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Obama's Attempt at Foreign Policy Intervention

Update: Odinga has changed his mind and now agreed to meet with President Kibaki. It may be that Barack Obama's telephone call was successful.

*****

The U.S. today urged Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga to engage in bi-lateral talks to resolve Kenya's political crisis.

Barack Obama called the opposition leader to urge him to agree to the talks.

Barack Obama, whose late father was Kenyan, spoke with the opposition leader Raila Odinga for about five minutes from New Hampshire, asking the opposition leader to meet directly with President Mwai Kibaki, said the Democratic presidential candidate's spokesman.

"He urged an end to violence and that Mr. Odinga sit down, without preconditions, with President Kibaki to resolve this issue peacefully," said the spokesman, Bill Burton.

The outcome (from first linked article): [More...]

But Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday rejected a government offer of bilateral talks to end a crisis that has killed at least 500 people and displaced some 255,000, saying that without international mediation such a meeting would be a sideshow.

More here.

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  • Display: Sort:
    being a cousin of obinga (5.00 / 2) (#18)
    by Turkana on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:03:03 PM EST
    obama would be useless as a negotiator. if he can convince obinga and the luo to remain calm, that would be wonderful, but the excitement over his having called obinga is, well, typical...

    for more context, i had a couple posts at tlc:

    http://www.theleftcoaster.com/archives/011632.php#011632

    http://www.theleftcoaster.com/archives/011677.php

    The first thing i thought (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:21:33 PM EST
    when i saw that he asked them to meet with out precondition, what powerful a  statement it will be when he is president and the US talks with countries we don't like, without preconditions.

    You know I didn't think invading Iraq or voting for Kyl Leberman was a good idea. So clearly my idea pf good foreign policy differs greatly with Clinton supporters.

    wow... (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by mindfulmission on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:52:45 PM EST
    ... anything to make Obama look bad.  

    I can't wait for this to be over so that we can start talking about crime and justice issues again.

    fwiw (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:57:36 PM EST
    wiki says Odinga named his eldest son Fidel in honor of, well, you know who...

    OMG, Talk about swift boating fodder. (none / 0) (#75)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 05:44:31 PM EST
    Add in the possibly Marxist H.S. teachers of Obama's mother and the fact his parents became Unitarian.  What else will they need?

    Parent
    Yes, this is clearly Obama's fault. (none / 0) (#1)
    by Geekesque on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:24:30 PM EST
    How dare he try to help the situation.

    But isn't it somewhat surprising he is (none / 0) (#3)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:27:42 PM EST
    not only making these contacts but that also his campaign is publicizing his efforts?

    Parent
    No to the first and a "link please" to (none / 0) (#5)
    by Geekesque on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:31:59 PM EST
    the second.

    Parent
    Newsday AP Jan. 8/08: (none / 0) (#8)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:37:29 PM EST
    Chicken/Egg? n/t (none / 0) (#31)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:25:31 PM EST
    How so? (none / 0) (#34)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:27:59 PM EST
    What I'm saying is that (none / 0) (#45)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:41:03 PM EST
    we don't know if the reporters sniffed it out and asked or if Obama's people brought it up.

    And there's this.

    Parent

    Interesting addition. Thanks. (none / 0) (#62)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:06:38 PM EST
    of course it's good (none / 0) (#4)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:27:46 PM EST
    he tried. The point is he failed.

    Parent
    So, you're blaming him (none / 0) (#6)
    by Geekesque on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:32:20 PM EST
    for the failure of talks to get underway?

    Parent
    I'm pointing out (none / 0) (#7)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:36:25 PM EST
    he was not successful.

    Parent
    This is perilously close to the Edwards killed (none / 0) (#9)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:40:08 PM EST
    Theresa meme.  

    I think the issues are:  (1) should a Presidential primary candidate (including Edwards re Musharraf) directly contact a foreign leader before the candidate is elected President? and (2) if the candidate does so, is it appropriate for the candidate's campaign to provide this information to the media?

