Confirmation Hearing: Kalwejt to be Secretary of External Affairs (Confirm'd)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

My administration cares deeply about foreign policy. The Secretary of External Affairs must be knowledgeable and able to effectively communicate diplomatically abroad. I have asked Vice President-elect Kalwejt to serve in this capacity during our administration.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

How would you depart from the foreign policy of previous administrations?  What will be your policy towards the now nuclear Iran?  Do you believe we should maintain our alliance with the State of Israel?

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Do you feel that China is a potential threat to our economic security?  If so, how will you address this?

To what extent should our military be used for humanitarian causes, if at all?

Should we intervene in Syria?

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

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In my experience, there are only a precious few who actually "know the drill".

[Redalgo]

Kalwejt, as Secretary of External Affairs what would your attitudes be regarding forms of political and economic manipulation, and the use of coercive measures betwixt countries with conflicting interests? How important is ensuring the dignity, general welfare, and social rights of peoples in other parts of the world relative to advancing the national interests of Atlasia?

[Lincoln Republican]

Mr. Vice President

What approach will you take in dealing with the rogue states of the world, i.e. Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, North Korea?

[Donerail]

Mr. Vice President

What approach will you take in dealing with the rogue states of the world, i.e. Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, North Korea?

I echo Winfield's question, particularly regarding Iran nd their nuclear program.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I'm sorry for getting into response now, but I had rather rocky last days and felt I should be in clear mind when addressing your questions.

Mr. Vice President

What approach will you take in dealing with the rogue states of the world, i.e. Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, North Korea?

I do not consider Cuba a "rogue state". First of all, relations between Nyman and Havana are normal for years now and I wholeheartedly support this policy. Second of all, Cuba does not represent threat to any other nation.

North Korea is undergoing a difficult period of transition, which can led basically anywhere. Right now, it's critical to reassure our commitments to our allies that are geographically close to North Korea, such as South Korea and Japan. Frankly, there's nothing useful we can do beside that.

As of Iran, I believe we need a detente in our relations with Tehran. The years of isolation didn't serve any purpose, the regime grew only stronger and Iran is a nuclear state now. We need to establish a normal relationship with this country, just as we did with China in 1970s. Back the China was a serious geopolitical enemy, but the new approachment changed the situation.

Sudan, just like Cuba, is not a thread for other nations. It's the situation is newly-created South Sudan that worries me. And I mean both humanitarian challenges, as well as the fact it's politically nothing short of dictatorship.

Syria is the most difficult question. I do not support any unitalery military operation, as I believe it would only worsen already dramatic situation. Also, we're kind of ineffective when it's coming to military operations in the Middle East. I could support an international operation, but I'd say so when I see a real plan.

I can promise, however, that if confirmed, I shall create a Syrian Task Force, that'd study the issue and remain in close touch with our allies in Middle East and Europe.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Do you feel that China is a potential threat to our economic security?  If so, how will you address this?

To what extent should our military be used for humanitarian causes, if at all?

Should we intervene in Syria?

1. China is effectively becoming an economic superpower and we have to adjust. As of now, I don't see them as a direct or immediate threat to our economic security, since we need China, but also China needs us.
2. I admit, I'm sceptical about so called "humanitarian interventions", because in most cases, it fails to achieve a desired objective. I'm not ruling out humanitarian interventions conducted within international structures, but that should be literally the last thing on the table.
3. As I said before, we should not without an agreement with our allies and clear exit strategy.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

How would you depart from the foreign policy of previous administrations?  What will be your policy towards the now nuclear Iran?  Do you believe we should maintain our alliance with the State of Israel?

Since I already addressed Iran issue, I'll focus on Israel.

Speaking of alliance, I'm rather sceptical about your proposed bill right now. I do not reject an idea of alliance per se. In fact, I've always supporter Israel's right to existence. My concern is that Atlasian military potential may be used by the current Israeli government against an innocent Palestinian civilians and their infrastructure. If confirmed, I'd be happy to sit down with you and discuss the bill with open mind.

Speaking of general policy, I'm planning to open gates of the Department wide to the general public and I promise, if confirmed, to promote a knowledge about foreign policy among general population. Which includes constant presence on Fantasy Election board.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Kalwejt, as Secretary of External Affairs what would your attitudes be regarding forms of political and economic manipulation, and the use of coercive measures betwixt countries with conflicting interests? How important is ensuring the dignity, general welfare, and social rights of peoples in other parts of the world relative to advancing the national interests of Atlasia?

Thank you for asking about the very thing I wanted to adress, Redalgo.

I've always believed that abusing international law and human dignity does not serve our longterm interests, since by acting this way we're basically losing friends and make enemies, while not gaining anything.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Kal, you have my vote.

[Donerail]

What action would you take abroad to attempt to prevent domestic terror attacks?

[Redalgo]

Kal, you have my vote.

Ya, basically. My stance on Syria is a little more aggressive but on the whole I am quite satisfied with the answers to questions he's posted here, thus far.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

What action would you take abroad to attempt to prevent domestic terror attacks?

I think it's certain, after painful experiences of last decade, that the most effective tolls of combating terrorist are primarily intelligence and law enforcement, other than massive military operations. These, due to it's weight, should be the last resort only in the most extreme cases.

In my opinion, out first focus should be coordinating our intelligence and law enforcement efforts with our allies, that are affected by terrorism as well. If confirmed, I'd be happy to propose a bill dealing with this issue on the DoEA behalf.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I'd also like to add my thoughts about promoting foreign policy issues among general public

Outside of keeping an open office on Fantasy board, I'm planning to engage more people in foreign policy process by including our citizens, that are not involved with the government, in diplomatic missions and other engagements under DoEA.

Last, but certainly not least, I'll be using actively my powers in creating storylines.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Do you feel that legislation such as the PATRIOT ACT are necessary to prevent domestic terrorism?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Do you feel that legislation such as the PATRIOT ACT are necessary to prevent domestic terrorism?

No, the Patriot Act allows an uncontrolled abuse of the basic civil rights of Atlasian citizens. How can we battle terrorism while assaulting the very freedom, we're supoused to protect, at home?

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Do you feel that legislation such as the PATRIOT ACT are necessary to prevent domestic terrorism?

No, the Patriot Act allows an uncontrolled abuse of the basic civil rights of Atlasian citizens. How can we battle terrorism while assaulting the very freedom, we're supoused to protect, at home?

Thank you.  I strongly agree with the answers you have provided, and you will definitely have my vote.

[AndrewTX]

I have one question for you. Have you now, or have you ever been, Nic Cage? 

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I have one question for you. Have you now, or have you ever been, Nic Cage? 

I'm not Nic Cage, I never been Nic Cage.

[AndrewTX]

That's a shame.. truly a shame. Well.. I know you'll do well in this position, and I intend to support you.

[Lincoln Republican]

Thank you for your responses.

I of course have no vote on confirmation, however, you have my non vote support for confirmation.

This will be a meaningful post in which you can make a useful contribution, instead of simply being confined to the useless role of Vice President, useless of course unless the President resigns from office.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Senators, please vote aye, nay or abstain on confirmation of this nasty individual to be Secretary of External Affairs.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Aye