Archive-Name: gov/us/fed/congress/record/1997/nov/13/1997CRS12540A
[Congressional Record: November 13, 1997 (Senate)]
[Page S12540-S12541]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr13no97-91]
A. MICHAEL ARNOLD, M.A. CANTAB., M.A. OXON, F. INST. D., F. INST. P.
Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I want to recognize the assistance I have
received over the years from a longtime friend, A. Michael Arnold,
whose intellectual capacity and international insights have proven to
be of significant value to me and others. I have often passed on Mick
Arnold's comments to many Members of Congress including our leaders.
Since the early eighties, Mick and I have corresponded regularly, and
occasionally have had the opportunity to meet either here or in
Britain. He is a resident of Great Britain. We are both blessed with
wonderful wives. Mick's wife Wendy is a respected author in her own
right. My wife, Catherine, and Wendy share in our friendship.
These insights in Mr. Arnold's correspondence have run the gamut from
the 1980's arms buildup in South America, to the current conflict in
Bosnia with its implications for world peace, the internal convulsions
in Russia, the tensions between Israel and the Arab world, the threats
from Iran and Iraq, and to the reason d'etre of the United Nations.
Mick's observations have been provocative, accurate, and full of sage
advice. He has not sought recognition for his efforts. He told me that
knowing that his observations may help to bring clarity to a confused
world scene was sufficient to him.
I recall several specific instances of Mick's perceptiveness in
international affairs. Mick's assessments in 1983 and 1984 of the
political scene in the Soviet Union: He anticipated that Chernenko
would stabilize his power base and advance Gorbachev as one of his key
deputies. By early 1984 Chernenko had made Gorbachev his No. 2. Noting
Chernenko's precarious health, Mick then anticipated that Gorbachev
would succeed Chernenko. History records the accuracy of that
assessment. That advice was very helpful to those of us who were
working on Soviet affairs in the 1980's.
In 1991 Mick expressed anguish over the potential for a conflagration
in Yugoslavia * * * one that could envelope Bosnia-Herzegovina. Once
again Mick's international instincts proved accurate. Many times that
he shared his worries in papers I then passed on to others, those fears
were realized in what did take place in Bosnia.
In April of this year, Mick commented on the upcoming Presidential
elections in Iran and observed that Mohammed Khatemi would, if elected,
be
[[Page S12541]]
more open to foreign relations. History has yet to validate the
accuracy of Mick's assessment of Khatemi's but many are hopeful he is
correct.
He continues to be one who observes the world scene from his
background being a Don at Oxford.
The world would be a far better place if there were more people with
the intellectual capacity, compassion, and common sense of Mick Arnold,
ones who would pass on their opinions without any publicity, without
seeking any remuneration for their work--just to be a friend. It's from
the point of view of friendship.
I look forward to continuing this friendship and value Mick's
informed observations on the international scene. I come today because
my friend has told me he is going to reduce the frequency of his
comments. He is not totally retiring, but he's going to limit the scope
of his activities. But I wanted the Senate to know that, whether many
are aware of it, the U.S. Senate has benefited from his counsel and his
insights. I have benefited greatly from his friendship.
My wife and I wish Wendy and Mick many more years of success, and I
continue to value his advice.
I yield the floor.
Ms. COLLINS addressed the Chair.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Enzi). The Chair recognizes the Senator
from Maine.
____________________
