Netanyahu and Other Observations

Today was more of a parade of speeches by lesser known leaders. But it was fascinating all the same but in a less predictable way. I noticed a few things. Right after speaking, Latin American leaders were almost always greeted by huge groups of fawning fellow country-men and women and from their neighbouring countries too. Even as they spoke to one other in Spanish, a language I admit I do not speak, the generous overflow of compliments, back-slapping and flattery was obvious. The crowds were almost always dressed like socialites. They were the elites of their societies - rich and well-connected hanger-ons to power and political celebrity with whom there appear to be a truly symbiotic relationship. I saw one head of government literally looking punch drunk amidst the adulation, getting more and more enthusiastic at granting requests for photographs and the crowd was more than happy to keep heap on the attention.

The same was true for many African leaders. The President of Sierra Leone was greeted by a whole line of African dignitaries and their elaborately dressed (and head-dressed) wives. Although one of the poorest and most war-ravaged countries in the world, the line of dignitaries that greeted the President of Sierra Leone all had a pampered and well-"shopped" look about them: soft smooth skin, fine clothes and jewellery. My thoughts wondered around to blood diamonds and how much suffering lay behind those wealth.

There were a few higher points in the day. Prime Minister Zapatero of Spain came across as a fine looking, intelligent but serious figure in his very well-cut suits. After he soke, he too was mobbed by fans and supporters from Spain and the Hispanic world. I come to realise that Spain still has immense cultural and political influence as the leader of the Hispanic world. When his path crossed with the President of Mexico, they put their arms around one another like pals for a photoshot.

All delegations were quite modest and not difficult to deal with. The President of Lithuania looked like a no-nonsense librarian. He overheard me asking her aide how long her speech were going to be and piped up, “only 15 minutes, not to worry, I will keep it short!”

I spent sometime in the same room as the Prime Minister of Japan. I have a good feeling about him - he came across as distinguished, intense and has an air of nobility about him. He appears to be anything but a career political hack. He speaks English reasonably well.

Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey was a stately gentleman; austere-looking, reserved but oozing with charisma. He has a gentle but alert demeanor behind his stately reserve. He seemed like someone who - when he chooses to - can disarm someone with the smallest gesture or a single word or may be even a joke. Turkey is a major power in its own right and the delegation conducted itself with great confidence and purpose.

I saw Ahmadenejad again. Ever keeping an open mind, I could not help noticing again that both he and the delegation came across as thugs. They were scruffy, impatient, vacuous and fearful in their eyes. They were also poorly dressed and did not smell too good (unfortunately that was the biggest impression I had.)

Which brings me to the 30 mins I stood in a corner, observing the Isreali PM Netanyahu as he sat across the waiting room. My conclusion is that he is a brilliant speaker and advocate for his position but I did not sense someone who can see beyond his position or winning his corner. He was animate with his staff, more speaking than listening, fidgety and restless but very clearly the top dog. In fact, he got his aide to bring him a taller chair to sit on. Vanity perhaps. In short, he can be a formidable competitor but not, I feel, a true leader who is willing to risk his power for a larger purpose. From his demeanor, he seem to be someone who will try to win by convincing others of his strength or bullying. I just sensed he was not someone I would count on to protect or look after the interest of others.