Looking Forward to 2010: Foreign Affairs

Analysis of Obama's AfPak Speech @ West Point 12/1/09
Politico Analysis: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1209/30078.html
 

Tough call, but I think it's the right call..at the end of the day Afghanistan will determine its own destiny with or without our billions of dollars and soldiers.  We need to "shock & awe" the border regions of AfPak and empower the Afghan ppl to fight for their future, restore credibility within their own gov't, build up & sustain a credible Army and police force, and ensure our allies join us during this fight.  We've been there for 8+ years, spent billions of dollars, and hundreds of our soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

The draw down is CONDITIONAL and I think a BOOT to not just Afghanistan to get the job done, but also for our military leaders to carry out the strategy efficiently and expeditiously.  The fact that we've been there for 8+ years now and the country has gone practically no where in the right direction is troubling!  We have by far the best military in the world, the best technology, the best strategists, and the best people on the ground--so to me this says one of two things 1.) The mission was never defined with clear benchmarks and a time line for succeeding and/or 2.) the war in Afghanistan will NEVER be won by military means as the primary tool for engagement.

Two great points I just heard:

(1) Its not our job to weigh down the Taliban indefinitely for the sake of staying longer.

(2) If the Taliban/Al-Qaeda want to wait for us to leave in the next 2 years then so be it.  That means a.) the Afghan army and police would have built up to successful levels, b.) the gov't would have more breathing room to reconcile and root out corruption, c.) infrastructure and social/economic development would have time to occur. 

With that said, NATO forces will be striking the Taliban/Al-Qaeda all across the border regions in AfPak, so not only will they be killed, their numbers and influence will be greatly dimensioned. 

CLEAR, HOLD, BUILD--that's the goal people!

And also VICTORY is not an EXIT Strategy--that's like saying FREEDOM is an exit strategy or WORLD PEACE--those are all goals and great ideals, but they do not offer a clear objective or even potential measurable benchmarks to succeed.  This is about empowering a nation to take control of its own future and not a time for America to be a long-term occupier!

Afghanistan: The security situation in Afghanistan will improve due to added pressure on the Afghan government to root out corruption and increase their own national army and police forces.  There will also be more targeted NATO military campaigns to retake pivotal population centers which will result in an uptick of NATO casualties, but also with increased casualties of Taliban fighters and Al-Qaeda terrorists. A US exit strategy will be pivotal to ensuring President Hamid Karzai roots out corruption and that the Afghan people begin to take control of their own country.  Some huge concerns are whether or not Afghanistan will be able to hold military gains, if they can build a more stable economic and political system of governance that is not dependent on illegal narcotics and corrupt back room deals, and the ability to educate and empower the Afghan people.  These are all tough goals and no amount of soldiers can bring these to full fruition, however it is important that we give more breathing room for the Afghan people and government to have a chance to control their own destiny. 

Pakistan:  Pakistan will play an even more pivotal role in reducing terrorist activities in the AfPak region.  They will receive more funds and resources to battle terrorists organization within their country and their border from the US.  America will continue to use unmanned predator drones to strike terrorist targets within Pakistan and on their border.  Pakistan may end up with a new President, which could hurt its efforts in rooting out terrorist factions within their country.

Israel/Palestine & Peace: There will be a momentarily solace of peace between Israel and Palestine, which will be short lived.  There are just too many historical battles that will occur to prevent peace, i.e. Hamas.  Both sides will fail to give up much--Israel will refuse to cease all settlement building and Palestine will not get all of the land and freedom they desire in the region.

Climate Change: The US Congress will pass and the president will sign climate change legislation that will reduce our emissions greatly over the next 20 years.  We will also see greater investments in green energy technology (wind, solar, etc).  The big hope is that China and India will come on board and make drastic cuts in emissions, which I predict they will do.

President Obama:  In his first year the President has handled one of the most complex and ambitious agendas since FDR.  Health care, climate change, two wars, preventing another great depression, a rising China and Russia, education reform, terrorism detention policies, energy reform, restoring America's image abroad, etc.  His ability to navigate, hash out, and intelligently discuss important and vital issues to the American people has been greatly admired.  His ability to prod his advisers with tough questions to create better solutions for these complex issues is also admirable and needed in a global society.  However, many would like to see a more definitive Obama who has a clear agenda that can be explained in simple terms. They want to see a fighter and strong advocate for middle-class Americans.  I believe 2010 will bring about a refreshed and fighting Obama that will take his critics head on and begin to consolidate his ambitious agenda around common themes and ideals.

Can You Change The World?

