NYT’s Burns Shares Views of Iraq

The September 25 Global Issues Forum featuring two-time Pulitzer prize-winning New York Times foreign correspondent John F. Burns was co-sponsored by Water Street Capital as well as Diane DeMell Jacobsen, Ph.D.  Jacobsen’s lively introduction to a full house at UNF set the tone for Burns’ thought-provoking review of America ’s decision to invade Iraq and our strategic options going forward.

Born in Britain and raised in Canada , Burns did not learn his trade in country club settings, serving for more than 30 years in China , the Soviet Union, Bosnia , Taliban-infested Afghanistan and, for the past five years, Iraq .  Burns was arrested by the Chinese, whose agenda for the Cultural Revolution did not include factual, insightful reporting.  And he was among the interviewers of Saddam Hussein’s Minister of (Dis)Information, the supremely confident if delusionary “Baghdad Bob,” when U.S. soldiers and marines were just around the corner.  It was Baghdad Bob’s last press conference.  In the small world department, during a recent visit to Camp Stryker, Iraq, Burns was shepherded by Lt. Col. Mark Edmonds, the son of WAC Ambassador’s Circle members Gen. and Mrs. Maury Edmonds.  And what memorable, useful anecdotes Burns has acquired over the years.    

Burns thinks that the United States is currently being unduly weighted down by recriminations surrounding the invasion of Iraq and the immediate aftermath, which he urges be put aside for history to assess.  He clearly articulated America ’s dilemma:  If we stay the course in Iraq , we buy the time necessary for the emergence of a successful outcome.  But will success come soon enough?  Or will staying the course now only be followed by an unsuccessful withdrawal later after further loss of life and resources?  Burns is certain of one thing as he now takes up an NYT leadership position in London : America ’s active involvement in world affairs is absolutely crucial to world peace and prosperity.

Burns had a full day, having earlier presided over a large classroom of journalism and public speaking students at UNF, and having sat for an interview with WJCT.

-Samuel F. Heffner III

Member

The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville

^{Sponsored by:} Water Street Capital

and Diane DeMell Jacobsen, Ph.D.  

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