media Availability with Secretary Gates en route to Singapore
SEC. GATES: Let me just say a word about going to Shangri-La. This will be the fifth consecutive time I've done this. I think one of the things that has surprised me coming back to government despite all the controversies of recent years and the Iraq war and everything else has been the very broad interest on the part of many countries to strengthen the relationship with the United States and to have a stronger partnership with the United States. And I don't think this is true anywhere more than in Asia.
And I think that there has been really extraordinary progress made, particularly in – I would say in the last couple of years or so with a number of countries in strengthening our military-to-military relationships and our overall relationship – Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Australia certainly, as well as our traditional allies in Thailand, Japan, and Korea. Obviously, a lot of attention focused on Southeast Asia at Shangri-La.
And I think the general recognition on the part of all the countries over the past several years that their own security environment is evolving and their desire to adjust their own positions accordingly and the need for us to be flexible as we develop our relationships with these countries and the nature of the activities that we have with others, whether it's exercises or training programs or equipment or whatever.
So I see – and what I will largely talk about at the conference is the evolution and the changes in these positions and kind of where we are and moving to the future, but it is this – it goes back to what I have said, frankly using Madeline Albright's term that the one thing that has been brought home to me again in this job is how many countries around the world truly do consider the United States the indispensable nation. We are often the catalyst not only for bilateral relationships, but for multilateral, the development of multilateral cooperation. And we are willing to partner with the people in these things.
And I think as the kinds of problems that the world is facing make it more difficult to have to be successful with a unilateral approach, the opportunity to build these partnerships it becomes even more important.
Obviously, China plays a big part in this. We're very satisfied with the progress of the relationship. My first visit to China in this job was in the fall of 2007. I laid out a fairly ambitious agenda for developing our military-to-military relationship. We've obviously hit snags and obstacles along the way, but I think we're in a pretty good place now, pretty realistic.
And if anything, what all of this has sort of suggested to me is we need more of what is almost always in short supply when it comes to the United States and its government, and that is patience, that these relationships take time to develop. And we get very impatient because our timelines are always short. And we just – we need to understand that these things develop over time. So why don't I stop there.
Q: Another thing that's going to be in short supply besides patience is money. You've been forthright in talking about how the downward pressures on the budget make the American people have to say what it can forego having the military do. They should look at Asia, are there things the military is doing in Asia now that can be jettisoned or are there risks that you see in what we can do in Asia by the downward pressure on the budget?
SEC. GATES: Well, I think that in a way many of the things that we're doing in Asia in building these relationships are actually pretty cost effective – training, exercises, rotations of forces and so on are – and the use of our Navy, our air assets moving from place to place. I think these are all cost effective ways of enhancing our influence, but also letting these countries know that we're a reliable partner and that we can be counted on.
But it does – I would say, if anything these pressures put a premium on multilateral responses to problems. And whether it's humanitarian assistance or disaster relief, where we see opportunities with a number of countries out here, including China, to deal with what seem to be all too frequent natural disasters that occur in Asia.
So I think that, as I said once before, everything will be on the table, but I believe that our approach to enhancing our relationships, our presence and our influence in Asia is a very cost effective approach.
Q: To pick up on your comment about being in a pretty good place with China right now, the relationship, obviously, as you said has had its ups and downs. And it is currently on the ups. But at this moment there's also pressure to do – pressure building in Congress to move ahead with the F-16 sale, and I wondered whether you think the benefits of that to Taiwan's security would outweigh the costs that would be incurred in the relationship with China?
SEC. GATES: Well, we do have obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act. And we have this discussion in virtually every meeting that we have with the Chinese. I would say that I think under both the Bush and Obama administrations, we have tried to thread the needle pretty carefully in terms of Taiwan's defensive capabilities, but at the same time being aware of China's sensitivities. I think both administrations have done this very thoughtfully and very carefully. By the same token, there is – just as the Chinese are very open with us about their concerns, we are also open with them about our obligations.
Q: What's your judgment about the F-16 sale – (off mike)?
SEC. GATES: I don't have a view on that at this point.
