International Diplomacy (politics)

This morning, I enjoyed my balcony with a cup of coffee and the paper. Two articles caught my eye.

It seems that the World Cup has helped England and Germany move beyond their sorid history. Through efforts by both teams and the bureaucrats, the soccer fans of England and Germany are being nice to one another. The NYT said the World Cup brought these countries closer together than they had been since WWII.

The other act of international diplomacy took place in Memphis. I knew that Japan's Prime Minister Koizumi had planned on visiting Graceland. But, I did not realize that President Bush suggested the visit as a last visit gift to the PM. I thought heads of state focused on fancy pens and old weapons when they were giving gifts. But, not this time. They had peanut butter and banana sandwiches on Air Force 1. The PM did a little dance. All the major players were on hand (Lisa Marie, Pracillia, the Secret Service). I am not sure if any issues of international importance were solved. But...but, I guess everyone was kind of happy. Mostly PM Koizumi.