[Azred]

Originally posted by Yorick: Of course it matters what the world thinks!

I believe I see one source of miscommunication occuring here. I am fusing interpersonal dynamics with international politics; always a misstep.
On a personal level, one must live wihtout concern for what the world thinks, as long as one is not causing harm. On a political level, I agree that no country lives in a vacuum; thus, international policy need by treated with velvet gloves. National policy is another matter entirely, mind you, and may be conducted without consulting one's neighbors.

You do make several finely-tuned points, though. History does teach the error of thumbing one's nose at the world. I cannot disagree with that. It is simply a shame that apparently nations must conduct themselves according to the directives of other nations. Nature of the beast....

Are we certain that China conducts itself thusly? [img]graemlins/1ponder.gif[/img]