Oh, I am loving this item (credit NYT via IHT).
James Baker 3rd, the former secretary of state, was chosen Friday by President George W. Bush to be his personal envoy to Iraq to help the country grapple with its debt problem. . "Secretary Baker will report directly to me," Bush said in a statement, "and will lead an effort to work with the world's governments at the highest levels, with international organizations and with the Iraqis, in seeking the restructuring and reduction of Iraq's official debt."
(emphasis mine)
Translation?
France, Germany, Russia, you didn't want to kick in a billion or so at the donor's conference? Ok, fine. Now we're going to play hardball over Iraqi debt.
Very hard ball.
<Pres>
Blow off James Baker, my personal envoy? Me, the President you can't stand in part because I take things personally? You might well hurt my feelings.
And not only is your future relationship with me at stake (and I'm looking likely to get reelected), but The Whole World Is Watching.
Also watching will be the Iraqis, whom you probably delude yourself into thinking you can go back to doing business with once this unpleasantness blows over.
</Pres>
Somehow I think this is going to cost you more than a few billion. Many more.
Bwaaaaahahahahahahaha!
Posted by DSmith at December 5, 2003 09:25 PM | TrackBack