There's a point in all of our lives when we realize our potential and our ability to positively change the environment around us.  But at one point do we act?  When do we finally see that clear path and the epiphany graces our inner thoughts?  It is vital that we become empowered--that our souls and minds become awakened to our true calling.  This awakening for many people occurs due to a negative experience or tragedy--our senses become awakened due to a loss of a job or close friend or family member.

The idea that life on this earth is not everlasting, that it is finite. Others experience their own calling due to positive experiences, such as spiritual awakenings or life-changing conversations and opportunities that open up the mind and soul. Our time here is our opportunity to bring about real positive ideals and changes to the lives of others

When we not only discover our purpose, but learn to love ourselves and others more holistically, we then realize the power within each of us.  It is very easy for us to wait on someone else to live our dreams for us or to give us the golden ticket, however our fear of the unknown and the risks involved with success should not be the ultimate decider in our own quests for who we are as a people and what we are meant to accomplish in our lives and in the lives of others.

In a simple term: FAITH!  Having faith to leap before looking, traveling on the unknown path, and taking the risks necessary to achieve that may sometimes end in failure, and then our ability to get back up when down and to learn from our failures and those of others in our own quest to succeed are all part of the defining cycle of life and success.

The idea that  a young nun with only her faith in Jesus Christ could become one of the most prominent humanitarians ever winning the Nobel Peace Prize and helping thousands of impoverished and diseased people across the world find comfort and solace.  Mother Teresa once said, "The more you have, the more you are occupied, the less you give. But the less you have, the more free you are. Poverty for us is a freedom."

Or that a black man imprisoned for 27 years in a country that  was a breeding ground for discrimination and apartheid would rise up to lead a free South Africa into a new era of inclusiveness and diversity.  Nelson Mandela showed that even in a man's darkest days he can rise up to take on new and daunting challenges that embroil a nation and a divided people.  Nelson Mandela once said, "I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances."

There are many stories of normal people, doing extraordinary things that ultimately impact thousands, if not millions of people.  If you read and listen to their stories they all used their circumstances, whether negative or positive, to their advantage to bring about real change in society and the world in which we live today.   The story of life for all of these individuals and our own lives are linked inextricably together.  Through the discovery of our own purpose on this earth brings about a new identity and awakening in the lives of others. 

Live your life to the fullest. Be inspired. Live your dream and deepest wishes.  Every success starts with an idea.  Be creative and never give up!

 How to Discover Your Purpose?

1. What are your interests? What gets you excited?
2. Take a personality/interest test.
3. Write about your life and piece it together.
4. Lose yourself in service to discover your purpose
5. If you are religious, pray and seek spiritual guidance.
6. What life long goals or dreams do you wish to accomplish?
7. Take some time off to meditate and relax your mind and soul.

social media & user generated content.

The internet has allowed many organizations and companies to enlist users in the development of social media content.  Facebook is notorious for its use of freelance developers to create content for the site, without having to do the work themselves.  And there is nothing wrong with this at all, it is actually a great way to utilize the creative and innovative talent of web users all across the world.  User generated content is becoming more of the norm than the exception--as it brings together developers and artists, both young and old, novice and expert, to create new content that in years past would have cost thousands, if not millions, of dollars for companies.  

 I believe more companies should follow suit and recruit freelance developers and artists to bring about a revolution in user generated content and social media.  It truly is a win-win situation for both the company and developer.  Firstly, it allows the developer/artist to hone his or her creative talents, get noticed on the market, and generate thousands of fans for future content creation on their own.  And for companies it is inexpensive and allows for a diversity of creative ideas and content from a myriad of users.  As the web becomes even more linked to our daily lives and changes the way we interact with one another, the relationship between companies and freelance creative talent will continue to grow. 

 One of my goals with The SDEA Group is to unite talented, idealistic, and creative freelance designers, developers, and artists to develop social media and web/print content for a cause.  In an effort to educate and empower citizens to take up social causes that range from the AIDS epidemic to education to climate change.  I believe that it is vital that socially conscious organizations and businesses have bold, innovative, and creative social awareness campaigns to empower a new generation of social change agents across America and the world.

 The SDEA Group will challenge users to:

• Raise Awareness.
• Challenge Conventional Thinking.
• Be Different.
• Reject the Status Quo.
• Educate and Empower the People.
• Fight for Social Change.

 

And we hope to target these issues and many more:

• The Environment
• HIV/Aids
• Darfur
• Education
• Health Care
• War & Peace
• Fitness
• Politics & Public Policy
• Foreign Affairs
• Clean Water
• Developing Countries
• Discrimination/Racism

I know there are so many creative people out there and with your help we can truly create sustainable and creative social change!

the SDEA group. be different.

