I've heard many definitions for the word "diplomacy." I like Henry Kissinger's the best. Kissinger defines diplomacy as: The art of restraining power. The reason I like Kissinger's definition is because it's biblical. In the O.T. book of Daniel we find God depicting great kingdoms as wild beasts that need to be restrained -- which, in each case, He does. In fact, that's a large part of what the books of Daniel and Revelation are about.

Unfortunately, those who hold the biblical world view are fading from the scene -- especially in Europe. Today's definition is usually something like: The art of making someone want to do what you want them to do. But, the Bible may have another word for this art. You see, when we use others for our own advantage, the Bible calls it wickedness.

Don't take me wrong. Sometimes there's nothing wrong with a little good diplomacy. And, it sure is a whole lot better than going to war. The problem comes when diplomacy simply becomes a method by which our leaders can sit at the same table and deceive each other. And, I'm afraid that's generally the way it is.

Perhaps that's why most of us Americans tend to see the world a bit more simply. Although we agree with Kissinger, we like the way Will Rogers said it better. He said diplomacy is "the art of saying 'Nice doggie!' till you can find a rock." If you have ever squared off with a mean dog, you understand exactly. So, we believe in restraining power with diplomacy and a rock.

Friends, this world of ours is filled with a  lot of mean dogs. Just saying nice doggie will only work for awhile. Sooner or later we're going to need a rock. That's why we Americans giving the EU's Javier Solana the green light to represent ours and Israel's interests in the Middle East really, really scares me. But, it doesn't surprise me.

If you recall, after having dinner in New York with Solana and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice suddenly did a u-turn and agreed to a UN cease-fire resolution seen by many as being against Israel's interests. Now we're hearing about Annan traveling to both Syria and Iran and gaining these country's promises to go along with the UN cease-fire in Lebanon Read about it here. At the suggestion of Solana, the Finnish Foreign Minister, Erkki Tuoioja, begins calling for negotiations with the terrorist group Hamas Read about it here. Finland, as you know, currently holds the EU's rotating presidency and Hamas is on the EU's list of terrorist organizations. And, on top of all these strange happenings, Solana is preparing for another meeting with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator later this week Read about it here. 

So, we're all to believe Solana's diplomacy can bring lasting peace to the Middle East. And, so far it appears to be working. Syria, Iran, the PA, Hamas and Hezbollah -- they all seem to be falling for Solana's European style diplomacy.

Either that or they're all saying, "Nice doggie!"