Q: Sir, does the – at this point it's a relatively, as far as historical terms, good relationships between Taiwan and Beijing? And does that give you any confidence that the ups and downs, that there may be a way around the ups and downs in the mil-to-mil relationship for your successor? I mean, you came in, thought things would go well, had a long period when things didn't go well, things are a little bit better now. What might give us some hope that it won't be Groundhog Day, in the words of Geoff Morrell?
SEC. GATES: Well, I don't know the answer to that because I think we don't know how the next months or a year or two will evolve. What is clear to me is that President Hu and President Obama have a shared interest in strengthening this relationship. They both believe that the military part of this relationship is underdeveloped compared to the military – compared to the political and economic elements of the relationship.
So, I think General Chun's visit to the United States, the fact that the Chinese have upgraded their representation for the first time at Shangri-La to their minister of defense – I think we'll just have to see how it plays out. And as I said a minute ago, be patient.
Q: As the PLA chief you referred to talked about how he felt that the army chief, the Chinese PLA chief Chen said during his visit that he felt that the whole Chinese threat had been hyped – that the Chinese military buildup had been hyped. Is that the case? And if not, how would you describe the potential threat that the Chinese military poses and how has that been trending in the past year or so, and including their behavior and their actions?
SEC. GATES: I think that their military modernization is proceeding apace. They are clearly working on capabilities that are of concern to us in terms of denial of access, particularly with respect to our aircraft carriers, the development of long-range accurate cruise and ballistic anti-ship missiles.
I seem to have some recollection of them having a demonstration of a stealth aircraft, fighter aircraft. I think clearly some of their work in cyber and anti-satellites. So, you know, my sense of it is that they are – and in their efforts frankly to build a blue water navy.
So I don't have the sense that – let me rephrase that. I think the Chinese have learned a powerful lesson from the Soviet experience and they do not intend to try and compete with us across the full range of military capabilities. But I think they are intending to build capabilities that give them considerable freedom of action in Asia and the opportunity to extend their influence.
Now, one of the things that I've thought since I took this job was that under those circumstances there is value in a continuing dialogue by the two sides of just exactly what our concerns are, what our issues are, and how we might alleviate the concerns on both sides. And that's why I have believed all along that this strategic dialogue is so important. We are not trying to hold China down. China has been a great power for thousands of years. It is a global power and will be a global power.
So the question is, how we work our way through this in a way that assures that we continue to have positive relations in areas like economics and other areas that are important to both of us and manage whatever differences of view we have in the other areas?
Q: Let me ask you about the selection of the new chairman. Two questions really. It's been widely reported that General Cartwright's providing alternatives to the White House on the troop debate of last – of a year and a half ago now affected his candidacy. I guess I'd like you to address that if you would. And second, the selection of General Dempsey has a kind of last-minute quality to it. You had a plan I think going back many months, maybe a year for this transition. Can you explain the selection of General Dempsey and how he fit into that plan?
SEC. GATES: Well, I'm clearly not going to get into personalities or the recommendations that I made with the president. I would say that I've been in a dialogue with the president over the succession issues for at least a year. I will tell you that some of the negative things that have been reported as influencing the decision, for example, the Afghan piece, are completely wrong – have nothing to do with whatsoever.
Hoss Cartwright is one of the finest officers I've ever worked with. I think he has been an outstanding vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I think he had made an enormous contribution and I've enjoyed working with him for four years and consider him a friend. And he has rendered extraordinary service to the American people.
What I have tried to do as I've talked about my own successor and the whole range of positions within the government, including a potential successor for Leon at CIA and so on, has been to talk to the president about it as a team. The cohesiveness that we have had for the last two and a half years as a national security team I think has been an extraordinary asset for the president and for the country. And so, foremost in my mind was how, do I, make recommendations to him?
And I think that there has been really extraordinary progress made, particularly in – I would say in the last couple of years or so with a number of countries in strengthening our military-to-military relationships and our overall relationship – Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Australia certainly, as well as our traditional allies in Thailand, Japan, and Korea. Obviously, a lot of attention focused on Southeast Asia at Shangri-La.
