Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Kerry Brings Cold War Mindset to State Department

And the part I wanted was whacked from the Globe's web version? 

"On first day, Kerry vows to protect diplomats; Foreign service ‘in my genes,’ he tells colleagues" by Bryan Bender  |  Globe Staff, February 04, 2013

Looks like it is up to me to hand-type what is right in front of me on my desk.

Introducing himself to State Department employees Monday, Kerry drew laughter when referring to his predecessor, Hillary Clinton.

"Here is the biggest question: Can a man actually run the State Department?" he said, adding he has "big heels to fill."

Related: Sunday Globe Special: Hillary Clinton's Legacy

As a child, John Kerry lived with his family in Berlin and once traveled briefly to East Germany. That led Kerry to joke that "If the tabloids today knew I had done that, I can see the headlines that say 'Kerry's Early Communist Connections!' "

Please tell me the new Secretary of State isn't trapped in the past!

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A key area where Kerry might be able to make some inroads, according to some observers, is persuading Congress to increase the State Department's budget, which amounts to less than 1 percent of federal expenditures each year.

This as you are getting austerity shoved up your asses, Americans. Sort of puts the tell to the Libyan and Turkey embassy attacks, huh?

You can go see if it is there for yourself, folks.

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I wonder who called and told them to take it out.

Also seeThe Kerry Confirmation

"John Kerry reaches out to Middle East leaders; Vows to pursue peace agreement" Associated Press, February 04, 2013

John Kerry, the new secretary of state, and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed Iran and Syria and pledged to work together closely....

Does Israel know Biden proposed talks?

Kerry commended the Israeli decision to release frozen tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority as an important step. Israel’s monthly tax transfers to the Palestinians — the result of taxes and customs duties that Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinians — are a key element in the Palestinian government budget.

Yes, the Israelis are doing such a favor for the Palestinians! What s*** writing!

In his conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Kerry said Obama ‘‘is very interested in the peace process and aware of the economic hardships of the Palestinian people,’’ Abbas spokesman Nabel Abu Rdeneh said....

The State Department said Kerry spoke of his personal commitment to peace between Israelis and the Palestinians. Kerry pledged to continue working with Congress to release budget support funds for the Palestinian Authority and noted the positive step the Israelis had taken by releasing the tax revenues.

The department also said Kerry spoke with Israeli President Shimon Peres on Saturday about the formation of the country’s new government, and said the two ‘‘exchanged views’’ on the peace process and regional matters. 

Just checking in with his string-pulling masters. 

Kerry talked with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and agreed to work closely with him to prepare for the visit of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Washington this month.

Kerry spoke with South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan and agreed on the need to ensure that North Korea understands it will face significant consequences from the international community if it continues provocative behavior.

He also talked with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Canada, and Mexico....

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