And the icons were obviously flattered by Putin s adoration (and by their proximity to power).

This plays well back home, where indicted war criminals are still touted as war heroes.

St. Thomas More is regarded as the patron saint of politicians, which is rather flattering to many of those over whose spiritual interests he presumably presides.

Eddie s accompanying flattery aside, I would normally trash such a letter, figuring it was a fraud or scam of some kind.

Government forces may be tempted to think that, after the signing of the north south agreement, for which they have received much praise, the international community would not dare to put the implementation of that Agreement at risk.

In other words, no matter what blandishments are showered on Israel, when push comes to shove it is the ability to use power not charm that determines whether or not an outside power has a say in Arab Israeli peacemaking.