Pelosi Asks Saudis: Where Are The Women?

House Speaker Raises Issue Of Saudi Arabia's Lack Of Female Politicians

(AP)  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that she raised the issue of Saudi Arabia's lack of female politicians with Saudi government officials on the last stop of her Mideast tour.

Pelosi, the first woman House speaker, said she had not discussed King Abdullah's recent criticism of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, focusing instead on praise for the king's Mideast peace initiative, and efforts to quell conflicts in Somalia and Darfur.

She met with the king Wednesday and with several members of the Shura Council, an unelected advisory assembly named by the king, on Thursday.

Asked if she had discussed the lack of women on the council, she told reporters, "The issue has been brought up in our discussions with the Saudis on this trip."

Pelosi arrived in Saudi Arabia from Syria, where she defied the White House's Middle East policy by meeting with President Bashar Assad and saying "the road to Damascus is a road to peace." The Bush administration has rejected direct talks with Damascus and criticized Pelosi for her visit.

In an interview with ABC News, Vice President Dick Cheney said Assad has "been isolated and cut off because of his bad behavior, and the unfortunate thing about the speaker's visit is it sort of breaks down that barrier."

Pelosi was met at the Riyadh airport by officials including Abdul-Rahman al-Zamel, the head of the Saudi-American friendship committee at the Shura Council. He described the speaker's visit as a "breakthrough" and praised the inclusion of the first Muslim member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., in her delegation.

Pelosi wore a lavender pantsuit instead of the long black robe, called an abaya, that women, Saudi and non-Saudi, have to wear in the kingdom.

Visiting women dignitaries are not expected to wear the robe, and other female U.S. government officials who have visited Saudi Arabia in the past few years, such as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, did not wear abayas when they met with Saudi officials.

Ihsan Abu-Holeiqa, a member of the council, said the meeting with Pelosi Thursday included discussion of the new difficulties Saudis have in getting U.S. visas, with some waiting four to five months. The lengthy process followed the Sept. 11 attacks carried out by 19 hijackers, 15 of them Saudis.

"We told her there should be some movement on the visa issue because, while we understand the security needs, the situation is unacceptable," said Abu-Holeiqa.

Al-Zamel also praised Pelosi's visit to Syria, saying Syria "is part of this Arab world, part of the issues to be resolved, and to ignore people gets you nowhere."

Pelosi was the highest-ranking American politician to visit Syria since relations began to deteriorate in 2003. Then-U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell went to Damascus in May 2003.

Washington accuses Syria of backing Hamas and Hezbollah, two groups it deems terrorist organizations, and fueling Iraq's violence by allowing Sunni insurgents to operate from its territory.

Pelosi's visit heightened tensions between the Bush administration and congressional Democrats, who have stepped up their push for change in U.S. policy in the Mideast and the Iraq war.

But Democrats — and some Republicans — said the lack of dialogue had closed doors to possible progress in resolving Mideast crises.

Pelosi said she expressed to Assad "our concern about Syria's connections to Hezbollah and Hamas" and militant fighters slipping across the Syrian border into Iraq.

"We came in friendship, hope, and determined that the road to Damascus is a road to peace," said Pelosi, who met for three hours with Assad.

Assad has repeatedly said over the past year that Damascus is willing to negotiate with Israel, insisting the talks must lead to the return of the Golan Heights, seized by Israel in the 1967 Mideast War.

"He's ready to engage in negotiations for peace with Israel," Pelosi said of the Syrian leader.

[shingles1]

The headline made me think of the Blazing Saddles' line, "Hey, where the white women at?"

[hawksprings]

I wonder if CBS News will do a story on Pelosi's little fib about what Israel's Prime Minister told her and how he went publically and corrected her: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1173879247562&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[dallison7]

WOW!!

BUSH REALLY IS THE LAMEST OF LAME DUCKS!!

LMAO!!!

[dallison7]

THIS MORON, BUSH, HAS HIS JOB TAKEN AWAY FROM HIM WHILE HE IS STILL IN OFFICE!!!

WHAT A HOOT!!!

BY A WOMAN!!!

ROFLMAO!!!

