What Foreign Policy?
Multitasking is clearly not one of the Emperor's long suits. While concentrating almost exlsuively on the mess in Iraq, the rest of the world has spun away from the US, often in dangerous ways. Whether in the Middle East or Asia, Somalia or Palestine, Mexico or South America, US foreign policy has been incapable of keeping up. Even the Washington Post has noticed.
From deteriorating security in Afghanistan and Somalia to mayhem in the Middle East, confrontation with Iran and eroding relations with Russia, the White House suddenly sees crisis in every direction.
North Korea's long-range missile test Tuesday, although unsuccessful, was another reminder of the bleak foreign policy landscape that faces President Bush even outside of Iraq. Few foreign policy experts foresee the reclusive Stalinist state giving up the nuclear weapons it appears to have acquired, making it another in a long list of world problems that threaten to cloud the closing years of the Bush administration, according to foreign policy experts in both parties.
... But the events on the Korean Peninsula underscored how the administration has lost the initiative it once possessed on foreign policy in the aftermath of the Iraq invasion, leaving at risk the central Bush aspiration of democracy-building around the world.
They also showed how the huge commitment of resources and time on Iraq -- and the attendant falloff in international support for the United States -- has limited the administration's flexibility in handling new world crises.
...Even in the context of a post-Sept. 11, 2001, world, the array of tough, seemingly intractable foreign problems is spreading. Renewed violence has expanded to major cities throughout Afghanistan, as Afghan rebels adopt tactics of Iraqi insurgents and as President Hamid Karzai's popularity has plummeted. Iran is balking at demands to come clean or compromise on its nuclear program, despite new U.S. and European incentives. Palestinians launched longer-range missiles into Israel, while Israel has authorized its army to invade part of northern Gaza.
Meanwhile, an Islamist militia in Somalia seized control of the capital, Mogadishu. Mexico's future is uncertain after a close and disputed presidential election. And yesterday, the price of oil hit a new high of $75.19 a barrel. [Emphasis added]
Most of the blame can easily be blamed on the Emperor's obsession with Iraq, an obsession that existed even before September 11, 2001. Focussing on one ball while juggling a dozen is always a bad idea for any performer. Yet the picture is more complicated than that. Many of the agencies involved directly or indirectly with foreign policy, from the CIA to State, have suffered the loss of experienced professionals who were then replaced by ill-equipped cronies and loyalists. The incompetence is now being revealed not only here at home, but, just as importantly, to the rest of the world. And some in the rest of the world are cannily taking advantage.
A bumpy road ahead? We will be fortunate if that is all it is.
From deteriorating security in Afghanistan and Somalia to mayhem in the Middle East, confrontation with Iran and eroding relations with Russia, the White House suddenly sees crisis in every direction.
North Korea's long-range missile test Tuesday, although unsuccessful, was another reminder of the bleak foreign policy landscape that faces President Bush even outside of Iraq. Few foreign policy experts foresee the reclusive Stalinist state giving up the nuclear weapons it appears to have acquired, making it another in a long list of world problems that threaten to cloud the closing years of the Bush administration, according to foreign policy experts in both parties.
... But the events on the Korean Peninsula underscored how the administration has lost the initiative it once possessed on foreign policy in the aftermath of the Iraq invasion, leaving at risk the central Bush aspiration of democracy-building around the world.
They also showed how the huge commitment of resources and time on Iraq -- and the attendant falloff in international support for the United States -- has limited the administration's flexibility in handling new world crises.
...Even in the context of a post-Sept. 11, 2001, world, the array of tough, seemingly intractable foreign problems is spreading. Renewed violence has expanded to major cities throughout Afghanistan, as Afghan rebels adopt tactics of Iraqi insurgents and as President Hamid Karzai's popularity has plummeted. Iran is balking at demands to come clean or compromise on its nuclear program, despite new U.S. and European incentives. Palestinians launched longer-range missiles into Israel, while Israel has authorized its army to invade part of northern Gaza.
Meanwhile, an Islamist militia in Somalia seized control of the capital, Mogadishu. Mexico's future is uncertain after a close and disputed presidential election. And yesterday, the price of oil hit a new high of $75.19 a barrel. [Emphasis added]
Most of the blame can easily be blamed on the Emperor's obsession with Iraq, an obsession that existed even before September 11, 2001. Focussing on one ball while juggling a dozen is always a bad idea for any performer. Yet the picture is more complicated than that. Many of the agencies involved directly or indirectly with foreign policy, from the CIA to State, have suffered the loss of experienced professionals who were then replaced by ill-equipped cronies and loyalists. The incompetence is now being revealed not only here at home, but, just as importantly, to the rest of the world. And some in the rest of the world are cannily taking advantage.
A bumpy road ahead? We will be fortunate if that is all it is.
posted by Diane at 4:13 AM
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