Annan criticizes policy of preemptive defense

[Barrett808]

Annan criticizes policy of preemptive defense
By Marcella Bombardieri, Globe Staff | June 11, 2004

CAMBRIDGE -- In a speech laden with implicit criticism of President Bush and the American invasion of Iraq, UN Secretary General Kofi A. Annan told graduates and alumni of Harvard University yesterday that the world needs "enlightened American leadership" and countries should not launch unilateral action to shape world events.

Speaking at Harvard's graduation ceremonies, Annan did not mention Bush by name but took clear jabs at the administration's policy of preemptive self-defense. "What kind of world would it be, and who would want to live in it, if every country was allowed to use force without collective agreement, simply because it thought there might be a threat?" he said.

Annan earned frequent applause during the speech, one of the most pointed critiques he has made of the Bush administration.

Annan said an international system can work only if countries accommodate different points of view and reach decisions collectively.

"All great American leaders have understood this," he said, as the 15,000 gathered in a damp Harvard Yard erupted in cheers and laughter.

(more)

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/06/11/annan_criticizes_policy_of_preemptive_defense/

[gratuitous]

1. Hee, hee, hee

Now that is a diplomat:

Diplomacy is to do and say
The nastiest thing in the nicest way

Annan knows his audience is smart enough to connect the dots, and it doesn't sound like there was anything in the speech for Stupidhead's minions to latch onto so they could call him a traitor or something.

Hee, hee.

[Just Me]

2. It's worse than a preemptive policy,...it's a preventive policy.

Preemptive requires evidence of an imminent threat. There was none.

Preventive is anticipating something that may never come to pass (and that policy has almost always been used to assert power).

NTL,...I am glad to see Annan take a stand against such policies.

[Spazito]

3. You have to love how Annan nails bush without naming bush...

All great American leaders have understood this," he said, as the 15,000 gathered in a damp Harvard Yard erupted in cheers and laughter.

In one sentence, he puts him at the bottom of the heap of US leaders and questions his ability to understand what everyone else does. I would call that a TKO!

[struggle4progress]

4. Kofi is a real role model!

:kick:

[struggle4progress]

5. kick

:kick: