Fighting Words:Leon Panetta's New Book

Former US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has been promoting his scrappy new book "Worthy Fights:A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace."I wanted to tell my story,because,in many ways,it's the American story.I am the son of immigrants,Mr.Panetta explained on The Diane Rehm Show.We are going to have to fight to keep this country strong.I thought it was important for us to do everything necessary to help the Syrian opposition.It was important for us to arm the opposition to Assad.The President was right to draw a red line against Assad's use of chemical weapons.I think when the President pulled back,that was a mistake that sent the wrong message to the world.The whole world was watching.*
I think ISIS is as fanatical,dangerous and evil as al Qaida was.We've developed a strong coalition.That's important.We're going to need boots on the ground,but they don't have to be US boots.In Syria,we don't have a force that's been developed.That's going to take time.It is going to be critical for us to go after ISIS' command and control headquarters,which are in Syria.*
I respect the President.He was strongly supportive of the operations I was involved in.My concern is,what's going to happen with this political gridlock here in Washington.I think it's important fpr neither the President nor the leadership to give up,but to provide leadership for a strong America.Overall,I was honoured to serve this President.In 50 years,I've never seen Washington as divided and dysfunctional as it is today,but the President can't just sit back.He's got to get involved.You can't give up on that fight.I get the sense there isn't a willingness to engage.It's going to take work,as in immigration reform.I think he is discouraged,frustrated,angry-but you're the President of the United States,and the country depends on you.No President can simply sit back and allow this country to be in gridlock for the next two years.The issue is about whether we're going to govern this country.You have to stay constantly in the ring,and you have to keep fighting.*
It's important to get our allies to help us identify those elements of the Syrian opposition we can train.This is part of what I call the long continuum of the War On Terrorism that started on 9-11.We've had some success.but terrorism has matastasised.What we need to do is develop a comprehensive strategy.We are going to have to confront,not just ISIS,but other elements as well in order to win this war.I pray that we can develop the opposition forces.Part of the Presiden'ts role is to listen to your commanders as you wage this war.We are going to have to be flexible,to adapt.The responsibility of the President as Commander-in-Chief is to work with his military leaders,to educate the American people about what we are confronting.It may be a long war.It's going to take patience and determination,but ultimately it's the right war,because we have to defend this country,Leon Panetta,who served Presidents Nixon,Clinton and Obama,told the prominent radio talk show host Diane Rehm.

Today's European Issues on President's Mind-plus a Jim Kelly update

On the eve of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Europe by the D-Day invasion,the President of the United States reflected on a number of controversies in Europe today,and also on the release of a US soldier,Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl,by Taliban militants in Afghanistan.We are at a point where Mr.Putin has a chance to get back in the lane of international law,said President Barack Obama at a Thursday press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron in Brussels,Begium.If Mr.Putin takes those steps,it is possible for us to begin to rebuild trust.The fact that some Russian troops have withdrawn from the Ukrainian border does not mean we can afford three or four or six months of drift.
I have no doubt I'll be seeing President Putin at the D-Day observances.He and I have always had a businesslike relationship.I will be delivering the same message:Russia has a legitimate interest,but it's up to the people of Ukraine to make its own decision.The destabilising actions we now see,funded and encouraged by Russia,are unacceptable.If he continues undermining the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine,we will have no choice but to impose more sanctions,Mr.Obama indicated.*
On the issue of Scotland possibly leaving the United Kingdom,he noted that,from the outside at least,it looks as if the UK-Scotland union has worked pretty well,but ultimately that is for the people of Scotland to decide.As to Britain possibly leaving the European Union,it's important for us to know that Great Britain has a seat at the table of the larger European project.It's hard for me to imagine that project would go well without Great Britain.I'm sure the people of Great Britain will make the right decision.*
I'm never surprised by controversies that are whipped up in Washington,the President continued.We had a prisoner of war whose health had deteriorated,and we had an opportunity and we seized it,and I make no apologies for that.This basic principle that we don't leave anybody behind dates back to the beginning of the Republic.As Commander in Chief,I am responsible for these kids.I write too many letters to folks who don't get to see their children again.We don't condition whether we make the effort to get someone back,the President explained.*
Jim Kelly update:A large crowd of Buffalo Bills great Jim Kelly's friends and former NFL colleagues gathered in the Buffalo suburb of Batavia,New York Tuesday for the 28th Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic,the annual charity golf tournament of the Kelly for Kids Foundation.Jim is still in a Buffalo hospital recovering from six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments for his recurrent oral cancer that has spread into his sinus area.
Jim's pain has subsided,older brother Dan Kelly said,but he will still need 6-8 weeks more rest after about another week in hospital,before he can be tested to determine how successful his treatment has been.
This year's tournament should raise more than 250,000 dollars,according to Dan.The Foundation has donated more than five million to regional charities since its inception.

