Bush's Foreign Policy Successes

Iraq, Afghanistan and the war on terrorism. These, among other items, will ultimately be the conflicts and challenges that define the success or failure of the 43rd President's time in office. During a week in which the nation will inaugurate its first African-American president, the celebration will also serve as a reminder of the abundant shortcomings and limitations of President George W. Bush's foreign policy vision.

While much of the President's record undoubtedly deserves harsh scrutiny and analysis, we here at RealClearWorld also acknowledge that events never occur in a vacuum. Decisions made by the executive often have reverberating effects for future presidents, both good and bad. President Bush, much like his predecessors, adopted a position impacted by decisions he didn't affect or formulate. The true policy impacts of the Bush administration may not manifest themselves for years to come. And just as President Carter had the Iranian hostage crisis, and President Kennedy had the Bay of Pigs invasion, President Bush will be judged and deconstructed by a small handful of decisions made.

It's in this spirit that RealClearWorld presents you with George W. Bush's Top 5 Foreign Policy Successes. While rightly criticized for his failings, this list seeks to highlight some of the positive policy choices made by this controversial administration.
No. 5 Colombia