Colin Powell with clout
We've been unhappy lately with some of President Bush's appointees. Generally, the problem has been lack of relevant experience and, perhaps, cronyism. Today, though, I want to focus on a Bush appointee who makes me unhappy precisely because of his relevant experience. I'm referring to the new ambassador to Israel, Richard Jones.
From Diana West, we learn this about Jones:
Richard Jones, most recently Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's right-hand man on Iraq, has "roots in the Arab world so deep," reports the Washington Post, "that his beloved greyhound is named Kisa — for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, his first posting in the Arab world." Explains Mr. Jones: "Maybe they wanted someone who could provide the Arab perspective, too."Which is weird, at best. Of all countries, Israel certainly knows the Arab point of view, historically delivered at gunpoint. But why, oh why, is the American ambassador concerned with presenting the Arab point of view? Is the Arab point of view the American point of view? And where does that leave us in the so-called war on terror?
The appointment of Jones is just the latest example of the Bush administration's embrace of old-line "Arabist" State Department thinking. The same folks who brought us the tragic sham of "Oslo" are now pushing what is effectively a pro-Hamas policy in Gaza. On the not insignificant issue of Israel, Condoleezza Rice seems to be Colin Powell with clout. On the broader issue of terrorism, Rice appears to be the force behind a mid-course "correction." Instead of winning Arab hearts and minds by promoting the spread of democracy, we now hope to win them through something that looks more like appeasement.
UPDATE: Rick Richman at Jewish Current Issues has looked at Jones' confirmation hearing. Jones admitted that he is "a novice in dealing with Israel," but added that he does speak Arabic. However, he declined an invitation from Senator Allen to say that he would put his linguistic skill to use by "pushing the Palestinians" towards giving up terrorism. Instead, he resorted to the usual State Department playbook, stating that he is "adamantly opposed to violence in all forms, especially extremist and terrorist violence." This is more evidence that the administration has moved into "moral equivalence mode" under which both Israel and its terrorist enemies will be reminded of their obligations, with only Israel expected to meet them.