MH-370:Big Shift in Search Area;Obama to Saudi Arabia

Of a sudden,the Australian Maritime Safety Authority shifted the search area for the MH-370 airliner.John Young,Managing Director of the agency,said the international investigating committee in Malaysia,folowing a re-analysis of radar data from when the plane was still in contact,had provided new information to the effect that the aircraft was traveling faster than had been thought,meaning it ran out of fuel before it could have reached the old search area.The new area is 1100 kilometers?700 miles northeast of the old area,bringing it out of the Roaring Forties,the area of the worst weather and sea states in the Indian Ocean.
The hundreds of pieces of debris previously spotted by satellites in the old search area may still be parts of the downed plane.They may have drifted from the new search area.
This shift is typical of such investigations,which are constantly reevaluating the situation.
The new area is 1044 miles due west of Perth,and cuts the air transit time from four hours to three.In consequence,search aircraft will use less fuel in transit,and so will have an extra hour to search.Couple that with better visbility and the new area is much more advantageous to searchers.
Satellites have been retasked to focus on the new area.Four of the ten aircraft scheduled for the day were already surveying the new site.It's not at all frustrating,because we train for this every day,said Commander William Marks,US Navy,spokesman for the Seventh Fleet,which is providing the advanced P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft to the effort.To the pilots and air crew,this is just what they train for.We have a continuous 24-hour presence over the region.This is one of our missions,and we're very proud to be a part of it.*
For the Americans,the visit of President Barack Obama to Saudi King Abdullah in Riyadh today is to reassure Saudi Arabia that the US remains a loyal strategic partner.Saudi Arabia is concerned that the White House is getting too close to distrusted Iran,and that the President was weak when he cancelled plans to attack the Assad forces in Syria because of Congressional opposition.Despite growing US energy independence,the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains one of the United States' oldest and most important allies in the Middle East.

Voices and Visions:Ukraine Crisis Update

Both the Standard&Poor's and Fitch credit rating agencies have put Russia on credit watch negative,while keeping the credit rating itself at the second lowest level of BBB.Russia's annexation of Crimea and the resultant threat of Western sanctions may cause companies to avoid investing in Russia,and those already invested there may withdraw,S&P said.Banks may also be reluctant to lend to Russian companies,causing the economy to slow further,Fitch pointed out.Russia's growth slowed to 1.3% in 2013 and investment is contracting.*
The EU has imposed asset freezes and visa bans on 33 prominent Russians in response to Russia's move in Crimea,while the US has done the same to 31 leading Russians.Russia's stock market has fallen more on the news of the imposition of sanctions,and the ruble has declined in value as well.*
Although some impact of Western disapproval of Russia's actions is being felt,the next phase,economic sanctions,will be more difficult to impose.Slovakia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister,Miroslav Lajcak,said he is wondering whether the EU and US are willing to share the pain of more sanctions.Sanctions are painful;but they cannot be painful for Russia only.Are we willing to bear the burden?Mr.Lajcak asked.
Russia is not the enemy,in Slovakia's view,but it has violated the rules,Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak explained.Slovakia borders Ukraine,but Slovaks watch Russian TV,and so hear Russia's point of view,he pointed out.*
I expressed my very strong,grave concerns about what is going on,said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon of his visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian leaders.The political emotions have hardened,he observed.
Meanwhile,President Barack Obama added that Russia has positioned its forces in such a way that it can move into Eastern and Southern Ukraine as well.In consequence,he has signed an executive order enabling him to impose sanctions on key economic sectors,should Russia invade those regions as well.*
Russian troops continued their takeover of Ukrainian military bases in Crimea,seizing Ukraine's Black Sea warships.Shots were fired,but no one was injured.The Ukrainian naval commander had been detained earlier when naval headquarters was seized,but was released unharmed.About 25,000 Ukrainian troops and their families must be evacuated from Crimea and reassigned.

