Clinton's list<\/p>\n
U.S. President Bill Clinton has kicked off the new year with a
\nlittle surprise. He released what is now known as Clinton's List.
\nLike a teacher, Clinton has issued report cards evaluating the
\ndemocratic behavior of Asian countries, whom he possibly regards
\nas his pupils. On this list, Indonesia is mentioned as a country
\nin which democracy has yet to be established. The same is also
\nsaid about Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei
\nDarussalam and Laos. The list also ranks countries such as
\nThailand, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, the Philippines and
\nTaiwan among those in which democracy is beginning to take hold.<\/p>\n
It seems that Clinton, who is scheduled to be sworn in for a
\nsecond term on Jan. 20, can be expected in the coming days to be
\nmore active putting together report cards such as this one.
\nDemocracy and human rights are likely to feature higher in his
\nforeign policy campaigns. All that, however, will be meant merely
\nfor domestic policy ends, to be consumed by those who voted for
\nhim and to stifle the disparaging statements from adversaries in
\nthe Republican Party. The list will not prevent Clinton from
\nestablishing agreeable relations with countries that are
\nmentioned.<\/p>\n
In any case, Clinton will be unable to ignore the reality that
\nhis country has an interest in maintaining relations with those
\ncountries. As long as those countries are economically and
\npolitically beneficial to his administration and country, Clinton
\nappears to have no other choice, a situation that is well-
\nreflected in his firm and persistent efforts to improve relations
\nwith China.<\/p>\n
In Bill Clinton's view, democracy embraces a double standard:
\nit is advantageous to his domestic political ends, yet it can be
\nignored as long as relations with the country in question benefit
\nthe U.S.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/clintons-list-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }