Posted by Tara Foley on Oct 09, 2007 - 10:15 PM
![Tara Foley at the White House in Washington, DC. [State Department photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/UNGA/field/West_Wing3_m.jpg)
Late one evening in February, my plane touched down in Riyadh. I was about to begin my first overseas assignment for the Department of State: four months as an Economic Officer at US Embassy Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I waited for my luggage, looking around the terminal, trying to imagine what the Kingdom had in store for me, and nervously wondering if it was ok for me to be standing there in my business suit and ponytail. Earlier on the plane, young Saudi women clad in designer jeans, trendy European tops, and flawless makeup had lined up outside the aircraft restrooms, emerging fully draped in black abayas and hijabs, ready for re-entry into the KSA. I wondered how I would fare over the next several months: Would I be successful at my job? What would my personal life be like? One thing I knew, I was excited to begin this new adventure.
The night air was soft and warm; quite a change from the frosty cold winter I had left behind in Washington more than 17 hours before. On the way to the Diplomatic Quarter (the “DQ” neighborhood contains all of the embassies and most diplomatic housing), we drove past glittering Memlika Tower and Faisalya Tower, which comprise the Riyadh skyline. I peppered my embassy sponsor, Diane, with a thousand and one questions, wanting to uncover every last detail I could.
Four months later, my plane landed at Dulles, outside of Washington, DC. In the hours and days afterward, it was my family’s and friends’ turn to pepper me with questions about my time as an American diplomat in Saudi Arabia. Did I like Riyadh? What did I do for work at the Embassy? Was it hard to live and work in a place so different from home? What is the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia really like? How did I feel as an American woman in Saudi? What were the people like: both Saudis and the other Americans living there? I’ll address these questions, and others, in future posts. One thing I can tell you is that my time in Saudi Arabia was one of the most wonderful and most challenging times of my life. I feel fortunate and blessed to have had the opportunity to experience a part of the world that many people will never get to see and, I hope, to have contributed to the good work and strong relationship between our two countries.
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Comments
John in Greece writes:
Mrs. Foley you are a real modern-day hero! A young, beautiful, high-educated American girl -with such an optimistic smile- that chooses to work in a dangerous, religious fanatic environment (I mean generally the Arabic countries and Africa) in order to offer and make the world better, instead of enjoying a more high-salary, safe position in a western multinational company -as she obviously could have done- is really a true hero!
Of course I would like to read more about your everyday life there.
Keep up the good work.
Posted on Mon Oct 15, 2007
Mrs. Foley you are a real modern-day hero! A young, beautiful, high-educated American girl -with such an optimistic smile- that chooses to work in a dangerous, religious fanatic environment (I mean generally the Arabic countries and Africa) in order to offer and make the world better, instead of enjoying a more high-salary, safe position in a western multinational company -as she obviously could have done- is really a true hero!
Of course I would like to read more about your everyday life there.
Keep up the good work.
Posted on Mon Oct 15, 2007
Medea in Virginia writes:
Thank you for your response to my questions, Tara. I have read your essay, as you recommended. Unfortunately, both your essay and your answer suggest that, on a fundamental level, you do not even understand my initial question.
Your opening essay amounts to this: How does Arab culture today measure up to American culture today. I find that position shallow and disrespectful. American culture is not the end-all and be-all for everyone and everywhere. The notion that the degree of "westernization" a culture adopts is the standard for affording it respect seems to me to unbalance the world: the globe has east and west poles; why shouldn't its cultures?
My question wanted to know how deeply you were prepared intellectually to observe and report on the unique history, systems, institutions, and practices of Saudi Arabian culture on its own terms, and what you observed of that unique history, culture, etc.
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Medea in Virginia -- Hello again and thanks for writing. I agree with you that the diversity of cultures around the world is precisely what makes our global community so interesting, and travel so enriching. I enjoy getting to know other parts of the world, particularly the Middle East. That, in part, is why I do what I do. It's why I spend time learning about the history and the culture of the region, studying the Arabic language, and taking every opportunity I get to travel and broaden my understanding through personal experiences.
