"The Emerging Regional Security Network"

Remarks for US-Islamic World Forum

GEN David Petraeus

Doha, Qatar

14 February 2009 

INTRODUCTION

Well, good evening. Thanks, Carlos, thanks to the Brookings Institution for pulling together this impressive conference, and thanks to our hosts here in Qatar for all that they have done to make this gathering possible. It’s great to see Prime Minister al-Thani and my special sadiqi General al-Attiyah.

And I must say that it is an honor to be on a panel with:

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, a woman whose extraordinary personal story and exceptional professional achievements have inspired several generations of my country’s citizens and truly personified the American dream. It is not lost on some men in Washington, however, Madame Secretary, that you did so well walking point for women as the first female secretary of state that two of her three successors have also been women.

Malaysian Political Leader Anwar Ibrahim, a man who has played such a significant role in his country’s political arena for nearly 40 years.

And Iraq’s DPM, Dr Barham Salih, a wonderful partner of mine in Iraq from April 2003 until the present, a brilliant, thoughtful, courageous, Iraqi statesmen who, in many respects, is the personification of the Iraqi dream. And I want to take this moment to congratulate Iraq’s leaders, people, and Dr Barham on the impressive conduct of the provincial elections that were held on January 31st. Mabruk, sayyed nayeb rais al wuzzera.

Again, it’s an honor to be on this panel. And it’s great to see such an impressive audience in this superb conference facility–though I must point out to the conference organizers that requiring a US Army General Officer to speak without PowerPoint slides and a laser pointer is a bit like sending an infantryman out on an operation without his weapon….. But I’ll try to do my best without our usual communication aids. (Pause)

And in fact, tonight I’d like to discuss something other than Iraq and counterinsurgency: cooperation for common security objectives and the security architecture that is emerging as countries in this region, the United States, and other nations from outside the region seek to foster security and stability in this vitally important area of the world. To describe the emerging architecture, I will use the word "network"—though the phrase "network of networks" would be even more descriptive, as the various components of the networks are very extensive, indeed. In fact, discussing all of the security relationships and programs that comprise the emerging regional security architecture would require more time than we have tonight. But I would like to highlight a number of the programs and initiatives that make up this architecture, for there is an impressive amount of cooperative activity underway in this critical region.

Indeed, this region’s security architecture is becoming increasingly robust. Inside the collective network that comprises it are a number of layered security networks, each of which I’ll discuss briefly tonight. In very broad terms, they include: a training network, an equipping network, an information sharing network, a leader engagement network, and an operational network.

After briefly describing the significant value of the overarching security network to the shared interests of the participating states, I will touch quickly on each of the networks, laying out some of the ways we are working together with regional partners to strengthen them—noting that all of this has as its foundation cooperative action in furtherance of shared national interests. Importance of the network:

The relationships that make up the security networks are centered on—and made possible by—the signficant consensus in the region in pursuit of shared common interests states find and implement cooperative, multilateral solutions for the security challenges we face. Indeed, many of the countries hold a number of common security interests. We all have an interest, for example, in preventing terrorism, in combating violent extremism, in deterring potential aggressors, in halting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related technology, in reducing the trade in illegal narcotics, in countering piracy, and in ensuring the free flow of commerce and the security of strategic infrastructure.

And in all of the networks I will describe, the objective is to strengthen relationships and increase defensive and deterrent capabilities in pursuit of common interests, thereby enhancing security in the region and producing three additional effects: First, efforts to strengthen the security network foster the development of strong relationships between countries. A growing network of cooperation builds trust and confidence among neighbors. Strong partnerships are stabilizing, and we are helping to build such partnerships through the many programs and initiatives that comprise the security network.

Second, the network enhances the collective deterrent and defense posture and capabilities of the nations in it. And again, this has a stabilizing influence. Strong, capable, interoperable military forces comprise a powerful disincentive to potential aggression.

Third and finally, the network often helps countries strengthen their capabilities and capacities to improve and maintain security inside their borders, as well. This is important given the common interest we have in countries being able to address internal, as well as transnational, extremist and insurgent threats, as well as other regional challenges such as smuggling and narcotics trafficking.

Composition of the network:

Having described the objectives of the regional security architecture, I’d like now to briefly describe the networks that comprise it. Essentially, the overall regional security network is comprised of a number of layered, interconnected subordinate networks – each centered on an area of cooperation between countries. Participating nations work together to expand each of these individual networks and to link them with each other to enhance the collective potential of the overall regional network. In some cases, this involves pursuing bilateral initiatives, in others it involves turning bilateral initiatives into multilateral initiatives, and in still other cases it involves leveraging a multilateral initiative from one network by activities related to another network. Let me quickly touch on five of these layered networks, or areas of cooperation.

