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Foreign policy a Bush forte?
Orlando Sentinel ^ | December 17, 2001 | John C. Bersia

Posted on 12/17/2001 1:26:56 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife

President George W. Bush is riding high in the polls with the collapse of the Taliban and the seemingly imminent capture or elimination of suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden. Largely because of the inspiring leadership he has shown since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Bush now stands a better-than-average chance of joining the ranks of presidents whose forte was foreign policy. "Bush has been thrust into a leadership role here and internationally," said Charles Jones, who has written or edited a host of books on the presidency, including Preparing to be President and Passages to the Presidency. Globalization, which blurs the line between the domestic and the international, might have nudged Bush in that direction anyway, Jones added. But the terrorist attacks cemented a global path for Bush.

Beyond the riveting videotape of a smirking bin Laden and endless headlines from Afghanistan, though, Bush faces other challenges that will determine whether he makes his mark internationally: the broader war against terrorism that will take American troops, spies and diplomats to other countries; the key relationships with Russia and China; and the so-called "clash of cultures" that shapes global affairs from the Middle East to other regions.

An indication that Bush had the makings of a foreign-policy president happened shortly after Sept. 11 -- 2000, not 2001. Bush was stumping in Florida during the final weeks of the presidential campaign, and I had the opportunity to ask him a number of foreign-policy questions. Despite some criticism about his inability to identify key foreign leaders and problems articulating positions, Bush easily discussed issues that ranged from tensions on the Korean peninsula to the global economy.

Bush seems to do particularly well with critical international topics that may not fascinate average Americans but that draw his interest, such as trade, said Jones. Key advisers in the Bush presidency also propel the president toward the international realm. "It's necessary to picture a president not just as a person but as a collection of people. Bush draws from who he is, who his father is and his top advisers," Jones said.

Most dramatically, the terrorist attacks on America redefined Bush's priorities, ending a period in which contentious debates about domestic issues such as tax cuts appeared as if they would dominate the agenda. Earl Black, a Rice University political scientist and author of The Vital South and a forthcoming book, The Rise of Southern Republicans, said, "For a long time, the Cold War defined major policy concerns. After that, domestic concerns became more influential, and Bush can't afford to ignore those matters. He certainly looked at what happened to his father after the Persian Gulf War."

In one respect, however, Bush is not his father's son. Black described the current situation as different in that the Gulf War was contained, and terrorism, by nature, is sustained. He also observed that Bush might have more leeway because the attacks happened on American soil.

A resurgent Russia provides another example of a challenge that, if Bush succeeds, will bolster his foreign-policy legacy. Bush started his administration talking tough to the Russians and brandishing his missile-defense plans, causing a frost to settle over the relationship that threatened a new Cold War. But now, because terrorism has inspired mutual admiration and appreciation in Washington and Moscow, Bush has felt confident enough to announce that the United States will withdraw from the 1972 anti-ballistic missile treaty. The tradeoff, which pleases the Russians, will be deep cuts in nuclear-weapons stockpiles.

In China, which also suddenly cozied up to the United States after Sept. 11, the future of reforms and that nation's very stability demand that Bush focus intently. Because of rapid change, Beijing faces many unknowns. It could stay the course of reform and even evolve into a giant version of Taiwan. But China just as easily could experience a crackdown by hardliners or, most frighteningly, collapse.

Finally, Bush must grapple with a phenomenon outlined by Harvard University scholar Samuel Huntington in Foreign Affairs nearly a decade ago. "Conflict between civilizations will be the latest phase in the evolution of conflict in the modern world," he wrote.

The future is now the present, the "clash of cultures" Bush's reality. The task, according to Huntington, requires the West to maintain its economic and military strength, but also to develop a better understanding of the philosophical and religious assumptions underlying those other civilizations.

Can Bush nimbly tackle those crucibles? If his response to Sept. 11 provides any indication, he is well on his way.

Sentinel foreign-affairs columnist John C. Bersia is the special assistant to the president for global perspectives and a professor at the University of Central Florida. He can be reached at jbersia@orlandosentinel.com


TOPICS: Editorial; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS:

1 posted on 12/17/2001 1:26:56 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: All
President George W. Bush needs to be sure our own backyard is safe and secure.

