Spring Break
Wisdom of experience
Former president George H.W. Bush introduces former Ambassador to Iraq to speak about U.S. involvement in the Middle East
By: Hiba Kazin
Issue date: 3/10/09 Section: News
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Former President George H.W. Bush introduced Crocker Monday at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. He detailed Crocker's achievements and awards. He said the theme that runs through Crocker's 37-year career with the Foreign Service is his commitment to duty, honor and country, especially in the face of assignments that were, by no means, "cushy jobs."
Crocker, who returned to the U.S. from Baghdad three weeks ago, spoke with the wisdom of experience. He explained the importance of history in the broader Middle East, which includes Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said the history of interaction between the Middle East and the West shows violence. "We ignore it very much at our peril," he said.
Crocker said Middle Eastern diplomatic strategy has largely been reactive, which reflects the geopolitical condition and history of Middle
Eastern countries. He enumerated many of the challenges that face Middle Eastern countries as ethnic tensions between Arabs and Kurds, though sectarian violence remains a problem.
Specifically, he pointed out the obstacles to forming a stable democracy and the opportunities that lie ahead of Iraq. He spoke strongly in favor of the Bush surge strategy in Iraq.
"[Had there not been a surge, we would be looking at a very different situation," he said.
He explained that because of the surge strategy and U.S. involvement in Iraq, the country has a strong chance over time but will require the strategic patience of Americans. He said Obama's approach to Iraq was realistic and level-headed. He especially praised the plan for its flexibility and commitment to the region.
He said in terms of diplomacy, there has been a three decade gap that the Obama administration aims to rectify. Crocker also spoke highly of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for inviting Iran to talks about the situation in Afghanistan, calling it "a good step."
The ambassador spoke briefly about Afghanistan and focused on the looming threat in an unstable Pakistan, He called Pakistan the "most significant challenge" to American safety. He said stability in Pakistan depends on success in Afghanistan and that for the U.S. and Pakistan to be allies, as it was in the 1980s, Americans must show a "long-term commitment to Pakistan at this critical juncture."
Crocker emphasized the importance of consistency in purpose and warned against policy shifts in the Middle East, pointing out that policy shifts have created much of the reactionary foreign policies of Middle Eastern countries.
Crocker concluded with the importance of service and how former President George H.W. Bush is the personification of service on behalf of the country. He said he hoped A&M students will show such dedication, whether it be through the military, the Foreign Service or any number of ways.
"I don't really know what's going on in Iraq right now, which is why I came, and I was just interested to find out that the situation is getting better, and that it will take a long time to get better. It's good news and bad news," said Cory Saenz, a freshman general studies major.
Savannah Frank, a sophomore international studies major, echoed Saenz. She said the presentation was very informative.
"It was just great to get some real insight into the Middle East from someone who knows what he's really talking about," she said.
The Scowcroft Institute has sponsored presentations and conferences with "World Leaders, Current and Past Practitioners and International Scholars" as part of the Lenore and Francis Humphrys International Speakers Programs.
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