Constance Cumbey called and, in-between chuckles, we discussed the recent news that Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, after calling for an immediate cease-fire, asked President Bush to appoint a personal envoy to the Middle East. And, Hagel says the envoy should be " a statesman of global stature" Read about it here.

Why were Constance and I amused? For two reasons: One, Hagel began calling for a cease-fire in concert with the EU's High Representative Javier Solana's announcement. And two, Hagel has a long and close history with Solana. But, that's not all. Like former President Bill Clinton and his Charlemagne Prize in June of 2000, Hagel received the Transatlantic Leadership Award in December of 2003 Read about it here -- both of which are in honor of their helping make Javier Solana's European independent military apparatus possible.

So, who might Hagel be thinking about to be Bush's personal envoy? Of course, we don't know. But, it's not unreasonable to suspect Solana. After all, it was Solana that the six-powers turned to when they needed an envoy to take their incentive package to Iran. And, yesterday when American Ambassador to the UN John Bolton was asked about what would happen if the Iranians decided to start playing ball with the international community, he answered they should pick up a phone and call Brussels to speak with Javier Solana. 

And think about it -- what American could be considered a neutral arbitrator in a crisis where America is openly endorsing the interests of a particular side? Even setting the Bible prophecies aside for the moment, to me the facts are obvious. If President Bush were to name a personal envoy, the smart and best choice would be Javier Solana -- a statesman of global stature. And, if there's anyone else in America who should be thinking the same, it's Senator Chuck Hagel.

After all, he got the Transatlantic Leadership Award.