Posted on 02/15/2020 11:24:12 AM PST by Kaslin
MUNICH - Speaking during the Munich Security Conference Saturday morning, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called out European leaders and others for claiming the West is westless, pushed back on allegations that the United States rejects the international community and explained that the NATO alliance has been bolstered, not weakened, by President Trumps demands on allied countries to properly budget for defense.
"I saw the topic for this weekends gathering, this idea of 'westlessness' as the core theme for this years conference. And I am sure, too, there are many of you who would call yourself here realists, but let me give you an idea of whats real," Pomeo said. "Over the past few years, Ive seen, weve all seen, democratic leaders questioning Americas commitment to the transatlantic alliance and Americas leadership in the world. Im here this morning to tell you the facts. Those statements simply do not affect in any significant way or reflect reality. I am happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly over-exaggerated."
Pompeo went after leaders by reading their quotes and strongly hit back with examples of how the United States is leading on a variety of issues, including emissions reduction, defeating ISIS, combating terrorism, bolstering Democracy, fighting Russian aggression, holding China accountable and more.
The United States, with our allies, has undertaken the most significant reinforcement of NATOs eastern flank since the Cold War. We are stronger when we work together to accomplish our shared security goals, he said. "The United States has marshalled nations to help us protect the waterways of the Straits of Hormuz and to defend freedom of navigation throughout the South China Sea. The United States, too, has worked with international sanctions, global sanctions, to prevent North Korea from continuing to develop its nuclear weapons program, and weve worked to bring Pyongyang consistently back to the negotiating table. Weve led 81 nations in the global fight to defeat the ISIS caliphate. We took out al-Baghdadi. We took out the leader of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula just this past month. Is this an America that 'rejects the international community?'"
"The West is winning. Freedom and democracy are winning. And by that, I dont mean just geographical nations. The West doesnt define a space or a piece of real state. Its any nation any nation that adopts a model of respect for individual freedom, free enterprise, national sovereignty. Theyre part of this idea of the West," he continued.
The secretary of state explained how sovereignty and borders bolster western values, protect citizens and promote cooperation.
"We patrol our borders to keep our people safe, so that they can continue to worship, to work, and to make our countries great without disruption. We honor the right of every nation to carry on their affairs as they choose, so long as they dont try to interfere with our sovereignty or do harm to our friends," he said. "Look, we urge other nations to protect human dignity, because we believe in unalienable rights. We support independent nations. Our signature our signature military project together is a defensive alliance. We respect the rule of law and we honor intellectual property rights. We dont interfere in other nations elections."
"Respect for sovereignty of nations is a secret of and central to our success," he said.
Pompeo also reminded western leaders that caving to pressure from Russia and China, who do not respect sovereignty or intellectual property rights, may be the easy thing to do, but the wrong direction that threatens future global stability.
"Lets talk about territorial integrity, or rather, those nations that have contempt for it. Russia has seized Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine and Georgia. Irans missiles explode on Saudi oil facilities, and its proxy forces are present in Iraq, in Lebanon, in Syria, and in Yemen. China encroaches on the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. And on that point, China has had a border or maritime dispute with nearly every nation bordering it," he said.
I know its not without cost or courage to stand up for our sovereignty. But has that ever been the case? Pompeo said. Name me a moment in history when the weak and the meek have won.
After a series of meetings in Munich over the past two days, Pompeo will visit a series of African countries and the Middle East.
Presidential material.
Well said.
I wouldn’t mind seeing him trade places with Pence.
Pompeo’s a good man ... and smart as they come...
Pompeo said. Name me a moment in history when the weak and the meek have won.
The meek shall inherit the earth.
In 4 x 8 sections.
L
You tell ‘em Mike-”And the Horse they rode in on!”
Let Pompeo chalk up some wins. He's good at it. And he and the President have a good relationship. Pompeo is someone the President really trusts.
Trump is getting some good folks lined up for him. It's all about trust. By the time 2024 nominees come around, Pompeo will be in a good position.
More winning
Yup, he didnt take any crap.
*** Presidential material. ***
Not in my reality.
Westlessness is brainlessness.
I love Pompeo,
Europe was
The future is east of Suez
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo acts on President Trumps behalf, so everything stated is Trump. I have not seen enough of his own decisions or actions to have an opinion of his character.
Meanwhile, behind Pompeo’s back in Munich was Democrat Chris Murphy, smooching up to the Axis of Evil:
After Stonewalling For Days, Sen. Chris Murphy Finally Admits He Secretly Met With Iranian Regime In Munich
The Federalist ^ | 2/18/2020 | madeline osborn
Posted on 2/18/2020, 9:35:05 PM by bitt
Sen. Chris Murphy confirmed The Federalists reporting that he privately met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif without State Department knowledge or approval in Munich last week.
After Mollie Hemingway first reported the meeting Monday, Murphy did not respond to any media inquiries. ...
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