In Depth:US-Pakistan Relations,part 2

On Wednesday,October 23,President Barack Obama and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held detailed discussions on the situation in Pakistan and where the two sides will go from here.President Obama commended the resolve of the government and people of Pakistan,armed forces and law enforcement agencies to defeat terrorists and praised Pakistan for its military campaign,the White House said.The two Leaders emphasized that no country's territory should be used to destabilize its neighbors.President Obama reiterated his confidence in Pakistan's commitment and dedication to nuclear security and recognized that Pakistan is fully engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed appreciation for the development and rehabilitation by the U.S. government of roads in Pakistan's border areas.Both sides emphasized the need to maintain and enhance the GLOC's infrastructure.
They welcomed the ongoing security transition in Afghanistan and Afghan-led preparations for next April's presidential elections.Prime Minister Sharif also underlined that the support of the international community in the repatriation of Afghan refugees and their reintegration in Afghanistan was of critical importance to Pakistan.Both Leaders called on the Taliban to join in the political process and enter into dialogue with the Afghan government.
The two Leaders stressed that the improvement in Pakistan-India bilateral relations would greatly enhance prospects for regional peace,stability and prosperity,as it would significantly benefit the lives of citizens on both sides of the border,the White House added.

In Depth:US-Pakistan Relations,part 1

Last Wednesday,President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan had a wide-ranging discussion on matters of mutual interest to the two countries.They acknowledged the substantial progress in the bilateral relationship over the past year and noted its resiliency,the White House said.President Obama conveyed appreciation for Pakistan's internal and regional security challenges and affirmed that a peaceful,prosperous and democratic Pakistan was an essential partner for the United States in the advancement of shared goals of peace,security and socioeconomic development in South Asia.
Both Leaders welcomed the resumption of the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue and reaffirmed its importance as the suitable framework for guiding the bilateral relationship.Secretary Kerry will host the forthcoming Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue by March 2014.They also decided the strategic priorities for the working groups,including:1.Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism 2.Economics and Finance 3.Energy 4.Security,Strategic Stability,and Non-Proliferation;and 5.the Defense Consultation Group.
Taking note of the robust bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries-including recent miltary engagements,exercises and consultations on regional security-President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum achieved in defense realtions and reaffirmed that this partnership should continue to grow and endure.
The two Leaders noted with satisfaction that the Ground Lines of Communication(GLOCs) are facilitating the movement of US and ISAF cargo through Pakistan.The US plans to continue providing assistance and support,including training and equipment to Pakistan's military and security services.The two Leaders decided to strengthen their cooperation,including in regional maritime security.President Obama noted Pakistan's positive efforts to counter IED's and both leaders resolved to continue working together to disrupt the threat posed by these devices.

Asia This Day:Pakistan-US Relations;Indian Grand Prix

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif concluded several days of dialogue in Washington when he met with President Barack Obama on Wednesday.Mr.Sharif,63,had begun his unprecedented third term as Prime Minister on June 5,2013 following a smooth democratic process.A noted businessman,he owns the industrial conglomerate Ittefaq Group.
Speaking at the White House,the two Leaders assessed their talks for the news media in a serious yet relaxed atmosphere.To see a peaceful transition was an enormous milestone for Pakistan and a testament to the Pakistani people's desire for democracy,the President said.The United States considers Pakistan to be an important strategic partner.
We discussed how the United States could potentially be helpful on energy projects and infrastructure projects.The Prime Minister emphasized how trade can be a powerful engine for growth as well.
We talked about security.We agreed we need to find constructive ways to partner together,in ways that respect both countries.Both the Pakistani people and the American people have suffered from terrorism in the past.It can be a source of strength for our two countries to work together in this way.I pledged to fully brief the Prime Minister and his government as we make progress not only for the Afghan elections,but to long term progress in the region.
The resources India and Pakistan are spending on arms would be better spent on social programs,for the good of the world.We want want to be fully supportive of continued progress in Pakistan.As a young man,I had the opportunity to visit Pakistan,the President recalled warmly.
Despite occasional misunderstanding and tensions,the fundamental good will between the American and Pakistani people will be reflected in our governmental relations,President Obama said.*
I have just had a most cordial exchange of views with the President,Prime Minister Sharif said.Over the past 65 years,our two nations have traveled together.I advised him of our domestic and foreign policy priorities:the economy;education;and combating extremism.We both agreed focusing on these areas is indispensable.
Pakistan and the United States have a strong ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.I raised the issue of drones and the need to end these strikes.Let there be no doubt about our commitment for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.I told President Obama about my sincere commitment to build a peaceful relationship with India.I also assured the President as a responsible nuclear state,Pakistan would continue to act with restraint.
I look forward to welcoming you and Mrs.Obama to Pakistan,Mr.Sharif concluded.*
In sport,Red Bull Racing scored their fourth straight double victory at the Formula One Indian Grand Prix in New Delhi Sunday,taking both the constructor's title and the world driving championship with Sebastian Vettel,who seemed to be quite the fan favourite in India.It was Vettel's tenth win of the season,and his sixth straight,as he enters the upper echelon of drivers in the history of the sport.
Vettel,26,was beside himself with joy,ignoring his instructions to follow the staid post-race protocol of F1.Instead,he made several donuts with his car to the delight of the fans,then got out of the car and made prostrations to the crowd.Their were no boos such as he faced in Europe as he mounted the podium;only chants of approval from his legion of Indian followers.
For me to join people like Prost,Fangio and Michael(Shumacher) is unbelievable,Vettel said.So many people I have to thank that have been teaching me a lot.I don't feel old.Maybe in 10 years' time I'm a little bit better at understanding what we have done this far,the German driver reflected.At his age,the great Alain Prost had yet to achieve his first Grand Prix win.*
In golf,the CIMB Classic at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club,Malaysia,the historic first ever PGA Tour event in Asia,was won by American Ryan Moore,30,in a playoff with his compatriot Gary Woodland.It was Moore's third career victory and his second in twelve months.He has played on the PGA Tour for nine years.
Next weekend,the PGA Tour moves on to Shanghai for its second and final Asian stop of the 2013-14 season.It is generally recognised as being the pre-eminent tour in professional golf.*

