I once read in a book on negotiations strategies that the Japanese never say ‘no’ during negotiations. It doesn’t matter what the other party offers; the answer is “yes, we can do that” and then a condition or stipulation that makes sure to empty the other side’s offer of any content they dislike.  For example: We would like to buy this new Lexus for only $10,000.  Yes, absolutely, but there are few service fees that we must charge which were never included in the original price. Furthermore, the total price after the service fees does not include electric windows, locks, nor does it include air-conditioning, airbags, brakes, the engine will be a Renault -- not a Lexus engine, and there is no manufacturer’s warranty.  You get the point. Recently, the U.S. State Department Spokesman stated that while Israel is a Jewish State, there is no need for the Palestinians to recognize this. State Department Spokeswoman, Jen Psaki,...(Read Full Post)