MIDDLE EAST SHUFFLE

OVERHEARD AT THE OVAL OFFICE THIS MORNING

“Condi! What a pleasant surprise! You are back already?”

The Secretary of State nodded curtly and without a word handed the President a thin folder.

“It is all there, Mister President. All I got out of this trip to the Middle East has been more frequent flyer miles!”

“Yes, I read that no one is buying our package to cease fire and negotiate at the same time. They just want a cease fire and negotiate later, is that it?”

Condi, with a smug smile replied:

“Not to worry. This conflict, whose origins date back to old Abraham, Moses and uncle Zek, has reached a peak of suspicion, indifference to human suffering and stubborn attitudes that can only stop if we, as the only superpower, intervene forcefully”

“Easy there Condi. Just what do you mean by forceful intervention? Remember that I only have 37 soldiers left and half of them are kept on standby by to provide blood transfusions for Cheney at any time!”

“Can he use something else? Ask his doctor!”