Singh,Putin Focus On Terrorism;Pakistani PM in Washington

The focus of Monday's meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin was on terrorism and those who are not vigilant enough about it on their territory,i.e.,Pakistan,even as Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is on a four day visit to Washington.Following their talks,the two leaders strongly condemned countries that tolerate terrorists within their borders.States that provide aid,abetment and shelter for such terrorist activities are themselves as guilty as the actual perpetrators of terrorism.They need to irreversibly shut down terrorist networks,organisations and infrastructure,and show tangible movement in investigating and bringing quickly to justice those responsible for acts of terrorism.*
Singh and Putin expressed opposition to Pakistan's attempts to rehabilitate Taliban militants,and concern about Afghanistan's future post-2014,when NATO and coalition forces will have largely departed the war-torn country.Anti-Taliban sanctions should be maintained,the Indian and Russian leaders agreed.The sides considered it necessary to extend the sanctions regime introduced by the UN Security Council against the Taliban as one of the most important tools of fighting terrorism.They also said the Mumbai attacks were acts of terror whose perpetrators must be brought to book-referring to Lashkar-e-Tayibba in Pakistan,whose efforts to arrest and try the militants are seen to be anemic by Russia and India.*
Agreement on the building of units 3 and 4 at the Kudankula nuclear power plant on India's southern coast was not ready for signing at the meeting between Singh and Putin.India has enacted tough new safety requirements in light of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011.
Even as Putin and Singh were meeting,Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was in Washington for four days of high level talks with US officials,including President Barack Obama on Wednesday,as well as Secretary of State John Kerry and Members of Congress.It is the third meeting between Sharif and Kerry in the last three months;it continued the robust dialogue on our shared goal of a stable,secure and prosperous Pakistan,the State Department said.*
Mr.Sharif tried to draw the US into the Kashmir territorial dispute between Pakistan and India while he was in London,describing it as a nuclear flashpoint.The US rebuffed him,however,saying Kashmir was strictly a matter for the two South Asian nations to resolve among themselves.*
The US has quietly resumed military and economic aid to Pakistan in recent days,following a period of tension after the unauthorised US raid and killing of Osama bin Laden on Pakistani territory in May 2011,as well as a US drone strike that mistakenly killed two dozen Pakistani troops in November 2011.*

