Charlie Rose Season 3 Episode 9 Charlie Rose Mike Mullen (March 12, 2009)

In season 3, episode 9 of Charlie Rose, the focus is on retired United States Navy Admiral, Mike Mullen. Mike Mullen served as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2007 to 2011, serving as the highest-ranking military officer in the United States. In this episode of Charlie Rose, Rose sits down with Mullen to discuss a range of important political and military topics.

One of the primary topics discussed in the episode is the situation in Iraq. At the time, the United States had been involved in the Iraq War for more than six years, and Mullen offers insight into the ongoing conflict. He discusses the challenges that the U.S. military faced in Iraq, including the need to balance the use of force with a "hearts and minds" approach to win over the local population. Mullen also discusses the importance of building up the Iraqi security forces to take over responsibility for their own security.

Rose and Mullen also discuss the ongoing war in Afghanistan, which had been underway for more than seven years at the time of the interview. Mullen speaks about the complexity of the conflict and the challenges of fighting a war in a country with such a fragmented and decentralized government. He also touches on the role of Pakistan in the war in Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the two countries in fighting terrorism.

In addition to discussing these ongoing conflicts, Rose and Mullen also touch on broader political issues. They discuss the relationship between the United States and China, which was an increasingly important dynamic in world politics at the time. Mullen talks about the need for collaboration between the two countries, while also acknowledging the challenges that exist in terms of ideology and national interests.

Another key topic that comes up in the episode is the issue of cybersecurity. Mullen stresses the importance of taking cybersecurity seriously, both in terms of national security and the protection of individuals' personal information. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between the public sector and the private sector in addressing this issue.

Throughout the episode, Mullen demonstrates a deep knowledge of military and political matters. He is thoughtful and measured in his responses, and he offers a perspective that is both strategic and nuanced. Despite the many challenges facing the United States and the world at large at the time of the interview, Mullen remains optimistic and committed to finding solutions to the problems at hand.

Overall, season 3, episode 9 of Charlie Rose offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the most important military leaders of the past decade. Mullen's insights into the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his thoughts on broader political issues, make for compelling viewing. For anyone interested in military and political matters, this episode is a must-watch.