[Miss Marple]

I dearly hope your analysis is correct, and of course I do not have any inside information.

However, I look at the three men who will be at this meeting, and I notice that Berlusconi, who has been an outspoken ally of the USA, and Howard, who has sent Australia's forces, are not included.

The three who are attending share one thing: they sit on the UN Security Council, two permanently, and Spain as a rotating member.

Given this situation, I must give some credence to the possibility that there will be some sort of attempt with the UN.

If your post is speculation and you are incorrect, there will be a great many people disappointed and once again frustrated. In all courtesy, I ask you to please indicate how much of this analysis is speculation and how much is bona fide knowledge. Thank you.

[GLDNGUN]

Miss Marple, Any look into the future is speculating to a certain extent. I don't have a crystal ball, and as I said it's a fluid situation. If you have been following the news the past 24 hours, we've gone from "there may not be second resolution" to "there likely won't be a second resolution". You should consider this as preparation for the coming news that "there won't be a second resolution". It really is a high stakes poker game. The French want to push us to see how desperate we are for a second resolution. If they see that we will simply move on without a second resolution it's possible they could make a dramatic change of mind. Likely? Hardly.

As you correctly note, the "Big 3" are UN security members. This is why they are there; however, expect to hear from others.

[CyberAnt]

Hmmmm? Maybe the 3 are meeting to make it APPEAR as though they are seriously still dealing with the UN. They could be having satelite meetings with the other close members, Italy, Australia, Poland, etc.

The reason I say that is because I believe the Azores is a substitute landing site for the Shuttle Orbitor - there must be a lot of tech goodies there for communicating - Hmmmm??

[MizSterious]

" If your post is speculation and you are incorrect, there will be a great many people disappointed and once again frustrated."

One of the lessons I've learned about the internet: enjoy it, and while some posts (like this article) are worth a place in the bookmarks, don't rest hopes in such things. This person has the ring of authenticity, but we've all known other posters who had that, too. (No need to name names, but there have been several on FR alone.)

I've bookmarked this article and saved the entire thread. If Gldngun turns out to be spot-on, then I'll lead the applause. Meanwhile, it's a completely fascinating thread.

Gldngun--I can only say: from your keyboard to God's eyes!