Asia This Day:APEC Summit;Petronas Plans for British Columbia

US Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker are in Bali,Indonesia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit of Pacific Rim nations.President Barack Obama was supposed to be a participant there as well,but political conflict in Washington is preventing him from attending.It is the third time since 2010 the president has had to cancel a trip to the region because of domestic concerns.
This is damaging America's reputation.The Jakarta Globe's Saturday edition depicts the president on its cover with the headline "Diminishing Superpower."There is a train of thought that says that China and Russia will fill the gap of the president's absence,reveling in the attention.If the US cannot manage its domestic affairs,how can it be a credible influence in the Asia Pacific?
John Rice,Vice Chairman of General Electric,said the general theme is,the US shutdown is disappointing,with a lot of unproductive rhetoric in Washington.American companies at the summit are disappointed the president is not here,but they also understand there are political issues at home.There are great leaders here:John Kerry and Penny Pritzker.
I think the US is showing commitment to Asia.We have to see what happens in the next couple of weeks and months,not just focus on one meeting the president missed.I'm optimistic about a resolution of the debt ceiling.Everyone knows how serious that would be.
The impacy of tapering is on exchange rates,but we can't make decisions based on currency moves that take place over six months.Companies like ours have to put capital and expertise on these infrastructure projects.We expect infrastrucutre requirements to go up an average of 15% over the next 5-10 years.Hundreds of millions of people need it.They want the same things you and I want.
We see health care deals and energy deals.If you don't have electricity,you can't provide for your people,Mr.Rice pointed out.*
Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said it's about a diversifying relationship with the Asia-Pacific:an economic;national security;commercial relationship.American companies are eager to come to Asia,and there is tremendous receptivity by Asian economies to receive American business.*
Malaysia's state energy firm Petronas plans to build a 35 billion dollar liquid natural gas plant and pipeline in British Columbia to export shale gas.The terminal would be completed by 2018.*
The MSCI Asia Pacific index fell 0.84% in early Monday trading,on fears around the US budget impasse.*
Petronas Gas BHD(PTG:Bursa Malaysia)

The Russian Proposal:Real or Smokescreen

Even as the entire US Senate was in a classified briefing by the president's national security team,the talk in Washington and the news media swirled around a Russian proposal,welcomed by Syria,that the Assad regime's chemical weapons be placed under international control.It is being taken so seriously that a procedural vote in the Senate on military action against Syria slated for Thursday was postponed while the proposal is checked out.
Experts pointed out that reliably emptying Syria of its vast stockpile of chemical weapons would require a ceasefire in the civil war,and a long period for inspectors to go in and document the weapons and remove them.
Deputy National Security Adviser Tony Blinken said we'll talk to the Russians about it and see where it goes.Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich said this is a shaky moment,and a fascinating moment about how this turns out.The challenge for the president is,the American people aren't there.
President Barack Obama himself said we're gonna run this to ground to see if we can arrive at something that is enforceable and serious.We don't want just a stalling and delaying tactic.It may be Assad is under pressure from his allies.If we don't maintain a credible threat,I don't think we will get the type of agreement we want to see,Mr.Obama warned.
Senator Bob Corker,R-Tennessee,said if it's real,and if Syria is willing to make immediate concrete steps,that's certainly worth looking at.But it's very difficult to tell if it's that,or just a way of creating a fog around the whole issue.
That view was echoed by Senator Lindsey Graham,R-South Carolina.
The Russians know that their proposal will at least slow down the decision-making process in Washington,giving Syria extra time to prepare for an attack;they also know that,at the most,it could sap the will of Congress to endorse the president's mililtary action plan;and if the Russian proposal were accepted,the Syrians could drag their feet the whole way,while squirreling away a significant part of their stockpile.

Asia This Day:the New Australian Government-plus Syria

The first new government in six years is taking power in Australia as long time opposition leader Tony Abbott takes the reins of the prime ministership from Kevin Rudd.Mr.Abbott said the strong US relationship has been key in Australia's foreign policy,and would remain that way.Domestically,he wants to be an infrastructure prime minister,with a bulldozer on every street and cranes in the sky.*
Alex Malley,CEO of CPA Australia,said we're reasonably comfortable with the incoming government.We lost an opportunity to balance our economy more and restructuring when mining was at its peak.We've been in Asia for 60 years,but Australia is only in its infancy in understanding the Asian Century.We need government to work with small and medium business.We need to stay relevant at a cost,efficiency and cultural level.*
The awarding of the 2020 Summer Olympics to Tokyo is expected to add a trillion dollars to the Japanese economy over seven years.*
China's August exports were up 7.2%,beating the 5.5% estimate.*
Following Sebastian Vettel's victory at the Italian Grand Prix Sunday,Formula One racing moves back to Asia for the Singapore Grand Prix,a nighttime race,in two weeks' time.*
President Barack Obama faces a hectic week of lobbying for military action against Syria as Congress returns today from its August recess.Military action is not immanent,since France now says it will not participate until the UN weapons inspectors present their report,and Congress is still largely undecided about the president's plan.*
Both the full House and Senate will receive classified briefings from the president's national security team early this week,and the president will address the nation Tuesday at 9pm Eastern.After that,complex legislative maneuvering will determine just when the votes on the president's plan will take place.In sum,it is uncertain at this point when,or even if,there will be military action,or who,apart from France,will participate in it,and in what way,although the White House remains fully committed to this course.

