Television Cutlure Even Shapes Diplomacy

Sorry for the belatedness but I only had my attention drawn to this after reading it in translation in Ma'ariv.

Daniel Kurtzer, outgoing American ambassador to Israel, was interviewed in the New York Times and, among other things, said,

What has most disappointed him, Mr. Kurtzer said, has been the failure of the Palestinians, at least so far, to create a positive image based on good administration, realistic policies and opposition to terrorism.

"Victimization gets you on 'Oprah,' but you want to be taken seriously enough to get on 'Meet the Press,' " Mr. Kurtzer said, then winced a little for allowing himself to be direct.

Tragedy and injustice are "part of Palestinian consciousness," he said, adding: "I respect it. It's part of their national narrative. But you have to move beyond it to create something positive."

"You have a Palestinian Authority, but it's still a question in the minds of the international community if they're ready for statehood with these institutions," he said.

I only hope his bosses and some other diplomats pay attention.

By the way, Kurtzer's replacement is Richard H. Jones. And here's highlights from his CV:

Ambassador to Lebanon, a senior member of the U.S. Foreign Service, Mr. Jones has served in Washington, Paris, Tunis, and Riyadh while concentrating on economic and Middle East issues. Besides serving in Washington as Director of the State Department's Office of Egyptian Affairs since June 1993, he has served in Embassy Riyadh as Counselor for Political Affairs (1989-92) and Petroleum Attache (1984-86), and in the Department as Director of Developed Country Trade in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs (1987-89). Mr. Jones earned a Bachelor of Science degree (Math, with distinction) from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, as well as a Master of Science degree (Business) from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

He and his wife, Joan, are the parents of four children, ranging in age from 3-18.
Mr. Jones was born August 26, 1950 in Shreveport, Louisiana. His foreign languages are Arabic and French.