[us_infidel]

Oh Nancy, you evil wench.......I'd like to teach you the meaning of R*E*S*P*E*C*T!! She KNOWS I have the neocon hots for her and she taunts ME!!!! :)

[mudrose-2009]

Nancy Pelosi is a delusional old woman who doesn't seem to get it. Like the Arab would is going to put woman in power like she thinks she has. This week, she decided to be Secretary of State. She plays nice,nice to the mullahs. Next week she'll be assuming the Vice Presidency and the week after tell the Bushies to move over in their bed. The woman can't just be speaker. She must be the eternal goodess, the Amazon, all things to all people. The fool of the Democratic Party and the joke of the Arab world. Good job Pelosi. When you get to the White House, make Rosie O'Donnell your V.P.

[skyhawk761]

At least she has a pair of balls unlike W. Instead of kissing their arsses she actually questioned them. Alfred E. Newman ( W ) should take notes.

[mudrose-2009]

At least she has a pair of balls unlike W. Instead of kissing their arsses she actually questioned them. Alfred E. Newman ( W ) should take notes.
Posted by skyhawk761

Yup, she's got'em. It's her style of Detente - the look 'em in the eyes and tell them like it is - whether they like it or not, whether culturally they are on a par with other philosophies. Where's the women, says winky. Don't you agree the '06 ticket should be Pelosi/O'Donnell. She's going to make it right. The whole world is going to listen to her golden words and peace will come to the continents. Hahahahahhahaha. She's delusional I tell you, delusional.

[rharrin1]

n an interview with ABC News, Vice President *** Cheney said Assad has "been isolated and cut off because of his bad behavior.

Then the same thing should happen to bush and cheney for their bad behavior.

You right wingers are getting all upset over nothing, she is only doing what georgie can't do and that is TALK.

Go back and listen to some of his speeches at least that is what they are supposed to be.

[houchin21]

mudrose you are an idiot, the republicans dont have the balls to talk to syria. like the king said you get nowhere. I will be glad when that moron of a president gets out of office. he is by far the worst president we have ever had,even nixon was ok

[j4401]

I commend Pelosi for her efforts. Charge Cheney and Bush with treason.

[j4401]

I commend Pelosi for her efforts. Charge Cheney and Bush with treason.

[shingles1]

"The officials said Olmert had told Pelosi that he thought her trip to Damascus was a mistake, and that when she asked - nevertheless - whether he had a message for Assad, Olmert said Syria should first stop supporting terrorism and "act like a normal country," and only then would Israel be willing to hold discussions."

Of course, there is often a difference between what is said publicly and what is said in private.
Pelosi's sin may have been to blab out loud.

We know that there have been ongoing secret talks between Israel and Syria - since 2004. These talks were revealed in February of 2007 and then covered in depth by the Israeli paper Ha'aretz.

So, "we don't talk to terrorists" unless we do.

[mudrose-2009]

mudrose you are an idiot, the republicans dont have the balls to talk to syria. like the king said you get nowhere. I will be glad when that moron of a president gets out of office. he is by far the worst president we have ever had,even nixon was ok

Posted by houchin21

Knowing me personally, you can make that sort of a statement, I suppose. Seems like everyone we have a run-away Congress who is dictating it's mandates on the Presidency. Last time I looked there were three branches of government. But since the Congress ceded the Legislature to the Judiciary, I see no reason why they shouldn't assume the responsibility of the Executive Branch. You can talk to Syria all you want, the Saudis, too. They like to talk. Did you know that if you ask a Muslim for protection, as long as you are in his house, he will afford you all the protections from harm. However, the minute you cross over his portal, he has no qualms about killing you. Just a little tidbit for you all to ponder, since all of you know how to run this country along with Pelosi.

[taddles-2009]

18 of the 19 hijackers on 911 were Soudi's?!?

We invade Afghanistan, we go afer Bin Laden (then Bush decides he's not worth the hassle) then we invade Iraq for no good reason but the whole time we do nothing about the *** Saudi's. Why? because the Bush family owns half of Saudi Arabia.

[jasonmcj]

Republicans visit Syria all the time.

Why the outcry for Pelosi?

Simple. Republican have nothing to lose at this point. Bush is lame as Cheneys ***. Cry Cry more losers. YOu just can't deal with it!!

ARRGGG ANGER!!! DEFEAT DEMOCRATS!!! KILL! KILL!! Your frothing at the mouth is funny to all of us.