The Syria Crisis:Insights and Policy

Senator John McCain,R-Arizona,said on Thursday that the President of the United States shared with him and Senator Lindsey Graham,R-South Carolina,his goals for military action against Syria:
1.To degrade Assad's chemical weapons capabilities.
2.To lend greater support to the Free Syria Army and those who seek to prevail.
3.To achieve a change in the battlefield to switch the momentum,which is thanks to Russian and Iranian equipment being flown in and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Unless Bashar al-Assad believes he is going to lose,it will be impossible to get him to negotiate.*
The classified briefing we got on Wednesday was excellent and answered many questions.*
The reason the American people are so opposed to miltary action against Syria is:
1.Americans are very sceptical because of Iraq.
2.The President mishandled it.
Americans don't understand this is a regional war.It's not confined to Syria.*
It's understandable there is oppositon to military action in Congress.There's no more important vote a Member of Congress will cast,Senator McCain pointed out.*
The Pentagon is developing a more intense option for an attack on Syria.This would involve strategic bombers such as the B-52 and B-2 stealth bomber,as well as cruise missiles launched from warships.Strategic bombers can fly from bases in the US and fire missiles at a distance from the target,so they would not have to fly over Syria itself.No final decision has been made.*
According to the BBC,the G20 summit in St.Petersburg,Russia has revealed a split among the nations attending over military action against Syria,which Russia itself strongly opposes.Taking Obama's side,British Prime Minister David Cameron said it would send an appalling message to Assad and others if the US failed to act.German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants to wait until the UN weapons inspectors deliver their report,which could take weeks.

Senators Give Obama Cautious Support;Critical Hearing Next

Two prominent Republican senators feel the president is moving in the right direction on Syria.We still have significant concerns,but we believe there is in formulation a strategy to upgrade the opposition,said Senator John McCain,R-Arizona,after he and Senator Lindsey Graham,R-South Carolina,met with President Obama on the Syria crisis in the White House Monday.Senator Graham described it as "a solid plan."If the president loses the vote in Congress,it would be catastrophic,McCain said,damaging the credibility of the United States of America and the President of the United States.The two national security experts agreed to help push the president's military action plan on Capitol Hill.*General Salim Idris,commander of the Free Syrian Army,the leading rebel group,said they supported President Obama's plan to get congressional approval for a limited military strike against the Assad regime.We understand it and are sure it will make the decision stronger and encourage other countries to participate.The regime in Damascus can use chemical weapons again.They have committed countless crimes against humanity.They will use them again if there are no strikes,General Idris warned.*The fighters in the FSA are civilians who left their jobs and took up arms.Other fighters left the Syrian army.Many of the Islamic groups are moderate.A few are al-Qaida,General Idris admitted,but promised to ensure that any military aid would go to the right hands.For more than two and a half years,our people are suffering from the crimes of the regime,the rebel commander said.*I would be more concerned about the clarity of the mission and what it is we're trying to achieve,said General George Joulwan,former Supreme Allied Commander Europe.The challenge is not just military,but political and economic.We need a comprehensive strategy.*The US is the leader of NATO.We have to make it united.That would be a very clear signal to Syria.Leadership is what is required here,the retired NATO commander observed.*A public hearing on the president's plan will be held Tuesday afternoon.Appearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will be Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel,as well as General Martin Dempsey,Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.*Classified briefings on Syria for Members of Congress will continue throughout the week.Congress will go back into session next Monday,at which time the debate and vote on the president's plan will occur.*On the previous occasions in history,Congress has never refused to give a president their support for military action.

Syria:French President Stands By Obama

French President Francois Hollande is intent on punishing the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad for his use of chemical weapons against his own people,in defiance of the international community.He is prepared to do this with France's significant miltary assets,which are ranked as sixth in the Global Firepower top ten-just behind the UK and just ahead of Germany.These include the Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter;the Dassault Rafale fighter;and the Dassault-Breguet Super Etendard.
France has an aircraft carrier,the Charles de Gaulle,which can launch a number of fighter aircraft into battle with their bombs and air to ground missiles.Aircraft are also stationed on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean,and these may be scrambled for any action against Syria.As well,France possesses the Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missile.
Mr.Hollande does not have to get the French Parliament's approval to task the armed forces.He will not send them against Damascus alone,however.He wants to have allies participating in military action,so he is waiting for Washington to get itself organised.
Besides France's air power,its navy has 180 ships,including 22 frigates;9 corvettes;10 submarines;and 4 amphibious asault ships.Total active frontline personnel in the French military number 362,485,plus 419,000 active reserve.The army is not expected to be used against Syria,but it has 571 tanks;6728 armoured fighting vehicles;and 251 self-propelled guns.

