Ladies and gentlemen, let’s not confuse international political relationships with individual romances. Countries may envy each other’s relationships, but in international relations no one gives in to sentiment. Those who analyze diplomacy in terms of “tussles” and feuds forget that the only important factor in this field is power.
In politics, just like in human relationships, we see a lot of marriages of convenience. Politicians and governments make them all the time. When a world leader decides to tackle a problem or to cooperate with other leaders, it’s usually because it’s a convenient moment to do so.
President Bush should make Iraq his first priority while the U.S. military under his commands remains there – and I believe he should continue to do so even after they leave. President Hu should devote most of his time to China’s own economic, demographic and moral problems. Once he’s addressed those, he should deal with the challenges facing the rest of Asia. Think of the number of hungry (if not starving) people there.
Presidents have no business wasting time coveting other countries’ gains. They must start to observe the moves of other presidents with sympathy and compassion. Let’s leave the “winning” to gamblers and sportsmen. If that’s what you’re looking for, go watch the U.S. Open.
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