Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change

cwsox · June 20, 2004

Retired Envoys, Commanders Assail Bush Team

Administration Unable to Handle 'Global Leadership,' 27-Member Group Asserts

By Peter Slevin

Washington Post Staff Writer

Thursday, June 17, 2004; Page A22

The Bush administration does not understand the world and remains unable to handle "in either style or substance" the responsibilities of global leadership, a group of 27 retired diplomats and military commanders charged yesterday.

"Our security has been weakened," the former ambassadors and four-star commanders said in a statement read to a crowded Washington news conference. "Never in the 2 1/4 centuries of our history has the United States been so isolated among the nations, so broadly feared and distrusted."

The statement fit onto a single page, but the sharp public criticism of President Bush was striking, coming from a bipartisan group of respected former officials united in anger about U.S. policy. The commentary emerges as public doubts about the Iraq invasion and Bush's handling of national security have risen.

The new group, which calls itself Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change, believes Bush should be defeated in November if the United States hopes to rebuild its credibility and strengthen valuable foreign alliances.

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, speaking later in the day to al-Jazeera, rejected the criticism as a political act. He said the signers, most of whom he knows personally, "made it clear what they wish to see -- they wish to see President Bush not reelected."

"I do not believe that will be the judgment of the American people," Powell added.

"I disagree that the United States is so isolated, as they say," he told the Qatar-based satellite television network. "I mean, the president has gone to the United Nations repeatedly in order to gain the support of the international community. We are in Iraq with many other nations that are contributing troops. Are we isolated from the Brits, from the Poles, from the Romanians, from the Bulgarians, from the Danes, from the Norwegians?"

Among the retired officials signing the statement were Adm. William J. Crowe Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Ronald Reagan and U.S. ambassador to the Court of St. James's under President Bill Clinton, and Marine Gen. Joseph P. Hoar, named by President George H.W. Bush to lead U.S. forces in the Middle East.

The participants also include a pair of former ambassadors to the Soviet Union, two former ambassadors to Israel, two former ambassadors to Pakistan and a former director of the CIA.

On a day when the independent commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks said it found "no credible evidence" that Saddam Hussein worked with al Qaeda on any missions in the United States, the 27 signers accused the Bush administration of a "cynical campaign to persuade the public that Saddam Hussein was linked to al Qaeda and the attacks of Sept. 11."

The group said it did not coordinate its statement with the Democratic presidential campaign of Sen. John F. Kerry (Mass.), who shares many of its views. One signer, retired Gen. Merrill A. "Tony" McPeak, former U.S. Air Force chief of staff, described himself as a Kerry adviser.

McPeak was the Oregon chairman of Republican Robert J. Dole's presidential campaign in 1996, and he joined Veterans for Bush in 2000.

"This administration has gone away from me," McPeak told reporters at the National Press Club, "not vice versa."

The former officials said the administration "adopted an overbearing approach to America's role in the world, relying on military might and righteousness, insensitive to the concerns of traditional friends and allies, and disdainful of the United Nations. . . . Motivated more by ideology than by reasoned analysis, it struck out on its own."

Charles W. Freeman Jr., former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, cited a "post-9/11 atmosphere of hysteria."

"I think we will in time come to be very ashamed of this period in history," Freeman said, "and of the role some people in the administration played in setting the tone and setting the rules."

Donald F. McHenry, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, answered a question about U.S. public diplomacy, a topic of special Bush administration focus, especially in the Muslim world.

"You can embark on all the public diplomacy you wish, but if there is no substance to the policy, it's very difficult to sell," he said.

cwsox · June 20, 2004

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Committee of Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change Releases Statement on Need to Replace Bush Administration

6/16/2004 2:57:00 PM

To: National Desk

Contact: Connie Coopersmith, 202-408-4998 or 202-460-4156, Susan Roth, 301-330-2587 or 202-997-5672, both of the Committee of Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change

WASHINGTON, June 16 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A bipartisan coalition of Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change, a group of retired career ambassadors and senior military officers, released a bold statement on the need to replace the Bush Administration. Twenty-seven retired senior military and Foreign Service officers signed the statement. The following signatories were present at the news conference this morning at the National Press Club. The complete list of signatories and their statement follows.

-- Ambassador Phyllis Oakley (spokesperson) (Former Asst. Sec of State for Intelligence and Research)

-- Ambassador Donald Easum (Former Asst. Sec of State for African Affairs)

-- Ambassador Chas Freeman (Former Amb. to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

-- Ambassador Bill Harrop (Former Amb. To Guinea, Kenya and Seychelles, Zaire and Israel)

-- Ambassador Allen Holmes (Former Asst. Sec of Defense for Special Operations)

-- Ambassador Bob Keeley (Former Amb. to Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Greece)

-- Ambassador Princeton Lyman (Former Asst. Sec of State for Int. Organization Affairs)

-- Ambassador Don McHenry (Former Amb. and U.S. Permanent Rep. to the United Nations)

-- General Merrill A. "Tony" McPeak (Former Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force)

-- Ambassador Robert Oakley (Special Envoy for Somalia, former Amb. To Pakistan, Somalia and Zaire)

-- Ambassador Dan Phillips (Former Amb. to Burundi and the Republic of Congo)

-- Ambassador Mike Sterner (Former Amb. to the United Arab Emirates)

-- Ambassador Alexander F. Watson (Former Asst. Sec of State for Inter-American Affairs, Former Amb. to Peru)

Career chiefs of mission and retired four-star military leaders are launching a nationwide campaign to stress the need for change in U.S. foreign and defense policy. They are deeply concerned by the damage the Bush Administration has caused to our national and international interests and U.S. worldwide status.

