So Karen Hughes is off to the Arab world on a mission to get 'em to like us better. I never did see what she has to offer. She's been pretty good cleaning up Bush's miserable communications skills in the past, but she's sure as hell no diplomat.
This from the Washington Post blog:
Karen Hughes Catches Flak
Arab analysts recognize Hughes' skill at staying on message -- not entirely unlike being simple-minded. But her naivete seems to be showing.
Hughes found her message greeted politely but skeptically in Egypt, even by audiences selected and controlled by U.S. officials. Today, she meets with college students and journalists as the Saudi Gazette headlines doubts about her "cosmetic" approach.
So even in the most controlled environments, it ain't working.
More below;
Hughes met Saturday with an audience that had reason to be friendly: 30 Egyptian high school graduates who have won U.S. scholarships to attend college. She received "angry queries over the US war on terror, Iraq, aggressive stance on Syria and Iran, in addition to meddling in the affairs of developing countries," according to Islam Online.
Abdul Rahman Rashed, general manager of Al-Arabiya Television Network, says Hughes:
"is deluding herself if she thinks anyone will believe her or show interest in the good deeds she will enumerate.
"All those she will meet are sure to repeat one word, `Occupation, occupation, occupation.' Her planned meetings will end as they started. Hughes will face an important decision: repair the US's reputation, which is nearly impossible, or modify the country's policies, also almost unfeasible.".
Sounds like Hughes and the Bushies aren't the only one who'll stay relentlessly on message.
Wonder what this useless exercise is costing the taxpayers? (I mean how much more Chinese money have we borrowed to finance Hughes' junket?)
(And this is an absolutely rude aside, but has anyone else noticed how much Karen Hughes looks like Georgie's mama?)