Mullen: U.S. faces challenges on all fronts

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Mullen: U.S. faces challenges on all fronts
By Samantha Henry - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 6, 2009 6:01:09 EST

PRINCETON, N.J. — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Princeton University students Thursday that “the line of battle these days is 360 degrees,” and that the United States faces challenges from many different directions.

Speaking without a script and eschewing the podium to walk the auditorium stage, Adm. Mike Mullen spoke of a wide range of foreign policy challenges the Obama administration faces, from the situation in Afghanistan to concerns about instability in Mexico.

Mullen, who as chairman of the Joint Chiefs is principal military adviser to the president, emphasized repeatedly that his top concerns include the health and well-being of U.S. military members and their families — especially after they return home from war — and the situation in the Middle East and the surrounding region.

“There’s a tremendous amount of immediate downturn potential in the broader Middle East, and it’s something that concerns me greatly and is at the top of my agenda,” he said. “But what is overarching everything is the global financial crisis, and I worry about the effect that will have on stability, or instability.”

Mullen said he was also worried about escalating violence and instability closer to home.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_mullen_speech_020509/%2e