10/20   Why do government officials waste time to travel to and back from
        foreign countries to meet with their counterparts where there is
        something to discuss?  E.g. Rice to Beijing, Tang Jiaxuan to Pyongyang.
        Why don't they just install some advanced video conference equipment?
        That would save a lot of time, and I think time is an essence during a
        political crisis.
        \_ Photo ops--but having worked with remote groups, I can say from
           experience that face-to-face is much different from (and better than)
           teleconferencing.
           experience that face-to-face is much different from (and better
           than) teleconferencing.
        \_ Also, it signals how seriously someone is about something.
        \_ more than that.  A lot of it is negotiation.  in a negotiation,
           body languages and other non-verbal ques are very very important.
        \_ much of the time, the real work is carried out by diplomatic staff
           in the foreign country under specific guidelines from the home
           country.  thus, the deal is made BEFORE the big wigs come for the
           photo-op.  so yes, the head honchos travel ... for the photo-op,
           and the photo-op's definite geopolitical effects.  they don't come
           if there is no deal, thus saving time.