Syria:What the President Must Do

A new report coming out of Syria says that the Bashar al-Assad regime dropped an incendiary bomb such as napalm on a school playground,inflicting more horrible injuries on its own people.The focus of the international community,however,remains on its alleged chemical weapons attack of August 21,which killed up to a thousand Syrians.A team of UN inspectors remains in Syria tonight,collecting blood samples from the victims and interviewing them.They are planning to leave on Saturday and deliver their report next week.*At the same time,the US government will be releasing its own report based on the intelligence it has been gathering about the attack-probably on Friday.Reportedly this includes intercepts of conversations about the chemical weapons attack.We don't have the crib notes of Assad to his commanders,said Congressman Mike Rogers,R-Michagan,Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee,but when you put it all together,it is very clear that Assad was responsible.We know how the command and control works in these units.It was clear there was some degree of command and control being exercised.Looking at all the levels and the different pieces,the answer is definitely yes.*Under the War Powers Act,I don't believe there has to be a vote on military action,but you have to have these discussions with Congress.You have to bring the members in.I think the administration is obligated to do that,Congressman Rogers indicated.The president does not have to get Congress' approval for miltary action,added Senator John McCain,R-Arizona,an elder statesman on national security issues,but he is required to consult with Congress,and it would be in his best interest to conslut with Congress,rather than act in a unilateral fashion,the senator advised.*In that spirit,the Obama administration held a 90 minute conference call with members of Congress Thursday evening.Partcipating were Secretary of State John Kerry;Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel;National Security Advisor Susan Rice;and Director of National Intelligence James R.Clapper.According to a member of Congress on the call,the admisitration said it has no doubt the Syrian government was behind the attack,but no decision has been made on military action,and there is no timetable.They have a broad range of options.Both action and inaction on Syria carry risk and consequence,Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel reportedly said on the conference call.

Turkey Investigates Plot To Kill Patriarch Bartholomew

Turkish authorities are investigating an alleged plot to assassinate Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople,spiritual leader of the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians.An anonymous letter sent to the state prosecutor's office in Kayseri reportedly tipped authorities off about the scheme.
Turkish media said one arrest was made and two other people were being sought in connection with the plot.Once the media broke the story,Turkish police contacted the Patriarch about it and dispatched more officers to the Phanar,the patriarchal compound in Istanbul that has been the target of extremist protestors in the past.
New US Secretary of State John Kerry met the Patriarch in late April during a swing through the region.He conferred with the patriarch,who then gave Kerry a tour of the premises,including an historic cathedral.
The Patriarch's life has been threatened in Turkey at least once before.As well,in 2006 a Catholic bishop was stabbed to death in Southern Turkey by his driver,and in 2006 a Catholic priest was killed by a teenager with suspected extremist ties in Trabzon,Turkey.There are about 100,000 Christians in the Muslim nation of 76,000,000 people.
The Patriarch's representative in America,Archbishop Demetrios,wrote a letter to President Barack Obama about the situation,pleading with the President to use his good offices to ensure the Patriarch's security.Turkey is a close military ally of the United States,which operates Incerlik Air Base there.

Business in Brief:Tim Geithner;Best Business Schools

The majority of businessmen have learned to give and take,according to Morgan Stanley CEO John Mack.Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner had the world on his shoulders.He'll be respected.
He did an outstanding job with the Chinese executives that visited him.I thought he was superb in the way he handled that.He didn't preach.
I think there would be a position for him on Wall Street.
AT and T will invest 14 billion dollars in broadband networks.It is also raising its dividend.Tech is the best-positioned sector under President Barack Obama,BMO Capital Markets believes.
With regard to the fiscal cliff negotiations,Professor John Cochrane of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business said the chance of another one year extension seems high to me,given how far apart we are in the basics.It needs real political leadership.That's roughly what happened in the 1980s.
Let's hope they can do it,lowering tax rates while eliminating deductions.That is tremendously pro-growth.The whole trick is to get this chaos out of our tax code.To focus on starting a business rather than consulting a tax lawyer-that would be pro-growth.
The Booth School of Business is rated the best this year by Businessweek magazine.Harvard Business School came in second,while the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business got third.
Morgan Stanley(MS),AT and T(T)

