The Fierce Moral Urgency Of Manana

The First Communicator seizes the Saturday of Labor Day weekend to announce what normally would have been buried on a Friday afternoon - he will seek Congressional authorization to wrist-slap Syria.

The decision to seek congressional authorization is a departure from the administration’s decision to intervene in Libya in 2011. Though the president said he thinks he has the authority to order a military strike, he made clear he will ask Congress to vote on the issue.

“I have decided that the United States should take military action against Syrian regime targets,” the president said. He added: “I’m also mindful that I’m president of the world’s oldest constitutional democracy.”

I am not sure where the votes will come from. This is the anti-war President of the anti-war party, so folks on that side of the aisle won't feel any pressure to get behind this.

And on the right, what is the likely support for yet another foreign adventure led by a guy - OK, with Kerry, make that two guys - who will turn against this if/when the going gets tough? An adventure, let us add, undertaken without the political cover of Democratic votes? And when a majority of House Democrats reject an authorization, will Obama blame the Republicans? (Well, of course he will, but will it make any sense?)

There ought to be some value to the Kosovo analogy, where the House Republicans just couldn't get behind Clinton on the bombing, although funding was never held up. From the CRS:

As the situation in Kosovo turned away from peace talks and toward enforcement action, Congress reviewed proposals that supported or disapproved of the NATO air operation; the Senate, but not the House, endorsed the air strikes. Congress later considered but did not agree to resolutions that invoked the War Powers Resolution in an effort by sponsors to assert Congress’ role in authorizing the military action. Some Members of Congress challenged the President’s authority under the Constitution to engage U.S. armed forces in military operations in the Balkans without congressional approval. A greater number of others, however, abandoned or rejected options that might have dictated a forced removal of U.S. armed forces from Kosovo operations.

In spite of some serious misgivings about the NATO air operation in Kosovo, most Members of Congress strongly supported providing full funding for Department of Defense expenditures in the Balkans, out of concern for perceived budgetary shortfalls in the U.S. military. Thus, even Members who vehemently opposed Operation Allied Force voted to substantially increase funds for U.S. military forces participating in the operation. The same kind of support was not evident for meeting the Clinton Administration’s request for emergency supplemental funds for civilian reconstruction and regional financial stabilization efforts. On these matters, Congress established spending limits and cut back on requested funds for regional stabilization assistance.

 LET IT OUT... Here is a vigorous tirade about the utter stupidity of our abandonment of Iraq. To which I say, as I have with Afghanistan, if you elect a guy committed to losing you need to expect to lose.

Comments

[JIB]

Didn't hear the speech but not surprising. I think myself and others the last 2 days, or just after the Brits shot down intervention, speculated he would back track. The WaPo articles on the views of the intel community and the ex-Generals led the way to reconsideration if not planted to offer a soft landing today.

DuDa must be devastated that his mock hero has decided to challenge his own self-serving legitimacy and give the other guys a chance to chicken out so he doesn't have to. Boehner should refuse to accept a resolution for vote and tell Obama to just do what he thinks is best for him, his ego and ValJar's cheekbones.

[Jane-sun - the squaw]

The most interesting part of the speech to me was how angry he was. I thought he was angry because he had to wear a suit and postpone his golf game.

I still might be right.

[glasater]

The man has absolutely no shame.

[Captain Hate on an iPhone]

Kosovo was a major mistake which has yet to be acknowledged. Unless you consider blowing up the Chinese embassy a success.

[JIB]

After the speech giving Congress the ball, The One and The Two went to Ft. Belvoir to play golf. Of course they did. Reggie Love was pre-occupied shuffling the card for the next game of hearts.

[Jeff Dobbs]

In negotiations with Congress, Obama has made concessions that will preclude the US from launching a military strike against Syria in exchange for Boehner bringing up a bill that will re-name 34 post offices as the Barack Hussein Obama Post Office.

"There are times that a President must be willing to stare down a murdering dictator, even against the polls or opposition party. However, it was evident that I was not up to it," President Obama said in his prepared remarks in the club house before teeing off for his weekend round.

"The fact is that bombing a country like Syria wouldn't accomplish much, was never going to poll well, and could even be used to mock me for not being muscular enough, those being in reverse order of importance. In fact, it would be long forgotten even just one year from now. As it is, these post offices will still be around for generations to come and will inspire today's youth and even their children and grandchildren just by bearing my name."

