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Article: Miscalculating engagement.(NATION)(WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?)(Column)
- Article from:
- The Washington Times (Washington, DC)
- Article date:
- November 12, 2009
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 The Washington Times LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Kim R. Holmes, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Direct diplomatic outreach to America's foes and rivals defines President Obama's foreign policy. It underpins everything from resetting relations with Russia to making concessions to Iran. It's intended to distinguish Mr. Obama from his unpopular predecessor, thereby garnering more support from friends and allies for U.S. policies.
The idea is appealing. Even Winston Churchill reportedly said it's better to jaw-jaw than to war-war.
But the approach carries a mixed historical record. As with so many well-meaning gestures, it can result in things going horribly wrong.
A classic ...