Norwood

About the author

Ex - Green Beret. Writing represents his own views, which are NOT necessarily those of his former employers in the U.S. government.

FBI’s rules for journalists could damage their professional lives

A journalist abroad might be uncovering information that’s relevant to national security or trailing those domestically that might pose a threat or unraveling a string that uncovers possible danger. I am fearful that journalism can be misconstrued as vigilante work and via exposure or interaction with possible terrorists lead to an arrest.

Politics here have a real impact abroad

The Saudis took extreme exception to the U.S. and the President’s decision to not take military action against the Syrian regime. They vowed to go it alone.

Before motivating others, master your foreign language

My favorite moments abroad are the times I eventually become both comfortable in their company and with my Arabic in the presence of our partner forces. I remember sitting by a fireplace talking and laughing throughout the night in Arabic.

Call your congressman, engage policy makers, you might improve a program

To me, foreign policy is the de facto charter of a modern president. Foreign policy ultimately affects our economy and our people in the long run to a greater extent than domestic policy, which can be amended. Fractured relationships and loss of influence cannot be altered over a congressional year.