Steve Clemons reports on another example of atrocious diplomacy by the neo-cons. This time it comes from John Bolton’s replacement as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Robert ‘Bob’ Joseph, who was overheard badmouthing the French and Germans on a recent first class United flight…equating them with ‘surrender monkeys’.
Apparently, Joseph said:
“I miss the Soviet Union, because they knew what the rules were, and now we are stuck with these ‘surrender monkeys’ in France and Germany.”
Clemons’s notes:
a diplomat like Bob Joseph shouldn’t be caught dead making a statement along those lines, particularly not in public, not even in United Airlines first class.
If he feels so relaxed sharing such undiplomatic chatter in public, one can only wonder what his criteria are when something truly sensitive, or classified, is running through his mind.
Secretary Rice, respectfully, your Under Secretary needs some “sensitivity training.” If TWN has heard about this, how many others have?
It doesn’t surprise me that Bush has staffed State’s position for Arms Control, a position that is working closely with France and Germany on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with a man that is prone to making such remarks. When have the Bushies ever put diplomacy before bullying, ridicule, and violence?