The news conference will be archived online for one year at http://www.diplomatsforchange.com.

---

Following are opening remarks by spokesperson Phyllis Oakley, former assistant secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, in advance of the official statement of the Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change:

Opening Remarks

(Prelude to the Official Statement of the Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change)

Spokesperson Phyllis Oakley, Former Asst. Sec of State for Intelligence and Research

Deep concern about the current state of our nation's international relations compels us, 27 men and women who have served the United States in senior diplomatic, national security, and Military positions, to speak out and call for a fundamental change in the United States' approach to foreign policy.

Let me note that we did not seek large numbers of supporters for our statement -- we have assembled a varied and representative group of like-minded former senior career officials. Since news of the statement came out, we have been besieged by calls from friends and colleagues around the world who have offered support and encouragement. This is very gratifying.

Before reading the statement, I would add that to be involved in an act that will be seen by many as political if not partisan is for many of us a new experience. As career government officials, we have served loyally both Republican and Democratic administrations. We have not only worked overseas; we have also held positions of major responsibility in the Department of State, Department of Defense, National Security Council, and at the United Nations. For many of us, such an overt step is very hard to do and we have made our decisions after deep reflection.

We believe we have as good an understanding as any of our citizens of basic American interests. Over nearly half a century we have worked energetically in all regions of the world, often in very difficult circumstances, to build piece by piece a structure of respect and influence for the United States that has served our county very well over the last 60 years.

Today we see that structure crumbling under an administration blinded by ideology and a callous indifference to the realities of the world around it. Never before have so many of us felt the need for a major change in the direction of our foreign policy.

We will be among the first to recognize that the nation currently faces unprecedented threats. We recognize too that the Bush administration is now reaching out to allies. But everything we have heard from friends abroad on every continent suggests to us that the lack of confidence in the present administration in Washington is so profound that a whole new team is needed to repair the damage. Repair it we must, we believe, as the future security and well being of the United States depends on it.

I would like to introduce the others with me this morning, and then read the statement. Afterwards we will be happy to take questions, which will be answered on an individual basis.

---

DIPLOMATS AND MILITARY COMMANDERS FOR CHANGE

The undersigned have held positions of responsibility for the planning and execution of American foreign and defense policy. Collectively, we have served every president since Harry S. Truman. Some of us are Democrats, some are Republicans or Independents, many voted for George W. Bush. But we all believe that current Administration policies have failed in the primary responsibilities of preserving national security and providing world leadership. Serious issues are at stake. We need a change.

From the outset, President George W. Bush adopted an overbearing approach to America's role in the world, relying upon military might and righteousness, insensitive to the concerns of traditional friends and allies, and disdainful of the United Nations. Instead of building upon America's great economic and moral strength to lead other nations in a coordinated campaign to address the causes of terrorism and to stifle its resources, the Administration, motivated more by ideology than by reasoned analysis, struck out on its own. It led the United States into an ill-planned and costly war from which exit is uncertain. It justified the invasion of Iraq by manipulation of uncertain intelligence about weapons of mass destruction, and by a cynical campaign to persuade the public that Saddam Hussein was linked to Al Qaeda and the attacks of September 11. The evidence did not support this argument.

Our security has been weakened. While American airmen and women, marines, soldiers and sailors have performed gallantly, our armed forces were not prepared for military occupation and nation building. Public opinion polls throughout the world report hostility toward us. Muslim youth are turning to anti-American terrorism. Never in the two and a quarter centuries of our history has the United States been so isolated among the nations, so broadly feared and distrusted. No loyal American would question our ultimate right to act alone in our national interest; but responsible leadership would not turn to unilateral military action before diplomacy had been thoroughly explored.

The United States suffers from close identification with autocratic regimes in the Muslim world, and from the perception of unquestioning support for the policies and actions of the present Israeli Government. To enhance credibility with Islamic peoples we must pursue courageous, energetic and balanced efforts to establish peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and policies that encourage responsible democratic reforms.

We face profound challenges in the 21st Century: proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, unequal distribution of wealth and the fruits of globalization, terrorism, environmental degradation, population growth in the developing world, HIV/AIDS, ethnic and religious confrontations. Such problems can not be resolved by military force, nor by the sole remaining superpower alone; they demand patient, coordinated global effort under the leadership of the United States.

The Bush Administration has shown that it does not grasp these circumstances of the new era, and is not able to rise to the responsibilities of world leadership in either style or substance. It is time for a change.

---

THE STATEMENT PROJECT

Designations of Signatories (in alphabetical order)

The Signatories to this Statement are retired, but held the following positions during their careers in service to the United States Government.

