RARELY are US presidential elections determined by a candidate's foreign policy proposals. As evidenced by George W. Bush's 2004 victory, even when a president's foreign policy is disastrous, voters look the other way and base their decisions on “patriotism.” The defeat of George H.W. Bush by Bill Clinton in 1992 is another case in point. After rallying an authentic military and political coalition to drive Saddam Hussein's troops out of Kuwait, Bush Sr. lost his bid for reelection primarily because of a faltering economy and a broken campaign promise not to raise taxes. His successful cowing of Saddam Hussein did not enter into the question. It is odd, then, that the current President Bush intentionally injected foreign policy into the current presidential campaign, especially given the almost universal condemnation of his foreign policy within the US itself. In his speech to the Israeli Knesset, he made a condemning reference to those who would talk to terrorists and dictators, clearly referring to Barack Obama's stance of talking to everyone, friend and foe alike, regardless of ideology. The implication, of course, was that if elected president, Obama would negotiate with Hamas and Hezbollah much to the detriment of Israel. It is not at all likely that the US, under Obama, McCain or anyone else, will do much to seriously alter its relationship with Israel. Barack may put more pressure on Israel to make more concessions towards a Palestinian state, but he is not about to leave Israel hanging out to dry. The mystery, however, is why Bush would put at center-stage the defining failure of his almost eight years in office. His refusal to talk with anyone other than those who are in full agreement with him has been the downfall of his administration. Breaking off negotiations with North Korea led that country to develop its own nuclear weapons. His refusal to listen to truly reasonable voices, led to the greatest foreign policy disaster of the past 100 years, making the world a much more dangerous place than it was when he took office. The US's traditional alliance with Europe has been badly damaged and the country remains afloat generally through the good graces of Chinese intervention. Republican nominee John McCain has criticized Obama as naive when it comes to foreign affairs, generally glossing over his own mindless support of Bush's disastrous policies. If Obama is naive, perhaps the world needs a little naivete. Another US president like George W. Bush and we'll all be lucky to survive another eight years. __
