Those Wacky Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee* Posted by David Shorr

As a foreign policy complement to the main insanity over the debt ceiling (see David Brooks' analysis), we have a flurry of ideological and self-indulgent Republican amendments this week to the House Foreign Affairs Committee's authorization bill (see Josh Rogin's reporting). Here's the money quote Josh got from the Committee's ranking Democratic member Rep. Howard Berman:

"The thinking [on the GOP side] is, ‘something happens I don't like, and the way to deal with it is I throw a tantrum.' It's a series of tantrums," Berman said. "It's an absence of a notion between what we're doing and what the consequences of what we're doing are. It's operating from a gut instinct and them not using their heads."

Republicans loaded the bill up with all of their pet causes from the so-called "Mexico City" gag order anti-abortion restrictions to undermining the US Agency for International Development. I want to focus on a move to which Josh devoted a separate post: cutting the US contribution to the Organization of American States. 

Apparently HFAC Republicans think they can get back at the OAS for its failure to toe the United States' line. Actually, this attempt at petty retribution is a theme of many of the Committee majority's amendments -- hence Berman's term, tantrum. Setting aside whether this approach is wise or effective statecraft in relations with the governments of other nations (it isn't), this is especially ridiculous when applied to intergovernmental forums like the OAS.

At least when you're lashing out petulantly at one foreign government (at a time, that is), you're arguably targeting a single stand-alone actor. By comparison, to aim your payback at a multilateral body is the closest thing to taking your bat and ball and going home. You're frustrated that deliberations among a bunch of countries haven't gone your way, and so phooey on the whole thing. It's an inversion on what Groucho Marx used to say about belonging to clubs; by the Republicans' reasoning, the United States shouldn't take part in any association that doesn't comply with our every wish. 

Look, none of us wants the United States to be played for a chump. For much of our agenda, we have a pretty strong case in terms of a healthy international system. But is it reasonable to insist that others simply snap into line? Since when does it really work to throw your weight around, when they can simply resist you actively or passively? I mean, let's put a little effort into winning the argument on the merits.

*With apologies to Michael Cohen.

Comments

[nikedunkheels]

I'm proud of my heart.

[coach bags outlet]

HHH Serving under a far more high-maintenance superior like Hillary Clinton, who with her entourage will likely seek to make her own mark on foreign policy rather than leave it to a subordinate

[MobiStealth Reviews]

Those Wacky Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee

[Shoesgoshop]

The United States shouldn't take part in any association that doesn't comply with our every wish!

[Wholesale brand shoes]

For much of our agenda, we have a pretty strong case in terms of a healthy international system. But is it reasonable to insist that others simply snap into line? That's not fair. wholesale brand shoes

[Sport apparel on sale]

It is serious!

[Jordan Max Fusion Shoes]

Love is a master key which opens the gate of happiness.

[Nike Air Max]

Within you I lose myself, without you I find myself wanting to be lost again.

[term papers]

Great post, I enjoyed ready reading it, Keep posting good stuff like this.

[asbestosis]

I am besides myself watching this happen.

[cheap marlboro cigarettes]

Thank you for news! I like to get new information from you!

[maxi dresses uk]

I am so glad this internet thing works and your article really helped me. Might take you up on that home advice you

[Grow Light]

This is very serious matter and i appreciate that the America have doesn't involve in any occasion. It's not an very good things.

[Oakley Asian Fit Sunglasses]

A knowledge, a rise, a superb document may make anyone to reinforce this preference, appreciate it intended for giving, I most certainly will thoroughly investigate solution for making independently loaded! Oakley Asian Fit Sunglasses

[Sport apparel on sale]

Your blog is very much good. I am very much impressed by your blog content; I also come across number of sites, you can also check these are also very much useful for everyone.

[onitsuka tigers]

a superb document may make anyone to reinforce this preference, appreciate it intended for giving, tiger Shoes I most certainly will thoroughly investigate solution for making independently loaded! a useful world.

[custom research papers]

Great this is nice post!

