What happens when a spin doctor stops spinning? We recently found out when Alberto Fernandez, director of public diplomacy for the US State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, was interviewed, in Arabic, by al-Jazeera television. Mr. Fernandez was quoted as saying that we are "witnessing failure in Iraq...not the failure of the United States alone but...disaster for the region. I think there is great room for strong criticism, because without doubt, there was arrogance and stupidity by the United States in Iraq." The State Department later claimed that he had been misinterpreted but BBC Arabic experts disagree with a spokesman saying "I can only assume his remarks must have been mistranslated. Those comments obviously don't reflect our policy". (No - they just reflect your performance!)
Once the English language version became available and, one assumes, under less than subtle encouragement from his superiors he said that he had indeed used those words but had not meant them. At least he remains true to his chosen profession.
Once the English language version became available and, one assumes, under less than subtle encouragement from his superiors he said that he had indeed used those words but had not meant them. At least he remains true to his chosen profession.
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