Does it make sense sending Condi Rice to deal with Middle East powers?

Question

who are notoriously chauvinistic and unwilling to accept women as equals?

Or am I overlooking something?

Answer 1

Well a job like this would go to the secretary of state normally. However, I am inclined to agree with you, not only is that area severely masoganistic but there are various factions there that would love to take any representative of the "American invaders", let alone a woman. More than so I just dont like when she goes there.

Answer 2

I am afraid you are overlooking not one but many things.I think you are harbouring some outdated ideas about the Middle East. Even if the powers-that-be there would like to maintain an outward look that they are carrying as per the Holy Book the society there has undergone subtle changes. You would expect that if you roam the streets of Middle East you would find all women covered from head to foot with veil. It is not so. They have become emancipated. Take the case nearer home Afghanistan in the heydays of Talibaan. I am not stating this on the authority of American women who had deputed some of them to find out if all the stories of strict observance of the purdah system were true. To their surprise they found that very few women cared to do so . Those who did that they do it voluntarily as they are used to it and even if Talibaan were to issue a fatwa that purdah be dispensed with they would defy the same. Come still nearer. Some time ago the Kasher terrorists issued statements asking women to wear purdah or else There indeed was tension in the air and the tailors reeived dozen of orders for sewing burquas. But most of these burquas remained in their bags. Very few put them on. Possibly the groups who issued the diktats were infinitsemil and did not carry ecept some advertisement influence. Some people there even suggested that it is some tailors whose business was in the doldrums that were behind this ruse. Women in the Middle East are becoming increasing vocal about their rights.Against our pictures of 'talaq'ed Muslim women leading a precarious existence my friends who were working in Iran informed me that this has becoming a sourse of income for some women there as it has done to American Women seeking alimonys from their rich husbands of convenience. All this solidarty under Islam is their politiiial necessity. For right or wrong reasons the Muslims have come to be abohrred as terrorists.Even otherwise sober people inthe world do not want to be seen sympathetic towards them.All the Muslims countries in the Middle East even together do not amount to much of a political force.With the abundant oil revenues they could have put up a strong show with spreading education, industries etc. but they say that in Kuwait even though education is free upto graduation or even post-graduate level very few young men are inclined towards it. Our experience in Indian universities has been that the students who come to the universities on scholarships are not the best of brains there and tend to enjoy college life. This is the general condition. As aforesaid for political purpose they have to show a solidarity.And yet you see the massacres of Shias by Sunnis or vice versa occuring even today. The West is also not positiively inclined to help them out, their only interest being the oil.Israel is said to be a stooge nation of the Americans and USA will do pretty little to discipline it.In fact, thanks to American pressure almost all the Arab countries have made their peace with Israel.

Against this background the deputation of Conolzza Rice to the Middle East does not appear to be wide off the mark. America does not seem to desire to take any strong measures to discriplne Israel and the sending or not sending the SOS is a merest formality.Even if we were to presume that the Middle East has a very illiberal outlook towards women that by itself cannot be a contraindicationfor the deputation of Miss Rice. She is not going there to persude them to have a more liberal view of their women. It is a dry political exercise.She is also a competent lady and even if she fails in her mission it will not be because she is a woman or the Arabs are illiberal but the overall circumstances.

Answer 3

She is the Secretary of State, regardless of what other cultural biases may be operating in that part of the world.

She is not the first woman to hold that role, although Madeline Albright was hardly a stellar performer. I forget whether of not Jeanne Kirkpatrick was ever Secretary of State.

She's got to be one of the brightest women in the United States and it would be difficult to think of a more qualified person to hold the position. She's also quite skilled in foreign languages, including Russian, which she's fluent in.

Also, you'd be surprised at how familiar and accepting the ruling classes in the Middle East are compared to the general population. Most are educated in Europe and the US, have very expensive tastes, and a far more liberal view of the world than you might expect.

Answer 4

I think i would be more inclined to ask for a combo meal from condoleeza than sit down and talk diplomatic relations! I mean comeon why not get someone over there with some brass and some dignity president bush. Get your head out of the clouds your flushing American down the toilet with your war games and fear tactics.

Answer 5

I think you are still living in the old world - gender has got nothing to do with her effectiveness or her stature. What's worrying is Pres Bush-Condoleeza Rice's chorus of "A New West Asia", "Birth Pangs Of A New Nation" - those are frightening phrases - they reflect US thinking/objective in the region.

Delusional wishful thinking of the US Government are doomed to fail because they are out of synch with realities. Israel cannot deliver a natural-born Lebanon to please grandpa America - it will be a painful bloody caesarian.... birth of a stronger Hezbollah nation call "Lebanon".

Answer 6

Yes, it makes sense for one reason only: for you guys in the US to realize that the world is fed up with you and nobody wants to pay attention. Hope that her failure will stirr you up so as to fight for your dignity and replace your leadership putting in place spokesperson who are able to dialogue respecting the dignity of the rest of the world. There's no such thing as being number one. Learn that lesson! Do the world a favor: kick Bush out his office and your conscience.

Answer 7

Your overlooking the fact that the woman is brilliant but other than that I guess it does seem a little odd

Answer 8

It took a real idiot to appoint her to the post in the first place, if he and Condi wasn't getting it on, it probably would never happen.

Answer 9

It looks good for the United States. To appear that they are neutral and really want to help in this bad situation. Furthermore, if they don't it would damage their interest in Iraq.

Answer 10

No America should stay out of it,if America did get invloved everybody knows the situation would only get worse.