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get involvedGlobal poverty and national securityTalking PointsU.S. military leaders have called on Congress to better fund international development and poverty-reduction initiatives as a way to undermine the influence of terrorists organizations and avert threats.The National Security Strategy of the Bush Administration noted, "A world where some live in comfort and plenty, while half of the human race lives on less than $2 a day, is neither just nor stable." Impoverished, hopeless people are often easy prey for terrorist organizations, drug cartels and other groups that pose a threat to U.S. national security. Poverty does not turn people into terrorists, but it does create conditions of instability that allow terrorist groups to operate freely.

Poverty creates desperate, hopeless people and conditions of instability that allows terrorist groups and drug cartels to operate unrestricted, recruit easily and win the support of the local population.Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, Gen. Colin Powell, and over 50 retired three and four star Generals have all called on Congress to better fund the International Affairs budget and development programs as a crucial means of protecting the United States.In a poll of post-9/11 military officers, 84% said that strengthening non-military tools such as diplomacy and development efforts should be at least equal to strengthening military efforts when it comes to improving Americas ability to address threats to our national security.In outlining how to protect the United States, the 2010 U.S. National Security Strategy mentions development 76-times. In a sign of the Pentagons shifting strategy toward averting threats, the word military only appears 44-times.Despite, the military calling on Congress to better fund international aid and development programs, in 2011 the U.S. House of Representatives passed a 40% cut to international aid funding."Development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers."- Robert Gates, Former Secretary of Defense"The worst nightmare for al Qaeda is to come into a community that feels supported and has hope."- Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC)"The events of September 11, 2001, taught us that weak states, like Afghanistan, can pose as great a danger to our national interests as strong states. Poverty does not make poor people into terrorists and murderers. Yet poverty, weak institutions, and corruption can make weak states vulnerable to terrorist networks and drug cartels within their borders."- National Security Strategy of the Bush AdministrationThe World's Most Dangerous CountriesNearly all are ranked among the poorest nations on earth. Extreme poverty creates unstable conditions.1. Afghanistan2. Iraq3. Somalia4. Pakistan5. Sudan6. Yemen7. Democratic Republic of Congo8. Guinea9. Russian Caucasus10. Nigeria11. Chad12. The Sahel13. Haiti14. Colombia15. ZimbabweForbes

U.S. National Security StrategyPoverty and development quotes from the document that guides U.S. National Security:"Our diplomacy and development capabilities must help prevent conflict, spur economic growth, strengthen weak and failing states, lift people out of poverty, combat climate change and epidemic disease, and strengthen institutions of democratic governance.""Our Armed Forces will always be the cornerstone of our security, but they must be complemented. Our security also depends on diplomats who can act in every corner of the world, from grand capitals to dangerous outposts; development experts who can strengthen governance and support human dignity.""Proactively investing in stronger societies and human welfare is far more effective and efficient than responding after state collapse. ""We will also help states avoid becoming terrorist safe havens by helping them build their capacity for responsible governance and security through development.""The United States has an interest in working with our allies to help the world's poorest countries grow into productive and prosperous economies governed by capable, democratic, and accountable state institutions. We will ensure a greater and more deliberate focus on a global development agenda across the United States Government, from policy analysis through policy implementation.""Basic human rights cannot thrive in places where human beings do not have access to enough food, or clean water, or the medicine they need to survive." "An epidemic that begins in a single community can quickly evolve into a multinational health crisis that causes millions to suffer, as well as spark major disruptions to travel and trade... The United States has a moral and strategic interest in promoting global health. When a child dies of a preventable disease, it offends our conscience; when a disease goes unchecked, it can endanger our own health; when children are sick, development is stalled." The U.S. Military Wants Global Poverty AddressedThe Secretary of Defense: While Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates emerged as one of the strongest advocates for increased development funding. The former head of the Pentagon repeatedly said that the U.S. can't win today's national security challenges with force and military might alone. Gates warned of the "creeping militarization" of U.S. Foreign Policy and called on U.S. leaders to increase the State Department's funding."For all of those brave men and women struggling for a better life, there is and must be no stronger ally or advocate than the United States of America. Let us never forget that our nation remains a beacon of light for those in dark places. And that our responsibilities to the world to freedom, to liberty, to the oppressed everywhere are not a burden on the people or the soul of this nation. They are, rather, a blessing."(source) The Joint Chiefs of Staff: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said he would hand part of his budget to the State Department, "in a heartbeat." Admiral Mullen also said, "U.S. foreign policy is still too dominated by the military, too dependent on the generals and admirals who lead our major overseas commands, and not enough on the State Department."(source 1,|source 2)The Generals: In March of 2010 fifty retired three and four star generals called Congress to increase funding for the International Affairs Budget. The Generals noted that investments, non-military tools of development, and diplomacy foster economic and political stability on a global scale. It also strengthens our allies and fights the spread of poverty, disease, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. (source)The Soldiers: Countless former and current U.S. soldiers have expressed concern that the United States is not doing enough to address global poverty. Others have been fortunate enough to be part of the increasing number of humanitarian missions aimed at weakening the influence of terrorist groups in poor regions. Army Sgt. C.J. Rueda described his role in the Philippines, "The goal is to increase support for the government in areas known to be heavy in terrorist recruitment and in drug trafficking. Poor countries are a breeding ground for terrorists, and that's why we're here -- to enlighten the population, support security forces and educate the children to make their country better. (source)DONATE NOW

LinksJoint Chiefs of Staff - Mullen Urges More Soft PowerWashington Post - Irregular Warfare, Both Future and PresentDoD - Gates Highlights Role of Diplomacy, Development in U.S. Foreign PolicyBoston Globe: U.S. Military Sees Increased Role in Humanitarian EffortsDoD-|Gates Kansas Speech

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