[zorlacskates]

ah, bushies. if only every woman could be like laura bush: silent, stupidly smiling at everything, and completely disinterested in anything of substance, eh?

[gunnerv1]

Welcome to the real world Nancy. This is what we'er trying to change if you would only let us. There's no warm 'n fuzzy hugs outside of San Francisco girl.

[taddles-2009]

"However, the minute you cross over his portal, he has no qualms about killing you. Just a little tidbit for you all to ponder, since all of you know how to run this country along with Pelosi.
Posted by mudrose at 12:32 PM : Apr 05, 2007"

And that would have what to do with international diplomacy? oh that's right....nothing.

I am in total agreement....mudrose you are an idiot.

[taddles-2009]

"ah, bushies. if only every woman could be like laura bush: silent, stupidly smiling at everything, and completely disinterested in anything of substance, eh?
Posted by zorlacskates at 12:35 PM : Apr 05, 2007"

That's what happens when you're strung out on Oxycodone.

[j-whitman]

Pelosi has it exactly right -
- Great Briton learned not to listen to Bush also, they talked with Iran & got results,, They are now talking with Hamas as well & are making progress diplomaticly.

[jasonmcj]

Still laughinig at bushies...

Hey Bush lovers...answer this?

Where is the outcry about Frank Wolf's visit?
Where is the outcry about Joe Pitts' and visit?
Where is the outcry about Robert Aderholt's visit?

Stupid Republcians. I'll wait while you Google the names

[mudrose-2009]

Republicans visit Syria all the time.

Why the outcry for Pelosi?

Posted by JasonMcJ

Because the other republicans are not the Speaker of the House. She should have an allegiance to her country and not go making nice, nice to the mullahs. This woman has no respect for her office or her country. And from the looks of this group on this cite, none of you have any idea how great this country really is. Yet you all bash it and it's values. Some of you will live to regret it.

[skyhawk761]

mudrose, your just pissed off that the rubber stamping the Republicans did for W is over with. He needs to work with the new Congress as well they need to work with him but he just does not see it that way. He had his way for 6 years and now he is throwing a fit because people are questioning him and his so called policies. Tell me why Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE and so forth are alright to talk with but not Syria? Don't give me the *** that Syria has killed people, everyone of the countries I mentioned have done the same. Why are they different? OIL!

[gunnerv1]

zorlacskates: Thats because Laura Bush wasn't elected to office and she knows it too. Also I don't think that anyone with a degree in Library Sciences should be called stupid.

[jasonmcj]

"Because the other republicans are not the Speaker of the House. She should have an allegiance to her country and not go making nice, nice to the mullahs."

So according to your logic, Republicasn who visit have no repsect for the country? What are you trying to say?

"This woman has no respect for her office or her country."

You base this on what? Repiblican reposct for the country. You are delusional.

[mudrose-2009]

You base this on what? Repiblican reposct for the country. You are delusional.

Posted by JasonMcJ

One settles one's disputes on the home front. You don't go to the opposition and put your country down. The woman is delusional. If you think otherwise, you are a close second.

[one_american]

Pratfall in Damascus
Nancy Pelosi's foolish shuttle diplomacy
The Washington Post
Thursday, April 5, 2007; A16

"As any diplomat with knowledge of the region could have told Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Assad is a corrupt thug whose overriding priority at the moment is not peace with Israel but heading off U.N. charges that he orchestrated the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri. The really striking development here is the attempt by a Democratic congressional leader to substitute her own foreign policy for that of a sitting Republican president. Two weeks ago Ms. Pelosi rammed legislation through the House of Representatives that would strip Mr. Bush of his authority as commander in chief to manage troop movements in Iraq. Now she is attempting to introduce a new Middle East policy that directly conflicts with that of the president. We have found much to criticize in Mr. Bush's military strategy and regional diplomacy. But Ms. Pelosi's attempt to establish a shadow presidency is not only counterproductive, it is foolish."

--

[jasonmcj]

I hate elitist better-than-thou *** like you. Enlighten us...idiot. You don;t know anybosy on this boards, and you assume you know better than everyone. Go away, you have just been discredited.

"none of you have any idea how great this country really is."

[jasonmcj]

Obviously, intelligent discussion is still not possible with Bush supporters.