    Parent

    And the answer is.... (none / 0) (#12)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:50:28 PM EST
    No and no.

    1. They aren't President yet. And it is likely to confuse any attempts the ACTUAL President might be trying to do.

    2. If they do, they have to take the results, in this case failure, and admit it the same what they hucked the attempt.


    Parent
    just my take (none / 0) (#13)
    by Judith on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:54:56 PM EST
    I have no problem with someone trying to end violence. I didnt read the article yet but I wonder if anybody at the State Dept knew he was making those calls...

    It is dumb to talk about it before you have a positive outcome.  

    Parent

    Read the AP article. Obama talked to (none / 0) (#15)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:56:20 PM EST
    Rice and later made a Voice of America spot.

    Parent
    so she was okay with it (none / 0) (#17)
    by Judith on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:59:24 PM EST
    I assume or he wouldnt have done it.

    I have no problem with this.

    It sucks that he failed - not sure he had any clout to get it done anyway...sorta a reach.  I can imagine the response -"who wants me to do what?"

    anyway I will read it before thinking of responding further.

    Bye

    Parent

    okay (none / 0) (#21)
    by Judith on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:10:21 PM EST
    I read it an my comments stand other than I think everyone knew who Obama was.

    Parent
    Yep (none / 0) (#33)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:26:36 PM EST
    He was working with the State Department...

    Parent
    According to Obama's spokesperson. (none / 0) (#36)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:28:47 PM EST
    I guess that's a lie that would be quickly (none / 0) (#39)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:31:30 PM EST
    demolished. Any denial from the State Department?

    Parent
    No info one way or the other. (none / 0) (#42)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:37:20 PM EST
    They confirmed it n/t (none / 0) (#48)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:44:10 PM EST
    Source? (none / 0) (#50)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:53:30 PM EST
    Besides the AP article that you (none / 0) (#51)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:55:36 PM EST
    suggested someone else read?

    Parent
    Obama's campaign spokesperson (none / 0) (#55)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:58:19 PM EST
    provided the information to the media.  Have you seen anything from the State Dept. about Obama's contacts with anyone in the State Dept. and/or with anyone in Kenya?  Latest AP article quotes our Ambassador to Kenya, who says she has been working on this for three days.  Who knows?

    Parent
    There's (none / 0) (#59)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:02:39 PM EST
    Oh Oculus... (none / 0) (#53)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:56:55 PM EST
    ...you and your sources.  Next thing you know, you'll be wanting accountabilty in government!  :>)

    Parent
    Its always good to harbor some good ole (none / 0) (#58)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:02:17 PM EST
    Midwest skepticism.  

    Parent
    you can also (none / 0) (#43)
    by Judith on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:38:23 PM EST
    take the view that Obama is loved by the GOP so they have no problem with him making his calls.

    Anybody who is co opted by the GOP makes me nervous.

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#46)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:43:39 PM EST
    this might also be important..

    "My maternal uncle'

    "Barack Obama's father is actually my maternal uncle," said Odinga, who is battling to overturn disputed presidential elections which have plunged Kenya into turmoil. "

    His family is there. They like him there. Diplomacy is a good thing. Let's not forget that...

    Parent

    heh (1.00 / 0) (#66)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:21:49 PM EST
    Nothing like getting involved in tribal politics...

    Thought the Left condemned that kind of stuff..

    Wait. That's in Iraq.... never mind.

    Parent

    hehe (none / 0) (#77)
    by jimakaPPJ on Wed Jan 09, 2008 at 07:05:44 AM EST
    Having watched you insult the US military for years I find your comments odd. As you wrote:

    The fact that you don't want to touch (none / 0) (#24)
    by Dark Avenger on Wed Sep 12, 2007 at 12:59:30 AM EST

    ...People will think either I'm crazy or used to be in Naval Aviation, and I don't know which one is worse.

    Have you figured out the difference??