[maidi]

As we all known, Oakley sunglasses are always fashionable, functional, yet exceptionally stylish. At "Oakley Sunglasses Online" online shopping, you can buy discount Sale Oakley Sunglasses with high quality, save up to 30%, and these are some colorful Sale Oakley Sunglasses styles you can choose. Now get top quality fashion discount glasses that suit your mood.Oakley Batwolf Sunglasses - with a single sweeping lens and interchangeable icons these durable and lightweight stress resistant frames give superb eye protection with their wrapped frame geometry for medium to large faces.Sale Oakley Sunglasses come with original Oakley retail box, a spare set of different coloured icons, microfibre soft cleaning bag, warranty card and oakley lenses information leaflet.

[Best Basketball Shoes]

you will thoroughly investigate solution for making independently loaded! a useful world

[burberry]

such rhetoric is clearly not restricted to Islam - and especially in the UnitedStates

[thomas sabo]

the largest flower show in the world!

[robin roberts jersey]

I would like for you to write this blog post in the efforts of best wishes.I hope in the future, from your best work and the same. I

like yourstyle, I will feed you to join, please continue posting!

[cheapnorthface]

Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.I want you can to see,at http://www.cheapestnorthface.org/

[jerseys]

I agree with you ! so Wacky !

[thomas sabo bracelet]

I hope in the future, from your best work and the same

[prom dresses]

The Pentagon has admitted it suffered a major cyber attack in which thousands of files were taken by foreign hackers.

[Purple Supras]

in which thousands of files were taken by foreign hackers

[Ed Hardy T Shirts]

We always have time enough , if we will but use it aright.
a

[Discount Christian Louboutin]

A great part to the information I have was acquired by looking up something and finding something else on the way .

[north face backpacks]

The United States shouldn't take part in any association that doesn't comply with our every wish!

[north face backpack]

Love is a master key which opens the gate of happiness.

[sexy lingerie]

This artile are amazing. It keeps my feet so warm, sometimes I don't even have to wear any socks with it. Definitely worth the price.

[wedding cakes]

It's an inversion on what Groucho Marx used to say about belonging to clubs.

[chaussures puma]

We always have time enough , if we will but use it aright.

[thong underwear]

I was even more pleased when I saw how they were packaged. Most important, the quality of the shoes were beyond expectation.

[Ugg Boots Outlet]

Here I learned a lot, then I will pay more attention to you

[Moncler Outlet]

Content of the article you write so well, so I benefited from

[Nike Dunk Heels Ladies]

I'd love to go back and be that person again, but you can't move backwards. You can only go forward.

[Soccer Shoes]

say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.I

[Ed Hardy]

Maturity is the stage in life when we may not see eye-to-eye, but we can still walk arm-in-arm.
2

[Swimwear Bikinis]

Letters are visits when friends are apart.
9

[wddress]

none of us wants the United States to be played for a chump

[Nike Free Running]

Thank you so much ,i am feeling so nice after reading your article!

[drebeats]

Thank you so much ,i am feeling so nice after reading your article!

[Buy Sandals]

It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry.
s

[Vibram 5 Fingers]

It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry.
g

[penny auctions]

But is it reasonable to insist that others simply snap into line? Since when does it really work to throw your weight around, when they can simply resist you actively or passively? I mean, let's put a little effort into winning the argument on the merits.
Fashion clothes bid online
penny auction

[Ken Griffey Shoes]

This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post.

[Timberland Boots]

Juli Baker is the kind of annoying person who makes a point of letting you know she's smart.

Timberland Boots

[cheap north face]

I have paid attention to, thank you for sharing!

[Black Supras]

who makes a point of letting you know she's smart.

[rolex]

From Sunrise and sunset,permanence is the river of time. Back in the million years ago, humans have learned to observe and control the time of the operation of the law. From the corona to the atomic clock, the human mastery of time and measurement methods had changed more and more science, sophisticated. watches replica real development is from the beginning of the 16th century and spread knowledge of science and technology. With the timer design, improvement, manufacture and spread, the clock have being started around our side and along with the progress of human society have being progressed. It not only improve our way of life, but aosl their own is fine art and Priceless. As watch enthusiasts should know that clock follow the time's the tracesin in the footsteps.

