Consequences of Bu$hCo's "cowboy diplomacy"

Colum Lynch of the WaPo reports on a new book by Heraldo Muñoz, Chile's Ambassador to the United States, that likely only confirms what we know about Bu$hCo's dreadful diplomatic record. Mr. Lynch's Book Details U.S. Pressure On Allies Before War motivates me to read A Solitary War: A Diplomat's Chronicle of the Iraq War and Its Lessons yet I certainly hope those seeking the White House (or at least their handlers!) might also seek it out.

According to the piece, Mr. Muñoz claims "The rough-and-tumble diplomatic strategy has generated lasting "bitterness" and "deep mistrust" in Washington's relations with allies in Europe, Latin America and elsewhere". You reckon? And that's diplomat talking! Imagine what they really think! The next President will have much to repair but let's hope restoring our standing in the world is high on that long, long list of stuff Bu$hCo broke.

The image is from Time's cover back in July of 2006. The article the cover references is here and it remains a solid view inside the White House. They've perhaps received a little boost from "the surge" and yet Condi and crew still can't get much right at State.

I expect my frustration with this administration will remain for the balance of my years. I believe there's really no "end to cowboy diplomacy" as even if there's a significant shift in style from the next President the failures of Bu$hCo will remain with our world for many years to follow. John Gunn