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Former Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte on the protests in Egypt and the U.S. role in the Middle East peace process.
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Power joining us now to talk about the implications for -- foreign policy what is happening in the Middle East.
John never -- -- the first Director of National Intelligence appointed by president George W.
Bush he served five times as ambassador a distinguished career.
In intelligence and diplomacy great to have you with us ambassador thank you.
-- let's start with the Middle East president Morrissey claims that he is rescinded his.
-- -- it is assumed power is that provoked so many violent demonstrations and protests.
At the same time ordering the military.
To arrest civilians -- what is your reaction.
Well I mean I just think it's a demonstration of the precarious ness of the situation in Egypt but that situation there is critical.
We can't afford to see.
Egypt go over some kind of a brink.
They are crucial to the Middle East peace process imagine what would happen if for some reason Egypt decided to pull back from its recognition of Israel.
They're the largest Arab country population wise in the region so they just have a critical.
Role to play in many different way.
And your judgment of that -- Obama foreign policy in that region.
The way in which he made his administration has engaged Morrissey.
The Muslim Brotherhood.
The army and Egypt.
In what -- likely result will be are you optimistic that he is that is diplomacy.
Is on the correct -- Well I think it's.
President -- Mubarak was first deposed but I think the administration has realized that there's no easy fix is no quick solution.
We've got to stay close to this one we have to work closely with all the different.
Parties the president -- the military civil society.
And frankly there's no real substitute.
For close engagement by the United States.
Some people may think we're a declining power in this world but we're still.
The most influential country in the world and I think people in the Middle East and elsewhere -- export expect us to play a really strong role.
There's an extraordinary.
Situation which -- four point eight billion dollars in US -- Slated for Egypt with conditions now than ever risen since.
Morrissey who mediated.
If you will brokered a agreement.
And between Gaza and the the Israelis.
At the same time was announced today that twenty M sixteens will be shipped to Egypt the beginning of the month.
This sends a number of the president's critics absolutely furious that your thoughts on that level of engagement is -- is that correct or is that -- Is it really high stakes gamble.
Well I think one -- that that stresses that point it seems to me that we need to maintain a good close relationship with the Egyptian military.
Recall that today in past years.
A couple of decades ago when we became disenchanted with the government and military of Pakistan.
We cut off military assistance.
To the Pakistani military.
And that led to -- very negative consequences so while some of these choices are very difficult.
I'm inclined.
In the direction of greater rather than lesser.
Engagement I don't think there's any point in just -- our hand.
Have these situations.
And if you talked about declining power is does the the Obama administration's intelligence council and in a new report.
That I just referred to talks about the day -- United States will no longer be a superpower.
But a so called first among equals.
They projected date -- -- around 2030.
Your thoughts and your reckoning on -- whether or not you agree with that.
If you will if not decline ascension of other powers.
Right well I certainly think.
That since the financial crisis back in 20020072008.
There's been a tendency.
To -- down if you well.
But I think many of those assessments have been unduly pessimistic I think even downright wrong at times we're still the most powerful economy in the world.
We still have most powerful military.
And demographically.
-- are quite a healthy nation where the third most populous nation in the world.
And we will be.
Even out 22050.
So the notion that somehow -- -- were the eclipsed from the scene I think is completely wrong.
Now there is some truth to this statement that the economic and demographic center of gravity in the world.
Is shifting.
Towards Asia.
But it's shifting towards -- -- away from Europe if you will.
And not away from the United States and I think that that argues.
-- very policy that the administration has adopted which is this pivot towards Asia cultivating those relationships out there.
Being mindful of the trade and investment opportunities with the Asia Pacific region and we're doing that and I think that's the right thing to do.
John mineral product always good to talk -- thanks for being here thank you --
