Obama Lags in Filling Some Key Foreign Policy Posts

Foreign governments are "a bit baffled and puzzled" by the delays

By Thomas Omestad

March 2, 2009 RSS Feed Print

The Obama administration may not finish filling its key foreign policy posts until this summer—a period of time that can make managing bilateral ties more difficult, says a senior European diplomat, speaking on background. "People are telling us you have to...wait up to the summer," said the diplomat.

Though special envoys and representatives for some major issues, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan (Richard Holbrooke), the Middle East peace process (George Mitchell), and North Korea (Stephen Bosworth), are in place and already conducting trips and consultations, some areas at State are said to be lagging. "It's more difficult. You can't expedite [managing] day-to-day problems," the diplomat said.

Colleagues from the diplomat's foreign ministry are eager to meet their new counterparts, but they have to be advised, in many cases, that President Obama's replacements are not yet in office, said the official. They are being told not to make a trip to Washington in the near term if they are intent on meeting their future interlocutors.

In many cases, career Foreign Service officers who took positions during the second Bush administration are serving as caretakers in various bureaus and offices at the State Department. Said the official, "The Europeans are a bit baffled and puzzled by the way you organize your administration."

Tags:
Obama administration,
politics,
foreign policy

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Obama has prioritized his efforts based on risks in each area. Bush left this country in such a mess, it is not possible for one person to touch all the issues in a few weeks.

Those countries and departments yet incomplete - this means those countries and programs are in good hands, the issues are already being addressed, and all will be better served if other things are handled first. It is sort of a compliment - saying that these areas are less volatile and were perhaps better handled in the past.

Larry - you will burn up if you don't slow down on the angry stuff. You are obviously right-leaning in your views, and feel fear is the best way to lead the ideas of others.

When the next terrorist attack comes, it will be because someone somewhere is angry about something (like you?, does not feel empowered, and does not resort to reason to find a solution. Terrorism is as old as the human race - and most of those attacks have little impact on history. They only have power if people allow themselves to be terrorized and overreact.

The foreign policy posts will be filled soon enough. Some of the first things Obama did was geared towards foreign policy issues. He is devoting his energies to the things that need it most first. This is an adult skill set - perhaps one that you are still developing.

Dorfy of SC 5:07PM March 02, 2009

President Obama is not concerned about foreign policy. He is concerned with gaining as much political power as possible and has been using fear to get it. It's sad that the American people are so willing to give up their freedom and liberty for a "free" ride from the government. Forgive fore they know not what they do.

When the next terrorist attack happens, and it will, we will know where to direct the finger of blame. There will be no need for a commission to figure it out.

Larry of CA 4:22PM March 02, 2009

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