[Laura White]

Well, he looks like an ass, but it's good he backed down. He evidently CAN be mocked out of a power move, however, so the sooner January 2017 rolls around, the safer we'll all be--

[Ignatz]

I'm not sure what a "constitutional democracy" is but assuming the US is one, wasn't he president of it when he intervened in Libya as well?

[JIB]

Well, since Syria didn't work, what do you all think will the next diversion from all the phony scandals?

[JIB]

...will be....

Fat finger syndrome.

[Danube on iPad]

If congress votes no, he wouldn't dare proceed with a strike. If he does, he'll be impeached (but not removed).

[Bob]

Who thinks the ring-knockers at the Pentagon said we can't do jack without more money and while you are at it get a authorization too? And he has to face Putin, that ugly bastard, smirking at his pissy ass this week too. Happy Labor Day Backtrack.

[Ignatz]

This is Barry hoping congress will lay themselves down on the floor so he can walk out of the corner he painted himself into without getting dirty; nothing more nor less.

[JIB]

BTW, off to bed. Early rise tomorrow. Driving into Antwerp to catch the Thalys for Paris and Frederick's birthday. Hard to believe he is already into double digits. Life speeds up exponentially when you turn 40. It's Warp speed at 60:)

[Clarice]

TM, Hit, take a bow.

[Soylent Red]

Congress should move that no attack on Syria can happen without an approving vote in the Security council.

Pass the hot potato to the UN, and make Barry blame internationalism for holding him back. Won't that set some heads to exploding.

[Puttenesca]

At least one (DoT) has shown no equivocation on whether Obama should bomb Assad to the Stone Age. He said simply succinctly, "No"

Tom Maguire is still on any fence which might not result in ODS.

[Danube on iPad]

People sometimes use the "constutional" qualifier because Great Britain is an older democracy, but it has no written constitution.

[Clarice]

Soylent!!! Hi! Great idea BTW

[daisy]

Soylent--Wonderful idea! I was thinking that Obmaa would try to get the approval from Congress and then blame them. If Congress will pass it on to the UN--perfect!

[daisy]

Obama--

[rse]

Bo likes to use the word democracy because he is committed to achieving John Dewey's definition.

It has a lot to do with getting around those darn negative liberties and getting to the Second Bill of Rights definition of citizenship.

It is we who owe the government and our fellow man duties.

Gag.

[Clarice]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2013/08/30/white-house-considers-awarding-obamacare-subsidies-intended-for-the-uninsured-to-labor-unions/

Jane, drink something alcoholic before reading this to keep your blood pressure down.

[Danube on iPad]

Dana stakes out and defends a firm position on an issue about once a month. But he leaps to criticize anyone else who fails to take a stand immediately. It's how he rolls.

[Lloyd]

@ 4:10 p.m. - Really? Fortunately for you, and what puts you in good company here, too, is that 45% of Brits don't know what the Magna Carta and its addendums are either.

[Skoot]

The dolt seems to be arguing that we need to do something because no one else will.

So, are we exceptional? Which is it.

At least he gets to partake in his two favorite pastimes, voting present and slicing it into the woods, over the holiday.

[Porchlight]

if you elect a guy committed to losing you need to expect to lose

Well, yeah, but I didn't want him elected, and just because it's predictable doesn't mean people ought to just shut up about it. Obamacare was predictable too.

[Danube on iPad]

The Magna Carta is not a constitution.

Wiki: "Unlike many other nations, the UK has no single constitutional document. This is sometimes expressed by stating that it has an uncodified or 'unwritten' constitution. Much of the British constitution is embodied in written documents, within statutes, court judgments and treaties. The constitution has other unwritten sources, including parliamentary constitutional conventions (as laid out in Erskine May) and royal prerogatives.

"Historically, 'No Act of Parliament can be unconstitutional, for the law of the land knows not the word or the idea.'"

[maryrose]

I told you he would back down.I like the idea of involving the UN. Bammy once again has demonstrated that his supposed "Midas touch" turns everrything to crap.
JIB:
your vacation sounds wonderful and your comments are spot on. A commentator on Fox has said the Syrians are celebrating a victory over Obama in making him back down. It's lonely at the top. It couldn't happen to a more feckless guy.

[Jane-sun - the squaw]

Where ya been Soylent? We've missed you.

[Ignatz]

Did Dana let us in on how he felt about that Libyan intervention?

[maryrose]

TM: We continue to lose with Obama because he is a loser. Too bad all the LIV"s backed a loser.I am glad Romney is well out of all this. He is too nice of a guy to get dragged down in this crazy jihad experience of the Mideast.21st century or the Middle ages? Decisions decisions...Voting present is what preezy does best. Why am I not surprised? Also Lib polling and bad tweets probably was the ultimate convincing argument for him"Mr. Popularity," himself.

