US Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy Karen P. Hughes with Ambassador James C. Oberwetter, Dr. Suhair Al-Qurashi, dean of the Dar Al-Hekma Women’s College, and Zuhair H. Fayez.

JEDDAH, 29 September 2005 — The mission of Ambassador Karen P. Hughes, undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and Public Affairs at the US Department of State, in Jeddah was completed on Tuesday. The purpose of the visit was to improve the US government’s ruined image, especially in the Middle East.

Her visit to Jeddah which lasted approximately 24 hours was full of meetings. The American delegation which consisted of both diplomats and media persons had its initial encounter with Saudis at the home of the prominent Saudi scholar, Dr. Sami Angawi. Each Tuesday he hosts a meeting — known in Arabic as “makiya” — at which issues of interest and concern are discussed. The weekly makiya was, in this case, moved to Monday in order to accommodate the visiting Americans.

The “makiya” was full of Saudi men and women representing varying professions, regions and ages. The cultural attaché at the US Consulate in Jeddah told the crowd to speak their minds as Hughes is not merely an American official but also a close friend of the president whom he trusts and listens to.

Before Hughes spoke to the crowd, the American ambassador made a brief introductory speech in which he outlined her experience and qualifications. Inquiries from the audience dealt mainly with American policies in the region. One person spoke about the continuing problems in Palestine and America’s uncritical support for Israel.

Hughes answered that Bush was personally worried about Palestinians as he wants them to have equal chances as the Israelis to work, study and raise a family.

Hughes did not answer all the questions asked by the participants. She did, however, write them down before leaving the makiya after only an hour. In a meeting which was supposed to improve the US image, it seems not only foolish but impossible to think that any change could have been effected in so short a time. Such an aim surely requires longer discussions and genuine give-and-take on both sides. “Although it was short, I think it was very significant and successful,” said Angawi.

On Tuesday afternoon, the auditorium at Dar Al-Hekma Women’s College overflowed with students as the college played host to a dialogue with Ambassador Hughes. The college dean, Dr. Suhair Al-Qurashi, welcomed the undersecretary of state, the accompanying Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Dina Habib Powell and US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia James C. Oberwetter. Also on stage was chairman of the board of trustees of Dar Al-Hekma College, Zuhair H. Fayez.

Hughes spoke of bridging the gap between Saudi Arabia and the United States. “Some skeptics say this visit is all about public relations and image. But I don’t see it like that. Government policies really affect people’s lives.”

One student noted that there was a negative image of everything Middle Eastern in the Western media and that Western governments have done little to correct that. “I do not want in any way for the criminal acts of the few to jeopardize our relationship with the many,” responded Hughes. She went on, “One of the strengths of my country is that Muslims in America feel very free to practice their religion.”

After her meeting at Dar Al-Hekma, which again lasted only an hour, Hughes had a luncheon meeting with the Saudi Journalists’ Association.

Othman Al-Sini, acting editor in chief of Al-Watan daily who attended the meeting, told Arab News that although Hughes had a difficult mission, it was of great importance.

“It is a healthy step away from formalities,” Al-Sini said. He added, however, that if the Americans thought they could repair the damaged relationship in so short a time, they were dreaming. “This is merely the first step in a long journey.”

Hughes will make an official statement about her visit to the Kingdom upon her return to Washington.