US Public Diplomacy: broken and getting worse

I was struck, as were many people, by this exchange on Tunisia:

“MR. CROWLEY: But I would say yes, we’re concerned about government actions, but we’re also concerned about actions by the demonstrators, those who do not have peaceful intentions.”

Something has come into greater focus here in Lebanon in the last few days – the contradictions of US Public Diplomacy – the rhetoric – has reached an extraordinary low point. I think this is partially the result of an Obama Administration that is NOT as cocksure as the Bush team.

When you don’t believe your rhetoric in your heart, the delivery is necessarily far less convincing.

Two examples I have personally encountered over the last two days:

1) US officials saying here that there was no Saudi Syrian settlement process over the tribunal stance of the LEBGOV. Then saying that the process, which NEVER existed, was a bad idea and should have been shelved and it was good that it hit a wall.

Huh?

2) We cannot and will not pass judgement on the Tribunal….but it is a transparent, non politicized, just process that is working to the highest standards.

Huh?

Whether you agree or disagree with the statements the point is the obvious internal inconsistency.

My sense is that after several years of failure, after being put in a series of tight spots and with some new people in the ranks and on top with the new admin….. the job of US public diplomacy in the mideast – hampered by the evident policy hypocrisy and the counterproductive nature of those policies for US interests – may have reached a decisive point.