Politics 2.0

SUMMER NIGHTS

Monday July 14^th - The Romantic city of lights, with the backdrop of the Bastille Day parade, set the scene for a historic meeting, where Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would be under the same roof. But the impressions of the French capital, and the festive breeze of summer, failed to change the flirtations between the two countries into a romantic reconciliation.

Rather, the political overture in Paris played more to the tune of the musical Grease. The re-enactment of the encounter between Olmert and Assad, is a funny reminder to anyone who has had one of those awkward post-break-up meetings. Reuters gives a minute by minute account of the parade scene:

"Assad clearly considered it was too soon to shake hands, chat or even nod to Olmert.

As Olmert entered the main hall of the Paris Grand Palais, a Reuters photographer captured him casting glances toward the tall Syrian leader. But Assad turned away, raising one hand to his face as if to block off any eye contact with the Israeli.

The photograph sequence then shows Assad skirting the far wall, where interpreters sat in plexiglass booths, as Olmert turned to talk to another delegate."

Had the affair gone on any longer, Bashar would have whipped out his comb and leather jacket, pretending to be macho in front of Olmert (Sandy D). Although Israel and Syria have not had a romantic summer together, Assad’s mannerisms were like any high school boy, trying to avoid that date that went bad. Comical antics aside, perhaps the world needs less Danny Zuko’s and more leaders who can handle those awkward dates.