US embassy cable - 05SANSALVADOR2759

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