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October 2005
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The Lawyers Made Us Do It
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Politics & Elections: U.S. Foreign Relations
July 26, 2005Trade, not Aid: Critical CAFTA Vote this Weekby Robin Burk From time to time I've been posting articles about Latin America, specifically Hugo Chavez in Venezuela of late. The region is an important one globally, our closest geographic neighbors after Canada and one that I think potentially poses either great opportunities or, as I fear, serious security and other challenges in the coming decades. The countries of Latin America have had varied histories, but most have experienced a lot of poverty and political repression, some of which the U.S. has turned a blind eye to -- or quietly supported. Now these countries are linking into the global economic, trade and political networks that so characterize our times. The question is, WHICH networks will they join, and to what end? If we are wise and lucky, it will be the Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. Unfortunately, many Senators (primarily Democrats) oppose CAFTA and it is in danger of not being approved here. U.S. failure to approve this agreement will do more than sabotage a fledgling trade pact: it may well doom our relationships with Latin America permanently, as Andres Oppenheimer notes. And that will do more than create tensions or foster continued economic and political problems for Central America. (h/t Publius Pundit) It just might mean that those countries actively align with China, harbor Islamacist and other terror groups and pose a serious security threat to the U.S. and allied nations. March 17, 2005Reshaping the U.S. State DepartmentThe recent appointment of 3 high-profile women who are all close cofidantes of President Bush is a strong indication that W. intends to change a department that often seemed to be missing the point of George Schultz's classic story, and pursuing its own policies abroad. The first appointment is one everybody knows: Condoleeza Rice. The President now has a Secretary of State who is seen around the world as someone who speaks with his voice (and sometimes vice-versa). Well, the model of powerful women who are close confidantes of the President must be working, because W. just extended it. Twice. In large organizations, there's a saying: "personnel IS policy." That's certainly true here. March 06, 2005New Legislation Would Boost Support for Global DemocracyOn March 3rd, Senators Joe Lieberman (D-CT) and John McCain (R-AZ), and Congressmen Frank Wolf (R-VA) and Tom Lantos (D-CA) held a joint press conference announcing the introduction of the ADVANCE Democracy Act. The bill makes the promotion of democracy abroad official U.S. policy, significantly increases funding for pro-democracy NGOs, mandates that U.S. embassies assist pro-democracy movements, and creates a senior position in the State Department primarily concerned with the promotion of democracy. I crashed the (journos-only) Senate Press Room and listened in. Here's a summary of the bill, here's my description of the questions and answers, and here's how I got in. As it turns out, journalism is a lot like sausage--tightly encased to keep the dubious contents under wraps. There has been much speculation in the Korean media that North Korea is a prime target of this bill, and the statements of the congressmen pretty much confirmed that. Two of the six questions were specifically about North Korea, and North Korea was probably second only to the Syria / Lebanon situation in the number of specific mentions it drew. Here's the Chosun Ilbo's take, and here's the Joongang Ilbo's. February 21, 2005U.S. and France, Together At Last!President Bush told European leaders Monday that trans-Atlantic unity was essential to take on shared challenges -- including Middle East peace, an alleged Iranian nuclear threat and moves away from democracy in Russia. Excerpts of Bush's Speech in BrusselsAdvance excerpts of speech President Bush will deliver in Brussels. From Fox News via the White House. The alliance of Europe and North America is the main pillar of our security in a new century. Our robust trade is one of the engines of the world economy. Our example of economic and political freedom gives hope to millions who are weary of poverty and oppression. In all these ways, our strong friendship is essential to peace and prosperity across the globe and no temporary debate, no passing disagreement of governments, no power on earth will ever divide us. |
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