Just finished giving remarks at @IISS_org Manama dialogue on the imperative of partnership in the new Middle East #IISSMD22
I discussed what the Nat'l Defense Strategy concept of integrated deterrence means f/ the Middle East. @DeptofDefense working w/partners to enhance interoperability, synch investments in cutting edge capabilities, & keep training and exercising together. #IISSMD22
In the #MENA region, the US is working on this every day with partners— D-ISIS coalition, Negev Forum, US-GCC defense working groups, and US-GCC+3 summit in Jeddah are all examples. #IISSMD22
@POTUS articulated a framework toward the Middle East based on five principals: whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…
Good news here ... regional security cooperation is already expanding, especially integrated air missile defense, maritime security, intel sharing, & cyber cooperation. #IISSMD22
Second, I made the case that the world is currently witnessing the most aggressive threat to the rules-based int'l order we have seen in decades with Russia’s unprovoked war of choice in Ukraine.#IISSMD22 @DeptofDefense
The US & coalition of Allies & partners are taking bold action in support of Ukrainian sovereignty over the last year because if left unchecked, would-be aggressors in other theaters will be emboldened to use force to remake int'l boundaries. This cannot stand. #IISSMD22
Third, this is not European problem, this is a global problem. Iranian illicit transfer of attack drones to Russia are killing Ukrainian civilians, just like they attacked Saudi Arabia, the UAE, US forces in Iraq and Syria, and commercial vessels at sea. #IISSMD22
Fourth, with US & European assistance, Ukraine is defeating 50% of Iranian attack drones. Cooperation & partnership to address shared security threats works! #IISSMD22
This is why the Biden Administration committed more than $18.9B in security assistance. & why we will not waver from the coalition to support Ukraine— this is the power in partnership. It delivers results. defense.gov/Spotlights/Sup…
Fifth, I discussed why the US views China as its pacing challenge. While the US seeks to promo security & stability through cooperation/partnership, China’s engagement is extractive, pursuing ties to advance their own interests w/no interest in meaningful investments in security
In #MENA there have been no consequences f/China’s expanding strategic partnership to Iran while it also pursues deeper ties to countries directly targeted by Iranian destabilizing activities. Moreover, there have been no consequences in the region for expanding Russia-Iran ties
My main point here is that we have entered a new age of competition — this is not a competition of countries. It is a competition of coalitions. & the US is making hard choices & investments now so that we will be a more effective partner in the future. #IISSMD22
Success in how we fight will not be determined by numbers of forces in any specific theater, but rather by maintaining US military readiness to rapidly respond by flowing forces where they are needed globally, & our interoperability with allies & partners. #IISSMD22
To summarize, the imperative of partnership is a MUST do for the US & our #MENA partners. #IISSMD22
defense.gov/National-Defen…
defense.gov/National-Defen…
On Iran, the fundamental source of regional instability, we can only meaningfully push back if we are working together across all domains. #IISSMD22
On Israel, from its entry into @CENTCOM to the Abraham accords to the Negev process, the circle of peace & security is expanding through integration & cooperation. #IISSMD22
On counter-terrorism, the US is still leading a global coalition of 85 countries and retains forces in Iraq & Syria to #DefeatISIS. We are staying the course, & we need the coalition to finish this fight. #IISSMD22 state.gov/bureaus-office…
On technology, the pace of change demands that we do business differently, & @CENTCOM is the hub for this cutting edge, innovation & experimentation together with partners. #IISSMD22
Final point: DoD retains significant force posture & capability in the Middle East & we are using this commitment to enhance interoperability & partnerships. We are doing this because we are committed to partners & enhancing security in this critical part of the world. #IISSMD22
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