The nasty article pushing a Kerry/Rice fight seems completely made up

[karynnj]

Last edited Thu Nov 21, 2013, 12:10 PM - Edit history (1)

I looked at Rice's comments and articles on her internal review of Middle Eastern policy - and see little light between her statements and Kerry's.

Although the article was an attempt to diminish Kerry, more seriously it is likely an effort to paint Obama as not in control. I tried to examine that and wrote - http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024058225 - on GD - though it met with complete disinterest. I figured I would post this - especially as I think my own impulse to defend Kerry - assuming the story was from Rice - was unfair.

Adding more links - because it is clear that Rice herself made no stronger statements on Morsi than Kerry did in Egypt. Given that it is easier to make strong statements from afar, this is significant. Either the widely reported disagreement is false OR Rice wanted Kerry to be an in person attack dog supporting the failed MB leader, while she made the politically more pragmatic (and popular) comments.

- Vast majority of Egyptians favored coup (5 days ago) - http://allafrica.com/stories/201311151407.html
- NYT account of the start of the coup itself - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/world/middleeast/morsi-spurned-deals-to-the-end-seeing-the-military-as-tamed.html?hp&_r=0

[MBS]

1. Their personalities and approaches are so different

that I nevertheless wouldn't be surprised if there were actually a little scratchiness between the two of them, but, even if so, I'm also sure that Sec. Kerry is completely capable of holding his own, and more. As someone else has noted, there is a difference between foreign policy and foreign relations. And Kerry is superb at both, but his skills in the foreign relations arena, particularly in building one-on-one relationships, seem to me almost genius level. He is doing a superior job at State -- wonderful to see.

[karynnj]

2. Agree on everything and love that he looks so happy at times.