I have no intention of writing about how Arab and Western culture -- "measure up" to one another. Both cultures have an incredible amount to offer, are profoundly diverse themselves, and must be appreciated in their own way. But when we travel we do not simply observe new cultures; we experience them. Most international customs and values I have encountered, I have a deep appreciation and respect for, even if I don't personally relate. Others, I sometimes have a hard time with. I think that's natural. Similarly (as several readers have pointed out), when visitors come to the U.S., there are some aspects of American culture they enjoy, and some aspects they dislike or simply don't relate to. Every time we travel we're challenged to look at the world a little differently, to reexamine our own beliefs, and it helps us to figure out ourselves and the world around us a little bit better each time. I think that's a good thing.
Your comments also tied into a comment left by another reader on my second post. I hope that my responses help you to further understand my thoughts on this issue. Thanks again for reading.
Posted on Sun Oct 14, 2007
Thank you for your response to my questions, Tara. I have read your essay, as you recommended. Unfortunately, both your essay and your answer suggest that, on a fundamental level, you do not even understand my initial question.
Your opening essay amounts to this: How does Arab culture today measure up to American culture today. I find that position shallow and disrespectful. American culture is not the end-all and be-all for everyone and everywhere. The notion that the degree of "westernization" a culture adopts is the standard for affording it respect seems to me to unbalance the world: the globe has east and west poles; why shouldn't its cultures?
My question wanted to know how deeply you were prepared intellectually to observe and report on the unique history, systems, institutions, and practices of Saudi Arabian culture on its own terms, and what you observed of that unique history, culture, etc.
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Medea in Virginia -- Hello again and thanks for writing. I agree with you that the diversity of cultures around the world is precisely what makes our global community so interesting, and travel so enriching. I enjoy getting to know other parts of the world, particularly the Middle East. That, in part, is why I do what I do. It's why I spend time learning about the history and the culture of the region, studying the Arabic language, and taking every opportunity I get to travel and broaden my understanding through personal experiences.
I have no intention of writing about how Arab and Western culture -- "measure up" to one another. Both cultures have an incredible amount to offer, are profoundly diverse themselves, and must be appreciated in their own way. But when we travel we do not simply observe new cultures; we experience them. Most international customs and values I have encountered, I have a deep appreciation and respect for, even if I don't personally relate. Others, I sometimes have a hard time with. I think that's natural. Similarly (as several readers have pointed out), when visitors come to the U.S., there are some aspects of American culture they enjoy, and some aspects they dislike or simply don't relate to. Every time we travel we're challenged to look at the world a little differently, to reexamine our own beliefs, and it helps us to figure out ourselves and the world around us a little bit better each time. I think that's a good thing.
Your comments also tied into a comment left by another reader on my second post. I hope that my responses help you to further understand my thoughts on this issue. Thanks again for reading.
Posted on Sun Oct 14, 2007
Medea in Virginia writes:
Q 1: Were you intellectually able to observe and understand the Arabian culture on its own terms or were you able to judge it only by the degree to which it incorporated western standards and styles?
Q 2: Is this blog part of your work at the State Dept in this part of your career, or do you do this outside of work hours as your own, personal project?
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Medea in Virginia --
1. You've hit upon one of the greatest challenges people face when traveling abroad. I think it is important to make the effort to understand other cultures in their own context. It goes a long way toward cross-cultural understanding when we can identify mutual values (honor, respect, hard work, the importance of family) while also recognizing that two cultures might express those values in different ways. Still, there are some circumstances where even if we can intellectually understand a dissimilarity, it's not always as easy to come to terms with it in our hearts. I touch upon this topic in my latest post, An American Girl in Riyadh, when I describe a situation where a male colleague declined to shake my hand because I am a woman. Check out the post and let me know what you think.
2. Dipnote is the official blog of the U.S. Department of State. It's an innovative, fun new project and I'm excited to be a part of it. I'm only one of many bloggers – click on the "Home" button above and you can I check out all the other great stories that are available. We have officers and Department leaders alike blogging about their experiences in Baghdad, Kabul, Nepal, Sudan... not to mention Washington and New York. I think you'll enjoy it. As to the second part of your question, I usually sketch my stories at home and type them up during my lunch break or before I leave the office in the evening. Thanks for reading, I hope you'll spread the word about our site!