    Parent

    not necessarily (none / 0) (#52)
    by Judith on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:56:26 PM EST
    you have to have some reason why you think you matter - if he was seen as just connected to one side and not an impartial broker then he couldnt help, didnt help, and looks kinda naive.

    Parent
    Except now they're agreeing to talk. See below n/t (none / 0) (#56)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:59:27 PM EST
    I updated the post (none / 0) (#57)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:01:37 PM EST
    and put that right at the top.

    Parent
    I just saw that. (none / 0) (#61)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:04:30 PM EST
    Hope it works out for the Kenyans. I can't imagine living through that kind of thing. My SO is a teacher and her students just sent/received letters to kids in Kenya and she's concerned that one of the schools (or churches) she saw on the news where kids were killed is the same one that her students' penpals were at.

    Parent
    Uncle and cousin! (none / 0) (#63)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:09:56 PM EST
    Odinga told the British Broadcasting Company Tuesday that Obama's late father is his maternal uncle, making them cousins. Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said Odinga and Obama's father are from the same Luo tribe, but he isn't aware that they are related.
     Bewsday AP

    Parent
    First Pelosi, now Obama. (none / 0) (#10)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:43:52 PM EST
    Makes one wonder who these people think they are. A visit or a 5 minute phone call will change a millennia of tribal/ethnic hatred. Right.

    Do you have a better suggestion for how to (none / 0) (#11)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:47:15 PM EST
    acquire foreign policy experience in a hurry?

    Parent
    "How to acquire foreign policy experience (none / 0) (#20)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:09:08 PM EST
    in a hurry."

    Sounds like an 3:00AM infomercial on channel 115 - right after an hour of "Girls Gone Wild" and before an hour of "How to get rock hard abs in just 5 minutes."

    Sad thing is, we have a sitting US Senator and a Speaker of the House who probably agree with your premise.

    Who do these people think they are. Seriously.

    Parent

    SUO (1.00 / 0) (#67)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:26:20 PM EST
    Who do these people think they are. Seriously.

    The question is, who do we think these people are.

    Me? I think most of'em are power hungry gas bag.

    The rest are gas bags who are power hungry.

    Parent

    Not sure what your next to final (none / 0) (#23)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:13:56 PM EST
    sentence means.  [I was being snarky anyhow.]

    Parent
    [I was being snarky anyhow.] (none / 0) (#25)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:17:32 PM EST
    Thanks. I went back and forth over your comment before I responded and still wasn't quite sure if you were being serious or not.

    Parent
    All the Obama v. Clinton stuff is so (none / 0) (#26)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:18:56 PM EST
    predictable, I just can't help myself.  Sorry.

    Parent
    Fari einogh. (none / 0) (#35)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:28:29 PM EST
    Looks like it's going to rain.

    Parent
    better to have tried and failed (none / 0) (#14)
    by Jlvngstn on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:55:30 PM EST
    than to have not tried at all.

    Aw heck, that is what got is into Iraq...

    Parent

    Indeed. And now all the Dem. candidates (none / 0) (#16)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 02:57:04 PM EST
    will rush into Pakistan.  

    Parent
    He was working with the State Department (none / 0) (#37)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:30:22 PM EST
    It's clear more is involved than you suggest.

    Parent
    So tried and failed (none / 0) (#19)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:03:45 PM EST
    compared to Hillary who has never tried, and hasn't articulated how she would try.  

    How low will it go?

    If we have a president (none / 0) (#22)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:11:05 PM EST
    willing to try diplomacy, it won't work every time.  This is attack is republicans framing, if it fails just once, it is hopeless.

    Shame

    A president... (5.00 / 0) (#27)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:21:10 PM EST
    ...willing to try diplomacy?  That is such pre-9/11 thinking!

    Attack first, ask questions (like how the heck are we going to pay for this) later...

    Parent

    That's the "change" I'm banking on. (5.00 / 0) (#30)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:23:07 PM EST
    If there is no "later" (1.00 / 0) (#78)
    by jimakaPPJ on Wed Jan 09, 2008 at 07:11:28 AM EST
    it really doesn't matter, eh??

