Dear Womble.
You say - When politicians realise this is not a global 'pissing competition'-
Sorry mate, but this seems to be the essence of politics.
Politics - definition
Competition for power and leadership between competing interests or groups. May be characterized by artful and sometimes dishonest practices.
It is politicians job to make country be stronger, have more influence. Economics are tricky. Not all politicians are economically strong, take Mr. Bush for example, His ratings were falling as he is weak economist doing almost nothing in this sphere.
Is there anything that can rocket president's rating fast and make a country look powerful and influental?
Sadly, but hell yes, and it is - short and successful WAR.
Why this doesn't work for Bush this time, because, it is not short. (if it is successful is also question with no concrete yes). But still it is so called -armed diplomacy- and going back to your post about puppets, today there is no country or alliance of countries (UN for example) that is able to say -NO- to the United States. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/disagree.gif" alt="" />
