If You Say So

"Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have things your way." A slogan for a coffee mug, but nevertheless true. When "your way" doesn't — strictly speaking — exist, however, it's not actually diplomacy but mediation, counseling, social work, a photo op ...something else entirely. Case in point: Annapolis. If the U.S. has any kind of policy regarding the Palestinians (other than to slavishly follow the government of Israel) it must be the best kept secret in Washington. How, then, can any reputable news organization take Annapolis seriously? For that matter, what's the point of anybody paying any attention? As far as I can tell the one thing worth noting is the fact Annapolis is happening at all suggests that the administration is running out of ideas for things to do on the international stage. Hardly news.