Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Final countdown: Kosovo’s new UNESCO bid


Hajrulla Çeku, prishtinainsight.com

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Only months away from the next opportunity to apply for UNESCO membership, Kosovo’s government is neglecting to take a deliberative decision on a very important matter.

Excerpt:
Now that we are at the end of the first quarter of 2017 and we only have a few months left before the next UNESCO conference, the Kosovo government faces a countdown. An absolutely necessary step that the government must take is to open up the playing field for wide and transparent public discussions, which will bring about a deliberative decision about whether we should apply for membership in 2017 or wait until the next round of applications opens in 2019.
In case there is a decision to apply, all of the country’s capacities – from governmental bodies to the academy and civil society – should be mobilized around this objective. Without a comprehensive mobilization of all state and social structures, a renewed effort for membership would be a dangerous action. In 2015, we fell short of three votes, but nothing has been done in the meantime to change the votes. Another discouraging fact is the extremely small number of international recognitions of Kosovo’s independence in the past few years. In addition to lobbying through official diplomatic channels, these social groups need to be active in public diplomacy to convince UNESCO member states to vote positively and oppose the negative Serbian propaganda. And most of all, reforms in cultural heritage management and the improvement of quality in education and other fields related to the work of UNESCO are of vital importance.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya

A comprehensive guide to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya, their addresses (postal and physical), contacts (telephone and e-mail) and a link to the ministries website.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya is mandated to pursue the nation’s foreign policy in accordance with the constitution of Kenya. The Ministry has the overarching objective of protecting, promoting and projecting the country’s interest abroad.

The Strategic Objectives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya

The objectives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are:-
  • To protect Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity;
  • To promote national, regional and international peace, security and stability;
  • To promote Economic Cooperation, International Trade and Investment;
  • To promote and safeguard Kenya’s interests abroad;
  • To promote Kenyan Diaspora engagement and enhance Consular services;
  • To enhance Public Diplomacy and Stakeholders Engagement; and
  • To strengthen policy, legal and institutional capacity.

Core Mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya

  • Management of Kenya’s Foreign Policy
  • Management of Bilateral and Multilateral Relations
  • Liaison with International and Regional Organizations
  • Management of Kenya’s Missions and Embassies Abroad
  • Liaison with Foreign Missions in Kenya
  • Ratification of Treaties, Conventions and Agreements
  • Management of Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities
  • Coordination of State and Official Visits
  • Handling of Protocol Matters
  • Provision of Consular Matters
  • Management of Joint Commissions with other Countries
  • Official Communications on Foreign Affairs and Global Issues
  • International Trade Affairs
  • Trade Representative – Special Advisory/Negotiation Services
  • Management of Kenya’s Diaspora Issues

Institutions

  • Foreign Services Institute
  • All Kenya Embassies as listed in Chapter Eleven

The Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya has developed the country’s Foreign policy to guide its relations and diplomatic engagements with its partners. The policy is anchored on five interlinked pillars of diplomacy namely;
  1. Economic diplomacy
  2. Peace diplomacy
  3. Environmental diplomacy
  4. Cultural diplomacy
  5. Diaspora diplomacy]
Diaspora Diplomacy
The Diaspora Diplomacy is one of the five interlinked pillars of diplomacy outlined in Kenya’s foreign policy. The Diaspora pillar aims at harnessing the diverse skills, expertise and potential of Kenyans living abroad, and facilitating their integration into national development.
The Government of Kenya recognizes the huge and untapped potential of Kenyans Abroad which can contribute to the national development agenda of the Country. The Diaspora Pillar seeks to harness the contribution of Kenyans living abroad through the implementation of the National Diaspora policy. The objectives of the Diaspora pillar are:-
  1. To provide effective and responsive consular services
  2. To facilitate Kenyans Abroad to participate in national development
  3. To promote the access by Kenyans to the international labour market
  4. To utilize outstanding Kenyans
  5. To tap into the skills and resources of the Kenyans Abroad for national development

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Cabinet Secretary: Amb. (Dr.) Amina Mohamed, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Principal Secretary: Amb. Monica Juma
Amb. (Dr.) Amina Mohamed, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Amb. (Dr.) Amina Mohamed, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya Contacts

