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John Kerry, a Secretary on a Mission
(Washington Post) David Ignatius - Secretary of State John Kerry was trying to choose his words carefully in talking about his negotiations for a comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran and a "framework agreement" between Israelis and Palestinians. As recent experience has shown, one loose statement from Kerry - say, about the risk of a boycott of Israel if the peace talks fail - can mean days of damage control. But Kerry answered some questions even after saying he shouldn't. It was an example of an impetuosity that has propelled him across diplomatic minefields many thought were impassable. Kerry may yet stumble, but he's clearly enjoying his hour as "the man in the arena," in Theodore Roosevelt's phrase. Kerry explained that as part of his Israeli-Palestinian framework, he wants to allow each side to express its reservations about the U.S.-drafted parameters. He argues that for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, such caveats are "the only way for them to politically be able to keep the negotiations moving." When asked about Abbas' recent statements that he would allow a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops over five years and accept NATO troops as a buffer after the Israelis leave, Kerry says, "Netanyahu has made it clear he doesn't want NATO." On the Iran negotiations, Kerry seems to share President Obama's view that the odds are against a comprehensive deal. At another point, he said with relish that critics who argue he's been too involved in his Middle East mission should realize: "It's my job. I'm secretary of state."