I don't always agree with Steven den Beste, but I've always respected his opinion. This is not one of his better pieces of work.
It is obvious the president attempted to parlay his political currency following the events of 9/11 to include an invasion of Iraq as an extension of his war against terror. In a rush to judgment, the president made a public policy statement of pre-emptive strike and regime change before all the facts were uncovered and painted himself into a corner. The administration did not consult with our closest allies, senior diplomats, military professionals, or key members of Congress to assess sentiment before making his public statement. This was very silly and partly due to his inexperience and immaturity in foreign policy. But I cannot really fault the president for this. Key members of his administration should have been covering his back.
It is also apparent the president's foreign policy agenda has been hijacked by a very narrow interest of ideologic, unilateral, pro-Israeli hawks. One member of this club is well known for his gloomy views during the cold war and his infatuation with maintaining the US as the sole superpower of the world, at any cost.
I do not like the image this administration is projecting: confused, unfocused, and awkward. Taking my personal views aside on the invasion of Iraq, the decision to make public our intention to invade Iraq should have occurred only after detailed behind the door coalition-building sessions. In these sessions, a unified presentation of why we need to invade Iraq, how we plan to invade Iraq, who will help us invade Iraq, and what to do in Iraq post-Saddam should have been outlined in advance. These plans should have been presented to our European allies. Those who agree to join us should make a pledge. Those who believe otherwise are free to disagree but with the tacit understanding there should be no public displays of disapproval. Then, and only then, should the president be allowed to publicly decree his policy of pre-emptive strike and regime change in Iraq. A united front is presented, and the president's authority is not undermined in the eyes of the world.
Perhaps I'm being a little too critical. But it really breaks my heart to see an American presidency wallow in mud on the issue of Iraq. |
