President Bush wisely put an end to the Senate's shameful shenanigans Friday by granting Daniel Pipes a recess appointment to the board of the United States Institute of Peace.
Pipes, a distinguished scholar who has taught and written extensively on the Middle East for many years, will be a most valuable addition to the organization's leadership.
The Institute of Peace was created by federal law in 1984 to promote the resolution of international conflicts through peaceful means with grants, fellowships, education programs, conferences and publications.
Bush nominated Pipes to the board four months ago. The nomination was forwarded to the Senate, and there it sat.
A handful of senators, led by Ted Kennedy, blocked the appointment, buying into the nonsense that Pipes is anti-Muslim or anti-Arab. He is not. He is someone who understands that Muslim fanatics pose a great threat to America and the world. And he is one of the few who recognized this before Sept. 11.
Kennedy's action was disgraceful. Pipes, an excellent choice, should have been quickly approved instead of being cast into legislative limbo for months. Americans willing to commit themselves to public service shouldn't be treated so shabbily.
Under the recess appointment, Pipes will serve on the board until the current Congress ends in January 2005. After that, the White House must renominate him and Congress must confirm him for a full term.
