Bush no-show sends "wrong signal" to SE Asia

[Mojorabbit]

Source: reuters

President George W. Bush's decision to skip a Southeast Asian forum in September and a possible earlier no-show by his secretary of state sends "a wrong signal" to the region, a former Thai foreign minister says.
snip
It was followed by reports that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, expected to visit the Middle East soon to work on a major U.S. peace initiative, would skip the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila next month.

If so, it would be the second time in three years that Rice has missed the Asian security meeting, which draws ASEAN foreign ministers as well as China, South and North Korea, Australia, the European Union, Japan, India, New Zealand, Canada and Russia.

Washington's allies in the region fear it has been distracted by Iraq, Iran, the global war on terror and North Korea, allowing China to raise its profile quietly and be more assertive.

snip
"But now we are getting an indication that we are being marginalized, ignored and given little attention," he said.

Surin, a respected foreign minister for four years in the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, said "other dialogue partners are moving firmly and systematically to cultivate a closer and stronger relationship in the ASEAN region."

He did not name specific countries, but Beijing has been busy sending its diplomats and leaders across the region handing out loans, helping build roads and ports, and doling out investment and aid.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070720/pl_nm/thailand_asean_dc_1;_ylt=AkqSGiwdn2sjUXduz0yPjuYE1vAI

[aquart]

1. Boy genius strikes again.

[Demeter]

2. It's a Signal Of Just How Deep the Hot Water Is Getting

and while it's really bad to reveal such weakness to friends or enemies, we can take some comfort in this quiet admission that things aren't going well in the White House.

[SpiralHawk]

3. "Guess I screwed the pooch again. It's hard work." - Commander AWOL

"Smirk, smirk, smirk."

- Commander AWOL

[napi21]

4. Ya know, idiot son may well retire with a lot of $$, but because of

his arrogant "I'll do it my way and alone if necessary" attitude, I get the feeling he will die a very lonely old man!

[reprobate]

8. How can you possibly say that? Can the most hated man in the world really be lonely?

[sutz12]

9. He won't be lonely...he'll have his Secret Service detail to keep him company. nt

[MetaTrope]

5. George got what he wanted from you, Gloria

And now he's going to toss you aside like a used condom...

[hatrack]

6. Sorry! Climate might be discussed, and besides, Condi's busy with Operation Useless Symbolism . . .

Very busy - hope you understand!

:puke:

[PSPS]

7. Hmmm. September again. Maybe bush 'knows' something will 'happen' in September.

[Parche]

10. Bush

He has to stay in the US, so when the next 'CIA' terror attack hits here he can come to
our rescue, just like he did on 9/11 :sarcasm: :sarcasm:

[AndyTiedye]

11. Bush** Has Another War to Start in September

[3waygeek]

12. * not going to Southeast Asia?

gee, that's never happened before... :sarcasm:

[Phrogman]

13. Good! We don't want him over here.

PM
Philippines.