HOME	Where the World's Views of America Come into Focus

By Philippe Gelie, Le Figaro's correspondent in Washington

April 29, 2005

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It is, without a doubt, appropriate that the first political battle of George W. Bush's second term has the United Nations as its focus. But in choosing John Bolton as the next American ambassador to the U.N., the president has entered into an arm wrestling match with Congress, which is requiring him to reconsider his own strength.

The process is not lacking in audacity: John Bolton at the United Nations is a bit like a pyromaniac fireman. This 56-year-old ultraconservative, who up to now has been the undersecretary of state for non-proliferation, has expressed only disdain for an international institution whose role, in his eyes, is limited to supporting American foreign policy.  Certain statements, notably when he said that ten floors of the United Nations building in New York could be eliminated "without it making any difference," have inspired a particular vigilance among Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, where the confirmation procedure is taking place. New damaging allegations have also surfaced, turning his nomination into a State affair.

Under his graying mop and with his short mustache, Bolton has mostly distinguished himself for his intemperance, as much in his work relationships as with interlocutors who don't agree with his point of view. On at least two occasions, on Cuba in 2002 and on Syria in 2003, this very ideological "hawk" has behaved violently toward CIA analysts who refused to back up his accusations of proliferation for lack of substantial proof. In numerous cases, he has tried to silence or fire those who have stood up to him. Testimony regarding his brutality toward colleagues is multiplying, and even some of his superiors may not have been safe. In 1994, he is said to have chased a colleague in a hotel in Moscow, throwing objects and banging on her door.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said in an interview last year with the Washington Times that on a scale of conservatism going from zero to one hundred, Bolton would be at "about 98." Recently, he gave his opinion on Bolton's character "in private" to several senators who asked. That was enough to make four of the ten Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hesitate. In order to pursue the investigation [into Bolton], the vote has been moved to May 12. About twenty "interviews" have been scheduled so far, and a questionnaire is to be submitted to Bolton asking him to provide the content of e-mails and phone calls regarding his confrontations with the intelligence community. If proven, the intimidation of CIA agents and the manipulation of sensitive information could cost him the position.

Powell's intervention infuriated the White House, which has shown a united front.  George W. Bush hailed John Bolton as "the right man for this important position," and his vice president, Dick Cheney, to whom the shady diplomat is close, denounced the "unfounded accusations." The big names in the Administration have taken up a campaign to pressure senators, the most reluctant of whom may be summoned for a briefing in the Oval Office. Steering clear of the candidate's personality, the Administration has turned the matter into a debate on the U.N. "There is clearly a lot to do at the United Nations," said Dick Cheney. "We are the host country and the biggest contributor and its success depends on American support."

"A vote for Bolton is a vote for reform at the United Nations; a vote against him is for the status quo," said White House spokesman Scott McClellan. The formula aims to put those who are hesitant on the defensive, American public opinion being rather unfavorable toward the U.N., especially since the war in Iraq and the "oil for food" scandal.  But the real stakes remain domestic: "If this nomination fails, that will mean that there is a notable resistance from moderate Republicans to a unilateral foreign policy," said Richard Haas of the Council on Foreign Relations. Republican senators have started to count their votes to force Bolton's confirmation in a plenary session. "It would be a disturbing sign if the president didn't have his party's support," said a congressional assistant.

In the meantime, the affair is a favorite topic for editorialists. One even suggested another post [for Bolton]: ambassador to France.