04-10-2003, 04:26 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-10-2003, 04:28 PM by Occhidiangela.)
I listened to a speech last night by Rep Weldon from Pennsylvania.
Made a lot of sense.
Summary.
Our relationships with the Germans need not explode over this Iraq issue, as they have been a good friend for quite some time. Move forward.
Russians: Putin has not been given the support from our White House, both Clinton and Bush, that strikes the Rep as the sort of Quid Pro Quo that characterizes a healthy relationship. He points out that since Russia and US have in common a deisre to continue disarmaments, and that we both have significant terrorist threats, we need to be far warmer in our give and take with them. In short, given that Putin has not been provided any 'cover' for some of our joint efforts in the past few years, this latest stand on his part is understandable, and need not be a roadblock if we choose not to make it one.
(The rep went into great depth on Russia, as he is on the Congress-Duma working group.)
France: 40 years of 'being an unreliable ally' that go back to DeGaulle and departing from NATO military structure, when everyone else worked on team building, and Chirac having lobbied Clinton to not seek UN cover for the Kosovo bombing, and apparently his advice to cut the RUssians out of that op early on, were suggested as consistent hostility and pretty hyporcritical in light of latest moves. However, as the two scenarios are not identical, his charges on that score might be a bit harsh.
He made, I thought, a good case for being very receptive to any German and Russian overtures to involvement in Iraq when the shooting settles down.
I thought he made a pretty darned good case on how we can use this as an opportunity to warm up with the Russians, particularly as our future security is still tied to a healthy relationship with Russia and our continued joint efforts at disarmament in the NBC arena, and in global anti terrorism.
Made a lot of sense.
Summary.
Our relationships with the Germans need not explode over this Iraq issue, as they have been a good friend for quite some time. Move forward.
Russians: Putin has not been given the support from our White House, both Clinton and Bush, that strikes the Rep as the sort of Quid Pro Quo that characterizes a healthy relationship. He points out that since Russia and US have in common a deisre to continue disarmaments, and that we both have significant terrorist threats, we need to be far warmer in our give and take with them. In short, given that Putin has not been provided any 'cover' for some of our joint efforts in the past few years, this latest stand on his part is understandable, and need not be a roadblock if we choose not to make it one.
(The rep went into great depth on Russia, as he is on the Congress-Duma working group.)
France: 40 years of 'being an unreliable ally' that go back to DeGaulle and departing from NATO military structure, when everyone else worked on team building, and Chirac having lobbied Clinton to not seek UN cover for the Kosovo bombing, and apparently his advice to cut the RUssians out of that op early on, were suggested as consistent hostility and pretty hyporcritical in light of latest moves. However, as the two scenarios are not identical, his charges on that score might be a bit harsh.
He made, I thought, a good case for being very receptive to any German and Russian overtures to involvement in Iraq when the shooting settles down.
I thought he made a pretty darned good case on how we can use this as an opportunity to warm up with the Russians, particularly as our future security is still tied to a healthy relationship with Russia and our continued joint efforts at disarmament in the NBC arena, and in global anti terrorism.
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete