Leon Panetta Pitches Hillary's War Credentials

Bernie Supporters Boo, Chant "No More Wars" As Leon Panetta Pitches Hillary's War Credentials

Zero Hedge,

27 July, 2016

Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta reinforced Hillary Clinton's position as a warmonger in his speech at the Democratic National Convention tonight. Amid various jabs at Donald Trump, Panetta exclaimed the danger of "withdrawal" of American forces from the world and the apparent need for more status quo interventionism; but the 'reportedly' united Democratic convention seemed not to agree. Bernie Sanders' supporters drowned out Panetta's claims that Hillary masterminded Bin Laden's killing with boos and chants of "no more war," and "lies."

Having already slammed Donald Trump with regard Russia,

“I just think that’s beyond the pale,” he said to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. "I think that kind of statement reflects that he is truly not qualified to be president of the United States.”

The former CIA Head then proclaimed falsely that,

"Trump..is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the US to affect our election."

But it was his reinforcement of Hillary Clinton's war credentials that appeared to upset the clearly-divided Democratic party the most, as Bernie supporters drowned him out for a few moments with chants of "no more wars" and "lies" amid their booing.

Excerpts from Panetta's speech:

This president is Hillary Clinton. During my time as CIA Director and Secretary of Defense, Hillary was a strong supporter of our efforts to protect our homeland, decimate al-Qaeda, and bring Osama bin Laden to justice. It was a tough decision to go after bin Laden. In long meetings in the White House Situation Room, we debated that fateful decision.

I presented the intelligence to the President, laying out the risks. And when the President went around the table to the country's national security leadership, Hillary was clear: We have to go get bin Laden. And our Special Operations Forces did just that. And they sent a clear message to the world that no one attacks America and gets away with it.

Hillary is just as determined to defeat those who threaten us today: ISIS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, al-Shabaab. Terrorists who pervert the teachings of Islam to kill innocent people going about their daily lives, people traveling through airports in Brussels and Istanbul, families celebrating on the beachfront in France, men and women shopping in a market in Baghdad, and just this week, an 85-year-old priest whose throat was slit by terrorists who stormed his church during Mass. These murderers must be stopped.

Hillary Clinton is the only candidate who has laid out a comprehensive plan to defeat and destroy ISIS and keep America safe. She is smart. She is principled. She is tough and she is ready. Hillary is the single most experienced and prepared person who has ever run for president. 

...

We cannot afford someone who believes America should withdraw from the world, threatens our international treaties, and violates our moral principles.

As The Hill reports, Panetta appeared very flustered as he stood on stage waiting for the chants to end.

As Panetta continued to speak, the lights were dimmed over the sections of Sanders supporters, an apparent effort to silence them. 

But the protesters were undeterred and lit up cell phone flashlights in protest.

The chants undercut a portion of the convention dedicated to promoting Clinton's national security bonafides. 

Retired Rear Adm. John Hutson's speech was also cut off by chants from the California delegation. But the chants appeared unrelated to his speech, which praised the former secretary of State's readiness to be president and attacked Trump as reckless on foreign policy.

We have one word: Unity?

NZ: Farewell to anti-nuclear legislation

Leon Panetta in town to give the government instructions. You can bet your bottom dollar that the Key government will respond and we can kiss goodbye to 30 years of anti-nuclear policy that was so hard-won.

New Zealand is now a VASSAL STATE of the Empire.

US keen for NZ rethink on nukes

_{Policy change essential if Wellington is ever to be part of an Anzus-style alliance again, Defence Secretary says}

Leon Panetta says a policy change would further strengthen the NZ-US relationship. Photo / Dean Purcell

NZ Herald,

26 November, 2014

American Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has signalled the US would still like to see New Zealand alter its nuclear-free policy, despite the agreement to put the issue to one side, saying changing it would strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Mr Panetta's comments follow an agreement to work around that roadblock, and a renewed commitment to co-operate more in the region, which has led the US to soften its policy on New Zealand ships.

Mr Panetta has left New Zealand after the first visit by a US Defence Secretary since 1982 - before New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy led to a breakdown in defence relations.

Mr Panetta announced the US would allow New Zealand navy vessels into American military ports for the first time since the policy was put in place, and remove restrictions on defence talks and exercises.

Despite describing that on TV One's Q+A programme as "a new era" in New Zealand-US defence relations, Mr Panetta made it clear the US was still hopeful New Zealand would change its nuclear-free stance.

He said that would be required if New Zealand was to return to an Anzus-style relationship of formal alliance with the US.

