Thursday, September 18, 2003

Guardian:  Saudis consider buying a nuke.  Reasons in the article:  a fear of Iran and Israel.  Real reason:  a fear of the US replacing the regime if it can't control internal elements or moves sharply to the right to avoid internal dissent.  Note: this is more fall-out from the invasion of Iraq. 1:34:15 PM    Comment_ Trackback []

I understand the enthusiasm for Wesley Clark among some Democrats.  He is a foreign policy candidate that can challenge Bush on Iraq (and to a lessor extent, the Patriot Act and other defense foolishness on the domestic front).  His stature on these issues could correct a deficit that has been present in the Democratic party for 30 years:  no credibility on foreign policy and defense issues.  The hope is that Wesley could innoculate the Dems to these issues not only for this election but well into the future (a future filled with terrorism).  He may also be able to reverse the perception of the Dems in the military (a huge number of votes).  He is not a candidate that has credibility on economic issues. However, is this the right approach?  The economy is struggling along, a jobless recovery is in progress, huge deficits are spiralling out of control, and we have a tax policy right out of class warfare 101.  America's middle class under severe financial pressure.  Given this, should we focus on a direct challenge of Bush's foreign policy agenda or should we make an indirect challenge?  The indirect approach is based on sowing the seeds of doubt.  Doubt in the policies and achievements of Bush and his team in defense and foreign policy. 8:11:31 AM    Comment_ Trackback []