Obama's charm offensive not working

Reuters reports:

Taliban insurgents reject a U.S. offer of "honorable reconciliation," a top spokesman said on Wednesday, calling it a "lunatic idea" and saying the only way to end the war was to withdraw foreign troops. ....

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told an international conference on Afghanistan on Tuesday that those members of the Taliban who abandoned extremism must be granted an "honorable form of reconciliation."

"This matter was also raised in the past," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, referring to comments last month by Obama, who spoke of reaching out to moderate Taliban.

"They have to go and find the moderate Taliban, their leader and speak to them. This is a lunatic idea," Mujahid said by telephone from an unknown location. [emph. added]

During the Cold War, liberals always thought that there were "moderates" in Russia/China/Cuba/Vietnam who could take charge if only the Republicans stopped alienating them. At least, here, the Taliban is providing clarity on the issue. Sec. Clinton and Pres. Obama, hobbled by their arrogance, may or may not be listening.

Speaking of arrogance, while in Britain, Michele Obama have the courtesy to curtsey for the Queen. Other possible missteps are discussed here and here. The only audio on the iPod that the President gave the Queen: Obama speeches.