That Shy Fellow on the Firing Line

As the U.S. drifts on security issues, critics assail Poindexter

After 6 1/2 years in Washington, the Reagan Administration is still scandalously divided on whether it really wants a new strategic-arms-cont rol agreement with the Soviet Union and, if it does, just what kind. Increasingly beset by congressional critics, the Administration last week was still struggling to define its policy toward South Africa's repressive white government. Ronald Reagan floats blithely above the bureaucratic battles, apparently unwilling to knock heads, bruise egos and decide the urgent issues. Many officials in the capital deplore the drifting and look for someone to blame. Rather than take on the popular President, some are taking their...

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