Asia This Day:Obama in Southeast Asia;Woodside Petroleum

President Barack Obama has arrived in Southeast Asia.He visited Myanmar today,Monday,the first sitting US president to do so.Later,he will attend the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh,Cambodia.The President is expected to seek trade opportunities in the region;the ASEAN leaders will be discussing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea,as well as human rights,at the summit.
The President went to Myanmar,formerly known as Burma,to encourage the country's transition to democracy from military dictatorship.He will also be the first sitting US president to visit Cambodia.
Australia's Woodside Petroleum is also working in Myanmar.CEO Peter J. Coleman said we see Mynamar as holding a lot of promise for the future.We expect to be drilling maybe sometime around 2014.
Woodside Petroleum is Australia's largest dedicated oil and gas firm.It is a world leader in liquified natural gas production.Mr.Coleman,who has a BEng and an MBA,had served 27 years with Exxon Mobil before assuming his current leadership role.
The IEA says world energy demand will increase by one third by 2035.
The MSCI Asia Pacific index rose 1.15% in early Monday trading,and Asian currencies were up on optimism the US will avoid going over the fiscal cliff.
Woodside Petroleum Ltd(ASX:WPL)

Early Edition:Merkel Pleased With Summit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the weekend's G20 summit in Toronto,Canada was ahead of her expectations because of the detail involved.The world leaders agreed to cut their deficits in half by 2013.By 2016,the debt,or accumulated deficits,will start to come down.Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that,as our stimulus programs expire,we will focus on getting our fiscal houses in order.
The G20 leaders of leading economic nations also agreed to raise capital requirements for banks.The specificity of the goals was indeed unusual for such a gathering,which typically would have a statement of general principles released as a communique.This highlights the fragility of the global economy,which cannot accept anything less than exactitude at this point.
Ms.Merkel was in a jovial mood,given this adoption of German policy by the G20,not to mention Germany's decisive victory over England in the World Cup.The leaders followed the World Cup on their Blackberries and even watched some of it together on a big screen TV.Chancellor Merkel spoke animatedly with President Barack Obama.Clearly they have become friends during this difficult period of history.It is perhaps somewhat reminiscent of the late President Ronald Reagan and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain.

Special Access:With the President

It can't be business as usual when we have troops sweating out another holiday in a hostile environment.Well aware of this,President Barack Obama tricked the media by seemingly helicoptering to Camp David for the weekend on Friday,then secretly flying back to Andrews Air Force Base near Washington.From there,He flew to Afghanistan on Air Force One-a 16-hour trip,completely fooling his observers.Looking none the worse for wear,the young leader arrived at Bagram Air Base just north of the Afghan capital,Kabul,late at night,flying down to Kabul by helicopter,where he received an official welcome from President Hamid Karzai and an honor guard.President Karzai only learned of Mr.Obama's visit an hour before he landed.Following a brief consultation with Mr.Karzai,President Obama went back to Bagram for an event with U.S. troops and a meeting with military commanders.
Attired in his black leather aviator jacket with an embroidered presidential seal and a name tag,the President greeted an excited crowd of about 2500 military personnel,plus a handful of civilian workers.I have no greater honor than serving as your Commander-in-Chief,the President told the troops.My main job here today is to say thank you on behalf of the entire American people.Everybody back home is proud of you,is grateful to you.You miss your kids,your spouses,your friends.Your services are absolutely essential to American safety and security.We did not choose this war.We were attacked viciously on 9-11.This is the region where the perpetrators,al-Qaida,still base their leadership.We are gonna disrupt,defeat and destroy al-Qaida and its allies.
Our strategy creates a military mission,but also a civilian effort for the Afghan people.More troops are on the way.We'll continue to work with Congress to make sure you have the equipment you need,the helicopters and armored vehicles.Our troops have pushed the Taliban out of Marjah.Pakistan is mounting major offensives.The al-Qaida and Taliban leadership are hunkered down.We are gonna keep them on the run.Together with our partners,we're gonna prevail.I am absolutely certain of that.We're gonna keep to improving your pay and benefits and family support,the post-9-11 GI Bill and the biggest VA budget in 30 years.
You've met your responsibilities.That's why you inspire me.All of you represent the virtues that America so desperately needs right now.I've seen your courage and your heroism,your tenacity and determination in our wounded warriors' incredible dedication,focus and pride.Each one of you is part of an unbroken line.They offer fear;and you offer hope.So long as there are folks like you,I am confident our nation will endure,the President assured the troops at Bagram Air Base.He had begun his speech at about 11:11 pm and finished around 11:44,including shaking hands as a live band played all the service anthems.He also visited a mess hall,speaking with a number of troops one-on-one.After a 6-hour mission,he was back aboard Air Force One for a red eye flight back to Andrews,having bucked up the troops as the Easter and Passover holidays approach,and improved his ties with the Afghan leaders and people.