Posted on 07/30/2005 7:38:29 PM PDT by kristinn
SNIP On her first trip abroad, Rice warned the European Union not to lift an arms embargo on China, telling diplomats they would rue the day if U.S. troops ever faced European-armed Chinese soldiers across the Taiwan straits. Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, who then held the rotating European Union presidency, was so startled by her tough talk that he spilled his coffee in the lap of European foreign policy chief Javier Solana.
"The Europeans sent delegation after delegation saying, 'Please be more flexible.' She did not yield," Burns said. "She told them, 'You've united the Democrats and the Republicans in Congress. That's not an easy thing to do.' " The Europeans ultimately shelved their plan.
Colleagues have dubbed Rice the "velvet hammer."
SNIP
When Rice visited Paris in February to give a speech on U.S.-European relations, French Ambassador Jean David Levitte said, she "really changed the atmosphere -- of the media, of public opinion -- about the Bush administration. It was really a turning point."
Because of her impact generally after first six months, he concluded, Rice is "probably the most powerful secretary of state in decades."
SNIP
Rice's control over policy has been enhanced because she has a close relationship with the president, and is the first secretary of state since Henry A. Kissinger to serve first as national security adviser. Stephen J. Hadley, the former deputy who inherited her old job, "has taken kind of the backseat role," said a Middle East envoy, echoing several other diplomats as well as U.S. officials. "Everything is run and coordinated from State." Bush, said one outside adviser, "trusts her absolutely, as a counselor, as a friend, as a member of the family."
SNIP
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
You'd be right.
State has needed reform for a long long time.
On her first trip abroad, Rice warned the European Union not to lift an arms embargo on China, telling diplomats they would rue the day if U.S. troops ever faced European-armed Chinese soldiers across the Taiwan straits. Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, who then held the rotating European Union presidency, was so startled by her tough talk that he spilled his coffee in the lap of European foreign policy chief Javier Solana.
Bwhahahah!
Imagine having Bolton on the team too!
They wouldn't know which end was up.
nice get - wonder if she will be on the Sunday shows
Let's just hope she can manage to early-retire much of the bureaucracy at Foggy Bottom.
Ditto.
Yep, I can't wait!
Biased as the Post is, the NY Times is beyond the pale. It's now as left wing as The Nation.
Condi for President in '08!
ping
The State Department should support Americans traveling abroad. If they do not, they should be de-funded.
* On North Korea, Rice got the prickly Pyongyang government back to six-nation talks last week on nuclear disarmament
* On Iran, Rice agreed to offer incentives
* With India, she brokered a deal to sell peaceful nuclear technology
* On Sudan, Rice found middle ground
Bada Bing!
I agree this article is upbeat, even with the basic "butt monkeys" like: it's too soon to tell if Condi's success is long term. But Robin Wright, (who followed Colin Powell around like a lovesick puppy), actually did offer comparative praise to Condi.
The article would have been even better if the 2 reporters had compared Condi's early accomplishments to Madeleine Albright's final tally. Or would have that been just too painful to print?
I like the words 'Condi' and 'powerful' used in the same sentence.
Natalie Maines?
George Soros?
Ted Kennedy?
Bruce Springsteen?
Moby?
Ter-RAY-zuh Heinz?
Alexandra Kerry (who told that nauseating rescued-hamster story)?
Michael Moore?
Jimmy Carter?
Nancy Pelosi?
Rajin Al Gore?
Hillary Clinton?
Michael Moore?
Jane Fonda?
John "Forrest-Gump" Edwards ("we will destroy yew...")?
Any of these, perhaps someone even worse. America has really dodged the bullet twice now. Think about it...
Rice has worked hard -- at a pace that sometimes seems like a campaign -- to overcome her image during Bush's first term as a weak national security adviser who struggled to mediate among the strong-willed personalities vying to shape foreign policy.
I wasn't aware anyone believed she had a weak image to overcome when confirmed to the position. Infact earlier her confrontation with the U.S. Congress was considered must see TV as se dismantled them.
Still, This article must pain Colin and Hillary.
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