This week in the saga

It was supposed to be a signing. The minerals agreement was drafted, the lunch was laid, the press pool was let in for the usual four minutes of pleasantries — and instead the world watched, live, through an open door, as a visiting head of state was told he was not holding any cards, that he had not said thank you, and that he was gambling with the Third World War. The lunch was cancelled. The delegation left through the drive without eating. Within three hours the statement went out, and its most quoted line is almost gentle: it's amazing what comes out through emotion. By Monday the register has hardened — the worst statement that could have been made, and America will not put up with it much longer. Europe is invoiced for its oil in a single sentence. The farmers are told to plant for a domestic market because tariffs go on external product on April 2nd, which is the first time the date is given a job. And on Monday morning, before the address to Congress, a promise: tomorrow night will be big.