[Air Max]

No one can call back yesterday.No one can call back yesterday.

[GHD Hair Straighteners]

who makes a point of letting you know she's smart.

[Ray Ban sunglasses]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along.

[Copiers Washington DC]

I got to this blog from Facebook (one of my friends posted it). After reading, I of course clicked Like then shared it myseld. More power.

[Adidas F50]

The “roles and missions” review going on at Defense right now is set to address this
http://www.adidasf50adizeros.com

[ed hardy clothing]

This is a great topic - writing about it really helped remind me of what I loved about last summer. Thank you for that. (And now it's making me consider strongly when I might do another one.

[AlinaBonnie]

But is it reasonable to insist that others simply snap into line? Since when does it really work to throw your weight around, when they can simply resist you actively or passively? I mean, let's put a little Puma Also Produces Many Style Add-ons Which Consists Of Watches effort into winning the argument on the merits.

[Cheap Beats By Dre]

what I loved about last summer. Thank you for that. (And now it's making me consider strongly when I might do another one.

[العاب سيارات]

العاب سيارات

هيفاء وهبي

العاب اطفال

العاب مغامرات

لعبة البلياردو

ستار اكاديمي 8

العاب سبونج بوب

سبونج بوب

يوتيوب

نت لوق

[Ken Griffey Jr Shoes]

I will continue to focus on. Never done in the article comments, this is my first network comments, appreciate you sharing.

[Cheap Sandals]

Hoist your sail when the wind is fair.
wx

[Air Max 95]

It is better to give than to receive.
e

[Sac Longchamp Soldes]

Sa pratique soulève le style chic. Les périmètres à l'intérieur des sacs Longchamp Sac
Sac Longchamp Soldesen cuir matériels ont basé bords de sauvegarde ainsi que les poignées sont assez forts. L'extérieur de poche substantielle de taille est en fait la conception sensible. Le mélange chic de design et de style et de fonctionnalités est préférable meilleure qualité supérieure fournis par bagages Longchamp goods.Longchamp bagagerie est à votre style Sac Longchamp Pas Cher
Sac Longchamp Le Pliageapproprié, la tendance aujourd'hui mais le profit de ces sacs sont beaucoup plus co?teux que n'importe quelle marque personnalisée.

[Griffey Shoes]

I have never read such a wonderful article and I am coming back tomorrow to continue reading.

[AdiPower Predator]

I just received an email pertaining AdiPower Predator to BacklinkBrigand com; This is new computer software with somewhat beneficial functions: It posts to more than twenty-three diverse platforms and it is easy to train new targets too. Can any one share his or her review of this tool? Thanks

[beats dre studio]

Looks great feeling.

[forum watches]

Thanks for all of the hard work on this web site. I admit, I have not been on this website in a long time, however it was joy to find it again. It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals! I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin.

[dr dre solo]

Great article.

[sikiş izle]

It really is indeed amazing to study your report. I enjoy your style.

[dr dre headphones]

Look, none of us wants the United States to be played for a chump. For much of our agenda, we have a pretty strong case in terms of a healthy international system. But is it reasonable to insist that others simply snap into line? Since when does it really work to throw your weight around,dr dre headphones when they can simply resist you actively or passively? I mean, let's put a little effort into winning the argument on the merits

[下着]

This is a great one..nice article, thanks for share with us… I learn a lot with your words.. thank for the post.

[下着]

This is a great one..nice article, thanks for share with us… I learn a lot with your words.. thank for the post.

[business loans]

I just found your blog unexpectedly from the search engine. First time I saw it, I know it's a very informative blog. I got so many something new from here. Good work and thanks for that!

[2011 watches]

Nice post! I have read it carefully and I'm like it very much. Thank you for your post it out for us!

[oilpainting]

I have read it carefully and I'm like it very much.

