Naming Names

In my view, facts are perceived differently depending on whether they are "understood" or explicitly spelled out, and by whom. Up until now, for example, I'm pretty sure most people here and abroad viewed China and Russia as key U.S. rivals. However, now that U.S. intelligence agencies have publicly declared that these two countries are among those representing the biggest threats to our national interests, as detailed below by Agence France-Presse in "US Lists China, Russia As Its Main Challengers," I'm wondering if it may have the unintended consequence of undermining at least some of the negotiations between them and us over shared concerns that might take place in future -- in essence, helping to reinforce our rivalry?

The United States on Tuesday put emerging superpower China and former Cold War foe Russia alongside Iran and North Korea on a list of the four main nations challenging American interests.

In a report outlining the major priorities for the US intelligence community, China was singled out for its "increasing natural resource-focused diplomacy and military modernization."

"Russia is a US partner in important initiatives such as securing fissile material and combating nuclear terrorism, but it may continue to seek avenues for reasserting power and influence in ways that complicate US interests," said the report, which is released every four years.

The report stressed that there may be opportunities to work with China and Russia and was far harsher in its criticism of Iran and North Korea, whose nuclear weapons programs are a top concern in the West.

"Iran poses an array of challenges to US security objectives in the Middle East and beyond because of its nuclear and missile programs, support of terrorism, and provision of lethal aid to US and coalition adversaries.

"North Korea continues to threaten peace and security in East Asia because of its sustained pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, its transfer of these capabilities to third parties, its erratic behavior, and its large conventional military capability," it said.

The report, which lays out the priorities for the US intelligence community for the next four years, said Al-Qaeda "will continue to pose a grave threat to US persons and interests at home and abroad."

Listed at the top of its "mission objectives" were combating violent extremism and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Comments

[Damon]

I'd say that's intended consequence, & should be near the top of "mission objectives" list, somewhere around: keeping public distracted & misdirected; continuing to justify the malignantly overgrown war budget; and finding a belligerent solution to our crushing international debt (insolvency).