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007
Q 1: Were you intellectually able to observe and understand the Arabian culture on its own terms or were you able to judge it only by the degree to which it incorporated western standards and styles?
Q 2: Is this blog part of your work at the State Dept in this part of your career, or do you do this outside of work hours as your own, personal project?
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Medea in Virginia --
1. You've hit upon one of the greatest challenges people face when traveling abroad. I think it is important to make the effort to understand other cultures in their own context. It goes a long way toward cross-cultural understanding when we can identify mutual values (honor, respect, hard work, the importance of family) while also recognizing that two cultures might express those values in different ways. Still, there are some circumstances where even if we can intellectually understand a dissimilarity, it's not always as easy to come to terms with it in our hearts. I touch upon this topic in my latest post, An American Girl in Riyadh, when I describe a situation where a male colleague declined to shake my hand because I am a woman. Check out the post and let me know what you think.
2. Dipnote is the official blog of the U.S. Department of State. It's an innovative, fun new project and I'm excited to be a part of it. I'm only one of many bloggers – click on the "Home" button above and you can I check out all the other great stories that are available. We have officers and Department leaders alike blogging about their experiences in Baghdad, Kabul, Nepal, Sudan... not to mention Washington and New York. I think you'll enjoy it. As to the second part of your question, I usually sketch my stories at home and type them up during my lunch break or before I leave the office in the evening. Thanks for reading, I hope you'll spread the word about our site!
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007
Michael in California writes:
Hi Tara,
You're a beautiful young woman, and represent our nation well. It's truly gratifying to see someone of your caliber in the position you are.
One matter of deep concern in regard to our ally Saudi Arabia; I understand that Meyrav Wurmser, while she was working at the Heritage Institute, drew up plans for the take over of Saudi Arabia. In short, the plan would add most of Saudi Arabia to the "Greater" or "Eretz" Israel, at a time of their choosing.
In my/our opinion, operations such as that are NOT something America should be engaging in.
You may be aware there's a group of Neo Con's who have designed a very hostile, dominating American agenda worldwide, calling for many wars throughout this century.
I hope you'll be able to dissuade this administration, and the ones that follow, from carrying out the plans that are laid out in the Project for the New American Century group's, "Rebuilding America's Defenses" document.
We believe in an America that is a strong nation, and stands proudly beside other strong nations, not an America that is the bully of the planet.
Your writing makes me think of a geologist friend who's written a book on his time in Saudi Arabia finding the Saudi oil. It's called "Expatriate" and his name is Bud Rudesill. He met and married his beautiful wife who was working for ARAMCO as a nurse at the time. I'm sure you'd enjoy his writing and stories.
http://www.amazon.com/Expatriate-Bud-Rudesill/dp/1413750117
Our very best to you in your work.
Warm regards.
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007
Hi Tara,
You're a beautiful young woman, and represent our nation well. It's truly gratifying to see someone of your caliber in the position you are.
One matter of deep concern in regard to our ally Saudi Arabia; I understand that Meyrav Wurmser, while she was working at the Heritage Institute, drew up plans for the take over of Saudi Arabia. In short, the plan would add most of Saudi Arabia to the "Greater" or "Eretz" Israel, at a time of their choosing.
In my/our opinion, operations such as that are NOT something America should be engaging in.
You may be aware there's a group of Neo Con's who have designed a very hostile, dominating American agenda worldwide, calling for many wars throughout this century.
I hope you'll be able to dissuade this administration, and the ones that follow, from carrying out the plans that are laid out in the Project for the New American Century group's, "Rebuilding America's Defenses" document.
We believe in an America that is a strong nation, and stands proudly beside other strong nations, not an America that is the bully of the planet.
Your writing makes me think of a geologist friend who's written a book on his time in Saudi Arabia finding the Saudi oil. It's called "Expatriate" and his name is Bud Rudesill. He met and married his beautiful wife who was working for ARAMCO as a nurse at the time. I'm sure you'd enjoy his writing and stories.
http://www.amazon.com/Expatriate-Bud-Rudesill/dp/1413750117
Our very best to you in your work.
