A true leader takes a stance as either a warrior or a diplomat/politician. One can not be both at the same time. The diplomat will argue for peace or war and the warrior will fight to win.
The diplomat fights for his/her country's interests with words. When the diplomats fail, then the warriors get to do their jobs.
Rice, by being a big softee, is not fighting for our nation's interest, nor helping an ally. She would do better to simply demand the return of these 2 soldiers and Gilad Shalit, and then STFU. Sometimes silence can send a message - and no one should know that better than a diplomat.
Even Michael Corleone knew that when you are at war, you need a “wartime consigliere”.
Which is why Rice should go to teach something and Bolton should be SOS.
Why are we trying be diplomatic? We're dealing with murderers and bandits and the countries enabling them.