Former President Clinton Sees More Diplomacy in Bush's Second Term Because of 'drain on Military'

TBO.COM ^

[Sub-Driver]

Former President Clinton Sees More Diplomacy in Bush's Second Term Because of 'drain on Military' JIM ARMSTRONG Associated Press The Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) - Former President Clinton said Saturday he expects diplomacy to play a larger role in President Bush's second term in office because of "the drain on our military."

Speaking at an international forum in Japan, Clinton said Bush's second-term appointment of Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state marked a new beginning for the administration.

"I think by sending Condoleezza Rice to the State Department, (the president) was saying diplomacy will be more important in his second term," Clinton said. "The drain on our military has made this administration more interested in diplomacy."

Clinton also was in Tokyo to promote a Japanese-language edition of his best-selling memoir "My Life."

Listing a series of trouble spots from Iran to North Korea, Clinton said the need for diplomacy is greater than ever.

"If you look at the stress on our military, I think most people in the Bush administration would be thrilled if diplomacy works with Iran," he said.

The United States has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons - a claim denied by Tehran. Bush said rumors that Washington planned military action against Iran were "simply ridiculous," but he quickly added that "all options are on the table" when it comes to dealing with Iran's nuclear threat.

[Darkwolf377]

Who?

[Balding_Eagle]

Even a broken clock is right occasionally.

[jolie560]

Clinton can attribute it to anything he wants. The real reason is that we don't mess around.

[BobL]

Classic Liberalism - and it nearly lost us the Cold War.

They think (or at least talk) as if you have a choice: Diplomacy or Warfare.

You don't. The choice is dictated by the opponent. We could have talked to Hitler until we were blue in the face, and then have been enslaved by the guy. We could have talked to the Soviets until we were blue in the face, and lost the Cold War.

Likewise, we can talk to Kim and the Imams (I love that word) until we're blue in the face, but it means nothing unless there's a credible threat of force behind the words.

It would be great if diplomancy could solve all of the world's problems - too bad reality gets in the way.

[x1stcav]

If Clintoon sees it this way it probably means we'll be attacking Syria or Iran within months.

Can't read a thing this clown says without wondering what the agenda behind it is, or what the meaning of is, is.

[peyton randolph]

The Sinkmeister shouldn't be using the word "drain."

[imintrouble]

That's a laugh.

Clinton and "drain on the military" in the same sentence.

What would that yahoo know about military ??

[BenLurkin]

bttt

[isthisnickcool]

He might be right but he is an American who people around the world for some odd reason think they should listen to.

Because of this he ought to keep his mouth shut and not say anything that makes us look weak.

Bill Clinton is no longer president, he should keep his mouth shut and only open it when he can say something that helps this country.

This is one of the things that gripes me when it comes to famous ex-politicians. People like Clinton and Jimmah Carter. They often don't work for America when saying things to people in other countries.

Who's damn side is Bill Clinton on?

[BenLurkin]

In his own words - he "loathes the military".

[AQGeiger]

This fool should know about "drain on the military," although for a very different reason.

When Sgt. AQGeiger was in basic training, the drill instructors were rationing toilet paper. I kid you not. When asked why by the recruits, they simply said, "Thank President Clinton."

Although the sexy and manly Sgt. AQG was in basic at the very beginning of President Bush's first term, so I presume that situation has been ameliorated.

[hinckley buzzard]

"I think by sending Condoleezza Rice to the State Department, (the president) was saying diplomacy will be more important in his second term," Clinton said. "The drain on our military has made this administration more interested in diplomacy."

Oh shut up, Stupid. Apparently you were in some cocaine induced haze during those what--18 months? we wasted at the UN on "diplomacy." Admittedly not the same as the 8 years you wasted trying to seduce Yassir Arafart with zero results to show for it.

[imintrouble]

The only time he honored the military was when he used the Marine Band to escort himself to his helicopter when the press were screaming at him about Monica!

He is an uber hypocrite!

[Monti Cello]

Didn't Clinton also strip the military of multiple divisions, and run off a lot of people who were personally disgusted with him, leaving us in a manpower crunch?

[Balding_Eagle]

Who's damn side is Bill Clinton on?

I'm not sure, but I know he's not on our side.

It will be interesting to see how GWB gets us through this. Condi is going to be a great help. For once (with Colin gone) I'm optimistic about diplomatic solutions to some (not all) of our international problems.

[AQGeiger]

That is also very true. If there's any single reason why our troops are spread so thin right now, it's him.

[msnimje]

Bill Clinton should avoid using the word DRAIN!
I thought he wanted people to ignore that part of his Presidency.

[FeeinTennessee]

Clinton doesn't know what he's talking about. W did try diplomacy before the war, a few countries were being idiots and being stubborn because they had their hands in Iraq. They didn't want their investments going down the drain. Now, W tries again, trying to get them to come to their senses. I wouldn't listen to a thing Clinton says. As someone said "he should keep his mouth shut"..I agree.

[Democrats hate too much]

"Can't read a thing this clown says without wondering what the agenda behind it is, or what the meaning of is, is."

My guess is that his agenda is to try to get you to think he might not have one. After everything, this is something he needs to do more to gain some credibility.