OK, but we also have to be reasonable and rational. Many believe engagement with Vietnam and economic investment is the highway to an improvement in human rights and democracy in Vietnam.
The conflict between profits and speaking out on human rights in Vietnam goes to the core of Mr. Bush’s opportunity to openly and directly approach the issue with Mr. Triet. While U.S. investment, business and tourism dollars are flowing into Vietnam, forcefully linking that investment to reforming human rights in Vietnam is most appropriate.
Just as some are already calling next summer’s Olympics in China the “genocide games” because of China’s intransigence on the genocide in Darfur, the leadership in Vietnam can be encouraged to institute reforms now more proactively.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper gave us all a lesson in straight talk June 8 when he spoke to China’s President Hu Jintao directly about China’s “problems with the lack of democracy.
Two days later, leaders in Sweden again directly confronted Mr. Hu on Darfur.
While in Prague earlier this month, Mr. Bush called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of many dissidents in countries such as Belarus, Myanmar, Cuba and Vietnam. Late in May, President Bush hosted at the White House four of the most prominent critics of communist Vietnam.
Now Mr. Bush has his opportunity to become “the human rights president” when he hosts Mr. Triet from Vietnam at the White House.
John E. Carey is the former president of International Defense Consultants, Inc. and is a frequent contributor to The Washington Times.Related:
Vietnam’s President Triet to Meet with President Bush: What are the Issues?
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