LOL, we all know reality has a liberal bias. Welcome to the real world.



I'm curious how many Repuvlcian have never left the country, or their own state for that matter.

[homespunlady]

Rice was rebuked by Egypt and is a Mideast joke but nary a peep from the neocons.
Pelosi gets welcomed, brings a delegation, starts to repair a little of the damage 6 years of go-it-alone arrogance has created and the neocon crowd goes wild.

In the meantime, George whines about congress not moving fast enough to roll over and cough up unlimited cash on demand (apparently the US treasury is his personal ATM).
Then for good measure, SNEAKS IN ANOTHER CRONY which from what I can see IS HIS MAIN PRIORITY.
"Forget the world I feel unsafe and unloved so I need to surround myself with more YES MEN".

Now, how do we keep from angering even Belgium?

Let's see, this Easter - Pelosi and several congressional representatives work on world diplomacy while George runs off and POUTS at his ranch thinking up more ways to "get even" and tick people off.
My kids were more mature at 6 years old. They at least understood that they didn't get rewarded for temper tantrums.
WHO'S THE BETTER STATESMAN AND MATURE ADULT?

HECKUVA JOB GEORGE - Mission self-destruct nearly accomplished

[jasonmcj]

Bye, back to work, some of us have jobs that require thinking.

Enjoy the trolling Bushbots. Liberals, libertarians, and smart Republicans and Democrats await your arrival at the adult table, where we are busy conducting serious business, not distracting the country with gay marriage and fear tactics.

[Razzl]

'Vice President *** Cheney said Assad has "been isolated and cut off because of his bad behavior" '

Actually, it's the great fool Cheney who's been isolated and cut off by the rest of the world. Cheney and Rice get the cold shoulder everywhere they go because ever government, friend or foe, can see that Bush is a fool and Cheney is a liar and that no diplomacy with Bush officials will ever bear any fruit. These are people who make promises they never keep and threats they can't back up. This is why we can't allow Bush and Cheney to attack Iran, because we know that the next President, Republican or Democrat, will solve this problem without dragging us into world war three.

[mudrose-2009]

I hate elitist better-than-thou *** like you. Enlighten us...idiot. You don;t know anybosy on this boards, and you assume you know better than everyone. Go away, you have just been discredited.

Posted by JasonMcJ

Seems like this is getting a bit away from you. But your viewpoint is consistent - only rants, no solutions.

One_American - eloquent, cohesive and to the point. Thank you.

[skyhawk761]

mudrose, still waiting for your answer.

[bluestardad]

Probably wouldn't be any wars if the cowards that usually start them had to spill their own blood or that of their wives, sons, daughters, husbands.

Where are the Bush twins?
Posted by newsreader2 at 12:19 PM : Apr 05, 2007


Exactly!

[mudrose-2009]

mudrose, still waiting for your answer.
Posted by skyhawk761

Sorry Skyhawk, I was fishing for your question, which I believe someone else has answered, but I will put my 2 cents in. First of all, naw, I'm not pissed off at anyone. Syria sponsors Herzbollah and Hamas - very far reaching terror groups throughout the region. Don't quote me, but that's one reason. Secondly, didn't they kill a very high government official in Lebanon? Oil. Look, what are we paying at the pump here, if you think we are so invested in oil. Thirdly, this Congress has gone one a witchhunt. Now they're all p.o. because Bush appointed an Ambassador while the Congress was away. They don't want to work with the President, they want to discredit him. Plamegate, that was a joke, Libbygate, another one. Gonzalezgate, here we go again and then of course that delusional old hag off to the Arab world. Does this at least answer you?

[homespunlady]

One_American - eloquent, cohesive and to the point. Thank you.
Posted by mudrose at 01:00 PM : Apr 05, 2007

Copying an editorial from a print publication is all that??? I don't see the author.
Gee, and I've been wasting my time actually thinking and writing my own stuff. Plagiarizing is SO MUCH EASIER!

[mudrose-2009]

Gee, and I've been wasting my time actually thinking and writing my own stuff. Plagiarizing is SO MUCH EASIER!
Posted by homespunlady

Discredit the messenger, can't discredit the message. Maybe you should read more articles.

[tuckerndfw]

I wonder if it occurs to Americans and Brits that Middle Eastern people do not want to be "westernized"?

