Bush enforces new US diplomacy

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2004

WASHINGTON (AFP) — President George W. Bush has rewritten US foreign policy during four years at the White House, with the war on terror now taking priority and doubt cast on some traditional alliances.

A unilateralist culture and a readiness to use force has been stamped on foreign policy.

Bush shocked some by designating Iraq, Iran and North Korea as the "Axis of Evil" or saying the world was "either with us or against us" in the battle against terrorists.

The new policy has the hallmarks of the neo-conservative "hawks" who enjoy key roles in the White House, the National Security Council and as aides to Vice President Dick Cheney.

The administration has thrown a blanket on the moderating influence of Secretary of State Colin Powell, who tends to...