Much as I hate to credit Henry Kissinger, this was probably a sound decision.
The Watergate noose had started to tighten, and Nixon was in total paranoia mode. Though he was a anti-Semite, Nixon was also anti-Communist, and had no problem giving Israel more support than any prior President.
Waiting gave Kissinger time to acquire information and consider options. Waiting avoided Nixon responding to a challenge in a vacuum.
Nixon was at his best in international relations, he was capable of greatness when he had time to consider things.
He was at his worst when making snap decisions based upon emotion and paranoia. |
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