Kerry Comes To Syria Talks Bearing Unusual Gift: Potatoes (PHOTO)

[karynnj]

7. With Iran and Syria in the news, here is what we need more on the potatoes!

It is interesting though. Lavrov has given the potatoes to a Russian farmer who will experiment with them. (Given that Idaho potatoes really are good, not a bad idea.) http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_01_21/Lavrov-sends-potatoes-presented-by-John-Kerry-to-Russian-farmers-for-experimental-cultivation-0216/

From that article, there is also backstory on the relationship between Kerry and Lavrov - which is interesting as they are both players in the diplomacy that is needed on Syria and Iran. http://voiceofrussia.com/2014_01_19/Kerrys-potato-gift-to-Lavrov-a-sign-of-friendship-9712/ Form this account, like others, they have a good strong relationship. Obviously, that will not mean that they will agree on the issues, but it does suggest that they will be able to work in good faith - and no little insignificant things will create problems between them.

In addition, the restaurant that Kerry bought the potatoes from has come forward and the potatoes were from Blackfoot, Idaho - near Pocatello. http://www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2007150462#.Ut6AK_so5H0

Given the possible agricultural use and the obvious good relationship between these two powerful men on different sides of many big issues, the potatoes may have been less silly than they seemed.