The way to build a relationship with the Israeli people – Israel is probably the only democracy the values of which are tested every day. | Jerusalem Post

Diplomacy is tough. Every Israeli who has ever traveled to Italy knows that the Israeli gesture asking kindly for patience would be interpreted as an offensive dismissal in Italy. A thumbs-up in many parts of the Middle East is the very opposite of, well, a thumbs-up. These examples could open an introductory course to basic diplomacy, where understanding local narratives and trends constitutes the most basic prerequisite for successful engagement.