Rice visit to region was leaked too soon

[kpete]

Jul. 19, 2006 2:06 | Updated Jul. 19, 2006 3:53
Analysis: Rice visit to region was leaked too soon
By NATHAN GUTTMAN

The news about dispatching Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the region leaked out a little too soon. President George W. Bush, unaware of the open microphone in front him, promised PM Tony Blair that "Condi is going pretty soon," but the administration is still deliberating the exact timing of such a visit. Sources in Washington said Tuesday that Rice will not be leaving before early next week and that the visit will be more of a stopover on her way to Asia than a full-force diplomatic shuttle mission.

The delays in sending a senior US official to the region are not merely a scheduling issue. The US does not feel ready to step in quite yet and try to mediate between the fighting sides. Israeli sources said in recent days that they have heard nothing but complete backing from administration officials and that there is no intention at this point to take any action that would stop Israel's military activity.

Once Secretary Rice embarks on her mission to the Middle East, it will serve as a sign for Israel that the window of opportunity to act militarily against Hizbullah is closing and that the US believes it is time for diplomacy. But that moment has not arrived yet.

more at:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150886039187&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[babylonsister]

1. I could care less if she goes or not. She's worthless and won't

improve or change a thing.

[Nikki Stone 1]

2. Then the "open mike" thing was planned

It was a response to "What is the US going to do about the situation?" I'll bet Junior used the expletive to get the attention of the press and get the thing played on TV. What got into the American press was that there would soon be a US response to the Israel/Lebanon situation.

[cantstandbush]

3. The "open mike" thingee is wearing very thin. nt

[thereismore]

4. They are waiting until Lebanon is on its knees so any result will be

to Israel's advantage. Let them bleed.

[liberal N proud]

5. "Leaked" - So is that a good leak or a bad leak?

Just need to know what type of leak it was for the sake of National Security.

[elehhhhna]

6. he said "I THINK Condi's goin' purty soon." He doesn't know wtf

is going on.

And why isn't he speechifying on prime time to comfort the worried homeland, huh? lol