10.26.2004
US President to Inherit a Legacy of Mistrust and Fear (Guardian.co.uk)
The commander in chief faces domestic division, hatred abroad and an urgent need for action in the Middle East
Simon Tisdall
Tuesday October 26, 2004
The Guardian
Whether George Bush or John Kerry wins the White House next Tuesday, the next president faces an overflowing in-tray of international problems.
America's global power has never been greater. But never, since the September 11 catastrophe, has America's global leadership been under such sustained challenge. Rarely have issues of foreign policy had such a direct, existential bearing on America's sense of itself and its security. Rarely has what the American president decides mattered so much to so many.
The most immediate worry is the security situation in Iraq. As the US tries to steer the country to elections in January, the predicted surge in violence may be compounded by a Sunni Muslim poll boycott. The insurgent redoubt of Falluja is again the likely, lethal flashpoint.
Iran's nuclear ambitions are moving up the agenda. On November 25, the International Atomic Energy Agency must decide whether to report Iran to the UN security council. If it does so, punitive sanctions could follow. If the UN fails to agree, the White House will come under pressure, not least from Israel, to consider unilateral measures including possible military action.
(More ... Guardian Unlimited | US elections 2004 | Simon Tisdall: US president to inherit a legacy of mistrust and fear) ¶ 21:37
Simon Tisdall
Tuesday October 26, 2004
The Guardian
Whether George Bush or John Kerry wins the White House next Tuesday, the next president faces an overflowing in-tray of international problems.
America's global power has never been greater. But never, since the September 11 catastrophe, has America's global leadership been under such sustained challenge. Rarely have issues of foreign policy had such a direct, existential bearing on America's sense of itself and its security. Rarely has what the American president decides mattered so much to so many.
The most immediate worry is the security situation in Iraq. As the US tries to steer the country to elections in January, the predicted surge in violence may be compounded by a Sunni Muslim poll boycott. The insurgent redoubt of Falluja is again the likely, lethal flashpoint.
Iran's nuclear ambitions are moving up the agenda. On November 25, the International Atomic Energy Agency must decide whether to report Iran to the UN security council. If it does so, punitive sanctions could follow. If the UN fails to agree, the White House will come under pressure, not least from Israel, to consider unilateral measures including possible military action.
(More ... Guardian Unlimited | US elections 2004 | Simon Tisdall: US president to inherit a legacy of mistrust and fear) ¶ 21:37
