The problem Bush created is with public opinion in Europe, perhaps even throughout the globe. He has convinced huge chunks of the global public that the Bush is more to be feared than Saddam. That was no easy feat, given the great range of sympathy sent our way right after 9-11.
In the wake of that public opinion, the Bush folk can now, apparently, only muster, at least as of Friday, four votes in the UNSC. It's not just France and Germany; it's the failure of the Bush admin to convince the voting populations of the world democracies of the credibility of their invasion plans.
The invasion lacks public support in Spain and Italy, in addition to the obvious opposition in Germany and France. And, it goes without saying, just how high the levels of opposition are in Britain.
The status quo ended on 9-11.
That's a nice line, Paul. But the problem with it continues to be the convincing connection between a war against Iraq and 9-11. We have no need to type against one another on that issue. It's clear we are irrevocably at different places. But it should also be clear that the Bush administration has failed to make that connection to global public opinion.
The Bush folk have, as well, failed to convince that opinion on the other arguments they make, some of which are much more convincing. But they've simply failed in the critical political work. Blaming the French or blaming someone else represents a listening failure.
I'm afraid the Bush folk can't listen; we'll invade with this level of world wide opposition; and, as Richard Butler said on CNN this afternoon, the world troubles will only be beginning. |