First, we have seen the emergence of a growing training network in the region. Numerous countries participate in mutually beneficial, multilateral training opportunities such as joint exercises, regional training center activities, and formal training programs to enhance security force capabilities, including the ability to counter terrorism, conduct tactical operations, enhance border security, and protect critical infrastructure. The training network also involves individual-level training such as international exchange programs for professional military education that are of particular importance. The establishment of world-class special operations training centers, air warfare training centers, and ground force training complexes, among others, as well as the conduct of numerous air, land, and sea exercises have added to this network enormously in recent years.

A second growing network involves the equipping of security forces and development of their infrastructure. In many cases, countries in the region purchase foreign-produced military equipment, from small arms to aircraft, using Foreign Military Sales programs and contracts. In other cases, countries cooperate as the opportunities arise to pass to others still-serviceable and modern military equipment through various mechanisms. In still other cases, countries work together to develop security forces’ infrastructure by, for example, building checkpoints along borders, establishing bases to protect infrastructure, and modernizing existing air bases and port facilities. In all cases, this equipping network results in more capable and more interoperable security forces.

A network of information sharing is a third growing area of cooperation. This includes countries working toward a so-called Common Operating Picture and Shared Early Warning systems—both essential elements of ballistic missile defense, an area that has seen significant progress in the past year alone. The information sharing network also includes efforts to share, via intelligence agencies’ cooperation and bilateral agreements, intelligence for the conduct of operations to counter extremism. All of this information sharing helps develop the common situational awareness of, reduce seams between, and decrease the possibility of miscalculation by networked countries.

Another important network is that of leader engagement. Conferences like this weekend’s, in fact, are an element of that network, though those more centrally focused on security issues are, of course, more what I have in mind. Regional security conferences, including Chiefs of Defense Conferences, ambassadorial gatherings, defense and interior minister meetings, and many other such fora provide important opportunities to develop the personal relationships that are so essential in this region and to working through key issues. In addition, bi-lateral engagements, with military, security, and diplomatic leaders traveling to countries inside and outside the region to discuss areas of cooperation and mutual interest, are also important elements of this network. Naturally, the relationships that are established benefit the other networks and foster transparency, mutual understanding, and professional development, all of which have benefits for the region.

The fifth and final network I’d like to point out tonight is the important operational network in which so many countries play a part. This network consists of real-world operations – from counter-piracy efforts to ballistic missile defense preparation, from joint intelligence operations to the conduct of joint maritime activities, from joint efforts to ensure infrastructure security to cooperation to interdict drug smugglers. The operational network not only performs vitally important missions to us all, it also enhances interoperability and working relationships. And, of course, it also leverages the other components of the network I’ve described today to ensure maximum collective capability.

The Security Network in Context:

Well, though I certainly haven’t touched on every aspect of the regional security architecture, I’ll leave it there in order to say a bit more about why I’ve referred to all these areas of cooperation as a network. Indeed, I’ve done so for an important reason: understanding our cooperation in the region as a network of relationships and programs between countries allows us to see that cooperation in context.

First, a "network" concept reflects the fact that seemingly unrelated programs and cooperative efforts between countries in the region actually are related in important ways. Each cooperative endeavor is another link that connects countries in pursuit of common interests and adds to the strength of the collective network. Each enhances stability in the region, not just by improving security capabilities, but by building relationships. And each has the potential to intersect with another, creating synergies as the overall network becomes more robust.

Second, a "network" concept allows us to see the regional security architecture as part of an even larger network of cooperation. The regional security network is not, of course, a standalone network; rather, it is surrounded by—and supportive of—development and aid networks, diplomatic and governance networks, and economic networks, among others. Indeed, the more connected all these networks are, the more our goals and methods are aligned and the more effective we are in pursuing our common interests. As always, a comprehensive approach is essential.

Third, a "network" concept is both more accurate and more beneficial than traditional views of poles of power or blocs of nations. In a world of transnational challenges, cooperative solutions are essential. And in a network, a nation can be as cooperatively linked as it is able to or wants to be. Although we obviously and understandably have areas of divergence with certain countries, we all benefit from the way some of those same countries now have some links into the regional security network by, for example, their contributions to counter-piracy operations. And that is just one example of such situations in which common interests prevail.

I would suggest, then, that the network concept provides room for cooperation with other countries on common interests as well—though I’m happy to leave the policy aspect of that to those in the new US administration who are examining such possibilities—some of which were introduced by Vice President Biden in his speech in Munich a week ago.

CONCLUSION

Well, I realize I’ve pushed the time limit a bit this evening, so let me conclude by briefly reiterating that the volume and quality of cooperation underway as part of this region’s security network are impressive and continue to grow. And through the strengthening of this network—based on common interests and cooperative efforts—countries in this region and those engaged in it are indeed doing what the title of this panel suggests: "addressing together emerging global issues" – in this case, regional security issues that very much have global implications. Thank you very much.