Many Saudis graduated from US or British universities and are well aware of our form of government.

Obviously, they prefer their own system of government.

Who are we to demand others accept our forms of government?

Seems rather arrogant and a good way to create even more enemies. Especially when it is done with bombs, missiles and bullets, as is being attempted in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[killtheliars]

what business is it of Pelosi's or anyone else's in America what role women play in Saudi society? They have their culture and we have ours. at least they don't have people running around screaming that women who have kids should be paid the same but work less, and when they do choose to work that they have more flexible hours then their male counterparts. They also don't have those same people accusing others, who happen to believe that you should only be paid for hours worked at a wage that reflects the work you actually do, of being bigots.

[homespunlady]

You'd think George would take notice his "foreign policy" isn't working when the long time Family friend and Saudi king finds something better to do and CANCELS out on a PLANNED DINNER HONORING HIM AT THE WHITE HOUSE for "something more important" and then finds time to visit with the Pelosi led delegation.

Hint,Hint when even your friends are not showing up to your parties in THEIR HONOR and talking about you badly - like at the ARAB SUMMIT there's SOMETHING YOU'VE DONE WRONG that needs to be corrected.

Most kids learn that lesson somewhere between elementary and high school.

[skyhawk761]

mudrose, I will give that there is a witchhunt going on to some extent but it's politics as usual. Not that it makes it alright, but the Repubs spent years and millions going after Clinton and his wife on anything and everything and the only thing they got him on was a BJ.

I agree that Syria is guilty of murdering gov. officals but it still is no different than the Saudi's that flew the planes into the WTC, or the UAE and Jordan and S.A. sending money through the backdoor to the Taliban, Al Qedia etc. What I'm saying is, if we are not going to talk to Syria based on what W says we shouldn't be talking to any of the ***.

[mudrose-2009]

homespunlady, that's why people shouldn't go abroad representing our government when they have no business to do so. The only press that old hag is getting is showing the world how they can humor the so-called politically correct woman. She's a panderer, a briber, a huge baby killer, I could elaborate more, but don't want to enter into choppy territories. Like I said, she's out there representing herself and they are all welcoming her and giving her assurances, but the proof is in the pudding. Guess what, nothing's going to change. Hurrah for the old hag.

[mudrose-2009]

Posted by skyhawk,

Good thinking, however the Saudis did not sponsor the 19 hijackers. They may have borne them but they were not state sponsored. These are little nuiances, not always palatable, however they are there.

[j4401]

I am surprised at how many "experts" there are at foreign issues on this message. Only believe what you personally experience, not what you read or think you know. It looks like many of you enjoy being bearfoot and stupid, which is what our current administration expects of you. Is that being patriotic?

[mudrose-2009]

Posted by j4401

So why don't you enlighten us.

[superdem]

mudrose - that's a *** blossom, right ? Is that you, Karl ? Bashing Pelosi for meeting Assad, when the Republicans were there only days before ? So what if they support Hamas and Hezbollah - we support Israel. Enuff said. We're the ones in the wrong neighborhood, telling everyone what to do. We're a long, long way from home.

[lars008-2009]

PELOOSI GOT IT WRONG AND CARTER CONVERTED TO ISLAM....LOL

Carter backs Pelosi's trip, despite Bush
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/04/04/carter.pelosi/index.html
Pratfall in Damascus
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040402306_pf.html
PMO denies peace message to Assad
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1173879247562&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[lars008-2009]

POLOOSI THE NEW MAN ALLDIM SECRETARY OF STATE...

Always knew demonic-rats were against free speech%u2026%u2026.lol

YouTube blocked video mocking Clinton administration
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52405

A drudge video link
Limits imposed on access to clip critical of Albright-run North Korea policy
http://drudgereport.com/flashma.htm

YOU HAVE BEEN ZUCKERED LIBSCUM...LOL

EXCLUSIVE: 'SCARY MOVIE' DIRECTOR MAKES CAMPAIGN AD; MOCKS DEMOCRATS...
http://www.drudgereport.com/flashma.htm
The David Zucker Albright Ad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h3GPc_yMCE
Hahahahahahahahaha the worst secretary of state ever..
Albright says next president must `restore goodness of American power'
http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=88008