Thursday, September 04, 2003
If Tony Blair wants it ...: Fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Colin Powell and the military brass outflanked the Pentagon's obstinate civilian leaders on seeking international help in Iraq. The most important point for those of us who have lost faith in this administration's diplomatic coherency and consistency: Tony Blair backs the idea. ... This is a first-class (but welcome) reversal for the administration. Strange how all the pre-war U.N. bashers are so silent about this switch. ... When is this administration going to reluctantly accept, as matter of policy and reality, that the UN isn't going away and may actually be necessary now and then? It's a flawed body with asshole members. No doubt. But repeat: It is useful now and then -- as Blair has always recognized and as President Bush senses when he isn't getting an earful from his Pentagon civilian leaders.
