> SA wrote:
>
>
>> The fact that this was leaked to the Guardian - and within hours
>> of the news of Ross's selection - tells me it's a bone being thrown
>> to the Euros.
>>
>
> Assuming it is true, why would Obama want to raise the expectations of
> the Europeans?
>
Because he wants them to send more troops to Afghanistan.
> We're of course wildly speculating here, but I wouldn't be surprised
> if a *lasting* political solution is arranged in the Middle East.
> Please mark my words so that, later on, you can all reproach me how
> foolish, how swindled of good sense I was by Obama's sweet talk and no
> (or the wrong) substance.
>
Will do!
SA