More on Kerry's Trip to the Middle East

[kerrygoddess]

John Kerry’s Trip to the Mid East Focuses on War in Iraq, War on Terror, Global Health Crises, America’s Competitiveness in the Global Economy
January 10th, 2006

As I reported late yesterday, John Kerry is beginning a 12-day trip throughout the Mid East and Asia. Kerry’s trip will focus on the ongoing war in Iraq, the war on terror, global health crises, and America’s competitiveness in the global economy.

He will travel to several countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel and India.

John Kerry is traveling to the Middle East to focus on the steps that must be taken in Iraq and hear from experts in the region about the war in Iraq, the war on terror and the Middle East peace process. On the trip, he will meet with troops, American military commanders, American officials working in these countries, foreign government and embassy officials, as well as civil society leaders and democracy advocates.

Kerry is a twenty-year veteran of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he visited the region twice last year, once in January and once in August (returning right after hurricane Katrina).

Below are highlights from John Kerry’s busy itinerary. There will be press opportunities at various locations and The Democratic Daily will provide news on the trip when available. Given logistics and events in the region, we are told that Kerry’s schedule may change.

MORE - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=1605

[Mass]

1. Nice long trip

A lot of good things. I just hope that the visit of the Dell and Datamatics facilities will give him ideas on how to send some of these jobs back to the States.

[rox63]

2. Wow, that's quite a heavy schedule

I was suprised at how much time he's spending in India. And I'm glad that he's looking at one of my own pet issues, outsourcing of American jobs to foreign countries.

[Noisy Democrat]

3. Thanks for the info

I have to confess, it makes me very nervous when he takes these trips to Iraq. I'll be glad when he's back in the US.

[whometense]

4. Me too.

Imagine how Teresa feels!

[MH1]

10. Yeah, I feel for her.

It's gotta be tough.

[sandrakae]

14. Did he take her with him?

[whometense]

16. Highly doubt it.

He loves the danger himself, but I don't think he'd be willing to subject Teresa to it.

[TayTay]

18. I think Teresa is in PA

attending to business with her charity work. (Have I said recently that I love her.)

Geez, I wonder if there will be any pics of the meeting in London. (I want new pics.)

[karynnj]

19. Is Vanessa still in London for school ?

These trips do have to be nerve racking for Teresa, but I assume that Kerry would be well protected. I am surprised that he put the schedule out - unless it's disinformation and the order is different - though that's unlikely with the press availabilities.

[Island Blue]

23. I thought the same thing about his schedule

because it's so detailed. I know I shouldn't, but I'll worry about him until he's back!

Thanks for keeping us updated KG!

[whometense]

21. Last time there were those

lovely pics of JK and Vanessa in France. We can certainly hope for more!!!!

[wisteria]

5. This is certainly a very busy itinerary. I'm impressed with

all the leaders he is scheduled to meet with. I just wish he was going as our President-but then I digress. No time to look back, just think forward.

[TayTay]

6. It is a great schedule.

That's a lot. It emcompasses a lot of stuff that will come up this year, both in the race for '06 seats and before those relevant committees on Congress. (FinCom to SFRC and Commerce.) Wow!

Sen. Kerry has already been very active this year. He spent last week on 'local stuff' in the state. Nice work.

[wisteria]

8. You know, I can not think of any other Senator that makes it

a point to stay current on so many issues and wants to gain in-site from asking the hard questions and living the experience. He is a very special man.

[karynnj]

12. It really explains part of why he was so awesome in the debates

he really has a huge range of issues that he cares about. As impressed as I was before the election, I have gained more respect when I've seen him on CSPAN. Whether it's natural brilliance or just the willingness to work very very hard to ubderstand to understand so many isses, he is incredible.

[ProSense]

13. I agree with you there.

This is one of the most fascinating things about JK. His knowledge about so many issues combined with the common sense and logic he injects into the discusion is why I consider him one of the most intelligent persons ever.

[YvonneCa]

24. He is...

...our country really has no one else who can 'carry the mantle' of the presidency. John Kerry is doing the job.:patriot:

[blm]

7. Tough schedule - LOVE the last line.

.

[ProSense]

9. That is so awesome. Thanks for keeping us updated KG.

Kerry sure does know how to plan a trip and make the most of it. I look forward to detailed reports on every item on his agenda. I'm so impressed (love the Brown meeting).

[MH1]

11. Does the man ever sleep?

Oh yeah, guess we found out in 2004.

No.

Or at least a lot less than the rest of us need to.

(thanks for posting, kg!)

[ProSense]

15. Close up. Yay!

Tue Jan 10, 1:45 PM ET
US Senator John Kerry, pictured in 2005, will travel next week to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of a 12-day trip to assess progress on the US war on terror, his office announced.(AFP/File/Nicholas Kamm)

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060110/photos_pl_afp/0601101845410jcdvdon_photo0

[MH1]

17. Mmmm....very nice.

Love those eyes.

:P

[karynnj]

20. Very nice picture

[JanusAscending]

26. JK and I could be twins!!!

I've got the same bags under my eyes, and loose skin under my chin, but.............how come he's such a handsome "devil", and I look like a "bag lady"? (especially since my "flying escapade) :silly: DC

[rox63]

22. Item about Kerry from Indian web site

John Kerry to talk nuke deal with PM

New Delhi | January 10, 2006 6:15:05 PM IST

India will get an opportunity to push its campaign for civil nuclear energy cooperation with the US and raise the issue of clandestine proliferation when former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry arrives here Wednesday on a three-day visit.
Kerry, who comes here weeks ahead of US President George W. Bush, will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a wide array of bilateral matters, including the nuclear deal and burgeoning business ties between the two countries.

"The nuclear deal is on top of his agenda for discussions with Indian leaders," diplomatic sources said.

Kerry's positive assessment of India's nuclear energy needs could be influential in procuring bipartisan support for the India-specific legislation the Bush administration plans to introduce in Congress early this year. The legislation will grant full exemption to India from stringent domestic non-proliferation laws.

Kerry, who lost out to Bush in a tightly contested election last year, will also meet National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan and discuss strategic and nuclear issues. He is also likely to meet the ruling United Progressive Alliance chair Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani.

He will go to Hyderabad and Mumbai before leaving for Pakistan this weekend.

http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=215499&n_date=20060110&cat=India

[TayTay]

25. So, the Bushies need help on that.

Bwaa-ha-ha-ha-ha. That's interesting.