‘Sledgehammer’ policies

Re “So many ‘special’ friends,” Opinion, April 3

Niall Ferguson’s piece expands on a very simple premise: A nation does not have permanent allies (friends); it only has permanent interests (the welfare of its citizens). Though the premise is easily spelled out, planning and executing a coherent and effective foreign policy are not. The Bush administration doesn’t seem capable of using anything smaller than a sledgehammer in its diplomacy or in its military actions.

ROD GUILMETTE

Burbank