John Bolton and The Politics of Intelligence
When John Bolton was nominated to be the UN Ambassador, he was demonized by Democrats and Republicans, because of reports of erratic behavior and a failure, the critics said, to be an impartial observer. At the time, I wondered what he was all about. As you know, he served 16 months on the job, after an unusual recess appointment by the President.
Sometimes what you hear is not what you get. During his time at the U.N. Bolton was distinguished, eloquent and a sharp messenger, especially on the situation in Iran. He. of course, is a “civilian” now, and has written a best seller, called “Surrender Is Not An Option.” Bolton’s views on Iran seem so on target, especially since almost everything he predicted years ago, has come to reality, including the ever-increasing secrecy and agitation by the Iranian regime.
Bolton has some new assertions that are worth looking at. He says the National Intelligence Estimate, claiming no nuclear bomb ambition in Iraq, was stacked with bad information, and that Israeli and British intelligence show Iran is well on its way to producing a bomb.
He believes North Korea will never abide by its agreement to dismantle its nuclear weaponry. He differs greatly with the Bush administration view of a two-state solution in the West Bank and Gaza, saying that another option is for Israel to cede portions the West Bank back to Jordan and Gaza to Egypt.
When Israel pulled out of Gaza a few years ago, he forecast that Hamas would still be sending rockets into Israel.
I don’t agree with everything Bolton says, but the man is as an intelligent and bright diplomat as we have. He is worth watching.
John Bolton is my guest on Voice of Reason this Sunday night at 9:30 on CN 8, The Comcast Network. A podcast of the program is on KYW1060.com.
Bolton is a smart guy and a clear thinker. It’s a shame the Democrats had to play partisan politics with his appointment.
I don’t think they really cared what he or other Bush nominees have to say - they just see them as a series of victories or defeats, and to hell with the country.
Bolton is a great mind and has been correct in many areas as Larry described. Unfortuanlly a lot of people think he’s an eccentric nut job, in part of his 1970s hair and mustache. In the age of being telegenic it’s important to present yourself properly.
I remeber watching his confirmation hearings, not knowing anything about him, and thinking who’s this guy, he appears out of touch based on his appearance
I personally would not call Bolton a diplomat. To me a diplomat is someone that is willing to give and take to come to a resolution. Most of what I have heard come from Bolton is a “do as we say or else” type statements.
What Cory said. This man is part of the way in which the Bush administration damages the United States’ standing in the eyes of the world, part of the “cowboy” unilateral approach.
I’m glad Larry isn’t running for president; otherwise, I’d have to attack his foreign policy gaffe.
Being the US ambassador at the United Nations is like being Santa at an Hadj.
Shut up, guys.
Well said, Larry. Well said.
“Being the US ambassador at the United Nations is like being Santa at an Hadj.”
or…the pig at a barbeque!
The neocons influence on the Republican party has become a large liability to democracy in the US. Getting rid of this faction is my main concern. In order to return our political system to normalcy we need to weed these people out of the system. Their viewpoint of the New World Order has wreaked havoc on the citizens of America and Iraq. Mr Bolton says he isn’t a neocon but in my opinion he has at least been an enabler.
…hmmmm…getting rid of the neocons for the sake of “democracy”?…maybe…uh…burning them at the stake?