President Tony

The International Envoy to the Middle East and Justifier of the Ways of Washington to the Palestinian People may soon be "reduced to a role of supporting political development in Palestine and boosting its economy", whatever that may mean. If, as seems likely, it means simply denouncing Hamas and cutting off aid, the UN and those who rise above it can do those little things perfectly well for themselves. Potentially at a loose end once more, Tony is apparently considering the job of full-time president of the EU council. He has told friends and other marketing devices that he is "increasingly willing to put himself forward for the job if it comes with real powers to intervene in defence and trade affairs". Tony has always enjoyed intervening in defence and trade affairs - killing and profiteering, in Standard English - and it has also been obtruded upon his slightly flawed intelligence that "he is not going to be allowed to become the key player in furthering Israeli-Palestinian talks this year", despite qualifications which are no doubt obvious to Tony. However, Tony is "still doubtful that the role of council president will become a powerful job", which accounts for his present coyness in thrusting himself forward.