” Sec. 5. Reporting on Progress. The National Security Advisor shall prepare an annual report for the President on the Federal Government’s progress implementing the requirements of this memorandum. Agencies engaged abroad shall provide the National Security Advisor with any requested information on their progress implementing the requirements of this memorandum to include in this annual report. “
Why is the National Security Advisor doing this?
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NOT KIDDING: Obama complains about OTHER countries for trying to silence dissent
But the point is, this started in civil society. That’s what prompted action by President Clinton and by myself. And promoting civil society that can surface issues and push leadership is not just in keeping with our values — it’s not charity. It’s in our national interest.
Countries that respect human rights, including freedom of association happen to be our closest partners. That is not an accident.
Conversely, when these rights are suppressed, it fuels grievances and a sense of injustice that over time can fuel instability or extremism.
So, I believe America’s support for civil society is a matter national security. It is precisely because citizens and civil society can be so powerful, their ability to harness technology and connect and mobilize at this moment [is] so unprecedented, that more and more governments are doing everything in their power to silence them.