Physical Location: Old Treasury Building, Harambee Avenue
Postal Address:
 P.O Box 30551 – 00100 G.P.O
Town/City:
 NAIROBI, Kenya
Tel: 
+254 20 3318888
Email:
 info@mfa.go.ke
Website:
 www.mfa.go.ke 

Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “Frédéric Bazille and the Birth of Impressionism” Exhibition


federalregister.gov

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A Notice by the State Department on 02/28/2017

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), E.O. 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257-1 of December 11, 2015), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition “Frédéric Bazille and the Birth of Impressionism,” imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, District of Columbia, from on or about April 9, 2017, until on or about July 9, 2017, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For further information, including a list of the imported objects, contact the Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202-632-6471; email: section2459@state.gov). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/PD, SA-5, Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522-0505.
Alyson Grunder,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2017-03863 Filed 2-27-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P

Public Diplomacy Assistant


cdiscussion.com


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Public Diplomacy Assistant

Entreprise/Structure: The U.S. Mission in Bissau, Guinea Bissau 
Ville, Pays: Guinea Bissau 
Référence cDiscussion: 1019693 
Niveau d'études minimum réquis: Non précisé 
Expériences professionnelles demandées: 3 ans  
Date limite de dépôt de dossier: 14-03-2017 
Publié le 28/02/2017 à 13h41min48s 
Email de réception des candidatures : Non précisé
Détails de l'offre:
                              VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:  DKR-2017-023  

OPEN TO:  All Interested Candidates   
POSITION:  Public Diplomacy Assistant - Guinea Bissau  
CLOSING DATE: 03/14/2017  
WORK HOURS: Full-time, 40 hours/week  
SALARY:  Ordinarily Resident (OR): FSN-8 (Annual Salary -16,140,809 XOF)  
               Not-Ordinarily Resident (NOR): FP-6*
              *Final grade/step for NORs will be determined by Washington.  

ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS (See Appendix A for definition) MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.    

The U.S. Mission in  Bissau, Guinea Bissau is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Public Diplomacy Assistant - Guinea Bissau.  

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION  
The Public Diplomacy Assistant will work under the supervision of both the Guinea-Bissau Officer, the FSN Supervisor and with direction from the Public Affairs Officer in Dakar.  Assists in planning and implementing public diplomacy programs in Guinea Bissau.  Primary responsibilities will be media-focused:  track press coverage related to the U.S.; contribute to the Daily Media Summary; and draft press releases, media advisories, reports, and correspondence as required.  Secondary duties are to assist in the planning, programming and implementation of Public Affairs Section programs, including outreach and exchange programs, to provide better understanding of U.S. policies, society and values among key Bissau-Guinean audiences. Backs up Management Assistant and Political Assistant as needed.  

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED  
Applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.  Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.  
1. EDUCATION: College or University Degree in media, political science, or international public relations is required.  
2. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three years of experience in government, or with an international organization, or press, or public relations is required.    
3. LANGUAGE: Level IV in Portuguese, and level III in English is required. (This will be tested).  
4. SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Typing, word processing, and desktop publishing. Experience with desktop publishing and web authoring software is highly desirable.  Proficiency with office productivity software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) is required.  Ability to draft and proofread formal materials in Portuguese such as press releases and articles.  Ability to correspond and draft informal summaries in English.  Maintain accurate files with quick retrieval systems.  Ability to deal with visitors and telephone calls professionally.  Ability to manage needs of and interaction with journalists at press events on behalf of Public Affairs Service when needed.  Ability to use or devise new formats and computer-assisted designs for Public Diplomacy and mission-related materials.  Ability to work independently with little to no supervision a must. (This will be tested).  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:  The complete position description listing all of the duties and responsibilities may be obtained on our website at http://dakar.usembassy.gov/about_the_embassy/employment-opportunities.html and/or by contacting the Human Resources Office DakarRecruitment@state.gov.  

SELECTION PROCESS:  When qualified, applicants who are U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and/or preference-eligible U.S. Veterans are given a preference in hiring.  Therefore, it is essential that these applicants make themselves known as having a hiring preference and specifically address the required qualifications above in their application.   

