Honduras stalemate ends...maybe

The ousted president of Honduras and the interim government that unceremoniously booted him out in June have reached an agreement to end the stalemate that has gripped the nation these last few weeks. Bowing to international pressure including a team of top US diplomats, both sides have agreed to let the Honduran Congress settle the fate of former President Manuel Zelaya. If the Supreme Court (which kicked him out in the first place) allows the vote, then Congress will determine if he can reclaim the presidency in a limited capacity until his term runs out in a few months. The agreement represents a compromise for both sides, who had been unable to agree on Zelaya's reinstatement. The interim government will allow him to reclaim his office, but his real power will be severely limited by the terms of the agreement and later by the presence of an incumbent president. Zelaya saves face by returning to the presidency, even if his power will be severely limited: he's probably thinking more about his political long-term future than his short-term one. The Honduran people will come out a winner, because the terms of the agreement will allow foreign aid to resume.