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Politics

Military and Diplomatic Elites Unite Against Bush Administration

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A group of 26 high-ranking military and diplomatic officials from both US political parties are launching a scathing critique of the Bush administration's foreign policy, accusing it of isolating the nation and calling for President Bush's defeat in November. The group, called Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change, includes several appointees of Republican presidents and former ambassadors to key positions. Their letter, to be published this week, will be a broad attack on the president in an election year, potentially deepening public doubts about the nation's direction under Bush.

Key Takeaways:

  • The group, Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change, consists of 26 high-ranking military and diplomatic officials from both US political parties.
  • This includes several appointees of Republican presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, as well as former ambassadors to Saudi Arabia and the Soviet Union.
  • The group claims that Bush's unilateral foreign policies, particularly in the Middle East, have alienated long-time allies and increased hatred for the US worldwide.
  • Despite the group's criticism, President Bush may be able to blunt the criticism by referencing his recent successes in reaching out to the international community, including winning unanimous approval from the UN Security Council for a resolution recognizing the new Iraqi government.
  • The protest comes after a poll revealed that 58% of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track, the highest number since Bush took office.
  • However, the group will not formally endorse John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, though several members have done so on their own.

Statistics:

  • 26: The number of high-ranking military and diplomatic officials in the group, Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change.
  • 58%: The percentage of Americans who believe the country is on the wrong track, according to a recent poll.
  • 52: The number of former British diplomats who signed a letter in April critical of Tony Blair's Iraq policies.
  • 2004: The year that Paul O'Neill and Richard Clarke, two high-profile critics of the Bush administration, left their jobs.

Sources:

  • Los Angeles Times: A recent poll revealed that 58% of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track.
  • Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change: The group's letter, to be published this week, will critique the Bush administration's foreign policy.

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