SEEING THE ASIA TRIP IN A NEW LIGHT…. During and after President Obama’s week-long trip to Asia, major U.S. media outlets were dismissive and derisive about the effort. Political reporters insisted the administration hadn’t actually gained anything, and by coming home empty-handed, the president had wasted his time.
White House officials have been frustrated by the media’s spin, insisting that the trip would pay dividends. The Atlantic‘s James Fallows has been a leading critic of American outlets’ coverage of the diplomatic efforts.
Yesterday, Fallows followed up, noting more “evidence of failure” in the wake of the president’s excursion.
Today in the NYT: “China Joins U.S. in Pledge of Hard Targets on Emissions”
Today in the Washington Post: “China’s backing on Iran followed dire predictions; Before Obama’s visit, NSC warned leaders of Mideast turmoil”
Today in the (state run) China Daily: “Mainland may pull some missiles…. Beijing might consider removing a portion of its missile arsenal in South China, a long-held precondition by Taiwan for peaceful cross-Straits ties, a mainland expert said Wednesday.”
Today also in the China Daily: “DPRK top leader meets visiting Chinese defense minister”
Along with the failure indicated yesterday, also in the China Daily: “RMB rate fine-tuning is possible”
If we’re lucky, the Obama administration will have plenty more “failures” like these in the coming years.