Asked if that was a goal for the US, Mr Panetta said it was a step-by-step process, "but ultimately if New Zealand is prepared to make revisions for the future, that would help strengthen our relationship. We will work together to help achieve that goal".

Under the "one fleet" policy, the US does not declare whether its vessels have nuclear capabilities - and New Zealand's non-nuclear policy means it will not allow a visit by any military vessel without confirmation it has no nuclear arms or power system.

Mr Panetta said: "I get a sense we're both headed in the same direction, and that's a good thing."

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman made it clear during Mr Panetta's visit that that the anti-nuclear policy would not change.

Mr Panetta also said the US was "more than ready" to set up a base for the Marines in New Zealand, as it had in Australia and the Philippines. However, it was up to New Zealand to decide if it wanted that.

Prime Minister John Key has asked for a visit by a US Coastguard vessel, but Mr Panetta first brushed off the question, saying it was a matter for the President and Secretary of State. When asked again, he said the relationship was progressing one step at a time.

Asked whether the US had any expectations from New Zealand to reciprocate for removing restrictions on New Zealand vessels, Mr Panetta indicated it was a reward for New Zealand's deployment to Afghanistan.

New Zealand had deployed troops to that troubled country, and had fought alongside the United States in wars since World War I.

"Every relationship that is close is one that is based on trust," he said.

The US began to take a softer line on the anti-nuclear law in 2007, when the Prime Minister at the time, Helen Clark, met President George Bush in Washington and was given the message that Washington had begun to accept the policy and would look for ways to work around it.

The thaw has reached new heights under National and Barack Obama's Administration, including a formal agreement in the Washington Declaration to co-operate on defence.

Just to remind you, here is the moment that made New Zealanders proud - their PM in the Oxford Union debate against nuclear weapons

John Key 2011 VS David Lange 1985

New Zealand's Prime Minister David Lange March 2nd 1985 made all New Zealanders proud by standing up for what is right and just and had a standing ovation at Oxford University. This was a pre curser New Zealand's Anti Nuclear Stance and Subsequent Nuclear Free Zone - Jump now to modern day 2011 and New Zeland's Prime Minister John Key - compare the two and make up your own mind...

Panetta in New Zealand

The view from Pravda

Nose-to-nose, Panetta pushes Asia strategy in New Zealand

Washington Post,

22 April, 2012

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta found himself nose-to-nose with a band of chest-beating Maori warriors Friday, demonstrating the lengths to which the Obama administration is willing to go to bolster its military presence in Asia and the Pacific.

Panetta became the first Pentagon chief to visit this remote Southern Hemisphere nation since Caspar Weinberger in 1982. To do so, he had to pass muster with a fierce-looking honor guard of indigenous warriors who, in an elaborate ceremony, had to determine whether the American qualified as a friend or a foe.

The skirt-wearing Maoris yelled menacingly, flared their noses and stuck out their tongues. One of them then approached a somber-faced Panetta to perform the “hongi,” a ritual clasping of hands and rubbing of noses.

Panetta passed the friendship test. Afterward, leaders of the two countries — once allies but estranged militarily since New Zealand proclaimed itself a nuclear-free zone in the 1980s — pledged to revive their security relationship.

New Zealand has a tiny military, and the rapprochement is unlikely to tilt the regional balance of power. But the opportunity to rub noses was eagerly accepted by the Obama administration, which has been working feverishly to shower attention on just about every country with a Pacific coastline to counter China’s rising influence in the region.

This month, for example, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton descended on the Cook Islands for a summit of South Pacific nations. Panetta’s trip to New Zealand capped a week-long trip to Asia, his third since becoming defense secretary in July 2011.

Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, is a long way from Beijing — about 6,400 miles — but the two countries have a free-trade agreement and a friendly military relationship, something that has not gone unnoticed in Washington.

As a result, Panetta pulled out all the stops during his visit here. He met with Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman, held a separate meeting with Foreign Minister Murray McCully and was scheduled to chat Saturday with Prime Minister John Key.

The Pentagon chief effusively thanked New Zealand for sending forces to Afghanistan (it has 180 troops deployed there) and pinned meritorious service medals on five people who served there. He also honored the 10 New Zealanders who have been killed in Afghanistan, laying a wreath in Auckland’s World War II Hall of Memories.

In a reversal of long-standing U.S. policy, Panetta also announced the effective lifting of a 26-year ban on visits by New Zealand’s navy to U.S. bases. The ban was imposed after New Zealand created its nuclear-free zone and prohibited U.S. ships and submarines from visiting its ports unless they declared they were not carrying nuclear weapons, which the Pentagon has refused to do.