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:  
(1) USEFM who is ALSO a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran
(2) USEFM OR a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran  
(3) FS on LWOP  

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA:  
1. Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy:  nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status.     
2. Current OR employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.  Current OR employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report (EPR) are not eligible to apply.  
3. Current NOR employees hired on a Family Member Appointment (FMA) or a Personal Service Agreement (PSA) are not eligible to apply within the first 90 calendar days of their employment, unless they have a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.  
4. The candidate must be able to obtain and hold a non-sensitive security clearance. 

HOW TO APPLY:  Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered:    
1. Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form DS-174), which is available on our website or by contacting Human Resources.  (See “For Further Information” above); and                      
2. Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. transcripts, degrees, etc.)  

IMPORTANT:  Applicants claiming a U.S. Veteran’s preference must submit written documentation confirming eligibility (e.g., Member Copy 4 of Form DD-214, Letter from the Veteran’s Administration, or certification documenting eligibility under the VOW Act with an expected discharge no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted) by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.  If the written documentation confirming eligibility is not received in the HR office by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, the U.S. Veteran’s preference will not be considered in the application process.  Specific criteria for receiving a U.S. Veteran’s preference may be found in HR/OE’s Family Member Employment Policy (FMEP).   

WHERE TO APPLY:  
Mailing Address:    B.P 49  
OR  
E-mail Address:    DakarRecruitment@state.gov  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.  The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.  The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation.  Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.   

Appendix A - DEFINITIONS  
Eligible Family Member (EFM):  An EFM for employment purposes is defined an individual who meets all of the following criteria:    
 U.S. Citizen or not a U.S. Citizen; and
 Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610); or
 Child, who is unmarried and under 21 years of age or, regardless of age, is incapable of selfsupport.  The term “child” shall include, in addition to natural offspring, stepchild, adopted child, and a child under legal guardianship of employee, spouse, or same-sex domestic partner when such child is expected to be under legal guardianship until 21 years of age and when dependent upon and normally residing with the guardian; or
  Parent (including stepparents and legally adoptive parents) of employee, spouse, or same-sex domestic partner, when such parent is at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support; or
 Sister or brother (including stepsisters and stepbrothers, or adoptive sisters or brothers) of the employee, spouse, or same-sex domestic partner when such sibling is at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support, unmarried, and under 21 years of age, or regardless of age, incapable of self-support; and
 Listed on the travel orders or approved Form OF-126 of a sponsoring employee, i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member who is permanently assigned to or stationed abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and  
 Is under chief of mission authority.  

U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM):  A USEFM is an individual who meets all of the following criteria: 
 U.S. Citizen; and
  Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610) of the sponsoring employee; or
  Child of the sponsoring employee who is unmarried and at least 18 years old; and Listed on the travel orders or approved Form OF-126 of a sponsoring employee, i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member who is permanently assigned to or stationed abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and resides at the sponsoring employee’s post of assignment abroad, or as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and is under chief of mission authority; or
 resides at an Involuntary Separate Maintenance Allowance (ISMA) location authorized under 3 FAM 3232.2; or  
 Currently receives a U.S. Government retirement annuity or pension from a career in the U.S. Foreign Service or Civil Service.  

Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM):  An AEFM is an individual who meets all of the following criteria:  
 U.S. Citizen; and
 Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610) of the sponsoring employee; or  
 Child of the sponsoring employee who is unmarried and at least 18 years old; and
 Listed on the travel orders or approved Form OF-126 of a sponsoring employee, i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member who is permanently assigned to or stationed abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT); and  
 Is under chief of mission authority; and
 Is residing at the sponsoring employee's post of assignment abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and
 Does NOT currently receive a U.S. Government retirement annuity or pension from a career in the U.S. Foreign Service or Civil Service.    

Member of Household (MOH):  A MOH is an individual who meets all of the following criteria.    
 A MOH is someone who accompanies or joins a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member permanently assigned to or stationed abroad or, as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and  
 A MOH must be officially declared to the COM by the sponsoring employee as part of his/her household; and  
 A MOH is under COM authority;  
 A MOH may include a parent, unmarried partner, other relative, or adult child;  
 A MOH may or may not be a U.S. Citizen;   A MOH is not an EFM;
 A MOH is not listed on the travel orders or approved Form F-126 of a sponsoring employee.  

