0 t . United Nations . (-) Nations Upies · � l '])? f ' Executive Office of the Secretary - General · -f .....,..� . \_ .� ":>�, .,.,:".·:r·-:·-. · - · :;:.· �-· Cabinet du Secreta ire gene al - ""�· / : ,,�· · - ' · ·b' ;P . H , · .'£ ' -u tt.J \- t- �N ''-}�, '.�": -.•\Y. To: Mr. Nambiar, Please find attached a cover note from Akasaka forwarding a set of background materials on the new Obama administration .. We fear that �he materials are too long (and in some cases already dated). However, the SG might be interested in the second document, the memorandum from Will Davis (UNIC Washington)o�� to Mr. Akasaka on the foreign policy priorities Nicholas Haysom 23 January 2009 cc: KWS ,, 29-00799 ACTION� COPY ���l(y!J f-,.0 NOTE TO THE SECRETARY -GENERAL (Through Mr. Nambiar) New US Administration priorities and key figures v Please find for your information a note from Mr. Will Davis, Director .of the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Washington D.C, outli!ling the Obama Administration's approach tci foreignpolicy. The note is accompanied by brief bios of the key members of his foreign policy team, as well as statements and other documents that address anticipated policy changes in the key players' own words. My Department is monitoring developments in Washington, and is considering new approaches for our outreach to US audiences, in close collaboration with our UNIC. Thank you. Kiyo Akasaka 22 January 2009 Recommended For SG's approval �D Approved D Action: For SG's attention Noted �� For SG's information Seen �q.'$ D Signed D (c For SG's signature Date:� (D Date::..__ Date. :_· ____ I ----:::-:----::-.:- Comment Comment (if applica ble): (if applicable): 7 cc: The Deputy-Secretary-General Mr. Kim Mr. Orr Mr. Haysom Mr. Meyer Mr. Yoon SGOFFICE -tt IG� ro· ? : A{(,!,. i'> "' Si � I Memorandum To: USG Kiyotaka Akasaka From: Will Davis, UNIC-Washington Director Date: 21 January 2009 Re: Obama Administration Approach to Foreign Policy . Barack Obama was elected on an agenda of change, and that change will exten� to his administration's foreign policy agenda as well, including his approach to the United Nations. This memo lays out the key foreign policy areas that are likely to see some of the most dramatic change, with a particular eye toward those areas that will have the greatest affect on the work of the United Nations. This memo will also explore other forces that will shape the Obama Administration's foreign policy, and as attachments, includes bios of the key members. of his foreign policy team, as well as statements and other documents that address anticipated policy changes in . the key players' own words. At the outset, one should note history teaches us that promises made by any presidential candidate on the campaign trail inevitably meet the realpolitik of being in office. Campaign pledges can be deferred, if not postponed indefinitely, once a leader takes power. Additionally, as the administration's foreign policy team is installed, they will each bring their own views, which can have a significant impact on those of the president. And of course, outside ( oftep. unanticipated) events will naturally shape policies in ways currently unforeseen. It is also important to emphasize the natural priority that will be given to domestic policy by any new administration, particularly one greeted by a financial crisis at home. The expectations of the world community that the Obama Administration will solve every nagging foreign policy conundrum right out of the gate are unreasonably high. But there are many indicators of the changes the new administration will bring that are readily apparent. The ne� President's inauguration speech devoted nearly one-· quarter of its attention to foreign policy and addressed audiences beyond US borders. It was a call to action rather than an outline of specific policies, as many of the specifics will be detailed in his State of the Union address next week and fleshed out in the Administration's proposed budget to Congress next month. Perhaps most importantly, there willl?e a change in tone, particularly toward the UN; a willingness to work in partnership, and lead by example. 1 January 22, 2009 It is notable, however, that neither the campaign's position papers, nor President Obama's recent speeches contain many explicit mentions of the United Nations. An unreserved embrace of the UNis just not in the cards for any US administration, given domestic political considerations. While all indications are that Obama and his Administration value the UN, they also see- perhaps in exaggerated caricature� its limitations. When the UNis mentioned it is nearly always coupled with a call for reform. "Top 10" Issue-specificPolicies. In no particular order, here are the ten areas where we are likely to see the greatest change in policies from one administration to the next, again, with an eye toward those that most heavily involve the UN. .D. The Middle East: The G�za conflict