As more and more companies and organizations aim to reach out to socially conscious consumers and voters, we believe they need to stand out even more in today's competitive and saturated media market.  Most people's continuous attention span is less than 8 seconds--which means if the message isn't crisp, creative, and meaningful you may have lost a potential consumer and soul.  The SDEA Group works with socially conscious profit & non-profit organizations, governments, and businesses to help define and create compelling, creative, and different social media campaigns aimed at social change.

We simply do not believe in the status quo and in order for innovation to occur ideas and actions must be bold, fresh, idealistic, and targeted. We believe in real social change campaigns that will positively change the world around us.  We're focused on asking the tough questions and seeking the smart answers.  The SDEA Group believes that by empowering and educating people on vital social issues, from HIV/Aids, Darfur, infectious diseases, climate change, fiscal responsibility, and many more, we are giving power to the people to change the world!

The SDEA Group stands for the social good.  Allow us to help craft your image, message, and/or programs to meet the needs of real people everyday.  We believe being different is a good thing.  Changing how systems work to be more efficient for the greater good, reaching the masses to create real sustainable social change, and giving voice to the speechless.  We believe that being different is the norm, not the exception.

Strategy. Develop. Evaluate. Act.=the SDEA Group.

Be Different.

• Political & Advocacy Consulting (profit & non-profit organizations, businesses, candidates)
  
• Message Positioning (web, print, social media)
  

reaching the masses: innovation

Some of the most successful companies in the history of business created their success over adversaries due to an unyielding ability to innovate & create new ideas and products.  However, for many of these companies, such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Wal-Mart, & McDonalds, they aren't always creating something entirely new, usually it is just a tweak of an existing product or service.  Take for instance music players--CD Players, radio players, eight tracks, & MP3 players--they all do the same thing: Play Music!  So what makes the creation of an I-Pod, which does the same thing, more exciting, marketable, and successful than its counterparts?  I believe we can look at some of the dynamics of a political campaign for answers--you can have two seemingly similar candidates who support the same issues, but for some reason one catches on over the other because of how they look, their ability to relate & communicare more effectively through numerous modes of media, financial capabilities, experience, energy, and most importantly their message--maybe it was tweaked just right to match the mood and ideals of voters or a generation at that moment in history.

An obviously great example is the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States.  He surely wasn't the first man of color to run for the Presidency nor were his ideas any different then most of his democratic opponents, nor did he have the same type or amount of experience, however he was able to tap into a certain mood within the country aching for change.  His ability to resonate with voters of all ages, his campaign's ability to raise unlimited cash primarily from small donors, the candidate's energy level, and his ability to tap into the innovations of social media all helped him overcome the qualms of race, inexperience, and the grueling pace of an historic campaign for the highest office in the land.

I believe there are very telling signs and ideas that we can pull from political campaigns and the business world.  There is no guarantee of long-term success, nor of ultimate victory every single time, however, by asking the tough questions, aiming to be different, learning from the failures of others, communicating, and utilizing the amazing capabilities of social media, businesses and political candidates can flourish in a time of unparalleled competition and innovative prowess.  Many times it only takes a minor tweak to create real and positive change in the business and public sector.  Innovation does not always require starting from scratch and re-inventing the wheel--maybe it just needs a new face lift.  Take a look around and begin to observe the simple qualms  of daily life and discover new and better ways of doing things, then you too can affect real innovative change!   

be different: power to the people

As kids we were always told that being different was not OK, that it was not the norm or the cool thing to do.  Somehow we allowed society to dictate the status quo and what was not possible, instead of what could be possible.  And with that came the belief that our ideals and abilities were not inextricably linked to one another or the Earth that we inherited, however this belief should no longer stand.  The people of all nations, beliefs, colors, and creeds have the most solemn promise to one another: that we stand together for a better generation and society than when we got here.  The social causes of one nation shall not be only theirs to bare--but of all socially conscious members of society--people, businesses, non-profit organizations, governments, and the like, to stand up for one another for a brighter future.

The idea of believing in something greater then ourselves is still relevant today--that we can all be a part of the solution & not just the problem.  There are so many social causes that demand our utmost attention and evaluation:  HIV/Aids, genocide, poverty, infectious diseases that ravish developing nations, education, clean water, innovative solutions to climate change, health care, war, economic development, and so much more.  Sometimes we become so beholden to what "has" been done, instead of what "should" and "can" be done.  We forget about our moral and ethical obligations to one another to build a more prosperous, healthy, and productive Earth.  Through the empowerment of others we can change the status quo, giving hope to the hopeless, and a  voice to the speechless.  Some ways that we can do this is by supporting organizations and political candidates that fight for social causes we believe in, speaking out when a social injustice is occurring by writing to a local newspaper, or even starting your own campaign to bring about social change to an issue that matters deeply to you.

