https://www.commentarymagazine.com/foreign-policy/rex-tillerson-democracy-promotion-human-rights-dumb/amp/...The absurd: Trump’s State Department is understaffed and poorly managed at every level. For all we know, the new statement was written by an America-first newcomer and will be tossed out once some thoughtful official manages to get his hands on it. This administration has achieved virtually nothing in one shot (and hasn’t done much better after several.)
The cosmetic: Perhaps the administration views this as a quick way to demonstrate its #MAGA bona fides without having to make nuts-and-bolts policy. A headline will trickle down to Trump’s populist supporters about Trump taking us out of the democracy-promotion business, and that will be the extent of it. In the real world, the administration will continue to act within the broad parameters of interests and ideals that have always defined our foreign policy. That will mean continuing to promote democracy and human rights abroad when prudent.
The meaningful: It could be that Tillerson or others take Trump’s rhetoric about America minding its own business seriously. In that case, the new statement stands as is and the State Department will have to dismantle the American democracy-promotion and human-rights apparatus that’s been active for decades....
John PodhoretzVerified account @jpodhoretz 1h1 hour ago
If you don't read this by @AbeGreenwald your day will be incomplete
https://www.commentarymagazine.com/foreign-policy/rex-tillerson-democracy-promotion-human-rights-dumb/amp/ …
