The Three Wise Men, or is that ‘Monkeys’, of the US Riyadh Team, providing an unedited but mostly meaningless commentary on yesterday’s meeting with Russia. That, in itself is quite refreshing, but they are obviously all at sea – constant repetitions of key phrases and pointless jargon – and have no sense of direction as to where this might lead in future such get togethers.
Led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio (centre), who seems to be a most amiable character but unable to stray from scripted generalisations. And I did detect some need, as the interview wore on, to shut down the interruptive babble from his left, by early intervention in cutting short later media questions.
To his right (screen left), NSA Michael Waltz who, being more interested in the correctness of his sartorial elegance and whether he was sitting up straight enough, had little to say and precious few opportunities to say anything anyway.
The third member, who I suggest managed to talk his way onto the team as the Diversion and Entertainment Manager, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff – or should that be ‘Witlesscough’ (the only delegate I have ever seen unsuccessfully attempt an off-screen cough into the inside of his jacket lapel). Through his constant looking for opportunities to interrupt the Secretary of State – like some animated ADHD juvenile – proving he is the most unaware or most in need of re-education as to what they are ostensibly trying to achieve by these meetings, and the means at the Team’s disposal to get any kind of working result from them.
I remain unconvinced that any result will ensue from this or further such events, until they are all agreed on full capitulation to Russia’s demands. The conflict will continue until either such a point is reached or the battlefield stretches beyond Ukraine’s western borders. And it will not take another three years of conflict to achieve that situation.
Not Something Else 
Leave a comment