I believe that being different is a good thing.  Changing how systems work to be more efficient for the greater good, reaching the masses to create real social change, & educating a society on the social challenges of our time.  I believe that being different is the norm, not the exception. What do you believe? How can you be different?

cause the effect: a revolution of ideas

We have all heard the term "cause and effect"--the idea that one event is directly related to the outcome of another.  I came across one of America's top political consulting firms online--GMMB--and their slogan "cause the effect" really hit me and made me think how all of us have the power to affect positive change.  The choices we make in our lives--from our college decision to our major to the careers we choose to enter to the families we decide to raise--all have an impact on the social fabric of our nation and our world.  Every decision we make causes something to occur--either positive or negative.  I would hope that we all aim to create positive outcomes in the decisions we make.

Most importantly when I look at our education in this country and I think about the impact we are leaving on our children and I'm deeply troubled.  Our ability to educate and empower a new generation of thinkers, builders, artists, and socially aware citizens is of utmost importance.  The fact that in many places in this country and world children are being shortchanged in their educational opportunities and it is truly a travesty.  We have a noble obligation to see to it that every child has at least an opportunity to live out whatever dream he or she has for their life and future.  And by doing so, not only are we ensuring a better society based on strong social values, but also to the idea that as citizens of this Earth we shall leave it better off than we found it.

We are all capable of doing amazing things--all of us have talents and creative juices that run through our blood and minds every single day--it is our responsibily to make those ideals and hopes a reality.  We have had many amazing people in our lifetime that have taken up causes of freedom, prosperity, the environment, technology, medicine, and so much more.  People such as Mother Theresa, Bill Gates, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela just to name a few. I challenge you to determine how you can cause the effect, how you can make a positive difference in the world around you, and leave this planet just a little bit better off for future generations.

Creating and Measuring Program Success

All successful organizations and companies, both profit and non-profit, do a great job of not only developing its employees and overall goals, but also at designing and measuring the success of programs. It is very easy to design a program or idea that looks great on paper and viable, however, the hard part is designing a means by which to measure program outcomes or benchmarks. Evaluating a program throughout the creation and implementation phase is vital to knowing what works, what doesn't work, and how to improve the program in all areas, including not just on a consumer level, but at the institutional level.

Many times it is easy to assume that if the consumer or individual who is receiving or taking part in the program is meeting set benchmarks that the institution itself is working effectively and efficiently.  There are always opportunities to improve a program, creating more efficiency and added value for both the consumer and organization. For example, if you are designing a new leadership program for students (as my team is doing), there are many questions that must be answered, such as:

(1) What are some potential tools we can use to measure expected outcomes/benchmarks?
(2) What changes are expected in participants as a result of completing the leadership program?
(3) How will we measure student proficiency as it relates to the curriculum?
(4) How do we align the leadership curriclum with other academic disciplines?
(5) What are the standards that we plan on teaching student participants?

These are just some questions that we must answer as we design our new leadership program for students.  As we determine tools to measure student success within the program we can utilize a combination of many such as: portfolios, field exercises, rubric scoring system, peer and self evaluations, and pre & post assessements.  When desiging a program of any type it is important to always communicate with an array of stakeholders, departments, and potential participants to design the best possible currciulum and program.  The main objective is to have participants reach set goals through a series of exercises and programming that you believe are vital for consumers of that program. 

I find it easier to first design the program evaluation outline, before developing all of the curriculum.  I think by knowing what you expect from the program, the outcomes you want your end users to come away with once exiting your program, and the tools by which you will measure the success of the program, will help guide your research into the resources and curriculum that will best serve your end users and your team.  Part of the performance management structure that we use at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) as a means to achieve overall goals, such as designing a viable student leadership program, is to: plan, monitor, develop, rate, and celebrate.

• Plan: Determine the work ahead, set the expectations, and create goals.

• Monitor: Determine the progress you hope to achieve, the obstacles and pluses that will join you on that journey, and how to measure success & prevent failure.

• Develop: improving the capacity of the employees and organization to achieve at high levels, introducing new skills, and improving processes and reducing organizational road blocks.

• Rate: hold everyone involved accountable, determine the success or failure of set goals and performance.

• Celebrate: recognize success when it occurs, give due credit, and reward efficieny and high performance.

Whatever you choose to design and implement in terms of programming, make sure you plan accordingly and ask all the tough questions.  You can never prepare too much for something you believe in and wish to see others succeed at.