Bolton Delay Saved UN Reform?

During the long battle over John Bolton’s nomination as UN ambassador, we’ve heard a lot from the Washington Note and other sources about how Bolton is sort of an anti-diplomat, able to sabotage any negotiation he touches — especially those on nuclear proliferation and loose nukes. Well, now people involved another negotiation are thankful that the Senate’s diligence (and the White House’s stonewalling) kept Bolton away from it long enough that they were able to succeed in their job. The negotiation in question is reform of the UN, the supposed reason for Bolton’s appointment in the first place:

“Most of the reforms sought by the United States are well on their way to completion,” said a senior administration official, speaking anonymously to avoid undercutting the rationale for the Bolton appointment. Another said that because so much had been achieved, there was little concern that Mr. Bolton’s combative personality would jeopardize the agenda.

Of course things aren’t finalized yet, so it’s not too late for Bolton to charge in and screw things up.