[Noela]

Very good post Jonathan - very well reasoned.

I was so glad for someone to get in and state
the case positively.

The point you make that anyone who is 'at the top',
as the President is, has to play the game to some
extent, is particularly relevant. So many factions
to consider - so many likely results of any action
taken.

I get the feeling that much that Obama does -
or will do - is covert (in plan) and, as you suggest,
necessarily so. So he disappoints many people
who would like to see action taken immediately.
But such actions would 'rock the boat' of state,
and a President doesn't have the luxury to
act in that way - not if he is wise and compassionate.