In exchange, Panetta received a warm welcome but few concessions. Coleman, the defense minister, said New Zealand had no intention of reciprocating by allowing U.S. ships to visit its bases.

“In terms of our policy, we’ve been clear about our policy, and the U.S. has been very accepting of that,” he said.

Coleman did say that New Zealand was eager to engage in more joint military exercises with U.S. troops and noted that a team of U.S. Marines had visited the country in April. “We welcome the renewed U.S. emphasis on this part of the world,” he said.

For Panetta, that sentiment alone seemed to justify the trip.

“While we acknowledge that our countries continue to have differences of opinion in some limited areas,” he said, “today we have affirmed that we are embarking on a new course in our relationship.”

US marines for New Zealand

It is hard to convey my rage at reading this.

There goes a quarter of a century of a neutral foreign policy and a nuclear-free New Zealand. We are now allied with fascist America.

US Marines possible in New Zealand - Panetta

The United States has signaled it would be willing to station Marines in New Zealand, the US Secretary of Defense said today.

TVNZ

23 September, 2012

Panetta arrived early yesterday for military co-operation talks in the first visit from the Secretary of Defense to New Zealand since 1982.

Prime Minister John Key described his lunch meeting with Panetta today as "very, very positive". The Defense Secretary's visit marked a "new era" in the two countries' relations, he added.

Yesterday, Panetta announced the United States would lift its 27-year-old ban on Kiwi ships visiting US military ports - in place since the New Zealand Government banned nuclear warships from its waters in 1985.

In an exclusive interview with TV ONE's Q+A, the visiting US Defense Secretary said that the relationship between the two nations may be set to grow further still, with US Marines potentially helping New Zealand to build its amphibious fighting capability.

"If New Zealand feels that is something they would support or want, we certainly are more than ready to engage them in that kind of relationship. We think it would be very helpful," said Panetta.

However, the issue of stationing Marines was not raised in official talks.

Yet, some analysts say Panetta's suggestion is significant as US troops have been earmarked for Australia.

"It wouldn't be the same size I don't think but it does fit with our desire to boost amphibious capability," said Robert Ayson from Victoria University's Centre of Strategic Studies.

ONE News Political Editor Corin Dann also said that it seems that the US would like to see further changes, perhaps even a return to the Anzus treaty.

"If New Zealand is prepared to make revisions for the future that will help strengthen our relationship then we will work together to achieve that goal," said Panetta.

But Dann also said that a speedy return to Anzus seems unlikely, not just because of the anti-nuclear policy, but also because any move to a formal alliance with the US could upset New Zealand-China relations.

Panetta also offered New Zealand a word of warning when it comes to any future regional disputes.

"My advice to New Zealand would be in many ways is to follow our lead... and don't take positions in regards to terroritorial disputes," he said.

'Great relationship'

Speaking after his lunch meeting with Panetta, Key said Panetta was "deadly serious about this being a new era," in diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the superpower.

"But really, this is a relationship in the best of shape, and you're talking about minor steps forward to take it to the ultimate level... but it's a great relationship," said Key.

He said the new US policy allowing New Zealand navy ships to visit US military ports or Coast Guard facilities around the world made sense. The ban "had been a relic of the past", he added.

Corin Dann said yesterday's outcome was the result of a step-by-step "warming of the military relations" since New Zealand first sent troops to Afghanistan under former Prime Minister Helen Clark.

The Prime Minister also commented on the decision to send four SAS logistics officers to Afghanistan to gather intelligence for a US retribution attack on insurgents who killed five New Zealand troops.

Key stressed today that the logistics officers were not combat troops.

"I wouldn't characterise it as [a retribution attack]. What I would say is that they are trying to gather intelligence, and that when we understand that, then we can ensure our people are in the safest position."

Panetta visits New Zealand

Nothing to be proud of here.

To borrow from a Cold War phrase, New Zealand has become a "lapdog of US imperialism" - I can think of a less polite epIthet!

How long before the NZ government lifts its ban on nuclear-powered ships? 

US lifts ban on NZ Navy visiting its ports

The United States has lifted a ban on New Zealand Defence Force vessels visiting American ports, further thawing relations after a 26-year stand-off on nuclear issues.

Radio NZ,

22 September, 2012

American Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta made the announcement on Friday afternoon following talks with New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman in Auckland.

Mr Panetta says while the two countries continue to have differences in limited areas, today is about affirming a new course has been set in the relationship.

He says restrictions on talks between defence officials and on military exercises are being removed, and New Zealand Navy ships will once again be able to visit US defence or coast guard facilities in the US and around the world.

The Defence Secretary says differences in policy - a reference to New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance - will not stand in the way of greater engagement on security issues.