    Parent
    "If we have a president . . ." (none / 0) (#24)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:16:15 PM EST
    I think Obama should hold off until he is President.

    Parent
    he asked people to meet (none / 0) (#29)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:23:02 PM EST
    that really isn't foreign policy, sounds more like common sense.

    Parent
    and it sounds (none / 0) (#32)
    by Jgarza on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:26:31 PM EST
    like he had the blessing of the sec of state.  Bush is so desperate he is turning to Barack Obama to help his diplomacy.

    Parent
    Or the Bush admin. or some of it (none / 0) (#38)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:30:25 PM EST
    is gaming the primaries.

    Parent
    Um. This is a bit confusing considering your post. (none / 0) (#41)
    by JayR70 on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:33:43 PM EST
    Just noted the update (none / 0) (#47)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:43:52 PM EST
    and change at the top of my post. Thanks!

    Parent
    Odinga is his uncle? (none / 0) (#54)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:57:04 PM EST
    I retract everything I said.

    yeah (none / 0) (#60)
    by Judith on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:02:40 PM EST
    not an impartial broker.

     

    Parent

    I say good on him. His uncle was (none / 0) (#64)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:16:57 PM EST
    the hold out.  

    Parent
    huh? (none / 0) (#68)
    by Judith on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:29:59 PM EST
    good on whom?

    Parent
    Obama, for calling his uncle. Yes, I (none / 0) (#70)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:37:15 PM EST
    changed my mind.  I was not in favor of an officious inter meddler acting w/o State Dept. sanction.  

    Parent
    ok (none / 0) (#73)
    by Judith on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 05:02:31 PM EST
    fine with me

    Parent
    oculus, they both were "hold outs." No? (none / 0) (#71)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:44:28 PM EST
    Odinga's spokesman, Salim Lone, said Odinga will meet with Kibaki, as long as the meeting is part of the mediation process with African Union chairman John Kufuor, the Ghanaian president. Kufuor's trip to Kenya had been delayed repeatedly as the government [Kibaki] rejected outside mediation in the disputed vote, but was to begin talks in the capital as early as Wednesday.

    Frazer had won an offer from Kibaki to form a unity government over the weekend. Odinga then said he was willing to drop demands that Kibaki resign and was willing to discuss sharing power, but only through a mediator empowered to negotiate an agreement that the international community would guarantee.

    Kibaki then backed down from his rejection of the mediator.

    Parent
    Looks like it. (none / 0) (#74)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 05:42:13 PM EST
    Am I missing something, (none / 0) (#65)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:18:59 PM EST
    or were the two sides at an impasse in even meeting for talks because Odinga wanted an international mediator and Kibaki didn't. Odinga then reiterated this to Obama when Obama called. Some time after the call, Kibaki agreed to a mediator.

    Did Obama have a part in Kibaki's decision to compromise on the mediator? If so, kudos to him.

    Per Newsday AP: (none / 0) (#69)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:32:32 PM EST
    He spoke to Odinga for about five minutes Monday before going into a rally in Lebanon, N.H., and was trying to reach Kibaki Tuesday as New Hampshire voters went to the polls.


    Parent
    Amnesty International's Day of Action for Kenya (none / 0) (#80)
    by aiuan on Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 02:13:49 PM EST
    On February 27, people around the world are reaching out for Kenya to call for an end to the violence and protect all Kenyans' human rights.  Amnesty International is holding demonstrations in cities around the world from Washington, DC, to Kampala.  We want Kenyans to know we stand with them, so we have started a Reach Out for Kenya Facebook group and Flickr.com page for photos and messages from our members to Kenyans. Please take a minute to post messages of solidarity and hope for those who are suffering in Kenya. Check out AI's blog at http://blogs.amnestyusa.org/urgentaction

    Check out Amnesty International USA's Kenya page to learn more: http://www.amnestyusa.org/By_Country/Kenya/page.do?id=1011181&n1=3&n2=30&n3=931