The more important overseas trip comes next month, when Clinton attends the G-7 economic summit in Naples. But just preparing for the trip has been a tonic for Clinton. And he has immersed himself with characteristic intensity in preparing for the bilateral meetings as well as the ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Rome and France. As usual, the immersion has paid off. Behind the scenes, however, officials report that the Clinton foreign policy process is as chaotic as ever.
Informality seems the rule.
Ideas on how to boost Turkish foreign aid sought casually by senior officials turn up verbatim in talking points for Clinton's meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister. A paper on Chinese human rights finds its way to the Oval Office without first being seen by Secretary of State Warren Christopher. If Clinton is not getting the kind of advice he needs, he has so far stopped short of replacing either Christopher or National Security Adviser Anthony Lake, who are reported to be sniping at each other. One potential candidate for Christopher's job, Colin Powell, has some White House officials delirious with anticipation. Maybe so, but Powell has let it be known that he is busy with a book contract and speaking engagements.