These are challenges that cry out for clarity, not diplomatic fudges.

I think any criticism that they managed to dish out was an exercise in subtlety and understatement.

So make no mistake about it. Nicolas Sarkozy has not been elected to adapt France to an elusive globalization.

Two waves of strikes in 1988 forced General Jaruzelski s government to negotiate with Solidarity, which, after a few months of hedging, was legalized.

Listen closely Marvin Minsky's arch, eclectic, charmingly offhand talk on health, overpopulation and the human mind is packed with subtlety wit, wisdom and just an ounce of wily, is he joking? advice.

The result is a multiplication of weasel words that chill political and moral debate, and that create a widening gap between public language and what many ordinary people think.

So what Greece got exactly is what it sought to avoid with its dodgy data the rise in interest rate spreads for Greek state bonds.

Complete eradication is in reach, but is still proving elusive, as small outbreaks have plagued one country or another in recent years.

In light of the United Kingdom's attempts to circumvent its international obligations, the Working Group called upon the Committee to remain steadfast in continuing the dialogue and discussions with the administering Power and the Overseas Territories.

These are challenges that cry out for clarity, not diplomatic fudges. But surely two great and ancient civilizations can find their way to the type of cordial, frank, courteous, temperate, deferential relations that would have pleased Confucius.