I have this sense of foreboding....that the world is about to become a horrible place for the next few days, months, years.
I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but I hope, for sake of world peace, that Pakistan does not break under this new stress....
Returning 10 million to the Saudi prince was a great gesture, but it was done in a very insulting way. Sure, the Saudi prince was pretty insulting too, but in the name of diplomacy, where US expects other countries to eat a humble pie <step down>, the whole thing could have been managed more discreetly. Sometimes a little less arrogance goes a long way in managing relationships. One can be as effective, more effective, in a quiet, subdued, mature sort of way...
I have been quiet about this, but that slap on the face of a royal, wasn't the most diplomatic thing to do. Thats not how people in Asia and Middle East do things. How can US expect him to go back and root for the US cause when his people laugh at the treatment meted out to him by his 'allies".
Thats why it is important for US to understand the customs of foriegn lands before calling them friends or foes....disrespecting an ally, especially a far Eastern or a Middle Eastern ally, is a definite no no. |
