When I was taking American Diplomatic History, just about the first thing we were told by the prof was, “Diplomacy is the art of saying ‘nice doggie’ until you find a big stick.” Another prof (Glenn Reynolds) noted that today, with regard to our First Diplomat, Condi Rice (*sigh*):
“DIPLOMACY is the art of saying ‘nice doggie’ while reaching for a stick.” Condi is saying ‘nice doggie.’ Israel is the stick.
One may disapprove of this strategy, but complaints that Condi isn’t accomplishing anything merely indicate that the complainer doesn’t know what’s going on.
Amen.