Anatol Lieven, Financial Times
It may seem incredible to say this, given past experience, but a few years from now Europe and the world could be looking back at the Bush administration with nostalgia. This possibility will arise if the US elects Senator John McCain as president in November.
Over the years the US has inserted itself into potential flashpoints in different parts of the world. The Republican party is now about to put forward a natural incendiary as the man to deal with those flashpoints.
The problem that Mr McCain poses stems from his ideology, his policies and above all his personality. His ideology, like that of his chief advisers, is neo-conservative. In the past, Mr McCain was considered to be an old-style conservative realist. Today, the role of the realists on his team is merely decorative.
In November we will have two choices, More Wars/Fewer Jobs, and the Democratic nominee. There will not be any other choices. Thousands of people all over the world, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia, are depending upon us to do the right thing. I will be voting for the Democratic nominee. I hope others will join me.
Those whose delicate sensibilities do not permit them to vote for the Democrat are advised to have a nice refreshing cup of STFU.
