AMATEURS – AT 8:25 P.M. ET:  What does President Obama think he's running, a student government?  We've having a problem with President Karzai of Afghanistan, a country in which American troops are fighting.  You won't believe how the minor leaguers in the Obama crowd want to deal with the problem.  From AP:

WASHINGTON – In a new indication of strained relations, the White House said Tuesday it would consider canceling an upcoming visit by Afghan President Hamid Karzai if he continues to make troublesome remarks. Such a move would be a remarkable diplomatic slap likely to infuriate the mercurial leader.

Hey, they've gotten practice with the treatment of the British and Israeli prime ministers.  Why not put some of those skills to work again, right?

Despite the public reproach, senior administration officials said the tough statement was really meant as a warning and a sign of Washington's continued unhappiness with the Afghan leader's comments. The officials, one of whom described it as "a shot across the bow," said canceling Karzai's invitation was not being seriously considered, at least not yet.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the administration's strategy, which they were not authorized to discuss publicly.

Karzai has infuriated the White House with accusations that the United Nations and the international community interfered in last year's fraud-tarnished presidential election in Afghanistan.

COMMENT:  Karzai is no gem, and his comments are out of line.  But there is a disturbing pattern here:  This administration goes out of its way to insult allies, while appeasing enemies.  The world is clearly noticing. 

It's time for this administration to graduate from high school.  The aura of amateurism and immaturity surrounding Obamaville is growing, and it is hurting the country's diplomacy.  The fish rots from the head, and the blame must be placed squarely on President Obama, a man who has turned out to lack graciousness, or any other characteristic that would indicate humanity.

Deal with Karzai.  Get firm with Karzai.  But do it privately, fellas.  That's the way the adults work.

April 7, 2010