Not Ordinarily Resident (NOR) – An individual who meets the following criteria:  
 An EFM, USEFM or AEFM of a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member permanently assigned or stationed abroad, or as appropriate, at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; or
 Has diplomatic privileges and immunities; and
 Is eligible for compensation under the FS or GS salary schedule; and
 Has a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN); and
 Is not a citizen of the host country; and
 Does not ordinarily reside in the host country; and
 Is not subject to host country employment and tax laws. 

Ordinarily Resident (OR) – An individual who meets the following criteria: 
 A citizen of the host country; or
 A non-citizen of the host country (including a U.S. citizen or a third-country national) who is locally resident and has legal and/or permanent resident status within the host country and/or who is a holder of a non-diplomatic visa/work and/or residency permit; and/or  
 Is subject to host country employment and tax laws.   

Pump up the volume: Where is Secretary of State Tillerson’s department anyway?


Alec Mally, neweurope.eu

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The relative silence from the State Department over the first month of the Trump Administration has led some to an eerie conclusion that Secretary Tillerson’s agency has been sidelined or somehow marginalized in the Washington foreign policy arena. How much of this is just a temporary phenomenon, due primarily to slow White House decisions on key State Department personnel, along with the apparent flurry of high profile foreign affairs events and pronouncements/tweets from the White House, remains to be seen. But in any case, the growing perception that the hawks and activists in the White House – especially Trump’s kitchen cabinet — and elsewhere around Washington, have sidelined America’s diplomats, is one that must be addressed soon before real damage sets in.

What is most critical at the moment for the State Department is the continuing delay in getting senior “Seventh Floor” Washington positions and vacant ambassadorships announced and into/through the confirmation process. The Trump White House’s early rejection of Tillerson’s (aka “T-Rex”) choice of Elliot Abrams for Deputy Secretary has left a visible scar on the Department, as of yet not fully healed. We also learned over the past month that a number of other “Seventh Floor” officials have been asked to leave (a presidential prerogative) and to reassign their key career staffers elsewhere in the Department. Most important in this context has been the Deputy Secretary for Management (Patrick Kennedy) and the Department’s Counselor (Kristie Kenney) as well as Acting Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Thomas Countryman. Secretary Tillerson has, fortunately, been able to select and appoint his Chief of Staff, Margaret Peterlin, who brings both Capitol Hill and Commerce Department expertise. We also witnessed the widespread signing-on by hundreds of career diplomats of a “Dissent Channel” memorandum condemning the White House-ordered ban on selective Muslim country travelers’ entry to the U.S., but no wave of mass resignations, as predicted at the time by numerous observers.

For the moment the jury must remain out on Tillerson’s /T-Rex’s tactics. Is he focusing on learning the job and the diplomatic tools of the trade before expanding his personal engagement with the press and fully activating the State Department’s extensive public diplomacy machine? Is the appearance of a sidelined or “underwater” Secretary of State just a reflection of the Washington Press Corps’ tendency to focus attention where there is the most easily visible action and abundant energy? Is it just a matter of resuming daily press briefings and expanding the Secretary’s traveling press corps when he travels?

Tillerson now leads a world-class organization (yes, one that has clearly seen better times) brimming with an unmatched reserve of talent, dedication and global expertise. Most of the world knows this, as we can tell when much of the planet tunes into the Department’s soon to resume daily press briefings. It’s up to T-Rex to make sure the Trump White House does as well.

