The Center for a New American Security, a small think tank here with generally middle-of-the-road policy views, is rapidly emerging as a top farm team for the incoming Obama administration.
When President-elect Barack Obama released a roster of his transition advisers last week, many of the national-security appointments came from the ranks of the center, which was founded by a pair of former Clinton administration officials in February 2007.
The think tank's central role in the transition effort suggests that its positions -- which include rejecting a fixed timeline for a withdrawal from Iraq -- will get a warm reception within the new administration.
Michele Flournoy, who co-founded the center with Kurt Campbell, a former Clinton National Security Council and Pentagon official, now serves as its president. She is one of two top members of Mr. Obama's defense transition team and is likely to be offered a high-ranking position at the Pentagon. Some Obama advisers say she could eventually be tapped as the nation's first female defense secretary...
Much more at The Wall Street Journal.
Comments
First an overdue thanks to Dreazen and WSJ for consistently writing about policy and and military affairs beyond what the broader MSM covers and offering America something to contemplate, rather than just feed popular appetite.
The article is interesting because we are now starting to see actions on the part of the President Elect (and his close advisors) beyond campaign narrative. Whether tapping into CNAS or the possible appointment of Senator Clinton to Secretary of State, we have an idea of what their positions might be based on their published ideas, records, past actions, etc. As such it is reasonable to assume that the President Elect has at least considered those positions as part of his overall rationale for choosing one person over another.
The high level appointments are critical because they are the organizational leadership, and their traits and attributes will set the character of the organizations the lead. They will in turn make sub appointments and recommendations of people based on qualities that they respect, admire or require.
Both State and Defense are areas that have interested SWJ readers, as we discuss the role of these agencies in setting and achieving our FP objectives. Our SWJ discussions here about capabilities and capacities are very relevant as we look forward and try to establish a dialogue about what our requirements will be. Particularly so given at least the next 3 years in Iraq, and the possibility of a growing commitment in Afghanistan. We've also had some great discussion on functional and dysfunctional relationships between DoS and DoD, and how personality at all level matters as the hand in hand in hand partnership between the two helps to temper appetite and expectations, and keep our strategies feasible and sustainable.
The President Elect has recently stated that National Security is indeed a priority for his Administration, and his choices of VP, and key cabinet secretarial positions would seem to reinforce this statement. During the campaign the President Elect mentioned crafting a strategy of engagement (actually I believe his words were to the effect of restoring International faith in the United States). While some have speculated on the political value of some appointments or on the strength of "a Team of Rivals", I also think its worth us to consider how his selections indicate his thinking on FP interests and objectives, and what that might require us to do in order to realize them.
Good catch Dave/Bill
Best, Rob