Hadley's error

White House national security advisor Stephen Hadley spoke to the Council on Foreign Relations recently. I love his transparency.

Concerning the North Korean nuclear issue, he stated, “I think one of the things we need to do is keep up the pressure, because we would like to get this issue resolved so that the new administration does not have to deal with it.” (emphasis mine)[Source]

Wow, how nice! Though I think he rather meant “does not get the credit.” It’s no secret that Bush is pushing for some sort of positive legacy.

Hadley continued, “On the other hand, we have to be careful that they will not try and just sort of run out the clock.”

I’m surpised at the poor judgment Hadley showed in revealing the administration’s intentions. Having proven themselves skillful negotiators, the North almost certainly will use these comments to its own advantage.

First, they will attempt to drag things out as much as possible, since they know Bush’s limitations. The time pressure Bush feels will be used to secure more a advantageous result for the North.

Second, the phrase “run out the clock” reveals that the Bush administration not only understands this position, but also feels that the North has the advantage. “Running out the clock” is something only winning teams do -- by acknowledging its more desperate position, the U.S. weakens its position.

For an administration so familiar with the term "embolden the enemy," I must say I'm disappointed.