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Africa: North
Welch to Egyptopress: "Your moral compass has gone crazy!"
2003-12-19
From LGF - EFL:
US Ambassador to Egypt David Welch confronted journalists from Egypt’s government-approved rabidly anti-American newspaper Al-Ahram Weekly, and was wonderfully, unusually blunt and honest for an American diplomat. Here is the exchange immediately following a lengthy whine from the reporters on the “humiliation” to which all Arabs were subjected by the televised medical examination of Saddam Hussein: Close encounter with a US diplomat. (Hat tip: Baldy.)
Khalil: Then why were the Americans up in arms when the Iraqis showed US POWs on TV? You said POWs should not be treated this way. Why are you doing that now -- isn’t he a POW?

Welch: Yes, there is a difference. Look at Saddam Hussein. I cannot believe you guys are defending this guy.

... snip ...

Nyier Abdou: Whether or not you want to call it abuse, there certainly is a distinction between showing somebody in this manner and showing them in a more dignified way. I think what makes people angry is that the US fails to see how this kind of imagery will inflame people, and that they do it anyway, and that’s what really makes people angry. It is a misunderstanding of what is going to convince people.

Welch: I think your moral compass has gone crazy. I think you should be looking at the Iraqi people and their reaction to this. Your reaction puzzles me to be honest. Can we move on because this is boring...
Diplomacy was once describe as the art of saying "Nice doggy" whilst looking for a big rock. I think Welch has a pocketful of stones.
Posted by:Mercutio

#3  I just finished reading the discussion between David Welch and Al-Ahram participants. Great read! Great ambassador! We need more discussions like these to clear the air and lower the walls between us. At least the effort should be made. Hats off to Ambassador Welch!
Posted by: Alaska Paul   2003-12-19 10:47:53 PM  

#2  David Welch is my kind of Diplomat- which means the Saoodi payroll/Francophile asshats at Foggy Bottom will do all they can to sneer at and sabotage this fine ambassador
Posted by: Frank G   2003-12-19 9:14:41 PM  

#1  The complete round table discussion between Amb. Welch and the Al-Ahram weekly can be found here.

I found this exchange amusing:
Nevine Khalil: And what if there is democracy in the region and the people decide to elect governments that are not friendly to the US? What would you do about that?

Welch: You mean like France? This is a good opening. Forgive me because I am not a very good diplomat and I tend to say what's on my mind and I say it straight. It may at times bother you a little bit, but I don't mean any offense. I just believe in honesty. So I am going to be very honest.
Posted by: Gasse Katze   2003-12-19 7:07:48 PM  

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