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Bush broke rules of diplomacy

NEW YORK: Accusing US President George W Bush of violating the rules of diplomacy on the issue of Iraq, a leading American magazine has warned that it will be harder for Washington to have its way diplomatically in the future.

Bush “has violated the rules that govern the etiquette of complex international relations - the rules of diplomacy” and that could complicate transatlantic relations, Time magazine said in an analytical piece on possible war with Iraq.

In the short run, “Bush will have his way in Iraq, certainly; rolling up al-Qaeda, probably; perhaps with Turkey and at the Security Council as well. But he has been extremely careless in the process, and there are bound to be consequences,” it said.

The consequences in post-war Iraq are “unknowable”, and in case of North Korea, the production and sale of plutonium or a military effort to thwart such sales could be “cataclysmic”, the report cautioned.

“The transatlantic consequences may become more apparent after the war is over: the French, no doubt, have enjoyed their leading role in the current melodrama and may seek to make it permanent. They may attempt to organise a new alliance - a loose one, no doubt to thwart American power,” it said. “The portents are clear: it will be harder and harder for America to have its way, diplomatically, in the world,” it added.

Referring to Bush’s remark at his press conference Thursday that “It’s time for people to show their cards,” Time said “it showed as if he actually enjoyed the prospect of a confrontation with France, Russia and the others.” —PTI

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