La Bush

Bush's trip to Europe was a success. Considering the gap between European and US thinking Bush did a very good job of putting relationships back on track. European leaders have come to the realization that they must deal with Bush for another 4 years and Bush has learnt that an antagonistic relationship with France and Germany makes his foreign policy ambitions unachievable.

The one issue that Bush didn't handle effectively was Putin. Putin needs a beating with a diplomatic stick and Bush doesn't appear willing to administer it. Unless Putin repeals policies that are driving Russia back to totalitarian rule Russia should be suspended from the G-8. I worry that Bush will accept Putin's assurances that he is not turning his back on democracy and let the problem advance while the US focuses on Iraq, Iran, Syria and North Korea.

Russia is a reminder that democracy is a tenuous concept that requires careful observation and management. It is also a reminder that Bush's goal of democratizing the globe is not realistic without the assistance of allies that share in the vision.