Today, George W. Bush nominated John Bolton to be ambassador to the United Nations. Many people do not know him but he is a very good choice for this position. He is the kind of straight shooter that fits well with Bush's second term agenda. During his post as undersecretary of state for arms control he has developed a reputation as being an aggressive advocate of America's interest and putting our enemies on the defensive.
Not surprisingly Mr. Bolton's bluntness has brought rebuke and hand wringing from leading democrats who are concerned about his diplomatic skills. It seems they are more worried about alienating the thugs and despots at the UN than protecting our country's best interest. It appears they are determined to mount an effort against his nomination.
A tough ambassador to the UN is what we need. Our make nice approach really isn't working. Let's face it, the UN is in desperate need of reform. There is no easy way to begin listing all the errors the organization has recently made. They have been feckless in enforcing their own resolutions against Syria's occupation in Lebanon. Iran is building a nuclear weapon and the security council is upset with the US for sponsoring a resolution in opposition. Worse yet the UN looked the other way while thousands of women were being gang raped by rebels in the Congo.
In addition to thier misguided policies they have faced one embarrassing scandal after another. Most recently the oil for food debacle in Iraq which is still being investigated. They are so corrupt that there are even scandals regarding their investigation into their scandals. The list of corruption and incompetence goes on and on.
Mr. Bolton is not afraid to speak the truth to world powers. He will be a tough negotiator. His background in arms control will be extremely useful. Hopefully he can get the UN to take the issue of weapons proliferation more seriously. I have heard he wants to reform the security council structure, which is long overdue. However, his first priority should be to encourage the resignation of Kofi Annan. A new secretary would be the first step in bringing credibility back to the UN.
I wish the new ambassador the best. He has a very tough job ahead of him.
2 comments:
I agree with you fetz, this is what the Congress needs someone who has the backbone to take the tough stances. That is why I honestly believe the nominee will be someone from the Administration. Because right now there is no sicofants, no wusses, and no one that is undecisive.
I'd never even heard of an "undersecretary"... thanks for bringing political thought into my mommy brain. Love you.
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