Diplomatic offensive

Diplomacy has been defined as equal parts protocol, alcohol and vitriol.

Chales Moore wrote in the Daily Telegraph on Saturday that 'The Iraq Study Group speaks longingly of a "new diplomatic offensive to build an international consensus for stability in Iraq and the region".'

Has anyone else wondered how something can be both diplomatic and offensive?

Perhaps it falls under the third part of the definition, although it's not entirely clear how a Western diplomat would ever build up to the vitriol part in the Middle East, where the protocol is no alcohol.