Nick: You draw good analogies. I would say, however, that some comments need response:

"?? The Gospel according to the New York Times? Well, I suppose it's one viewpoint, but if you apply a little logic, you might wonder why Hezbollah would rather lord it over a country full of smashed bridges, destroyed infrastructure and so on"

It was not the NYT opinion--rather the writer who is from the area and now serves on committees to resolve the issues. He gives a succint reason for what you state.


"
"I quite agree with you. But Bush, Rice etc., don't see any need to talk to Syria and Iran, because they think there is nothing to talk about. Iran, Iraq etc., happen to be sitting on the principal reserves of world oil, the White House wants it, and it doesn't matter what the people or governments of those countries in the way think"

It is called diplomacy---you talk so as to avoid mayhem. But, when you are a cowboy from Texas who wants to show dad he is more macho this is what you get.   Not to mention the greed and arrogance of his VP and the return of Rumsfeld as an alleged military expert. Any semblence of diplomcy and military strategy left with Powell.

Your comments about the Native Americans is right on, as far as I am concerned. And a good analogy. Though not totally on the mark it is very close.

Funny thing--I had the same thought about Bush and his last term a while back---and wouldn't it be nice if he could declare and emergency and have it extended. I doubt that he is that thick as to try that.

As to Rice. I am no expert on her, certainly. But she seems to have the diplomatic skills required to fulfill her duties. Can she handle domestic affairs? I don't know. A Bush appointee that toes the line would be expected---but, one has to ask, how did she get involved witht the likes of someone like that would be nice to know.

Bill H