Elections have consequences as John McCain likes to say. So it would be unrealistic of us hawks to expect the president-elect to appoint the kind of national security team that John McCain would have. But from a hawkish perspective, the team unveiled in Chicago this morning is about as good as it gets.
Hillary Clinton is one of the soundest Democrats on foreign policy; we can be confident that she will be an advocate for a robust line on Iran. Robert Gates was not an initial supporter of the surge but as defence secretary he has shown an appreciation for what it has achieved. His retention suggests that Obama is not planning any dramatic departure from current Iraq policy which is a relief given his irresponsible rhetoric during the primaries. As for the national security advisor presumptive, General Jim Jones, he is someone who John McCain could have appointed. Indeed, the only disappointing appointment is Susan Rice as UN Ambassador—if you’ve read Samantha Power’s A Problem from Hell you’ll understand why I’m not a huge fan of Rice’s.
Obama will face many foreign policy challenges. He is going to have to use a creative mix of diplomacy and military force to safeguard global security; these appointments are an encouraging sign that he appreciates this.
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