Word: bushing
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...George Bush's handling of the hostage crisis illustrates some of the main characteristics of his decision-making style...
...contra war winds down to a whimper, so too does a U.S. policy that preoccupied the Reagan Administration through two terms. The seeds of disengagement were sown last April, when President Bush secured $49.75 million in nonlethal aid for the contras in exchange for a guarantee that Congress could review -- and sever -- the aid package this November. Since many in Congress support the Central American leaders' desire to disband the contras, the Bush Administration seemed to capitulate without a fight. "Our intention is to play it straight and stick with the ((peace)) process," said a State Department official...
Most evenings between 8 and 10, George Bush excuses himself from the company of friends and family in order to be alone. As he has done for years, he retreats to a private study, now on the second floor of the White House, to read and write cards and thank-you notes to friends, political allies and even perfect strangers. This ever growing list of correspondents has served Bush well in difficult times, and may soon do so again. Last week the President added a new name to his address book: that of Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani...
...hardly likely to become pen pals. But as the U.S. Government once again searched for a way to free American hostages held in the Middle East, Bush's communications with Rafsanjani have moved from cautious feelers through intermediaries to more direct, leader-to-leader messages. Working closely with his top foreign policy advisers, the President personally authored several of the diplomatic notes sent to Iran through Swiss embassy channels...
...Administration explored this latest opening to Iran, Bush was at pains to steer clear of the mistakes that toppled Jimmy Carter's presidency and badly tarnished Ronald Reagan's. While pointedly refusing to offer any quid pro quo, he stepped carefully back from Reagan's stated policy of never negotiating with terrorists. If the hostages come home, Bush hinted, he might consider releasing Iranian assets -- principally undelivered weapons paid for in advance -- that have been frozen by the U.S. since 1979. "Goodwill begets goodwill," he said, quoting his own Inaugural Address...