US communications strategy put to the test with Newsweek and Saddam flaps

[Barrett808]

In case after case, the flaps surrounding Newsweek magazine and the pictures of Saddam Hussein in his underwear point to difficulties the United States has to face in its quest to improve its reputation around the world.

"This could have serious impact," said White House spokesman Trent Duffy following publication in Britain and the United States of photos of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein in his underwear. "There will be a thorough investigation."

As many Arab newspapers asked themselves Saturday if US troops were out to humiliate Iraqis and Arabs in general, the developments threatened to undermine a Middle East tour by US First Lady Laura Bush whose task is to put a smiling face on US policy.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Shuneh, Jordan, Laura Bush predicted a hopeful new future for the Middle East.

"Now we are seeing a springtime of hope across the Middle East. Brave men and women are writing a new chapter in the story of self-government," the US first lady said referring to recent polls in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050521/pl_afp/usiraqsaddamdiplomacy_050521211011

[rodeodance]

1. laura is as much out of it as George is!!

........Now we are seeing a springtime of hope across the Middle East. Brave men and women are writing a new chapter in the story of self-government," the US first lady said referring to recent polls in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

[xray s]

2. springtime

"It's springtime, for Cheney, and the BFEE"

[MO_Dem]

3. Laura's task is to put a smiling face on US policy?

They call that glassy-eyed, tooth-baring grimace a SMILE? You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig....and that ain't no smile that Laura flashes, either, IMHO!

When will these people realize that it's what's in their hearts that matters, not their spin?