General Wesley Clark on MSNBC

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In the past, the United States has focused on policies of isolation and sanction, but these policies and strategies alone have done little to bring about the necessary changes in Burma.

Engaging with the Burmese government will not be easy, but the stakes are too high not to try. As it stands, 2,100 political prisoners are detained, along with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. For the first time in 20 years, Burma's military leaders are preparing to hold elections. However, while this seems like a step in the right direction, past precedent is not on the side of fair and inclusive elections.

The task force's conclusion is that the United States needs to position itself for the effects of Burma's potential transitions, while also encouraging the Burmese leadership to move in positive directions.

In order for the United States to begin this process, the task force recommends the following strategies:

• Engage with both Burma's leaders and groups within the country to encourage dialogue.
• Remove some non-economic sanctions that were initially designed to restrict official interactions between the governments and pursue the relaxation of official and unofficial bilateral communications.
• Further develop and expand direct assistance programs, including non-military NGOs. Assistance should also be targeted toward small farmers and small and medium-sized businesses.
• Expand educational exchange programs, such as the Fulbright and Humphrey Scholar programs.
• Collaborate with Burma's neighbors and the international community.

If Burma does not reduce political restrictions, institute economic reforms, and advance human rights, then targeted financial sanctions should be tightened.

While the extreme situation in Burma is not likely to change immediately, the task force's report provides a comprehensive approach for the United States that will help move Burma into the world community.

You can read the complete report by clicking here (PDF).

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

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I know sometimes it's not obvious what's going on in Sarah Palin's mind.

Well, last week's passage of the historic health care reform bill provided her some clarity. Immediately after President Obama signed the bill, Palin asked her radical supporters to "target" 20 Democrats, complete with crosshairs taking aim at each of them.

Two of them our Clark community helped elect: Rep. Betsy Markey (CO-04) and Rep. Chris Carney (PA-10). When called upon, they stood up courageously and voted for reform. Now Sarah Palin and the right wing have targeted them for defeat.

Don't let Sarah Palin and the tea party extremists win. Contribute to Betsy and Chris' campaigns before tonight's end-of-quarter deadline!

Let me tell you something about Betsy Markey: She's tough.

In 2008, Betsy's district, Colorado's 4th, voted for John McCain over Barack Obama.

But she wasn't afraid to stand up to the special interests and vote for the energy bill last year. She wasn't afraid to vote for health care reform, even while the media and pundits said it would cost Betsy her seat in Congress.

This fall, Betsy's toughness will be tested. Her opponent has raised over $75,000 from those who want to repeal the health care bill. And, of course, Sarah Palin is going after Betsy too.

We can't let the extremists win. Join me and contribute $5 or more to Betsy Markey's campaign before the midnight fundraising deadline!

In 2006, the Clark community helped elect a new generation of veterans into Congress. Chris Carney was one of them.

Since joining Congress, Chris has been a strong advocate for veterans. He's worked to expand veterans' access to health care and to ensure more is done to treat returning soldiers with PTSD.

And just last week, Chris voted to pass the historic health care reform bill. Contrast this to his opponents, who want to repeal the bill if elected, and strip 32 million Americans of access to health care.

Pennsylvania's 10th district has a partisan voting index (PVI) of R+8 and was also carried by John McCain. Sarah Palin and the tea party extremists believe they can use his vote on health care reform to defeat Chris.

You and I can prove them wrong. Contribute $5 or more to Chris Carney's campaign before tonight's fundraising deadline!

This is a crucial fundraising report. The pundits, the media, and our opponents will look to see whether the passage of historic health care reform has strengthened or weakened Democrats.

You can be the difference by donating to Betsy and Chris today.

Thank you for everything.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

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WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration's new engagement strategy with Myanmar risks allowing the country's military leaders to use direct talks to justify already flawed elections expected this year, a bipartisan report warns.

The report Wednesday from the Asia Society, a leading think tank, supports U.S. efforts to press the generals who have ruled Myanmar for decades to hold credible elections and to give more rights to minorities and activists.

But the United States, the report said, must be wary of appearing to legitimize elections, Myanmar's first in two decades, that opponents say are meant to strengthen the military's power.

"The United States must tread carefully through this minefield," the report said. "It is quite possible that the leadership's primary objective in engaging with the United States is to demonstrate to its own population that the United States endorses" the junta's "road map to democracy" and a constitution that enshrines the military's leading role in politics.

The report was co-chaired by retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark, a 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, and by Henrietta Fore, former Republican President George W. Bush's head of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Its release comes about half a year into Obama's efforts to reverse the long-standing U.S. policy of isolation and instead engage Myanmar's top generals.

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Almost four years ago to the day, I threw my unwavering support behind a passionate, thoughtful veteran in the middle of a close, competitive primary.

His name was Jim Webb -- now Senator Jim Webb of Virginia.

Today, I'm compelled to enter the fray once more, and throw my full support behind Cal Cunningham for North Carolina's Senate seat.

This is another key pick-up opportunity in a southern "swing state," and Cal is beyond a doubt the best candidate to take on Richard Burr this November.

Contribute to Cal Cunningham's campaign -- before the May primary and before his crucial end-of-quarter fundraising deadline this Wednesday.

Cal would be the first veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to serve in the U.S. Senate. He would bring a veteran's unique perspective to policymaking in Washington.

Cal has seen war and understands it's time to "Conclude the Mission in Iraq. With Honor. Period."

Cal knows sexual orientation plays no role on the battlefield, and that it's time to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Cal knows first-hand why we must break our "destructive dependence on foreign oil from unfriendly regimes," and he recognizes that climate change poses a critical threat to our national security.

Cal will fight for veterans and honor their sacrifices.

On all these issues, and so many more, Richard Burr is at odds with Cal -- and at odds with his constituents.

Contribute to Cal Cunningham's campaign -- before the May primary and before his crucial end-of-quarter fundraising deadline this Wednesday.

Cal Cunningham has seen war with his own eyes. He's earned a Bronze Star cracking down on contractor crimes in Iraq, taking on some of the most powerful corporations on earth.

He's ready for this fight, too, and I'm confident he can beat Richard Burr this November -- with your support right now.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

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