Warm regards.
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007
Susannah in Canada writes:
Excellent idea Tara! I'm a writer researching Saudi Arabia for an upcoming project. I stumbled across your blog while surfing. Looking forward to hearing more!
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007
Excellent idea Tara! I'm a writer researching Saudi Arabia for an upcoming project. I stumbled across your blog while surfing. Looking forward to hearing more!
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007
Briarlee in North Carolina writes:
What a great start, but I'm with your family...what are the answers to all their questions? I spent two years in Riyadh, from 1976-1978 and am curious to hear if there have been many changes other than the skyline.
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007
What a great start, but I'm with your family...what are the answers to all their questions? I spent two years in Riyadh, from 1976-1978 and am curious to hear if there have been many changes other than the skyline.
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007
Kristen in New York writes:
Tara, it was wonderful to read the start of your blog of your experiences in Saudi Arabia. And, I may add, what fantastic writing!
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Tara, it was wonderful to read the start of your blog of your experiences in Saudi Arabia. And, I may add, what fantastic writing!
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
James in Georgia writes:
The United States invades Iraq and sacrifices nearly 4000 American servicemen and spends more than $600 billion because we had faulty intelligence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and presented a threat to Israel. We also learn just recently that the Israelis admitted that the intelligence provided to the United States in regards to Iraq's weapons of mass destruction were misleading http://dwb.sacbee.com/24hour/special_reports/iraq/story/1079096p-7536596c.html
We have also learned that the Israelis used phosphorous bombs in their attack on Lebanon last year causing hundreds to suffer extensive and fatal burns. These phosphorous bombs and the hundreds of thousands of cluster bombs that the Israelis used were all supplied to them by the good ole United States.
Is it any wonder that the Arab world has lost all respect for this country? Is it any wonder why we live in such a world of terror? We have a standard for the treatment of Israel that is so high that it cannot be criticized no matter what crimes it commits. Then we have a second standard for the treatment of the Lebanese and the Palestinians that is so low that we publicly finance their ethnic cleansing and torture.
America has reasonably moral policies at home but our foreign policy is as corrupt, hypocritical, and violent as any of the Third-World dictatorships we love to look down upon and occasionally bomb.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
The United States invades Iraq and sacrifices nearly 4000 American servicemen and spends more than $600 billion because we had faulty intelligence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and presented a threat to Israel. We also learn just recently that the Israelis admitted that the intelligence provided to the United States in regards to Iraq's weapons of mass destruction were misleading http://dwb.sacbee.com/24hour/special_reports/iraq/story/1079096p-7536596c.html
We have also learned that the Israelis used phosphorous bombs in their attack on Lebanon last year causing hundreds to suffer extensive and fatal burns. These phosphorous bombs and the hundreds of thousands of cluster bombs that the Israelis used were all supplied to them by the good ole United States.
Is it any wonder that the Arab world has lost all respect for this country? Is it any wonder why we live in such a world of terror? We have a standard for the treatment of Israel that is so high that it cannot be criticized no matter what crimes it commits. Then we have a second standard for the treatment of the Lebanese and the Palestinians that is so low that we publicly finance their ethnic cleansing and torture.
America has reasonably moral policies at home but our foreign policy is as corrupt, hypocritical, and violent as any of the Third-World dictatorships we love to look down upon and occasionally bomb.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Eric in Maryland writes:
Very interesting post! A great read!
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Very interesting post! A great read!
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Ben in Georgia writes:
I don't write this to be rude, but all the blog post I've seen don't really tell me anything. What is the point? I'm all for public service, I am one too, but what does writing a blog do for America really?
Naturally you were going to be worried, concerned, excited upon your arrival to a foreign land. When I was posted overseas the same thing happened... but so what?
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
I don't write this to be rude, but all the blog post I've seen don't really tell me anything. What is the point? I'm all for public service, I am one too, but what does writing a blog do for America really?
