Is there no direct logical correlation between 'And if, as ultimately happened, no settlement resulted, we could shrug our shoulders, say, 'Hey, we tried,' and act like unsuccessful brokers to an honorable peace.' and 'A settlement as reached that both sides were happy with.', indicating neutrality?
And if, as ultimately happened, no settlement resulted, we could shrug our shoulders, say, 'Hey, we tried,' and act like unsuccessful brokers to an honorable peace.###A settlement as reached that both sides were happy with.