What Others Are Saying About Bolton
It wasn't only in the US that eyebrows were raised by the recess appointment of John Bolton as Ambassador to the United Nations. Other nations were equally as troubled as many here in America were.
The Chinese newspaper People's Daily contained a rather strongly worded editorial on the appointment.
In handling international relations, [Bolton] always plays hardball. He once professed that the relationship between the United States and the world is like that between a hammer and a nail - and that the United States likes to pound whoever it wants. He especially despises the United Nations and opposes the payment of Washington’s overdue U.N. membership fees.
His opponents have two main complaints. First, the conduct of this fellow is problematic, and second, this man is too "hawkish" and is therefore not suitable for the post. In the opinion of his opponents, the main task for the new U.S. ambassador to the U.N. should be to build bridges and improve relations with the U.N., which have worsened as a result of the Iraq war. Judging by Bolton’s words and deeds, he will not only fail to fulfill this task, but the result may turn out to be just the opposite. [Emphasis added]
That analysis is rather tame compared with what follows:
Why does Bush want to appoint Bolton so badly? The main reason is that as Bush's "loyal ally," Bolton can guarantee that Bush's foreign policy will be resolutely implemented in the United Nations.
In a sense, what people oppose in regard to Bolton is precisely what Bush needs. During Bush's first term, the U.S. government found itself at odds with the U.N. and subject to strong condemnation at home and abroad. Bush decided that the U.S. had no intention of abandoning the U.N. Rather, Washington wanted to reform and to have better control over the global organization.
To tame the United Nations, it is imperative [for Bush] to send a "strong man." When he accepted the appointment, Bolton indicated in an undisguised manner that he would spare no effort in promoting U.S. values at the United Nations, and make it serve U.S. interests. [Emphasis added]
But wait, there's more:
Experts say the timing of Bolton's appointment is by no means accidental, with the United States ready to submit the Iranian nuclear issue to the U.N. Security Council. On the issue of preventing nuclear proliferation, Bolton has all along adopted a tough stand toward Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Bolton's arrival at the U.N. makes it possible to accelerate U.S. plans.
With this kind of language coming from another permanent member of the UN Security Council, I believe Mr. Bolton is in for some rough sledding.
Frankly, I hope I'm right.
The Chinese newspaper People's Daily contained a rather strongly worded editorial on the appointment.
In handling international relations, [Bolton] always plays hardball. He once professed that the relationship between the United States and the world is like that between a hammer and a nail - and that the United States likes to pound whoever it wants. He especially despises the United Nations and opposes the payment of Washington’s overdue U.N. membership fees.
His opponents have two main complaints. First, the conduct of this fellow is problematic, and second, this man is too "hawkish" and is therefore not suitable for the post. In the opinion of his opponents, the main task for the new U.S. ambassador to the U.N. should be to build bridges and improve relations with the U.N., which have worsened as a result of the Iraq war. Judging by Bolton’s words and deeds, he will not only fail to fulfill this task, but the result may turn out to be just the opposite. [Emphasis added]
That analysis is rather tame compared with what follows:
Why does Bush want to appoint Bolton so badly? The main reason is that as Bush's "loyal ally," Bolton can guarantee that Bush's foreign policy will be resolutely implemented in the United Nations.
In a sense, what people oppose in regard to Bolton is precisely what Bush needs. During Bush's first term, the U.S. government found itself at odds with the U.N. and subject to strong condemnation at home and abroad. Bush decided that the U.S. had no intention of abandoning the U.N. Rather, Washington wanted to reform and to have better control over the global organization.
To tame the United Nations, it is imperative [for Bush] to send a "strong man." When he accepted the appointment, Bolton indicated in an undisguised manner that he would spare no effort in promoting U.S. values at the United Nations, and make it serve U.S. interests. [Emphasis added]
But wait, there's more:
Experts say the timing of Bolton's appointment is by no means accidental, with the United States ready to submit the Iranian nuclear issue to the U.N. Security Council. On the issue of preventing nuclear proliferation, Bolton has all along adopted a tough stand toward Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Bolton's arrival at the U.N. makes it possible to accelerate U.S. plans.
With this kind of language coming from another permanent member of the UN Security Council, I believe Mr. Bolton is in for some rough sledding.
Frankly, I hope I'm right.
posted by Diane at 9:12 AM
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