And I think the general recognition on the part of all the countries over the past several years that their own security environment is evolving and their desire to adjust their own positions accordingly and the need for us to be flexible as we develop our relationships with these countries and the nature of the activities that we have with others, whether it's exercises or training programs or equipment or whatever.
So I see – and what I will largely talk about at the conference is the evolution and the changes in these positions and kind of where we are and moving to the future, but it is this – it goes back to what I have said, frankly using Madeline Albright's term that the one thing that has been brought home to me again in this job is how many countries around the world truly do consider the United States the indispensable nation. We are often the catalyst not only for bilateral relationships, but for multilateral, the development of multilateral cooperation. And we are willing to partner with the people in these things.
And I think as the kinds of problems that the world is facing make it more difficult to have to be successful with a unilateral approach, the opportunity to build these partnerships it becomes even more important.
Obviously, China plays a big part in this. We're very satisfied with the progress of the relationship. My first visit to China in this job was in the fall of 2007. I laid out a fairly ambitious agenda for developing our military-to-military relationship. We've obviously hit snags and obstacles along the way, but I think we're in a pretty good place now, pretty realistic.
And if anything, what all of this has sort of suggested to me is we need more of what is almost always in short supply when it comes to the United States and its government, and that is patience, that these relationships take time to develop. And we get very impatient because our timelines are always short. And we just – we need to understand that these things develop over time. So why don't I stop there.
Q: Another thing that's going to be in short supply besides patience is money. You've been forthright in talking about how the downward pressures on the budget make the American people have to say what it can forego having the military do. They should look at Asia, are there things the military is doing in Asia now that can be jettisoned or are there risks that you see in what we can do in Asia by the downward pressure on the budget?
SEC. GATES: Well, I think that in a way many of the things that we're doing in Asia in building these relationships are actually pretty cost effective – training, exercises, rotations of forces and so on are – and the use of our Navy, our air assets moving from place to place. I think these are all cost effective ways of enhancing our influence, but also letting these countries know that we're a reliable partner and that we can be counted on.
But it does – I would say, if anything these pressures put a premium on multilateral responses to problems. And whether it's humanitarian assistance or disaster relief, where we see opportunities with a number of countries out here, including China, to deal with what seem to be all too frequent natural disasters that occur in Asia.
So I think that, as I said once before, everything will be on the table, but I believe that our approach to enhancing our relationships, our presence and our influence in Asia is a very cost effective approach.
Q: To pick up on your comment about being in a pretty good place with China right now, the relationship, obviously, as you said has had its ups and downs. And it is currently on the ups. But at this moment there's also pressure to do – pressure building in Congress to move ahead with the F-16 sale, and I wondered whether you think the benefits of that to Taiwan's security would outweigh the costs that would be incurred in the relationship with China?
SEC. GATES: Well, we do have obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act. And we have this discussion in virtually every meeting that we have with the Chinese. I would say that I think under both the Bush and Obama administrations, we have tried to thread the needle pretty carefully in terms of Taiwan's defensive capabilities, but at the same time being aware of China's sensitivities. I think both administrations have done this very thoughtfully and very carefully. By the same token, there is – just as the Chinese are very open with us about their concerns, we are also open with them about our obligations.
Q: What's your judgment about the F-16 sale – (off mike)?
SEC. GATES: I don't have a view on that at this point.
Q: Sir, does the – at this point it's a relatively, as far as historical terms, good relationships between Taiwan and Beijing? And does that give you any confidence that the ups and downs, that there may be a way around the ups and downs in the mil-to-mil relationship for your successor? I mean, you came in, thought things would go well, had a long period when things didn't go well, things are a little bit better now. What might give us some hope that it won't be Groundhog Day, in the words of Geoff Morrell?
SEC. GATES: Well, I don't know the answer to that because I think we don't know how the next months or a year or two will evolve. What is clear to me is that President Hu and President Obama have a shared interest in strengthening this relationship. They both believe that the military part of this relationship is underdeveloped compared to the military – compared to the political and economic elements of the relationship.
