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Begin forwarded message:

> From: Alexander Snyder-Mackler <smacklera@gmail.com>
> Date: September 23, 2010 7:05:16 PM EDT
> To: "ABlinken@aol.com" <ablinken@aol.com>, ted kaufman <tedkaufman@comcast.net>
> Cc: BB <261penn@gmail.com>, Acdonilon <acdonilon@aol.com>, Joe Rogalsky <joerogalsky@gmail.com>
> Subject: Beau's speech -- basic outline
>

> Senator and Tony,
> Attached and below is a very bare bones first shot at an outline of Beau's speech next week to the USGLC's annual conference. We had a discussion yesterday and took a shot at a start. Please send your thoughts. Thanks, ASM
>
> Basic outline:
> I) Thank you (for having me; to the veterans in the audience, for your service)…
>
> II) Honored to serve in Iraq…
> a. While I know there’s a lot of talk about smart power and theoretical debates, I’ve seen it in action.
> b. Saw it in the context of a very volatile conflict, and continue watching from afar
>
> III) No question/debate of American military’s awesome power/might
> a. When you’re deployed, it’s never far from your mind
> i. Everywhere you go, walking with gun strapped to you, riding in a convoy, etc.
> b. But there’s also a substantial and fundamental need to supplement our that might with the non-military essentials
>
> IV) The folks who I served with on the ground in US military, they see the wisdom and the need for fulfilling these functions.
> a. It is not a controversial policy, it is not one that meets resistance. It works.
> b. I saw it most particularly with respect to the correction and establishment of the rule of law. Rule of law is only one aspect, as you all know, of smart power, but it’s the one I’m most familiar with.
>
> V) I’ve had the unusual/unique experience of seeing this both as a member of the Army Nat’l Guard stationed in Iraq, as well as a member of the civilian side in Kosovo.
> a. In 2001, I spent several months in Kosovo, as part of a team literally starting a legal system.
> b. OSCE – French woman, two Germans…our job was to set up a school to train up Kosovar Albanian judges/prosecutors to be good judges/prosecutors.
> i. And it worked; I’ve heard in years since: that’s how the courts have been resurrected and stood up
>
> VI) As you all know, this isn’t just theory. I’ve seen it in action, this is how it works. For the people who are on the ground, there is no question.
>
> VII) Two examples of my experience, how it really works
> a. Kosovo, manual, given to everyone – be they from Bozeman or Bosnia or Bengladesh…
> b. Iraq, JAGs who work to make sure justice meted out by Sunni judges to Shias is fair; vice versa
>
> VIII) Here’s the good news: there are changes that are underway right now that reflect .
> a. JAG school – years ago, rule of law may not have been big part of JAG training. Now, you have 4 or 5 JAGs who are dedicated to teaching only that
> i. Much of it is being done becuase young soldiers are bringing this back home to the brass.
> ii. For those who served in Iraq/Afgh, when they return they are bringing back their experiences of seeing smart power in action.
>
> IX) That’s because of returning soldiers. That’s because of people like you – those who will stand up and say there’s more to America’s foreign policy than the awesome power we will always have.
>
> X) As I know everybody in this room knows, these are incredibly difficult questions with respect to rule of law in Iraq. But it’s going to be fundamental…need to win over the confidence of the people.
>
> XI) In Iraq – care taken with security; never travel anywhere without a weapon at your side.
>
> a. No one ever doubts or forgets America’s military power. But we must fulfill the complete duty.
> b. That means ensuring we use not just military, but the significant and fundamental civilian tools at our disposal.
>
> XII) Thank you for what you’ve done, and what you continue to do. Your voices are needed.
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Alexander Snyder-Mackler
> (302) 598-867