[Jane-sun - the squaw]

"Jane, drink something alcoholic before reading this to keep your blood pressure down."

Poured my vodka, chocked on the latest. But not surprised at all.

I do think Obama is in complete descent. Not everyone has noticed, but it's time to kick him down the hill. (Figuratively NSA, figuratively)

[Danube on iPad]

I think they'll need a congressional enactment to do t favor for the unions. They won't get it.

[Clarice]

That should make it easier to repeal it, DoT. Nobody likes it.

Taranto asks us to imagine how Obama would vote on the war resolution of McCain were president. HEH

[Clarice]

Sen. Cruz Statement on President Obama's Remarks on Syria

Contact: [email protected] / (202) 228-7561
Saturday, August 31, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) today released the following statement regarding President Obama's remarks on Syria:

I commend President Obama for listening to bi-partisan calls for him to seek congressional authority before any possible use of force against Syria. Given that the President did not request an emergency session of Congress, that must mean that he agrees there is no imminent threat requiring the Commander in Chief to act without consulting the representatives of the American people.

I remain concerned that the mission proposed by the President is not in furtherance the vital national security interests of the United States. To date I have heard a great deal from the administration about punishing Bashir al-Assad for violating an “international norm” through the use of chemical weapons, and that this is why we must act against him. Abstract notions about international norms should never displace U.S. sovereignty to act, or refuse to act, for our national security.

Assad’s murderous actions have claimed the lives of more than a hundred thousand of his own people, which is a humanitarian tragedy. But our chief strategic concern should not be international norms; it should be preventing the chemical weapons from falling into the hands of al Qaeda or other terrorists who might use them against us and our allies.

It is now incumbent upon President Obama to make his case and persuade Congress that his plan is necessary, and the best course to preserve our security and protect our liberties. Like the President, I welcome this debate and I agree this is an issue of the highest seriousness that transcends partisan politics.

[Puttenesca]

Ignatz; your position on FP is consistent.

On Libya; "Obama went in, I'm agin' "

[maryrose]

Jane:
He is always mad when he doesn't get his way. See the debt ceiling and gun debate and vote reactions from Obama. We are called his enemies and that we are holding hostage everything he wants to {destroy} do.
Meanwhile according to Niles Gardiner he has become a laughingstock on the world stage.
I love how he throws Kerry under the bus not 24 hours after his phony rhetoric and impassioned plea for intervention. He really is hopeless and doesn't learn from his mistakes{Libya} IRS targeting, NSA spying FandF and Benghazi.

[Danube on iPad]

"Did Dana let us in on how he felt about that Libyan intervention?"

Offhand, I can't think of a single issue about which he's taken a position. He contributes nothing but noise.

[Jane-sun - the squaw]

So he's going to Russia next week. So let's pretend Putin has him arrested for that body language remark.

Would anyone do anything?

(I'd send Michelle over to be with him.)

[maryrose]

PUTT:
Can you explain how one man,Obama can be consistently wrong in every move he makes? Please do not cite his most recent flip-flop as evidence he gets it. He did that today to save his own arse.

[henry]

Jane, send Reggie Love with him... Putin can jail them both for playing " spades".

[Ignatz]

--Ignatz; your position on FP is consistent.--

The above is in response to my question about your position on Libya. Didn't you write this on a previous thread? - "You have an interesting way of avoiding questions"

As a matter of fact I am consistent on FP, but not in the way you misrepresent it. Why do you constantly do that? Because debating reality is a losing proposition?

[maryrose]

Well Jane, we certainly couldn't negotiate to get him back since we don't do deals with terrorists. Unless they are Muslim Brotherhood or Islamists.

[Richard]

American military presence in has maintained since WWII peace and established prosperity in the Far East and Europe.

QED:

Isn't the Middle East the largest region in the world without a thriving middle class economies?

Have not the post-WWII Far East (post Vietnam) and the Sub-Continent and Europe been without military conflicts?

[maryrose]

henry:
Your comment wins best one of the day in my book! Playing spades,I wonder if he cheats?

[Puttenesca]

"Why do you constantly do that? "

Ask questions? Let me ask again..

Should we bomb the crapola out of Syria or not? It's really not that complicated a question, is it? Maguire's not sure what the hell to do other than critique what Obama does. Is that the problem.

