It takes all kinds

Submitted by Michael S. (United States), Nov 21, 2014 at 15:18

Hi, Sara.

"Difficult to follow... hmm... Huffpost... I think I read that bit before, and responded to it....

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE will reinstate their ambassadors in Qatar that they withdrew from Doha in April. The statement cited "sensitive circumstances of the region" which require a "strong Gulf entity".
-- http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/7789/19/Saudi-Arabia,-UAE-make---amends-with-Qatar.aspx

Go figure. That's the Middle East. I just went over my map of the world again, to try to fit in the latest from the Asian summits, etc. It seems that the major power blocs all have different outlooks on life:

1. The US & Allies: "The only tool I have is a hammer, so every problem looks like a nail". The world consists of those who agree with me, on the one hand, and a nebulous cloud of "terrorists" on the other. I can fix all problems with tough military action, and frisking grandmothers at airports.

2. Europe & Allies: "We have arrived. It is our burden, to enlighten the world". I'm reminded of the levitating island of Laputa.

3. China & tributaries: "How much price?" "Price too high!" "Ah, now we have deal"

4. Russia & abject dependencies: "I'm the tough guy, see? You give me, or I send in tanks".

5. India. I don't know much about India. They're concerned about Pakistan, and Bangladesh is concerned about them. Also, Thais don't trust Cambodians, Cambodians don't trust Vietnamese and Vietnamese don't trust. Chinese. The rule pretty much is, "If you're my neighbor, I don't trust you".

6. Japan. "The gods created Japan, and... I guess that's it".

7. The Middle East: "I hate you! I am enraged! You have insulted me!"

8. Latin America: "Let's party!"

9. Africa: "Help me! I'm dying!"

It takes all kinds, to make a world.

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