So what's the play on these Iraq contracts?

[Robb]

C'mon everybody, we're pretty bright here. Assuming this contracts business isn't a complete cluster, what's the angle?

EU is ticked off, going to WTO, we're invoking national security exemption (big stretch), now we want these countries to cancel the debt owed.... think, people! I can't figure out the play, but I don't think everyone in the room with * is an idiot.... :shrug:

[bryant69]

1. Part of it is campaign strategy

I think.

Americans distrust Europe. It's part of our culture, and, frankly, I understand the point. After the Revolution America has defined itself as not Europeon. Where Europeons are subtle and courtly, Americans are brash and frank. If President Bush can start another rhetorical sparring match with Europe (possible, but not inevitable), it gives him the perfect opportunity to portray himself as a simple plain spoken Texan and his democratic opponents as pansy Europe-lovers.

But I think another side of this is that they said they would do this before the war. And Rumsfeld is a man of his word.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[opihimoimoi]

2. Huge backlash, many nations are pissed, PISSED

The Bush guys went over top with this one. The EU nations are shocked at the timing and the audacity, Bush is still very much a rookie when it comes to international diplomacy.

His advisors gotta be rookies too. Could be they have a high turn over in the Basement.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. BBC Radio had an interview with a Cato Institute guy

and even he thought it was a dumb move; that America had to work with international allies, not piss them off. His comment on the given 'national security' reason was "even Mrs. Wolfowitz won't believe her husband on that one".

[Robb]

4. LOL!

...That's a darned funny thing to say. :)