Originally Posted By: drakino
(...snip....)

The Office of the President of The United States is a very important position based on it's power, even if it is currently occupied by someone that the majority of Americans do not agree with. If the president simply flies to some country, it can have widespread impact on many areas, from financial, to political stability of an area.

I agree with *everyone* on this point smile

Actually, I was just thinking of similar scenarios -- Would we want to talk to the new illegitimate junta that assassinated the democratically elected president, say? Like Chile? Oh, we do talk to them frown

But seriously, I could see *not* talking to somebody in a circumstance like this. Or imposing preconditions.

But I think the whole notion of "preconditions" has mutated from a means of diplomatic communication and maneuver to a weapon of political advantage and that the most common, current use (regarding Iran) is simply crass "appeasement" demagoguery.
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Jim


'Tis the exceptional fellow who lies awake at night thinking of his successes.