[cheap wedding dress]

Okay,you can trust them.

[thomas sabo store]

Do you have anything at all? The following dietary supplements bought something I’m going to muscle growth. Please give me a piece of advice. The road sees rough a roar, and the roar and walked on.

[aikman jersey youth]

I have been browsing all the search engines can find it on the particular facts bless you!

[Cartier love]

i wish to understand a lot more about this because it in fact catches my attention. Keep on posting useful facts about this dude! Thank you so considerably for sharing.

[jumeiren]

First time I saw it, I know it's a very informative blog. I got so many something new from here. Good work and thanks for that!
This is new computer software with somewhat beneficial functions: It posts to more than twenty-three diverse platforms and it is easy to train new targets too. Can any one share his or her review of this tool? Thanks

[chaussures femmes]

We have gotten many great comments from our customers and earn a good reputation in foreign makerts, more than 90% customers are satisfied with our products and service, till now our online members are beyond 80,000. As of right now, we Replica Handbags currently serve customers from over 18 countries, and we are still growing. We really hope to expand our business through cooperation with individuals and companies from around the world.

[Cheap Christian Louboutin]

It is no use managing what you like ; you have got to like what you manage .(Winston Churchill , British major minister)

[best watches replica]

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has warned misfiring striker Fernando Torres that he has two more matches to improve his game or face being dropped.

Villas-Boas has insisted that he will not jeopardise his team’s ambitions for the sake of an individual.

The Daily Mail quoted the Portuguese, as saying: “I have no problem dropping players. You have to persist, but it can never compromise the objectives of your team and the things you want to achieve.”

[Asics Tiger Onitsuka]

nce the weasel as well as the hamster create a marriage, it could possibly be considered a relatively ill presage.

[luxury handbags]

your opinion is right! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[rolex daytona]

She said the show will also star a chorus of singing TV actors who will introduce the award categories. They might melodically move the show along, too."If any of our winners go long, they'll be gently singing them off," promised Lynch.Inside the Nokia Theatre, the sweeping set was coming together. On one side of the stage, an enormous Emmy statue was showered in glittering charms. On the other side, a raised platform was surrounded by multiple screens. At the center was a voluminous circular screen doubling as an entryway.

[jumeiren]

On one side of the stage, an enormous Emmy statue was showered in glittering charms. On the other side,

[nikemercurialvapor-shoes]

I like it ,so i will still attention!

[best replica watches]

I was actually looking for this resource a few weeks back. Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.This will absolutely going to help me in my projects.

[Replica Omega]

The consumer isn't a moron; Replica Watches, she is your wife. Fake Breitling. You insult her in-telligence if you assume that a mere slogan and a few vapid adjectives will persuade her to buy anything. Replica Patek Philippe

[ac adapter]

nononooooooooooooooooooooo

[Air Yeezy Shoes]

The nomination of the winner depends on the capability and spirit of the personality to finish the race.I like the post very much as it contain informative in knowledge.I like pics of Chelsea shares of the beauty of running in Madison, Wisconsin.I want to congratulate the winner for the nomination race.I want to know suggestion from others.

[versace sunglasses]

Some time to read what is written on the blog main pain in the ass, but the site is very happy user!

[run tips]

This is very inspirig content. I like the bonding and talks between you, I'm pretty much sure that things will good as it discuss on on one. HAppy to know this blogs.

[rolex daytona]

to show the etched Rolex crown just below the 6. It’s tiny, but very clear, and generally not done well by fakers. Genuine case backs will also have a hologram sticker. The fakes might try to duplicate this, but move the watch around in the light and you’ll see it’s not a real hologram.

[replica wallets]

replica handbags .Relations with Turkey - where the Erdogan government threw Israel's ambassador out of the country.

[Russian dating]

Some time to read what is written on the blog main pain in the ass, but the site is very happy user!

[moncler sale]

After reading your article, i have some problems in understanding the second paragraph of the passage . Because i'm very interested in what you have written, so can you explain that for me? Otherwise, your blog is really very wonderful . Thank you!