Because Refusing to Talk Works So Well Posted by David Shorr

Normally I wouldn't consider a column like Michael Gerson's worthy of attention, except that Marc Lynch has responded so effectively. Actually, I think the exchange highlights the essential problem with the policy of the last several years. Gerson's scenario treats other nations and leaders as objects of US foreign policy, just as recent policy has done. Lynch's response reminds us, of course, that these leaders are actually subjects with their own freedom of action and options to do things other than the response we seek. Gee you’d think we’d have learned in Iraq -- and Iran and North Korea, etc -- about other actors refusing to conform to our wishes.

Comments

[Mike M.]

And here I thought only 'Mercans gots free will!

[Po]

One of the cool things about writing a column is that you get to say whatever you want. Having been a White House speechwriter and having suffered through the grueling clearance process that attends all high-level government speeches, Gerson must be giddy with glee over his new-found freedom.

Now he can dream up a scenario of foreign policy failures and repercussions in an Obama administration, secure in the knowledge that no one will remember it when it has proven false.

Beats workin', doesn't it?