The Foreign Service Journal, December 2011

During our conversation, Mikhail acknowledged that “the debate in our Union on what kind of state to create took a different tack from what I thought right.” I think he had hoped to reform socialism in a way that would preserve its viability as a means of governing going forward, but such designs were not to be, for a host of reasons. FSJ: While in the White House, did you ever read reporting coming out of Embassy Moscow or other U.S. diplomatic missions? If so, do you recall seeing any cables that surprised you or shaped your thinking about the unfolding situation? GHWB: I do recall being an avid reader of intelligence and cables of all kinds, but today — some 20 years on, at age 87 — you will have to forgive me if I confess that none stand out at this time. This is also known as play- ing “the old guy card.” FSJ: Which analysts or agencies did you find to be the most reliable sources of information on develop- ments in the Soviet Union? Were there any individuals at the State Department or elsewhere you regu- larly turned to for advice on the Soviet Union? How about former U.S. presidents or senior policymak- ers? GHWB: A few years back, a for- eign policy journal noted that the men and women who made up our national security team were the finest assembled by any president since the Truman administration. Whether or 18 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1 The stakes were high and the outcome far from certain. A time of service…a time of need Help for Seniors May Be Just a Phone Call Away— Home Health Care Adult Day Care & Respite Care Prescription Drug Copayments Transportation to Medical Appointments Durable Medical Equipment For more information, please contact the SENIOR LIVING FOUNDATION OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE 1716 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-2902 Phone: (202) 887-8170 Fax: (202) 872-9320 E-Mail: info@SLFoundation.org Web Site: www.SLFoundation.org The Senior Living Foundation may be able to help you or someone you know. Some examples of assistance are: SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION