It was what it appeared to be: a centrist and establishment-minded president nominating a centrist and establishment-minded academic to an important diplomatic position where he would implement centrist and establishment-minded policy.

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Although Netanyahu is touting Obama's new position as evidence of his own diplomatic prowess, the fact is that Obama's new position is both disingenuous and meaningless.

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As for those non British nationals, who were resident in the UK before their detention, the Foreign Office said the government was "not in a position to provide consular or diplomatic assistance".

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For its part Syria is striving to obtain international recognition for Hamas in the hope that it would grant Damascus a position of influence in any future diplomatic process thanks to its close relationship with the Palestinian group.

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But Mr Cameron has been complicit in the recent mistakes: he was aware that a diplomatic team would be sent into eastern Libya, and sources in Downing Street cast doubt on Prince Andrew's position before hurriedly shoring it up.

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