When Obi-wan expresses his reservations about Anakin being given an assignment on his own, Mace and Yoda remind him, "if the prophecy is correct, then your apprentice is the only one who can bring balance to the Force." It's like their saying, Anakin should be given some greater responsibilities and freedom to follow his will in order to do the job of The One. If this interpretation is correct, then I bet Obi hasn't told any Council members about Anakin's dreams about Shmi. Obi-wan harbors resentment for having had li'l Ani's apprenticeship foisted on him and this is manifesting itself in Obi's controlling and overly-critical behavior. The Council would no doubt advise Anakin to 'do what he feels is right, of course.' \
It has been suggested that the 'balance' that is sought in the Force is not between Good and Evil, necessarily, nor Jedi and Sith, but a balance of the philosophies of the Living Force and the Unifying Force. "The Living Force represents all living things alive right now. The Unifying Force is everything that lives in the past and future. A Jedi must try to stay tuned to both if they are to know the true will of the Force" (PrinceGORO).\
The Unifying Force tells Anakin something terrible will happen (or is happening) to his mother. The Living Force tells him he needs to go to her. Perhaps the Council has foreseen that Anakin will be given certain opportunities to act as The One. If the Council knew of Anakin's dreams, they would certainly see this as an opportunity for The One to do his balancing act. Because they do not, they open to Palpatine's suggestion of assignment to protect Padmé.\
Anakin obviously has a close relationship with the Supreme Chancellor, and they have probably discussed the nightmares. Palpatine would seize this as a terrific chance to drive a wedge between Anakin and the other Jedi. Palps (I love! this nickname I saw used recently in the message board discussion that inspired this writing. :-) probably promises to exert his influence to get Anakin a "worthy" assignment when he can. He won't do anything about helping Anakin help his mother, other than to encourage him to learn to trust his feelings. Good advice, but he couches it in ego-inflating language that doesn't... well, help.\
If Anakin had not missed this opportunity the first time around, he probably would never have to face whatever similar situation arises in Ep III, and Luke would never be forced to replay it when he sees his friends in pain on Bespin, when the scenarios are tainted.
