Philip J. Crowley

#Pakistan's decision to block #Twitter is another sign of the civilian government's weakness. It literally cannot afford such intolerance.

The release of U.S. military hardware to #Bahrain is a big bet on government reformers. Progress is not yet evident.

Nous sommes tous les Francais et les Grecs. New governments in Europe will affect the global economy and in turn maybe the U.S. election.

Great effort by #RyanCrocker, @USEmbassyKabul and #Afghan government to complete a new partnership agreement despite the recent turmoil.

For a generation of government spokespeople, one thing you feared hearing was, "Mike Wallace is working on a story." Never good news.

You can draw a straight line from the #Turkish military's overthrow of a dysfunctional government in 1980 to today's vibrant democracy.

The threat of military action must be credible, but a bright red line could impede a diplomatic solution with #Iran.

During the Cold War, we relished debating adversaries. We were confident our ideas were better. So why are #Cuban visitors a threat to us?

#Obama's approach to #MissileDefense is flexible, not theological. Adjustments can be made based on the threat and regional concerns.

#Iran's threats must be viewed in economic more than military terms. They are (successfully) making the West pay for new sanctions.

Congratulations to #HermanCain. A simple, cogent and correct statement. Cybersecurity is a compelling national security threat. #CNNdebate

Ten years after #9/11 we better understand the actual threat and that success requires winning ideas more than battles. @carlislepolicy

The rapid resolution of the #ChenGuangcheng case says a lot about the complicated but mature U.S.-China relationship.

The intense limelight on #China will help #ChenGuangcheng, but as @CurrentSpitzer suggested, Chen's support network will be at risk.

Discussed the #Chen case @NowWithAlex @MSNBC. The #publicdiplomacy fallout will be on perceptions of human rights in #China. @IPDGC

Enjoyed joining fellow @Holy_Cross alum @Hardball_Chris Matthews to talk foreign policy, this time the unfolding #Chen case in #China.

Great discussion @NOWwithAlex @MSNBC. The U.S.- #China relationship is arguably the most consequential of the 21st Century.

Discussed #Syria on @AlJazeera. Endorsing leadership transitions based on the will of the people hit #Russia and #China too close to home.

With #Afghanistan winding down, the proposed #House increase in the defense budget is a political end in itself without strategic logic.

Talked #Afghanistan @Current with @JenGranholm. U.S. forces will remain engaged past 2014 because the work doesn't end when the war does.

There will be varied opinions of what the latest #Afghanistan photos depict, but there should be no issue with @latimes publishing them.

The major question from the #Afghanistan attacks is whether the #Taliban and allies are prepared to negotiate. @IPDGC

The U.S. faces strategic wild cards regarding #Pakistan and #Afghanistan that make the future uncertain. @IPDGC

Joining @NowWithAlex @MSNBC to talk #Afghanistan. The real challenge is not staying the course through 2014, it's support beyond that.

#Iran and the U.S. have had few constructive interactions since axis of evil. Even small problems have been big deals. This will be hard.

#Abdulmutallab was tried and convicted in a U.S. court of law. During a successful interrogation, he provided a great deal of intelligence.

#Syria says it has reached a deal with the Arab League to end months of unrest. The basic question is, do the Syrian people get a vote?

#AlQaeda was having a bad year already, given its lack of relevance in current events. #OsamabinLaden's death is still a really big deal.

Told @HuffingtonPost that the budget deal is upside down. Congress raises defense spending even as overseas commitments are being reduced.

The #House voted to ban U.S. funding for the #UN panel that deals with #ClimateChange and cut funding for the #SpecialEnvoyForClimateChange.

There is a diplomatic opening with #Iran, but talks face major obstacles. After 30 years of tension, we don't know each other very well.

The #Taliban decision to open an office in #Qatar is a signal of a potential willingness to negotiate, but questions and obstacles remain.

The question for the United States is, are there political consequences for a leader like #Saleh who has become a clear obstacle to change?