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Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated
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To: LindyBill who wrote (86531)11/16/2004 3:20:26 PM
From: LindyBill  Read Replies (1) of 793731
 
Rice as SecState
By Bill - INDC Journal

I'm surprisingly detached about the appointment. Rice has stellar credentials and a strategic grasp of the the multi-generational asymmetric challenge of Islamofascism and WMD, but her reviews as NSA were generally mixed from a spectrum of sources, and I'm unclear of what her agenda will be at the head of State's massive beauracracy. Is she there to clean house of entrenched and rebellious liberal foreign service officers, or represent the President's top-line diplomatic agenda with more clarity? Both? Based on descriptions of her muted refereeing of National Security debates during Bush's first term, my gut wonders if her natural level of aggression is suited for the merciless work of reforming a government beauracracy. I'm certainly willing to give her the benefit of the doubt - we'll see. Dr. Rice's executive experience at the head of Stanford University should come in very handy.

Another interesting question is how Islamic countries will deal with a woman SecState at this pivotal time in the region's history that demands American engagement and brokerage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While it's certainly fun to crow about the in-your-face example of Western pluralism set by the gender of the United States' top diplomatic official, I wonder if Rice's public profile will present any minor practical impediments in the diplomatic process. Not that a scintilla of our decision-making should bow to Islamic sexism, but it's certainly a wrinkle worthy of curious consideration. Her appointment might also serve as subtle model for reform and inspiration among women in the Middle East; Al Jazeera has to cover a US SecState's visit to the region, and something tells me they won't be slapping a burhka on the good doctor.

Should be interesting.
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