1. The Honorable Avis T. Bohlen; Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, 1999; Ambassador to Bulgaria, 1996; District of Columbia

2. Admiral William J. Crowe, USN, Ret.; Chairman, President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Committee, 1993; Ambassador to the Court of Saint James, 1993; Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1985; Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command; Oklahoma

3. The Honorable Jeffrey S. Davidow; Ambassador to Mexico, 1998; Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs, 1996; Ambassador to Venezuela, 1993; Ambassador to Zambia, 1988; Virginia

4. The Honorable William A. DePree; Ambassador to Bangladesh, 1987; Director of State Department Management Operations, 1983; Ambassador to Mozambique, 1976; Michigan

5. The Honorable Donald B. Easum; Ambassador to Nigeria, 1975; Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, 1974; Ambassador to Upper Volta, 1971; Virginia

6. The Honorable Charles W. Freeman, Jr.; Assistant Secretary of Defense, International Security Affairs, 1993; Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 1989; Rhode Island

7. The Honorable William C. Harrop; Ambassador to Israel, 1991; Ambassador to Zaire, 1987; Inspector General of the State Department and Foreign Service, 1983; Ambassador to Kenya and Seychelles, 1980; Ambassador to Guinea, 1975; New Jersey

8. The Honorable Arthur A. Hartman; Ambassador to the Soviet Union, 1981; Ambassador to France, 1977; Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, 1973; New Jersey

9. General Joseph P. Hoar, USMC, Ret.; Commander in Chief, United States Central Command, 1991; Deputy Chief of Staff, Marine Corps, 1990; Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, 1987; Massachusetts

10. The Honorable H. Allen Holmes; Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, 1993; Ambassador at Large for Burdensharing, 1989; Assistant Secretary of State for Politico- Military Affairs, 1986; Ambassador to Portugal, 1982; Kansas

11. The Honorable Robert V. Keeley; Ambassador to Greece, 1985; Ambassador to Zimbabwe, 1980; Ambassador to Mauritius, 1976; Florida

12. The Honorable Samuel W. Lewis; Director of State Department Policy and Planning, 1993; Ambassador to Israel, 1977; Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, 1975; Texas

13. The Honorable Princeton N. Lyman; Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, 1997; Ambassador to South Africa, 1992; Director, Bureau of Refugee Programs, 1989; Ambassador to Nigeria, 1986; Maryland

14. The Honorable Jack F. Matlock, Jr.; Ambassador to the Soviet Union, 1987; Director for European and Soviet Affairs, National Security Council, 1983; Ambassador to Czechoslovakia, 1981; Florida

15. The Honorable Donald F. McHenry; Ambassador and U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, 1979; Illinois

16. General Merrill A. (Tony) McPeak, USAF, Ret.; Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, 1990; Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces, 1988; Commander, 12th Air Force and U.S. Southern Command Air Forces, 1987; Oregon

17. The Honorable George E. Moose; Representative, United Nations European Office, 1997; Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, 1993; Ambassador to Senegal, 1988; Director, State Department Bureau of Management Operations, 1987; Ambassador to Benin, 1983; Colorado

18. The Honorable David D. Newsom; Secretary of State ad interim, 1981; Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, 1978; Ambassador to the Philippines, 1977; Ambassador to Indonesia, 1973; Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, 1969; Ambassador to Libya, 1965; California

19. The Honorable Phyllis E. Oakley; Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, 1997; Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, 1994; Nebraska

20. The Honorable Robert Oakley; Special Envoy for Somalia, 1992; Ambassador to Pakistan, 1988; Ambassador to Somalia, 1982; Ambassador to Zaire, 1979; Louisiana

21. The Honorable James D. Phillips; Diplomat-in-Residence, the Carter Center of Emory University, 1994; Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, 1990; Ambassador to Burundi, 1986; Kansas

22. The Honorable John E. Reinhardt; Director of the United States Information Agency, 1977; Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, 1975; Ambassador to Nigeria, 1971; Maryland

23. General William Y. Smith, USAF, Ret.; Chief of Staff for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, 1979; Assistant to the Chairman, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1975; Director of National Security Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, 1974; Arkansas

24. The Honorable Ronald I. Spiers; Under Secretary General of the United Nations for Political Affairs, 1989; Under Secretary of State for Management, 1983; Ambassador to Pakistan, 1981; Director, State Department Bureau of Intelligence and Research, 1980; Ambassador to Turkey, 1977; Ambassador to The Bahamas, 1973; Director, State Department Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, 1969; Vermont

25. The Honorable Michael E. Sterner; Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, 1974; New York

26. Admiral Stansfield Turner, USN, Ret.; Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, 1977; Commander in Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe (NATO), 1975; Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, 1974; Illinois

27. The Honorable Alexander F. Watson; Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs, 1993; Ambassador to Brazil, 1992; Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, 1989; Ambassador to Peru, 1986; Maryland

Committee of Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change Releases Statement on Need to Replace Bush Administration

cwsox · June 20, 2004

story 3

DIPLOMATS AND MILITARY COMMANDERS FOR CHANGE - Press conference and statement

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