is an example of an outside event forcing its way onto the new Administration's agenda, perhaps sooner than had been anticipated. Nonetheless, President Obama has said he will personally be· involved in finding a resolution to the decades old Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell has reportedly been tapped to be the Special Envoy for this portfolio. Some quarters fear a strong pro-Israel bias on the part of newly minted Secretary of State Clinton. But strong support for Israel spans the entire political spectrum in Washington. President Obama's nominee for UNAmbassador, Susan Rice, in�c<1;ted in her confirmation hearing that such strong support would continue as US policy. � Irag: The US-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement envisions the withdrawal of US troops by the end of 201 1; in his campaign, Obama pledged they would within 16 months. But Obama also pledged to end the war responsibly, with indications of some follow-on US military presence. How the drawclown in US forces is handled, along with continued reconstruction of Iraq, and support for its political development will be hallmarks of the new Administration . ... < t J} Afghanistan: Forces drawn down from Iraq will be shifted to Afghanistan. But President Obama has been clear that the conflict in Afghanistan is not winnable solely through military mean. The soft-power complement of the alliance will be boosted. A regional approach, to include Pakistan and India, will be emphasized. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke will reportedly be handed this portfolio. 1). Iran: Iran's reported nuclear weapons aspirations, and support for extremist elements across the Middle East, will test the new Administration early on. Of course, during the campaign, Obama famously said he was ready for face to face "tough" negotiations with Iran. Susan Rice has said the new Administration expects to work with Russia and China to stem Iran's progress, as neither country "wants Iran to be a nuclear weapons state". Dennis Ross is reported to be the Special Envoy with the task of addressing Iran. 2 January 22, 2009 §}. Darfur: US-UN Ambassador-designate Rice and many others in the new Administration have made this a priority, and have considerable insight into the UN's capabilities. Rice has said the Administration's first priority is to strengthen and speed the deployment ofUNAMID. But Rice also placed responsibility squarely on the government in Khartoum to be more cooperative. Campaign rhetoric has hinted that an Obama Administration !!lay pursue tougher sanctions, or a no-fly zone, but is unlikely to commit American soldiers to this (or any other) UN mission. Ql Climate Change: Tackling climate change is found again and again in the new Administration's rhetoric. From the President's inaugural address, to the appointment of senior White House officials like Carol Browner, it is clear that addressing climate change, and a concomitant plan to alter US energy policy, will be near the top of the Administration's agenda. And the Administration intends to work within the UN process on the international level. The question here is whether US domestic policy, and the essential agreement with Congress, will be in place soon enough for the US to be a credible negotiating partner on the international stage over the course of the coming year. 1} Human Rights: In his inaugural address, President Obama said "our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our ·cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint." The President will take immediate steps to close the detainment facility at Guantanamo Bay within a year, although the final disposition of the detainees remains a difficult knot to unravel. The President is anticipated to issue an Executive Order banning torture. Susan Rice, in her confirmation hearing, hinted at US interest in running for a seat on the Human Rights Council. She asked rhetorically whether the recent HRC vote on the Gaza conflict "might - have been different with tJS _ participation". 'The Durban Review Conference places the new Administration in a difficult position. Over the last seven years, ., < • domestic advocacy groups have won the public debate on condemning the Durban process. The Obama Administration will have to show significant political courage just to attend the Review Conference in April. ID. Family planning: This is always among the first areas of change when control of the Executive Branch switches from one party to another. The new Administration is expected to produce an executive order removing restrictions on NGOs who offer family planning in developing countries. Funding for UNFPA withheld by the Bush Administration will be released. 2}. Funding for International Programs: During the campaign, President Obama indicated he would double the budget for international programs during his first term, but has since walked back from that promise due to the financial crisis.