[Clarice]

Any military adventure with this guy as C in C would be a disaster so absent a necessary response to an attack on us or an ally, I'd vote NO.Maybe we need a regent appointed for the remainder of his term if we don't impeach him.

[Jane-sun - the squaw]

Naw Henry, Reggie would make him happy. Michelle will keep him miserable. Let reggie write a tell all book.

Soylent, I tweeted your idea.

[jimmyk]

"Should we bomb the crapola out of Syria or not? It's really not that complicated a question, is it?"

What's your answer, then? I say no, because we risk bringing third parties into the war and things escalate out of hand, and because I don't see who the real good guys are there who will take over.

[Ignatz]

--"Why do you constantly do that? "

Ask questions?--

No, be an asshole who misrepresents what people say.
That you equate that with innocently asking questions says all there is to say, doesn't it?

[jimmyk]

I'd add Clarice's 5:30 to my 5:32.

[Jeff Dobbs]

Iggy:
No, be an asshole who misrepresents what people say.
That you equate that with innocently asking questions says all there is to say, doesn't it?

...said the frog to the scorpion.

[Stephanie]

Roll Tide.

Beamer Bummer Ball.

Wow

[Extraneus]

The Chinese must be laughing their assess off.

[Puttenesca]

"No, be an asshole who misrepresents what people say. "

Holy hell, you haven't said anything,

Now that the path has been safely cleared, take a chance.

Bomb Syria, or No ?

[Extraneus]

And their asses, too.

[Clarice]

Can you guys help?I've misplaced JFKerry's "global test"?

[Danube on iPad]

"What's your answer, then?"

You're asking in vain, jimmy. This shitbird lacks the courage to take a position and defend it. He would prefer to be mocked as a coward, as I have been doing for years, rather than take a stand.

[Extraneus]

Bush rips Kerry on "global test" remark

"When our country's in danger the president's job is not to take an international poll. The president's job is to defend America," Bush said.

[snip]

"I think the first debate will be long remembered for the night when Kerry made some really serious tactical mistakes," said Bush campaign communications director Nicolle Devenish.

Kerry said in the debate that the United States had the right to take preemptive action abroad if it "passes the global test, where your countrymen, your people understand fully why you're doing what you're doing and you can prove to the world that you did it for legitimate reasons."

Kerry also said he would not cede to others the right to take preemptive action "in any way necessary to protect the United States of America."

[Puttenesca]

"What's your answer, then?"

My answer's the same as it was during the run-up to Iraq,

What's the hurry? Let the UN determine the source. Too many are convinced it's Assad without examining the evidence. If they determine Assad, fine. I agree you can't allow the CW genie out and pretend it's still in the bottle. But the Bum's rush is the same Circus and Puppet show.

[Sandy Daze]

LET ALLAH SORT IT OUT

“So we’re bombing Syria because Syria is bombing Syria? And I’m the idiot?” - Sarah Palin

* President Obama wants America involved in Syria’s civil war pitting the antagonistic Assad regime against equally antagonistic Al Qaeda affiliated rebels. But he’s not quite sure which side is doing what, what the ultimate end game is, or even whose side we should be on. Haven’t we learned? WAGs don’t work in war.

* We didn’t intervene when over 100,000 Syrians were tragically slaughtered by various means, but we’ll now intervene to avenge the tragic deaths of over 1,000 Syrians killed by chemical weapons, though according to the White House we’re not actually planning to take out the chemical weapons because doing so would require “too much of a commitment.”

* President Obama wants to do what, exactly? Punish evil acts in the form of a telegraphed air strike on Syria to serve as a deterrent? If our invasion of Iraq wasn’t enough of a deterrent to stop evil men from using chemical weapons on their own people, why do we think this will be?

* The world sympathizes with the plight of civilians tragically caught in the crossfire of this internal conflict. But President Obama’s advertised war plan (which has given Assad enough of a heads-up that he’s reportedly already placing human shields at targeted sites) isn’t about protecting civilians, and it’s not been explained how lobbing U.S. missiles at Syria will help Syrian civilians. Do we really think our actions help either side or stop them from hurting more civilians?

* We have no clear mission in Syria. There’s no explanation of what vital American interests are at stake there today amidst yet another centuries-old internal struggle between violent radical Islamists and a murderous dictatorial regime, and we have no business getting involved anywhere without one. And where’s the legal consent of the people’s representatives? Our allies in Britain have already spoken. They just said no. The American people overwhelmingly agree, and the wisdom of the people must be heeded.

