The Foreign Service Journal, March 2003

Bush’s decision to send Powell to the U.N. Security Council for the most engaging and delicate “show and tell” of his carrier: to convince American partners that Iraq is an imminent threat. Powell’s tactic, inside and out- side the administration, looks the same: the secretary of State, who is not a speed runner, seems always to start as a loser, while others around him take a firm stand as if everything had been already decided. But then, by informing and persuading, Powell regains ground and manages to affirm his posi- tion. In the end, he is often the winner. All this is beyond the picture portrayed by the media, of a battle among the hawks and the doves in the administration. It is a family portrait where Powell is always the good fellow. Yet, a question remains. The hour and a half Secretary Powell and Foreign Minister Frattini spent in warmth and collegiality sustained the two leaders in the winter wind of Washington, but will the good will built up by Colin Powell in the first half of the current administra- tion prove sufficient to support the U.S.-European alliance should the international atmosphere grow cold and stormy? The answer lies in the forthcom- ing Iraq developments. Secretary Powell and the Bush administration have to realize that the heart of Europe still beats between Paris and Berlin, much more than between Warsaw and Bucharest. New Europe is still adapting to freedom and democracy. Old Europe shares with America values and principles, and the courage to stand for them. Trust an Old Italian. F O C U S 40 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / M A R C H 2 0 0 3 Used to considering itself the main ally of the U.S., Europe is now afraid of losing its presumed centrality in the American foreign policy equation. UNWIND AT DACOR (Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired) Collegial conversation and Light refreshments Thursday, March 20, 2003 • 6:00 to 8:00 pm Historic DACOR Bacon House 1801 F St., NW, Washington, DC (five blocks from State), $4.00 per person at the door Who’s invited? Foreign affairs professionals, Foreign Service or Civil Service, Whether active duty or retired, are welcome — and eligible to join DACOR Ambassador Alan W. Lukens, President Let us know if you wish to attend - Or just drop by Richard McKee, Executive Director • 202-682-0500 dacor@dacorbacon.org E-mail:dacor@dacorbacon.org • w ww.dacorbacon.org