George W. Bush Still Does Not “Get It.”

After all of this time and experience, George W. Bush still does not “get it.” He has reacted with petulance that his so-called “generous” offer of incentives to Iran for stopping uranium enrichment were rejected out of hand. The President’s ego refuses to allow him to see the world as most others do. What most of us would expect to happen based upon logic and common sense is still a surprise to Bush. The real damage that the Bush Administration has done to the US prestige is something that the President is obviously unable to see or accept. No one has faith or trust in the US when under the leadership of George W. Bush. They respect the US people, but reject the US government.

After Bush and Cheney have spent months, if not years, sounding a constant drumbeat of threats to bomb and invade Iran, does anyone really wonder why Iran would be resistant to any proposal by the Bush Administration? After the unnecessary invasion of Iraq and the extended occupation based upon what Bush now calls an “invitation” by the Iraqi people, does anyone wonder why Iran would be suspicious of any overtures of friendly assistance from Bush? After the blatant disregard of national sovereignty by the Bush Administration toward Iraq, including the move to rewrite the Iraqi Constitution and shove it down the throats of Iraqi citizens, is there really any surprise that Tehran would rebuff a “collaborative” agreement that would bring US advisors into Iran to supervise any part of its national energy program?

The question about uranium enrichment is a difficult one. Perhaps Iran does have some designs on the future development of weapons grade uranium, which experts put at least 5 years in the future in the most aggressive time horizon. But the history of lies and distortion by the Bush Administration, and the manipulation of intelligence to support a covert agenda have resulted in a subterranean level of credibility for Bush assertions and characterizations about the status and intentions of Iran. Like the little boy who foolishly cried wolf, even if his assertions have some merit they are not likely to be heard or believed when coming from his mouth.

In a less hostile environment, less than the one created and being maintained by Bush and Cheney toward Iran, the rationale that Iran is developing nuclear energy sources to supply local consumption needs and to conserve oil would seem a plausible and intelligent national policy. The nasty political environment being advanced by Bush would also cause a prudent government in Iran to keep options open for development of any defensive or offensive military weapon. Simply put, if any government feels that it is being threatened it will be inclined to turn plowshares into swords. But in a less threatening environment it will be more inclined to turn swords into plowshares. In this regard, Bush’s own arrogance is a primary motivating cause of the perceived need to intervene in Iraq to halt uranium enrichment. But that arrogance also ignores the fact that EVERY country has sovereign rights, and that the US has no right to dictate internal policy for another country as Bush seems to want to do.

Any major diplomatic initiative made by the current Administration is likely to be met with the same level of suspicion and lukewarm reception as was the proposal to Iran. Regardless of the merits of any proposal, the simple fact is that most leaders know that they cannot trust George W. Bush. As an international statesman or leader he is an abject failure. They also know that Bush will be out of office in January, only 6 months away, and that any real progress toward resolution of any existing problems will have to wait until Bush is out of the picture. Having almost completely destroyed the credibility of the US in international relations, Bush should simply go away quietly and allow his successors the opportunity to try to repair the damage