Henry, yes, it would be a mistake to see China, or any govt, as a monolith. However, I tend to see the domestic unfolding of the bombing mistake as a skilful attempt by the *reformer* [more like a "not-so-hardliner" <g>] to allow the masses to let off some steam. Let's be realistic, reformers or not, the various factions in China are no pussycats, they are gonna to keep scores on who are nice and who are naughty. By allowing the masses to throw a few rocks, they have managed 1) to show they can stand up to the world only superpower and thus a preemptive move to steal the hardliner's thunder; 2) to channel any internal dissatisfaction to the outside source [IMHO though, this will not work for a prolonged period of time;] and more important 3) to see who are their domestic oppositions. Ultimately, this is a transient event b/c it is still a controled event. On the States side, the residual effects go beyond "horse trading." Elections are coming up. Here, the picture is also murky depending on party affiliations and regional concerns. I mean, while I like Rep Cox's report, let's be honest too, he too is boxed in b/c of his constituents. Unfortunately, he thus has left his right flank wide open for attack
best, Bosco |