Naturally you were going to be worried, concerned, excited upon your arrival to a foreign land. When I was posted overseas the same thing happened... but so what?
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Lauren in New York writes:
Hi Tara, great job on your first post! But I agree with Bruce -- you left all of us hanging! Can't wait for your next one!
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Hi Tara, great job on your first post! But I agree with Bruce -- you left all of us hanging! Can't wait for your next one!
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Ken in Virginia writes:
Nice, post, Tara. Hope to see some thoughts about media misreporting or biased storylines about administration policy in the Middle East or the nature and fervor (or lack of fervor) of anti-American sentiment overseas.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Nice, post, Tara. Hope to see some thoughts about media misreporting or biased storylines about administration policy in the Middle East or the nature and fervor (or lack of fervor) of anti-American sentiment overseas.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Tom in Connecticut writes:
Why can't you improve the contrast between background and text. It makes it very difficult to read. So I can't.
I am not visually impaired at all, but you are violating some very basic laws of web design (grey on black with intermittent fading pattern.).
If you want to communicate, why make it more difficult than it has to be?
Dipnote Bloggers write:
@ Tom in Connecticut – We hear you and are in the process of changing the page templates so that there will be black text on a white background. We’re testing the new designs now, so expect to see the new look in the next week or so.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Why can't you improve the contrast between background and text. It makes it very difficult to read. So I can't.
I am not visually impaired at all, but you are violating some very basic laws of web design (grey on black with intermittent fading pattern.).
If you want to communicate, why make it more difficult than it has to be?
Dipnote Bloggers write:
@ Tom in Connecticut – We hear you and are in the process of changing the page templates so that there will be black text on a white background. We’re testing the new designs now, so expect to see the new look in the next week or so.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Anu in Illinois writes:
I think this blog will be fascinating - I have always wanted to know what Africa is like.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
I think this blog will be fascinating - I have always wanted to know what Africa is like.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Jeanne in New York writes:
I hope you could convey to people in the Middle East that Americans, if they understood the brutal Israeli occupation and settlements in Palestine, would not support these policies. Americans are very fair people, but they have no idea that Congress kowtows to the Israel Lobby and dare not criticize anything Israel does or they will be targeted for defeat by the Israeli Lobby. I, too, would be enraged against the U.S. if I were an Arab. Please help people in the Middle East understand that it is almost impossible for Americans to know of the theft of Palestinian land and water by the Israelis. Anyone who tries to inform Americans (such as Jimmy Carter) is smeared with the anti-Semitic label.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
I hope you could convey to people in the Middle East that Americans, if they understood the brutal Israeli occupation and settlements in Palestine, would not support these policies. Americans are very fair people, but they have no idea that Congress kowtows to the Israel Lobby and dare not criticize anything Israel does or they will be targeted for defeat by the Israeli Lobby. I, too, would be enraged against the U.S. if I were an Arab. Please help people in the Middle East understand that it is almost impossible for Americans to know of the theft of Palestinian land and water by the Israelis. Anyone who tries to inform Americans (such as Jimmy Carter) is smeared with the anti-Semitic label.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Patrice writes:
I look forward to reading more about Tara's experiences in Saudi Arabia; I'm curious to learn more about life in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of a young American woman both personally & professionally.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
I look forward to reading more about Tara's experiences in Saudi Arabia; I'm curious to learn more about life in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of a young American woman both personally & professionally.
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Tom writes:
The girls changing in the restroom of the airplane was right out of the book "Paramedic to the Prince" was written by an American Paramedic that worked for King Abdullah and spent ten years over there. Tara you should read it. I would like your comment..
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
The girls changing in the restroom of the airplane was right out of the book "Paramedic to the Prince" was written by an American Paramedic that worked for King Abdullah and spent ten years over there. Tara you should read it. I would like your comment..
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Fozan in Saudi Arabia writes:
Dear Tara,
As Saudi Arabian national living in Riyadh all my life except for the few wonderful years I spent in Florida when I got my Bachelor degree in Computer Science and the two lovely years in the best place on earth (California) working for Raytheon, I know how it feels to live in another country where cultures and traditions are so different. Being there is not the same as reading books or watching movies about a place.