Mr Panetta described New Zealand as a true friend of the United States.

Dr Coleman told Radio New Zealand's Checkpoint lifting the ban showed relations between the two countries were returning to pre-1986 levels.

He expects the ban to be lifted immediately.

However, Dr Coleman says New Zealand has no plans to change its anti-nuclear policy.

"Look the US is comfortable with that and they understand that, but absolutely no talk of any change in our anti nuclear stance."

Talks at Government House

Mr Panetta was welcomed at Government House in Auckland with a powhiri before talks with Dr Coleman and Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully.

Later he laid a wreath at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and presented medals to New Zealand Defence Force personnel who have served in Afghanistan.

He also expressed his condolences for the recent deaths of New Zealand defence personnel in Afghanistan.

The Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Richard Rhys Jones says the relationship with the United States is in a good place.

He says there will be a few exercises each year with the US to build New Zealand's amphibious capability so defence staff are skilled at working between ships, helicopters and vehicles.

Mr Panetta's visit is the first by the top person in the Pentagon in 30 years.

The invitation to visit New Zealand came after the signing of the Washington Declaration, which aims to strengthen political and defence co-operation, in June this year.

Panetta to visit New Zealand

That's all this country needs! Just a few years ago NZ had a relatively independent foreign policy. Now we are well and truly lined up the empire.

China, Japan, New Zealand on Panetta’s Trip Itinerary

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta departs this weekend on a trip to China, Japan and New Zealand, officials said Sept. 13, as part of a U.S. bid to shift toward the region despite crises in the Middle East.

Defense News,

13 September, 2012

But it was unclear if Panetta would meet Beijing’s leader-in-waiting, whose whereabouts have been the subject of intense speculation.

Panetta’s visit to China, his first as Pentagon chief, comes amid regional tensions fueled by territorial disputes and swirling rumors over the political fate of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, who has virtually disappeared from public view in the past two weeks.

Xi spoke through state media on Sept. 13 but has not been seen in public for 13 days.

Asked if Panetta was due to meet Xi, Pentagon spokesman George Little said: “This is not something I would comment on. This is for the Chinese to discuss, of course.”

The U.S. delegation looked forward “to meetings with top Chinese military leaders” but “the itinerary hasn’t been locked in stone,” Little told a news conference.

“We believe this will be a very productive and cordial visit, one that will advance our shared goals of a more transparent and even more viable relationship with the Chinese military,” he added.

Panetta’s trip marks his third to Asia in 11 months, underscoring President Barack Obama’s bid to “rebalance” Washington’s focus toward the region.

Despite the much-publicized tilt to the Asia-Pacific, the Obama administration has been forced to confront recurring turmoil in the Middle East, with a deadly attack on a U.S. consulate in Libya on Sept. 11 by Islamist militants.

Panetta’s trip to Asia coincides with mounting friction between China and its neighbors over territorial disputes.

In the potentially resource-rich East China Sea, Beijing and Tokyo have clashed over disputed islands. In the South China Sea, the Philippines and Vietnam have accused China of a wave of intimidation against fishermen and rival nations’ ships as Beijing exerts its claims to virtually all of the strategic waterway.

Before his visit to China, Panetta will fly to Japan, where China’s more assertive stance is expected to top the agenda as well as U.S. plans to deploy tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft at an American military base on Okinawa.

The plan to move 12 Osprey aircraft to the southern island has sparked major protests but U.S. officials say they have no intention of scrapping the idea.

“We’ve been in close consultation with Japanese defense officials about the MV-22 Osprey aircraft,” Little said.

Pentagon officials have sought to reassure their Japanese counterparts on the safety of the Osprey, briefing them on the circumstances of an April crash in Morocco that killed two U.S. Marines.

The Osprey, which can take off like a helicopter and then rotate its motors down enabling it to fly like a turboprop plane, was plagued by crashes and technical problems in its early phase but U.S. commanders insist the aircraft is safe.

Tens of thousands of people staged protests in Okinawa over the weekend, demanding the U.S. scrap plans to move the aircraft there.

The Pentagon said that Japan had made no request to alter plans to deploy the aircraft.

“I’m unaware of any request to postpone the deployment or operation of the Osprey. I don’t have a timeline for when the Osprey will go fully operational but, as I said, we believe the deployment remains on track,” Little said.

After stops in Tokyo and Beijing, Panetta will head to New Zealand, the first U.S. defense secretary to visit the country in more than 30 years, officials said.

Panetta’s trip to New Zealand follows the signing of a cooperation agreement in June between the two defense ministries.