Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05SANSALVADOR2759
2005-10-06 22:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy San Salvador
Cable title:  

MEDIA REACTION - U/S HUGHES AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Tags:  KMDR ES KPAO 
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UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 002759

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, WHA/CEN, WHA/PDA, R
AMEMBASSIES FOR PAS, POL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR ES KPAO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - U/S HUGHES AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY


"Failed Diplomatic Mission" by Sergio Muoz Bata (member of
the Los Angeles Times editorial board) in October 6 moderate
daily La Prensa Grfica (circ. 110,000).

"Karen Hughes.recently returned from a mishap-filled first
diplomatic mission to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

"When she spoke in Egypt before a carefully selected
audience, her interlocutors complained about the
inconsistency between.the Bush Administration's efforts to
support democracy in the region and the experience of those
who live under an undemocratic regime that has the complete
backing of the U.S. government. That Hughes did not meet
t
with principal figures of the opposition also did not look
good.

"Her dialogue with women in Ankara turned in to a heated
discussion against the Iraq war. (When) Hughes defended the
need for the war so as to preserve peace,.they responded
that war makes women's rights disappear and increases
poverty, and that women always pay the highest price. It
wasn't any better in Saudi Arabia..

"Some critics.say the main problem was [Bush's] choosing
someone who knows the intricacies of domestic
politics.but.has no experience in dealing with other
cultures. For others the basic problem is the job itself..
At this moment in history, complaints about U.S. policy in
regions of conflict are valid. The war and occupation of
Iraq are not justified even if you accept that Saddam
Hussain was a tyrant.

"What the U.S. should do to improve its image is. to use its
enormous power to be an honest broker when asked and [have]
the wisdom to stay out when not asked."
BUTLER