WASHINGTON - On the pavement at the entrance to the White House, workers are setting up the stage for the inauguration of Barack Obama. To an Israeli accustomed to improvisations this looks strange. The event will only take place seven weeks from now, and they are already preparing the stage instead of waiting for the last minute. But this is the United States of America, and here they work by the book and plan ahead.

Inside the White House, President George W. Bush organized a sad farewell party for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The convoy of limousines crossed the street from the presidential guesthouse to the White House, and an officer in a white uniform greeted the prime minister at the gate, following the protocol. Inside, in the Oval Office, the two exchanged compliments and thanks for their great missed opportunities. Thank you for your support for the two-state vision, said Bush to Olmert. Thank you for the war in Iraq, which eliminated a great threat to us, Olmert replied. Only the meager media presence was a reminder that the leaders are about to vacate their chairs, and their authority is fading away.

Straight from the horse's mouth.