Comments on: MoD 2.0: An ‘open mind’ not a ‘safe pair of hands’ is needed http://www.globaldashboard.org/2008/07/25/mod-20-an-open-mind-not-a-safe-pair-of-hands-is-needed/ Global risks and how to respond to them, edited by Alex Evans and David Steven Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:49:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Charlie Edwards http://www.globaldashboard.org/2008/07/25/mod-20-an-open-mind-not-a-safe-pair-of-hands-is-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-1598 Charlie Edwards Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:13:52 +0000 http://www.globaldashboard.org/?p=1157#comment-1598 I think you may have missed my point Daniel. Looking to the future is one strand of the MoD's strategic capability. Strategic capability is the ability of the system to make the connections between the tactical and operational and strategic levels. It requires sound communication skills both in theatres of operations and in 'Main Building'. I am not as pessimistic as you re - Afghanistan, that the situation is pretty critical - we need to move towards stabilising the patient(s). John Reid is patently not the man for the job (politically and organisationally). I think you may have missed my point Daniel. Looking to the future is one strand of the MoD’s strategic capability. Strategic capability is the ability of the system to make the connections between the tactical and operational and strategic levels. It requires sound communication skills both in theatres of operations and in ‘Main Building’. I am not as pessimistic as you re – Afghanistan, that the situation is pretty critical – we need to move towards stabilising the patient(s). John Reid is patently not the man for the job (politically and organisationally).

]]> By: Daniel http://www.globaldashboard.org/2008/07/25/mod-20-an-open-mind-not-a-safe-pair-of-hands-is-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-1595 Daniel Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:12:00 +0000 http://www.globaldashboard.org/?p=1157#comment-1595 I don't think it's fair to call John Reid a safe pair of hands. Britain is facing the very real possibility of defeat in Afghanistan. Strategising about the future is very important, but let's make sure we win the fight we are in too. That requires a hard-hitting Defence Secretary who can pull the rest of Whitehall with him. Dr. Reid at least made a go at this when he was asked by Tony Blair to lead the Afghan effort. If not Reid, then I have another proposal - Peter Mandelson. Yes, you heard me. Elevate the EU Commissioner to the Lords and appont him Defence Secretary. He was widely seen as being the best Trade and Northern Ireland Secretary in the Blair years. He is a good manager, master of spin and is about to leave the Commission. Of course the PM and Mr Mandelson would have to kiss and make up, but hopefully they can put the country's interest first. I don’t think it’s fair to call John Reid a safe pair of hands. Britain is facing the very real possibility of defeat in Afghanistan. Strategising about the future is very important, but let’s make sure we win the fight we are in too. That requires a hard-hitting Defence Secretary who can pull the rest of Whitehall with him.

Dr. Reid at least made a go at this when he was asked by Tony Blair to lead the Afghan effort. If not Reid, then I have another proposal – Peter Mandelson.

Yes, you heard me. Elevate the EU Commissioner to the Lords and appont him Defence Secretary. He was widely seen as being the best Trade and Northern Ireland Secretary in the Blair years. He is a good manager, master of spin and is about to leave the Commission. Of course the PM and Mr Mandelson would have to kiss and make up, but hopefully they can put the country’s interest first.

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