Scowcroft criticizes Bush, Condi, et al.

Add another Republican to the list. Someone should ask George Bush, Sr. what he thinks about the recent comments of his own national security adviser. And, while they're at it, someone should ask Condi what she thinks of the scathing criticisms voiced by her "mentor". Former national security adviser, Brent Scowcraft, called the U.S. military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan "a failing venture" and criticized the unilateral approach of the current Bush Administration. A few choice excerpts below the cut.

The national security adviser under the first President Bush says the current president acted contemptuously toward NATO and Europe after Sept. 11 and is trying to cooperate now out of desperation to "rescue a failing venture" in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Brent Scowcroft, a mentor to the current national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, also said in an interview published in England that Bush is inordinately influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

"Sharon just has him wrapped around his little finger," Scowcroft told London's Financial Times. "I think the president is mesmerized."

Though published initially in the Financial Times, the AP picked it up, and now it's a USAToday headliner.