So, I think General Chun's visit to the United States, the fact that the Chinese have upgraded their representation for the first time at Shangri-La to their minister of defense – I think we'll just have to see how it plays out. And as I said a minute ago, be patient.
Q: As the PLA chief you referred to talked about how he felt that the army chief, the Chinese PLA chief Chen said during his visit that he felt that the whole Chinese threat had been hyped – that the Chinese military buildup had been hyped. Is that the case? And if not, how would you describe the potential threat that the Chinese military poses and how has that been trending in the past year or so, and including their behavior and their actions?
SEC. GATES: I think that their military modernization is proceeding apace. They are clearly working on capabilities that are of concern to us in terms of denial of access, particularly with respect to our aircraft carriers, the development of long-range accurate cruise and ballistic anti-ship missiles.
I seem to have some recollection of them having a demonstration of a stealth aircraft, fighter aircraft. I think clearly some of their work in cyber and anti-satellites. So, you know, my sense of it is that they are – and in their efforts frankly to build a blue water navy.
So I don't have the sense that – let me rephrase that. I think the Chinese have learned a powerful lesson from the Soviet experience and they do not intend to try and compete with us across the full range of military capabilities. But I think they are intending to build capabilities that give them considerable freedom of action in Asia and the opportunity to extend their influence.
Now, one of the things that I've thought since I took this job was that under those circumstances there is value in a continuing dialogue by the two sides of just exactly what our concerns are, what our issues are, and how we might alleviate the concerns on both sides. And that's why I have believed all along that this strategic dialogue is so important. We are not trying to hold China down. China has been a great power for thousands of years. It is a global power and will be a global power.
So the question is, how we work our way through this in a way that assures that we continue to have positive relations in areas like economics and other areas that are important to both of us and manage whatever differences of view we have in the other areas?
Q: Let me ask you about the selection of the new chairman. Two questions really. It's been widely reported that General Cartwright's providing alternatives to the White House on the troop debate of last – of a year and a half ago now affected his candidacy. I guess I'd like you to address that if you would. And second, the selection of General Dempsey has a kind of last-minute quality to it. You had a plan I think going back many months, maybe a year for this transition. Can you explain the selection of General Dempsey and how he fit into that plan?
SEC. GATES: Well, I'm clearly not going to get into personalities or the recommendations that I made with the president. I would say that I've been in a dialogue with the president over the succession issues for at least a year. I will tell you that some of the negative things that have been reported as influencing the decision, for example, the Afghan piece, are completely wrong – have nothing to do with whatsoever.
Hoss Cartwright is one of the finest officers I've ever worked with. I think he has been an outstanding vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I think he had made an enormous contribution and I've enjoyed working with him for four years and consider him a friend. And he has rendered extraordinary service to the American people.
What I have tried to do as I've talked about my own successor and the whole range of positions within the government, including a potential successor for Leon at CIA and so on, has been to talk to the president about it as a team. The cohesiveness that we have had for the last two and a half years as a national security team I think has been an extraordinary asset for the president and for the country. And so, foremost in my mind was how, do I, make recommendations to him?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Visual Projects
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DoD
Chest & Back [HD]
Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:00:00 -0500
MSgt Mike Skaggs targets chest & back muscles to give more power, velocity and accuracy to your strength training routine.
Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:00:00 -0500
MSgt Mike Skaggs targets chest & back muscles to give more power, velocity and accuracy to your strength training routine.
DoD
Diplomatic Security : Mechanicsville Native Honored by U.S. Justice Department
Tue, 31 May 2011 09:01:24 -0500
Mechanicsville Native Honored by U.S. Justice Department
Press Statement
Washington, DC
May 13, 2011
Special Agent Michael Conklin with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security was recognized May 13, 2011, by Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, for his outstanding efforts in a document fraud investigation.
The investigation focused on the so-called “Sovereign Nation” organization, which created its own diplomatic identification cards (IDs). Agent Conklin provided essential assistance in the case that led to a successful prosecution.
