Does anyone doubt the necessity of ongoing international diplomacy now?

[Skidmore]

Really. Look at what "going it alone" and not communicating with allies or foes has gotten us. A world of hurt and mistrust, of death and degradation, of isolation and scorn. If there is nothing we take from this long dark winter, let it be that the world cannot afford for nations to quit talking to one another.

[panader0]

1. Agree totally, but who? Condi? Bolger?

[panader0]

3. Maybe Clinton........at least he's trusted overseas

[babylonsister]

2. I've never doubted its necessity, and that was one of the many

reasons I've abhored dimson forever.

[joemurphy]

4. You make a very good point. Bush does not diplomatically

recognize Syria; he won't talk to either Hamas or Hezbollah; and we don't have a diplomatic relationship with Iran.

Condi doesn't feel conditions are "ripe" for diplomacy. We threaten to veto any UN cease fire attempts.

Bush, meanwhile gives the Israelis a free hand in south Lebanon; creates 500,000 refugees in the process; makes the US an enemy of Hezbollah; and probably destroy's the viability of the the Lebanese government both politically and by destroying its infrastructure.

Great work!