With the UN General Assembly in session this week, leaders from around the world will use the annual gathering to engage the global community. While some will be there expressing their concerns, others will be airing their grievances and still others marketing their fears.
President Obama’s contribution to the international dialog will undoubtedly focus attention on the Arab Spring and America’s unwavering support for it’s advancement toward Democracy. Although this is the precise message to deliver at this precise time, it can be tricky considering all those watching and waiting for any hint that the United States’ policy toward the furtherance of Democracy for the Arab/Muslim world don’t threaten the security of its regional BFF(Israel).
Hence, veteran spectators of such events will inevitably see the president’s address peppered with the usual boilerplate keywords of “right to self defense”, “we stand shoulder to shoulder”, “Israel security is America’s top priority” and blah, blah, blah. Since President Obama smartly nixed all meetings with all world leaders during the lead up to the presidential debates, he can focus on his core support via “The View” while avoiding the perception of ignoring the pestering of certain belligerents demanding special attention.
Taking this high road can be challenging during any contentious election, but in the case of US Presidents and wannabes alike, they’re generally constrained to pre-scripted rhetoric that inevitably waters down any real outreach in the Middle East and Northern Africa. And, thats just the way it is. Unfortunately, this situation will remain so until the poisonous infiltration of special interest can be thoroughly eradicated.
Mitt Romney on the other hand, could have used this week to pull his floundering campaign out of the doldrums by giving a comprehensive foreign policy speech. The only way to establish his credibility on international issues, would be to boldly state his positions on the hottest conflicts brewing around the globe, with sound and realistic reasoning for taking said positions.
Only the intellectually shallow, the poorly prepared or worst of all, a political coward would dodge this opportunity. If Mr. Romney stays in character, he’ll likely remain mute while only finding enough of his voice to criticize everything President Obama says. Foreign Policy Rules
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