1.   And rather than being comforted by these belated atonements, the apologies often become as controversial as the deeds themselves.

2.   If the offense is deemed unpardonable, the apology becomes an insult and turns a goodwill gesture into grist for future conflicts.

3.   In recent years, public apologies have become more and more common.

4.   When apologies, even from heads of state, become a common occurence, they look easier, less painful to make, and therefore less genuine.