April 25th, 2008 by Amanda

Michael Gerson, in an op-ed piece at the Washington Post, suggests methods to better US foreign policy toward nations such as Iran and Afghanistan– to either “improve”or even “bypass” the UN or “create a NATO that actually works.” While he admits that international institutions are now crucial to boosting worldwide US diplomatic efficacy and ameliorating world crises, he charges that “they have seldom been less effective.

Gerson claims that “It is the paradox of American influence: In a crisis, our power is irreplaceable — and we want nothing more than to replace it.”

At The Christian Science Monitor, Helena Cobban draws on what she considers to be “the American way” of dealing with the international community, to “treat[ing] the peoples of other countries as our true equals.” In doing so, she sees improved US diplomatic relations worldwide.

“Today, America’s relationship with the world’s 6 billion non-Americans is more vital to our wellbeing than ever before. Let’s work on making it the most constructive relationship we can.”

Posted in Afghanistan, Diplomacy, Iran, US foreign policy, Uncategorized |