Even the Israelis seemed to feel they had to get their white phosphorus and DIME business out of the way BEFORE he came into office.  It would be interesting to see his reaction if they did it again.

He seems to be very averse to spending any political capital on megaphone diplomacy. The appointment of Mitchell as special envoy signals a patient, even handed approach - and could sideline Blair a little more as well.

But I suspect the behind-the-scenes manoeuvring with Israel will be very much more robust - and any attempt be Israel to "play" him with the AIPAC lobby could get a very robust response.  It's going to be an interesting dance for the next few months.

notes from no w here