A WORD ABOUT WORDS - AT 7:39 A.M. ET: We get used to diplomatic double-talk here, especially the fraudulent optimism exuded by diplomats whose job is to yap.

But I don't think we should get too used to it.  Consider, for example, this babble, reported by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, concerning yesterday's talks with Iran:

According to the EU official, the talks yielded three meaningful results. The first was the very fact that the forum took place. The second was the agreement on a follow-up meeting and the third was Iran's statement that it would cooperate fully and immediately with the International Atomic Energy Agency.  

COMMENT:  Meaningful Result #1 - the fact that the forum took place. 

Gee, what a miracle.  We hand the thug Iranian regime the gift of legitimacy by calling the meeting, and we consider it a Meaningful Result that they came.

Meaningful Result #2 - the agreement on a follow-up meeting. 

What a conquest.  What a victory.  We had a talk and agreed to have another talk.  What progress toward dismantling Iran's nuclear program.  This Obama, he's a genius.

Meaningful Result #3 - Iran's statement that it would cooperate fully and immediately with the International Atomic Energy Agency. 

A great breakthrough!  You know, we shouldn't judge these mullahs by their 30-year record, or their shooting of democracy demonstrators in the streets.  Those were understandable misunderstandings of understandable differences that were misunderstood.  Here they are pledging full and immediate cooperation.  And in our hearts we know they mean it.

Yuch. 

The observation, of course, came from an EU official, who probably visits the grave of Neville Chamberlain each year and leaves a rose.

October 2,  2009