The truth is that at this point no one can be sure whether the Iraq war, in its over-all effect, will turn out in the end to have helped or hindered the larger campaign against Islamist terrorism. What does seem fairly clear is that Iraq’s biological, chemical, and, especially, nuclear weapons did not exist. Public and congressional support for the war, as well as the scattered international support it enjoyed, was therefore purchased falsely and, to a degree not yet known, dishonestly. There has been a serious breach of trust, which cannot fail to have damaging results. “For diplomacy to be effective, words must be credible, and no one can now doubt the word of America,” the President said in his speech, and for a moment one couldn’t be sure one had heard him right. Was he speaking ironically? America’s word—the present Administration’s, anyway—has in fact been cast into the deepest doubt, and that is one of the reasons its diplomacy has not been effective.
There's more. It's a great end-of-the-week read.
How sad to be living in a world where a lying, pin-headed, arrogant turd has ruined the reputation of my country.
posted by Jo Fish on 01.30.04 at 12:32 AM
Comments:
Jo Fish,
I wondered if I was the only one who caught the irony in the Moron's speech last week.
I don't know which is more sad: 1) that the "leader" of our great nation has utterly shredded America's reputation around the world - and he doesn't even care; or
2) That same leader and his pinheaded minions have managed to shift the public debate to the point where, if people like you or I express shame at this president's actions, we are accused of a lack of patriotism and of not supporting our country.
But I think that The World knows that the US is a house divided right now. And they can see what defines who.
posted by: flight on 01.30.04 at 08:39 PM [permalink]
There are a number of 'informal arrangements' in the intel world that exist based solely on trust. Many are between groups that are not actual 'enemies', but are certainly not 'friends'.
Much of what goes on in these arrangements is not strictly legal, but they exist in the shadows.
These are often the only way of obtaining confirmation of information. No one expects 100% accuracy, but if you screw-up major league, you are dropped.
While the Bush gang has embarrassed the US, they have also destroyed access to some of these sources which is potentially more dangerous than appearing foolish.
posted by: Bryan on 01.30.04 at 09:02 PM [permalink]
Actually, the Bush Administration has kind of screwed up access to our OWN intelligence service, by making it clear to its personnel that they are expendable in the name of making the boss look good.
I wouldn't fret too much of this; our nation's credibility will be restored within microseconds of the Chimp's removal from office. Best vote him out this year, though; one doesn't want to think what he could do in four MORE years.
the number reason diplomacy has not been effective.Is THE FACT that over 275 individuals and several countries were on the pay roll of Saddam, along with the UN stealing money in the Food for Oil program!
posted by: DSH on 01.31.04 at 01:53 PM [permalink]
Condie Rice was buying oil third party as well... the blame rests at the foot of the bush league.
Clinton and his sanctioning BS didnt help the civilians there either.
So many sources at the most basic levels now, not just counting public disclosures, people can goggle search Plaime in other countries and connect dots now as well, thanks a lot Bush league.
The MUSHROOM CLOUD
posted by: Mr.Murder on 02.04.04 at 08:14 AM [permalink]
