He's been to the US to tell Obama that the special relationship is over (cue WH bafflement; what special relationship ?), to Turkey to tell Israel it's being mean to Gaza (cue Turkish Delight - oh did you think I wouldn't?), to Pakistan to tell them they're all horrid for doing dirty deals behind our back (cue Indian satisfaction) and then on to India where he says "Please buy our stuff ?"

Now the Independent felt this was all good knockabout stuff to distinguish himself from NuLab (unnecessary) while the Guardian fretted that he was secretly still working for Obama (why?).

Personally, it all looked pretty desperate. If you want to let the US know that you're their bitch, you scuttle over there at the first opportunity so's they can tickle your tummy. Funnily enough that's exactly what he did. But if you want a different message to get out, then just don't go.

I like the visit to Turkey and the (slight) de-coupling of our policy from that of Likud. But I can't help feeling that boosting Turkey is a way of annoying the EU. Is subtle, but I think Hague realises that going to Brussels and banging his shoe on the table isn't  useful tactic anymore. This is the next best thing. I worry he might visit the Ukraine soon.

But crawling so much to India is just p a t h e t i c. Big trading partner sure, but the speech to Pakistan was, in context, a huge mistake because of how the Indians will interpret it.

and just to sell Hawk "trainers", which even conservative Indians know will only be used against domestic targets. And they don't like it. shameful.

keep to the Fen Causeway