Victoria Nuland is the politically appointed spokeswoman for the State Department. She is the daughter of Sherwin Nuland a bioethics professor. She is married to Robert Kagan, the neocon historian. Kagan was, of course, a mainstay of the Bush Administration's "crusade" to make the ME safe for.... It may seem strange to some this woman would have been appointed to be the State department's spokesperson in the Obama Administration. Such a doubt would betray the questioner's lack of understanding of the limits of personnel availablity in the United States.
In case there is any doubt, Hillary Clinton and therefore Victoria Nuland work for Barack Obama. His policy is the State Department's policy and therefor their policy He can fire either or both at any time. The US is not a parliamentary democracy like the "sprigs" of the old British Empire; Canada, the UK, etc. The president is not "one of the guys" in the cabinet. He is not "first among equals." He is THE BOSS in the Executive Branch.
The other night he chose to say that "Egypt is not an ally." The most challenged should be able to see that this is simple truth. See my earlier post. In any event, his word must be "law" for the State Department.
The following day Nuland chose to tell the media that Egypt IS effectively a US ally. Now, perhaps the NSC told the State Department to say that. If they did, then I have no problem with her statement.
There appears to be a pattern of friends of Israel arguing for a lenient attitude toward Egypt. Can that be because they want Egypt kept in the treaty with Israel.
Who told Nuland to correct the president? pl
Nice catch sir. Time for Ms Nuland to "fall on her sword", that is if she is in fact an officer of the US Government . . .
Posted by: seydlitz89 | 14 September 2012 at 07:32 PM
I thinks everyone is over reacting, don't blame conspiracy when simple stupidity will suffice.
Posted by: Jose | 14 September 2012 at 11:55 PM
jose
Thanks. that's my line. pl
Posted by: turcopolier | 15 September 2012 at 12:19 AM
Oh yes, she's coming Col. She's coming. After all, all the 'sacrifices' and 'successes', is she not entitled to the throne? No, we don't have an Oligopoly here, do we. A Snopes one perhaps, but an Oligopoly just the same.
Posted by: jonst | 15 September 2012 at 08:13 AM
jonst
Yes, a year off for rest and "she'll be back." Not as enthusiastic as I was. pl
Posted by: turcopolier | 15 September 2012 at 08:21 AM
Col, it is about the best we can expect anymore. Her flaw.... They, the Clinton's are endlessly searching for 'pop cultural' approval...with violent swings back to realpolitik. Back and forth...back and forth. And Egypt has been a prime example--so I would argue--of that dynamic.
Posted by: jonst | 15 September 2012 at 10:21 AM
I agree with you, thank heavens not my problem, but on the other hand she's a human being, a political animal, no-one likes a quitter, she's not old why not go for it. Not saying I'd vote for her, but there she is.
Posted by: Charles I | 15 September 2012 at 11:35 AM
Why the tension? Holy shite Americans are dying and the election is finally here.
Posted by: Charles I | 15 September 2012 at 11:37 AM
Guess the question is, how enthusiastic is Herself?
Posted by: Charles I | 15 September 2012 at 11:38 AM
Will you please expand on that?
Posted by: DH | 15 September 2012 at 02:07 PM
I'm referring to Nuland's visible misery when she finally acknowledged that Egypt was technically an ally. She could have stonewalled like any good spokesperson if she didn't have permission to contradict Obama.
Posted by: DH | 15 September 2012 at 02:52 PM