Why the heck is Hughes out there cultivating Muslims in any case? They have nothing to offer economically, their countries are dysfunctional, and they want to swarm up and take over Europe and reduce it to the same lousy state they have been "enjoying" for 8 centuries.
I think GWBush sent Hughes because he CAN'T TRUST the lower level flunkies at the state department. If Condie Rice goes then she attracts too much attention. Hughes has more freedom of movement.
Either way, I think it is a waste of time. There is NOTHING the USA can do to gain respect from the moslem world. They only respect firepower.