True enough. But diplomacy is also the fine art of getting one’s way without war, and convincing people that it’s in their interest to do what you want them to do.

I have high regard for the arts of diplomacy. They are a hallmark of civilized behavior. Four decades ago, I almost joined the US diplomatic service but decided against it, fearing my big mouth would land me in hot water.

As an almost diplomat and veteran foreign affairs commentator, I’ve been watching Republicans go after the Obama administration’s UN ambassador, Susan Rice. They are trying to somehow pin the death of the US ambassador to Libya last September on Rice, who had originally claimed the attack that killed him was caused by mob violence over an anti-Muslim hate video rather than a “terrorist” attack.