GDMO launches Public Diplomacy and Government Communication Forum


wam.ae

 image of Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, GDMO. from article
DUBAI, 26th February, 2017 (WAM) -- The Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) announced on Sunday the launch of the Public Diplomacy and Government Communication Forum (PDGCF).
Under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Forum is a new initiative that aims to help government organisations explore more effective communication strategies through a discussion of global best practices and success stories from both the region and the world. The event will be held on 12 March 2017 in Dubai.
The first edition of the Forum is set to attract high-level experts in government communication, as well as seasoned communication consultants from the region and across the world. The Forum will provide a platform to discuss the most important trends, issues and challenges in public diplomacy and government communication.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said: "GDMO is keen to proactively contribute to the development of public diplomacy and government communication in Dubai in collaboration with government entities and departments. Government organisations in Dubai were extremely responsive to the ideas proposed by GDMO to foster a discussion on some of the most pressing strategic issues that we encounter today in the practice of public diplomacy and communication. The Forum will discuss a range of topics centred on this key discipline that is critical to the effectiveness of governance."
The Forum will provide a platform for a rich and varied discussion through workshops and interactive sessions. "We are eager to listen to the discussions and ideas presented at the Forum as our objective is to generate innovative new strategies, ideas and tactics to enhance the effectiveness of government communication in UAE and the region. Sessions at the event will look at how government messages can be communicated clearly using the optimal channels that ensure positive engagement with target audiences," Al Marri added.
Al Marri said that the Forum’s discussions assume particular importance at a time when digital tools are transforming the nature of communication and social media platforms are changing the engagement between organisations and their audiences.
Noora Al Abbar, Director, Strategic Media Affairs at GDMO, said that the Forum is part of GDMO’s strategy of supporting the development of the communication function in Dubai government organisations. The Forum, she said, will feature a series of high-profile speakers who will analyse best practices and experiences to generate valuable insights on optimising government communication strategies in today’s digital age.
Al Abbar further said that a group of researchers worked to identify regional and international best practices in the government communication sector over the last few years. The team ensured that they selected experiences and success stories covering a wide variety of communication themes. The full agenda of the event will be announced soon The Public Diplomacy and Government Communication Forum is part of a series of events organised by GDMO across the year to support the evolution of the media and communication sectors, and strengthen relationships between government organisations and the media.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Defense Department delivers plan to defeat ISIS to White House


By Loree Lewis, talkmedianews.com, February 27, 201

Image from article, with caption: President Donald J. Trump speaks with Secretary of Defense James Mattis and other senior leaders of the armed forces at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Jan. 27, 2017.

WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary James Mattis will brief senior administration officials Monday on a classified plan to defeat ISIS, the Pentagon said.
The classified plan, which Pentagon spokesperson Navy Capt. Jeff Davis described Monday as a “framework for a broader plan,” presents options to destroy ISIS and counter other extremist groups, including al Qaeda and the Taliban, in Iraq, Syria and beyond.
“It draws upon all elements of national power – diplomatic, financial, cyber, intelligence, public diplomacy,” Davis said. “And it’s been drafted in close coordination with our interagency partners.”
Mattis is presenting the plan, which is a written report with accompanying graphics, to members of the National Security Council Principals Committee on Monday afternoon. Davis said it is not a “check the block” kind of plan, wherein President Donald Trump would choose one route to pursue. It will include discussion of authorities, authorizations and resources.
The review comes at a decisive moment in the campaign to defeat ISIS, as the group is under attack in both its Iraq and Syria strongholds, of Mosul and Raqqa respectively, after losing its stronghold in Libya, of Sirte. The lead U.S. commander in the fight, Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said in early February that the seizure of both cities could be completed by August.
The anti-ISIS fight is being waged “by, with and through” local partners on the ground and this strategy isn’t expected to change, even as the White House weighs sending more troops to Syria to accelerate the taking of Raqqa, where they would join a small number of largely Special Operations forces, and military leaders talk of an enduring U.S. presence in Iraq even after the fall of Mosul and a potential NATO training mission for the Iraqi security forces.
In Syria, the U.S. will need to decide whether to arm local Kurdish fighters, known as the YPG (People’s Protection Units), who comprise part of the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) despite objections from NATO ally Turkey. Turkey, which shares its southern border with Syria and allows the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition to use its Incirlik Air Base, regards the YPG as an offshoot of a terrorist organization, the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), which has fought a three decade on-and-off insurgency inside its borders.
“We have noted in the past that the only force that is capable of retaking Raqqa quickly is the Syrian Arab Coalition, with the SDF,” Davis said. “Any other answer would require a longer lead line.”
The Syrian Arab Coalition (SAC) is the Arab, rather than Kurdish, component of the SDF. The plan addresses issues of diplomacy with players in the conflict, including Turkey and Russia, which is allied to Syrian President Bashar al Assad.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer declined to give any details on the meeting of the NSC Principals Committee, saying that the White House is focused on a newly rolled out budget proposal that includes a 10 percent boost in military spending.
Shortly after taking office, Trump signed a Jan. 28 memorandum requesting a “preliminary draft” of a “comprehensive strategy” to defeat ISIS, including guidelines to fund the plan, within 30-days.