Worldview: Secretary of State deck has wild card
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/20081116_Worldview__Secretary_of_State_deck_has_wild_card.htmlJones is a four star who headed the Marine Corps and was NATO military commander. He led a congressional task force that examined Iraqi security forces, and he serves as a Mideast special envoy for the White House. He briefed Obama on Afghanistan after heading a study for the Atlantic Council, a nongovernmental organization he now chairs.
Highly regarded, with a powerful intellect, Jones knows how to run a large organization. When I asked diplomats how they'd feel about a former military man at their helm, most praised the jobs done at State by retired Gens. Colin Powell and George Marshall. Jones would be well-placed to mesh the soft power work of our diplomats and aid officials with our military forces.
The 6-foot-plus Jones is a basketball player who would look impressive on a court with Obama. But seriously, this wild-card pick might be the best choice to rebuild the soft power capacity our nation needs.