White House chaos in policymaking a cause for global concern

THOSE who follow the way decisions are made in Washington recognise that the US policymaking process can be quite messy.

Indeed, the way the White House, the US Congress and the bureaucracy arrive at decisions, including those pertaining to war and peace, can be haphazard and painful to watch. Trying to undermine their adversaries' plans, officials leak stories to the press while competing bureaucratic alliances are formed to influence Congress, the press and public opinion. That creates the impression that no knows what is happening and leaves America's allies and foes confused.

But then when the debate in Washington involves foreign policy and national security, the American president makes the final decision, and out of the chaos, a clear picture of US policy emerges.