[ims]

That could be it. Or the United States could be applying the typical measures of pressure in the diplomatic toolbox, consisting largely of economic incentives, concessions that meet other countries' policy goals, and appeals to mutual interest. You know, the standard tools of statecraft that have barely changed since the Congress of Vienna.

You decide which seems more plausible.

[mark_l_watson]

Well my friend, I suggest we wait a year or two, and it might be clear which of us is right.

I am old enough to have lived through the Pentagon Papers disclosures, when a lot of people were calling for the execution of Daniel Ellesberg. Now, only right wing whackos don't acknowledge that Ellesberg served interests of US citizens.

EDIT: I am not being critical of you. I appreciate your comment, thanks.

[lttlrck]

Or, they are all in on it.