A Different Story?

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From TPM Reader BP

I have some connection with our Department of External Affairs and International Trade. I understand China have given the nod to the Russian proposal; and that the Syrians have indicated acceptance. I know all the instant analyses by talking heads makes it difficult to know what is actually happening. I have stopped watching CNN but while surfing saw Wolf B talking to Gloria Borger.

Now there’s a talking head who has no problem divining an answer and then offering it with all the verbal and facial gymnastics that make me laugh. There’s Bob Woodward on MSNBC showing his obvious anger that Obama’s is not following the Woodward line: whatever that is. Has Obama rebuffed him????

My “sources” tell me that Putin and Lavrov were privately more interested in a diplomatic solution which would leave Assad in place without “his gas”. I am left wondering if Kerry really made that gaffe given that he has frequent contact with Lavrov. Another player is the Russian envoy at the UN, the well- known Vitaly Churkin (who years back was surprisingly candid about Soviet-US relations: he came across as a fluent spokesman- he with his flawless English). I think the Russians played some part in helping Obama even as the public view of prickly relations between Obama and Putin gained ground. We don’t have a full picture of the diplomatic back and forth. It is too easy to write Kerry off as “gaffe prone.

All the instant analyses, the tweets and other “let me be the first to get it out” crowd have made it difficult for politicians to first think and then develop a proposal or offer a considered reaction.

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