But when dealing with Bill Clinton, it is always wise to assume that he has thought about the matter carefully, and knows exactly what he is doing. And as it happens there is a perfectly rational, albeit slightly cold-blooded, reason for the position he took.
In May 2005, I reported in this space that "Bill Clinton's desire to succeed Kofi Annan as secretary-general of the United Nations when the latter steps down (in September 2006) has now graduated from the rumor stage to that of a fact as well established as such a thing can reasonably be at this point in the game." I noted that Clinton's popularity overseas is such that he is probably the sole exception to the rule that a citizen of the world's only superpower won't be chosen to head the United Nations. Moreover, the job is bound to appeal to him: It is enormously prestigious, and involves lots of grandiose speeches and relatively little really heavy lifting. To be sure, he would have to obtain President Bush's consent and support -- but haven't you noticed the remarkably warm relationship Clinton has sedulously cultivated in the past couple of years with the president's father?
By openly condemning the offensive cartoons of Muhammad, Clinton has endeared himself to the Muslim world, whose support would be essential to his bid to become secretary-general of the United Nations. By doing so in Qatar, he no doubt hoped to diminish the statement's impact in the United States -- and he seems to have succeeded.
Stay tuned. I will keep you informed of further moves in Slick Willie's latest campaign.