Richard Jaensch, a member of “Sovereign Nation” and a plumber from Annandale, Virginia, produced fake diplomatic credentials, that stated that he was a ADiplomat@ and AHead of State@ of the United States. They were enclosed in a leather credentials holder, and they included an official-looking badge. After Jaensch provided the identification to a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge in a civil proceeding, the court confiscated it and held the defendant in contempt for refusing to provide discovery to the other side. Upon his release from detention, Jaensch immediately ordered a new identification from the same Internet Company that had made the first one.
During a videotaped, custodial interview of the defendant by Agent Conklin, Jaensch admitted using the fake credentials at TSA airport checkpoints.
Thanks in large part to the persistence and hard work of agent Conklin the United States was able to present a case in which a jury took only two hours to find Jaensch guilty of producing a false identification document.
Special Agent Michael Conklin
Special Agent Michael Conklin, 30, is currently serving a tour in Kabul, Afghanistan. His assignment following Kabul will be in Bogota, Colombia. He previously served at the Washington D.C. Field Office and at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
Conklin’s hometown is Mechanicsville, Virginia, where he attended Atlee High School, class of 1998.
Prior to joining the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Conklin served 6 years as a deputy sheriff with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
Conklin is a 2002 graduate of Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Conklin’s parents are Dave and Joan Conklin and they reside in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel investigate passport and visa fraud, conduct personnel security investigations, and protect the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States. Additional information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.state.gov/m/ds.
The investigation focused on the so-called “Sovereign Nation” organization, which created its own diplomatic identification cards (IDs). Agent Conklin provided essential assistance in the case that led to a successful prosecution.
Richard Jaensch, a member of “Sovereign Nation” and a plumber from Annandale, Virginia, produced fake diplomatic credentials, that stated that he was a ADiplomat@ and AHead of State@ of the United States. They were enclosed in a leather credentials holder, and they included an official-looking badge. After Jaensch provided the identification to a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge in a civil proceeding, the court confiscated it and held the defendant in contempt for refusing to provide discovery to the other side. Upon his release from detention, Jaensch immediately ordered a new identification from the same Internet Company that had made the first one.
During a videotaped, custodial interview of the defendant by Agent Conklin, Jaensch admitted using the fake credentials at TSA airport checkpoints.
Thanks in large part to the persistence and hard work of agent Conklin the United States was able to present a case in which a jury took only two hours to find Jaensch guilty of producing a false identification document.
Special Agent Michael Conklin
Special Agent Michael Conklin, 30, is currently serving a tour in Kabul, Afghanistan. His assignment following Kabul will be in Bogota, Colombia. He previously served at the Washington D.C. Field Office and at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
Conklin’s hometown is Mechanicsville, Virginia, where he attended Atlee High School, class of 1998.
Prior to joining the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Conklin served 6 years as a deputy sheriff with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
Conklin is a 2002 graduate of Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Conklin’s parents are Dave and Joan Conklin and they reside in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel investigate passport and visa fraud, conduct personnel security investigations, and protect the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States. Additional information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.state.gov/m/ds.
DoD
Gates on NATO Airstrikes
Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:30:00 -0500
Defense Secretary Robert Gates comments on NATO airstrikes in Afghanistan.
Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:30:00 -0500
Defense Secretary Robert Gates comments on NATO airstrikes in Afghanistan.
DoD
Battleground: The Army in Space & under the Sea
Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:00:00 -0500
Spotlights Army contributions to the space program and its underwater salvage operations. Also, highlights the Army’s early contributions in rocketry, mapping the moon and communications.
Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:00:00 -0500
Spotlights Army contributions to the space program and its underwater salvage operations. Also, highlights the Army’s early contributions in rocketry, mapping the moon and communications.
FoxNews
"Iran Parliament Votes to Send Ahmadinejad to Court" - FoxNews
As Unfair as anything in a Virtual Fitna Can be...
As Unfair as anything in a Virtual Fitna Can be...
FoxNews
“They must treat Afghanistan
as a sovereign nation,” Karzai said. “Sometimes we have statements from
them that reflects as if they are not aware that they are working in a
sovereign nation."
as a sovereign nation,” Karzai said. “Sometimes we have statements from
them that reflects as if they are not aware that they are working in a
sovereign nation."
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