The Hindu : Kissinger move a blow to Bush

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002

International

International

Kissinger move a blow to Bush

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington Dec. 14. In what is yet another blow to the White House, Henry Kissinger, Chairman of the Commission appointed by the U.S. President, George Bush, to investigate the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks has resigned.

Dr. Kissinger stepped down citing conflict of interest concerns; and that while he was willing to have an independent body to look into the financial aspects of his firm, Kissinger Associates, he was not willing to make public the list of his clients.

The former Secretary of State also feared that members of Congress and critics might demand that he liquidate his firm. The naming of Dr. Kissinger to head the panel was done with a lot of fanfare even as many questioned the choice of Mr. Bush. Much of the criticism had to do with the style and functioning of Dr. Kissinger during his long stint in the Nixon and Ford administrations, especially as it pertained to his dealings with Congress.

The White House has said that the idea of Dr. Kissinger stepping down was his own and that the President accepted it with regret. And the argument is made that Mr. Bush will be naming a replacement very soon. The resignation of Dr. Kissinger came only two days after the Commission's Vice-Chair, George Mitchell, the former Democratic Senate Majority Leader, also stepped down saying that this job would conflict with the present responsibilities at his law firm.

The Democrats quickly moved and replaced Mr. Mitchell with the former Congressman, Lee Hamilton. What must be of concern to the White House is that the Commission — which was appointed two weeks ago — is yet to start off in any meaningful fashion and seems to be limping around. And relatives of the victims of 9/11 have been openly calling for a Commission that is open, transparent and devoid of politics.

As it is there are enough noises on whether or not the present Commission will face Congressional scrutiny. On top of this there is concern and debate on the issuing of subpoenas the question being if a majority vote in the panel is required or members allowed to issue individual subpoenas. Even before beginning work, the Commission appears to be bogged down on not just who is going to head it but on the membership as well which will be equally divided between Republicans and Democrats. The Republicans have yet to choose four out of their five nominees. And the panel's report will come just before the Presidential elections of November 2004.

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