Venezuela's Chavez Threatens to Nationalize Banks

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Probe urged in death of Journalist--[Excerpt] In recent months there have been at least 30 attacks on Haitian journalists -- ranging from death threats to reporters being physically assaulted, Ady said. According to Petit-Goave Police Chief Alix Alexandre, Brignol Lindor, news director for Radio Eco 2000, was dragged out of his car by a mob, which stoned him and hacked him to death with a machete. Last week Lindor had received death threats for inviting opposition supporters on his show.[End Excerpt]


Cuban President Fidel Castro (L), Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (C) and Colombian Andres Pastrana talk during the closing of the III summit of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) on Margarita Island, Venezuela, December 12, 2001. Caribbean leaders signed cooperation and trade agreements where Chavez carried his left-leaning agenda into the Caribbean Summit urging his Caribbean neighbors to shun a U.S.-backed hemispheric free trade zone. REUTERS/Jose Miguel Gomez

Russia in Venezuela shopping for launch facility site

2 posted on 12/17/2001 1:49:01 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: Howlin
FYI
3 posted on 12/17/2001 3:22:42 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: Cincinatus' Wife
This is so bizarre, isn't it? A man who was openly mocked because of that "pop quiz" he got from the reporter when he couldn't name world leaders. A man literally thrust into this position by events.

Even I never dreamed he would be so capable in this area; strange things happening here.

I do, however, believe Bush now has a "vision." :-)

4 posted on 12/17/2001 7:42:00 AM PST by Howlin
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To: Howlin
He's the man of the hour, year, decade......
5 posted on 12/17/2001 2:04:38 PM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: Cincinatus' Wife; Miss Marple; McGavin999; deport; PhiKapMom; mountaineer; Amelia; Pokey78...
You all need to read this article. It's excellent!
6 posted on 12/17/2001 4:10:48 PM PST by Howlin
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To: Howlin
Thanks, this is great. If only the GOP of Florida would copy it and send it out in the mail to all the Demmies in Floriduh!!
7 posted on 12/17/2001 4:31:54 PM PST by RedBloodedAmerican
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To: Howlin
You're right, very good! Thanks for the ping!
8 posted on 12/17/2001 4:55:02 PM PST by Amelia
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To: Cincinatus' Wife; Howlin
CW thanks for the post... Howlin thanks for the ping....

Only time will tell now as the events have thrust him the position. Some rise to the calling and some fail... I hope and pray that he can rise.

9 posted on 12/17/2001 5:40:58 PM PST by deport
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To: Howlin
Thanks for the ping. Great article!
10 posted on 12/17/2001 6:01:45 PM PST by Jean S
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To: Howlin
Thanks for the ping! Ironic, isn't it...and rather eerie? He has been called.
11 posted on 12/17/2001 6:12:13 PM PST by Miss Marple
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To: Howlin
Excellent article, thanks.
12 posted on 12/17/2001 7:22:11 PM PST by William Wallace
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To: Howlin
Thanks for the ping! This is great!
13 posted on 12/17/2001 7:57:26 PM PST by PhiKapMom
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To: Miss Marple
He won't admit publically that he has been called but I think he knows he has been. And, boy am I glad he answered!
14 posted on 12/17/2001 7:58:15 PM PST by Wait4Truth
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To: deport; Howlin
Thanks!
15 posted on 12/18/2001 3:12:58 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: Howlin
Thanks for the ping - bump!
16 posted on 12/18/2001 4:06:50 AM PST by TomServo
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To: Howlin
Excellent article! Thanks for the ping.
Many of the opinions derived from Bush's verbal gaffs made while campaigning have, and will, prove to be incorrect. His poise and confidence during speeches have become natural and eloquent. He manages to convey an air of dignity yet maintain a sense of commonality. And his inspirational deliveries highlight the conviction of man who sees his destiny. The heart-felt love and passion he feels for our nation and the people of the world are more than apparent in the profound sincerity and the depth of his words.
IMHO the right man to lead our country at this time in our history was elected. Thank you, God!
17 posted on 12/18/2001 7:42:01 AM PST by callisto
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To: Howlin
btt
18 posted on 12/18/2001 10:35:52 AM PST by vikingchick
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