A smooth handoff in Washington will be vital

By David Ignatius Daily Star staff Saturday, October 11, 2008 Listen to the Article - Powered by The best thing about presidential elections is that they mark a break with the past. But that can also create a dangerous chasm - a period of uncertainty while the new administration hires its people and frames its policies. Meanwhile, the world's problems continue to fester. It's like passing a baton, this process of transition, and it's easy for things to go wrong. Remember the ignominy of the United States men's and women's track teams in Beijing when they botched the handoffs in the 4 x 100-meter relays. The Bush administration (remember them?) has an opportunity to build some bridges in foreign policy that could help the next administration, whoever is elected. Their goal shouldn't be to bind their successors but to preserve... [read full story]