* Our Nobel Peace Prize winning President needs to seek Congressional approval before taking us to war. It’s nonsense to argue that, “Well, Bush did it.” Bull. President Bush received support from both Congress and a coalition of our allies for “his wars,” ironically the same wars Obama says he vehemently opposed because of lack of proof of America’s vital interests being at stake.

* Bottom line is that this is about President Obama saving political face because of his “red line” promise regarding chemical weapons.

* As I said before, if we are dangerously uncertain of the outcome and are led into war by a Commander-in-chief who can’t recognize that this conflict is pitting Islamic extremists against an authoritarian regime with both sides shouting “Allah Akbar” at each other, then let Allah sort it out.

- Sarah Palin

(posted Friday night, 30 Aug)

[Captain Hate on an iPhone]

Roll Tide is particularly appropriate since their pass rush looks like videos of the Japanese tsunami. To Beamer's credit he never shirks playing the beasts of Div 1. To his discredit they never seem to be particularly well prepared compared to when they play, say, Maryland.

[Extraneus]

I still don't think I've seen or heard one opinion from Sarah Palin that I didn't agree with.

[Puttenesca]

So Sarah is an Isolationist, now?

[Sandy Daze]

I still don't think I've seen or heard one opinion from Sarah Palin that I didn't agree with.

...and I agree with you, Ex.

[Sandy Daze]

and with The Sarah.

[Jeff Dobbs]

Ext:
I still don't think I've seen or heard one opinion from Sarah Palin that I didn't agree with.

"I endorse John McCain for re-election as Senator representing the great state of Arizona."

[Extraneus]

Ouch.

[Captain Hate on an iPhone]

Soooo the WaPo has some skeezer who approves of school teachers raping students? Good to know.

[narciso el taino]

Thzt was Nicolle Wallace, before she turned evil, sort of like Gloria Loring on a cheesy Saturday morning TV show, Loring the mother of Robin Thicke,

Sarah was more trusting, back before she saw how our force's brave efforts were squandered by curtailing the surge, and having endorsed the one if Afghanistan, she received insight into how that was squandered as well.

[Extraneus]

I actually did agree with her endorsement, but not with McCain's candidacy. It would have been quite disloyal not to endorse the guy who made her the VP nominee, even though what happened to her after that was largely his fault.

[Danube on iPad]

Let me get this straight: if you're opposed to making war against a country that has not harmed us and poses no threat to us, you're an isolationist.

Note that Dana still hasn't answered the question. He says he's willing to let the UN determine the source (which it has said it will not attempt to do), but is silent about what he would do if it determined the source to be the Syrian government.

[Skoot]

So according to the dolts current schedule, the most likely scenario is the house votes down the authorization on 10 Sep, and at 0500 on 11 Sep the VX starts flying on the outskirts of Damascus.

Brilliant!

[Puttenesca]

"Note that Dana still hasn't answered the question. He says he's willing to let the UN determine the source (which it has said it will not attempt to do), but is silent about what he would do if it determined the source to be the Syrian government."

Omg. You are so much better at simple declarative sentences.

Please confine yourself to 'yes' or 'no' in the future.

[Michael Hendry]

Looks like someone wanted to call himself 'Whorish' in Italian but couldn't quite spell 'Puttanesca'.

[Ignatz]

--Bomb Syria, or No ?--

What a jerk. You have participated in discussions here where I already made it clear days or weeks ago there was no justification for going into Syria and yet you pretend like you don't know this.

Despite occasional feints, you lack good faith, so are useless to engage.

[Puttenesca]

" You have participated in discussions here where I already made it clear days or weeks ago there was no justification for going into Syria and yet you pretend like you don't know this."

You are full of rocky mountain oysters. You can't substantiate the claims of my participation. But, I assume you can give us the location of your personal views, which you have been unable to duplicate here.

[pagar-----]

I agree with Sarah--Let Allah sort it out.

"I still don't think I've seen or heard one opinion from Sarah Palin that I didn't agree with."

Agreed!

Also agree with Extraneus that it was necessary to endorse McCain since he was running.

[DoctorWeevil]

"You can't substantiate the claims of my participation"? If you didn't participate, say so. This looks like the kind of thing total weasels write to imply that they are denying something without actually denying it.

[pagar-----]

"Can you guys help?I've misplaced JFKerry's "global test"?

Posted by: Clarice | August 31, 2013 at 05:44 PM"

Wasn't there a picture of it on the wall in some museum in Hanoi? Where they had all the stuff from their American helpers.

