WSJ: Republicans and Our Enemies by Joe Biden
Joe Biden is a clear voice of reason when it comes to Foreign Policy. This editorial he wrote for the Wall Street Journal is a clear example of his expertise.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121150000249615875.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121150000249615875.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
I have no doubt that Joe Biden is a smart man. I also believe he has considerable expertise in foreign policy. Whether he is THE expert on foreign policy is open for discussion.
I also have no doubt that this is an election year, Joe Biden is a partisan politician, and he wants to argue for his candidate.
Here are some partisan talking points I see in this article.
1. The Bush Administration is incompetent.
2. George Bush is disengaged and ineffective.
3. A McCain presidency will be a third term of George W. Bush
4. The Bush Administration has not tried diplomacy.
5. Barack Obama will engage Iran in productive discussions.
Most of this article discusses the perceived shortcomings of the current administration, but the only solution to these problems that are offered is to TALK. At least, that is better than the past few years, when there has been heavy criticism, but a distinct lack of any concrete suggestions of a better way to do things.
Here is an analysis of previous efforts at negotiation by this administration, and others. Included are some concerns related to negotiations and possible negative consequences.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121193151568724469.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
Just my opinion.
Reply to this
Jim,
Thanks for your comment.
You do a good job of illuminating the differences between the two parties.
I note, too, in the link you provided the use of the phrase "surrender in Iraq", a current staple of Republican talking points.
The difficulty I think the Bush Administration has in negotiating is a loss of credibility or perhaps just out and out dislike of the man in foreign capitals. Sometimes in business I've seen (and I'm sure you have, too) that the personal dynamics keeps an organization from doing something in their self interest. Then a new leader comes along and suddenly that something is achieved. I fear that may, unfortunately, be the case here.
While I was looking at the link, I also found the excerpt from Scott McClellan's book I posted above, so thanks again.
Reply to this