I’m one who believes that Hamas must be part of the equation of establishing a new equilibrium in the Middle East. Hamas is not al Qaeda and has evolved into a real, citizen-rooted political order and can’t be wished away.
There are two themes that seem to find themselves in much of the emerging commentary on the life and impact of Richard Holbrooke. The first is that he was a “bulldozer” and the second that “well, he had a bad relationship with Karzai so couldn’t do much with him.
(picture credit: Russell Totten; click image for larger version) Perhaps it is Richard Holbrooke’s passing that has drawn me to this image — but wanted to share this beautiful picture sent by a TWN reader in Lake Tahoe.
Jimmy Carter says in the Big Think video above that America is ready for a female President, a black President, and yes — a gay President also (though we may have already had one in James Buchanan). Thanks to President Carter for continuing to open doors that are the right ones to open.
From the transcript: Mr. HOLBROOKE: On every page of the many complicated documents and annexes initialed here today lie challenges to both sides to set aside their enmities, their differences, which are still are raw and open wounds. They must work together.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy According to the Washington Post‘s Rajiv Chandrasekaran, Richard Holbrooke’s last words were “You’ve got to stop this war in Afghanistan.” Above I speak to Rachel Maddow about Richard Holbrooke and why he mattered so significantly.
(photo credit: Kyle Samperton) Richard Holbrooke is gone. This is not the time for cliches. But I can’t imagine results-achieving American diplomacy without him. I will personally miss him so much — and am deeply saddened by his passing.
Daniel Levy has published in National Interest a thoughtful and provocative critique of the recent collapsed American effort to seduce the Israelis and Palestinians into temporary negotiations.
In some of the comments posted in earlier entries, a mentor of mine posted a note to me: Steve, I have followed The Washington Note periodically and have been increasingly concerned to see in the “Comments” how your website has attracted progressively more and stronger reactions of the vilest racist kind in response to your…
Richard Holbrooke has been one of my most important touch points in Washington and has been a close friend, adviser, and in recent years — a partner in sorting through and discussing in private some of America’s biggest national security and foreign policy challenges.