[Extraneus]

useless to engage

By Jove, I think you've got it, Iggy.

[Puttenesca]

"By Jove, I think you've got it, Iggy."

you need all the engagement you can get.

[Elliott]

The Fierce Moral Urgency Of Manana

Veni, vidi, vaycay.

[Extraneus]

Our clever president is probably just lulling the Syrians into a false sense of security now. Soon they'll be tasting nothing but bunkerbusters.

Just kidding. He doesn't have the guts.

"Kate? Are you coming back after vacation, honey? Kate?"

[Jeff Dobbs]

Following The Arc From "Yes We Can" To "You Sit Thinking, 'You Know, Maybe. I Don't Know. I Guess I'll Ask Congress.'"

[trollsrus]

@ 3:3:30 PM - and/or unless you consider the murder of 25,000 unarmed, defenseless civilians from 25,000 feet a victory, and unless of course you consider allowing the real villains to escape and to murder again all over the world a Clintonesque virtue. IMO, there are A LOT of veterans from that war who are also war criminals, starting at the top with President Bill Clinton and General "Weasely" Clark. Don't be surprised if the liberals strive to let Obama get away with becoming a war criminal, too.

[Extraneus]

Penetta speaks

“The president of the United States, as commander in chief, has the responsibility to protect our vital national security interests. There’s no question that the credibility and the leadership of the United States in a troubled world is extremely important to our national security,” Panetta tell NBC, according to Politico. “Having drawn a clear red line that Syria should not use chemical weapons, same kind of red line that we’ve drawn on Iran, with regards to the use of nuclear weapons, it is absolutely important to our national security interest that we back up that word and take action when that line has been violated.”

[Clarice]

Love that, elliott..*thwoop* It's stolen.
Nice work, too, hit.

[Puttenesca]

"starting at the top with President Bill Clinton and General "Weasely" Clark. Don't be surprised if the liberals strive to let Obama get away with becoming a war criminal, too."

Did you want to stop there? BTW, I won't be surprised if the answer is yes.

[Danube on iPad]

"You can't substantiate the claims of my participation."

Ofcourse not, you gutless coward. You change your name every 72 hours or so. But you'll always be Dana Gilbert Ward of Pitzer College, now in the twilight of a distinctly mediocre career.

Let us know when the U.N. identifies the source. Fool.

[Elliott]

I see from the simple and highly compromising expedient of searching the database of NSA strategic corporate partner G**gle that others had already twisted the familiar quotation. I suspect "Operation Desert Sturm und Drang" is already taken as well.

[Puttenesca]

" But you'll always be Dana Gilbert Ward of Pitzer College,"

Further emphasizing your disconnectivity. Really, get some assistance through your government assisted Medicare Plan.

I'm not kidding, man. Are you starting to believe in Santy Claus once again.

[Threadkiller]

This is much more entertaining than a birther thread.

[Jane-sun - the squaw]

Dana is an utter bore. Typical liberal. He goes on and on and on and never says anything,

[Puttenesca]

If I thought it would help with the delusional amongst us, I would provide an acceptable proof of life for me as someone other than the Danube (snort) believes me to be, but the stoopid is strong with this one.

So, the birthers have that going for them.

[Clarice]

Rick, I know you'll love this one.http://www.france24.com/en/20130831-france-former-ambassador-boillon-caught-350000-euros-cash

[narciso el taino]

It's a bit of a shame really;

When I arrived in Baghdad, I had three axes and I have implemented decisively theses axes: building trust, because sorry for French pride but not everyone has loved our position in 2003. Iraqi leaders told me "It is not thanks to France we are here" Strengthen the rule of law and citizenship. And the last line of my report, it is economic. I was reduced to that and it is maybe my fault. I'm not only an economic ambassador but in 2010, it exported $ 800 million, almost three times more than in 2008. And for me the word enterprise is not an insult. (...) Mission accomplished! With a staff of 10, it was as well ... that the U.S. embassy, where they are 3000!

[narciso el taino]

And this was him in Le Figaro in 2010:

Iraq is the true laboratory of democracy in the Arab world. It is there that the future of democracy in the region will play itself out. Iraq could potentially become a political model for its neighbors. And, whether one likes it or not, all this has come about thanks to the American intervention of 2003.[8]

[Account Deleted]

Clarice,

That (source of funds) sounds so dumb it might be the truth. If it were Italy, he would have to verify the transfer and he'd still pay a very stiff fine (either 25% or 33% IIRC).