I for one certainly saw the beautiful side of the American society that is so different from what Hollywood is showing in movies about the Violence, Crime, Drugs, etc in America.
I hope your experience in Riyadh was not bad. I hope that you had the chance to intermingle with local people to see the good side and to hear about their struggle in improving their society and try to catch up with the industrialized world in so many aspects while retaining the great traditional values of Arabs and Muslims.
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Fozan in Saudi Arabia -- Welcome, Fozan, I'm happy you found our blog. I was wondering if we might gain some Saudi readers! The struggle you describe between embracing modernity while still remaining true to traditional values fascinates me. I think many countries across the globe face this challenge, but it plays out in particularly vivid and poignant ways in Saudi Arabia. I definitely plan on writing on this topic very soon. Please come back and let us know what you think. And tell your friends to check out our site!
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Dear Tara,
As Saudi Arabian national living in Riyadh all my life except for the few wonderful years I spent in Florida when I got my Bachelor degree in Computer Science and the two lovely years in the best place on earth (California) working for Raytheon, I know how it feels to live in another country where cultures and traditions are so different. Being there is not the same as reading books or watching movies about a place.
I for one certainly saw the beautiful side of the American society that is so different from what Hollywood is showing in movies about the Violence, Crime, Drugs, etc in America.
I hope your experience in Riyadh was not bad. I hope that you had the chance to intermingle with local people to see the good side and to hear about their struggle in improving their society and try to catch up with the industrialized world in so many aspects while retaining the great traditional values of Arabs and Muslims.
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Fozan in Saudi Arabia -- Welcome, Fozan, I'm happy you found our blog. I was wondering if we might gain some Saudi readers! The struggle you describe between embracing modernity while still remaining true to traditional values fascinates me. I think many countries across the globe face this challenge, but it plays out in particularly vivid and poignant ways in Saudi Arabia. I definitely plan on writing on this topic very soon. Please come back and let us know what you think. And tell your friends to check out our site!
Posted on Wed Oct 10, 2007
Carol in Michigan writes:
Bless you for sharing!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Bless you for sharing!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
John in U.K writes:
Tara,
Your Dipnote blog is fascinating. I can't wait to hear more t your travels. It sounds like in some ways you were transformed by your experiences in KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia]. Have you ever been interested in serving in the Foreign Service? Will you be going back to KSA soon? If so what is the first thing that you would like to do on your return?
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Tara,
Your Dipnote blog is fascinating. I can't wait to hear more t your travels. It sounds like in some ways you were transformed by your experiences in KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia]. Have you ever been interested in serving in the Foreign Service? Will you be going back to KSA soon? If so what is the first thing that you would like to do on your return?
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Judy in Massachusetts writes:
Tara, it is truly a wonderful to read about some of the challenges you faced during your time in Saudi Arabia. I've just finished reading "Girls of Riyadh" and it spoke exactly of one of the girls changing into her abaya in the bathroom on the plane as she returned to Saudi Arabia from the US. I'm looking forward to your future postings.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Tara, it is truly a wonderful to read about some of the challenges you faced during your time in Saudi Arabia. I've just finished reading "Girls of Riyadh" and it spoke exactly of one of the girls changing into her abaya in the bathroom on the plane as she returned to Saudi Arabia from the US. I'm looking forward to your future postings.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Henry in Canada writes:
Twenty minutes ago, I found this website and ten minutes ago, I sent an email to my daughter, who is working in Shanghai and might be in sleeping now. She is as young as Tara and has a dream of being a Canadian foreign affair officer as like as Tara. However, she is afraid of working in those countries! I believe that she will have something changed when she get her office in the morning.
Thank you Tara, your smile is so nice and warm!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Twenty minutes ago, I found this website and ten minutes ago, I sent an email to my daughter, who is working in Shanghai and might be in sleeping now. She is as young as Tara and has a dream of being a Canadian foreign affair officer as like as Tara. However, she is afraid of working in those countries! I believe that she will have something changed when she get her office in the morning.
Thank you Tara, your smile is so nice and warm!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Layne in Texas writes:
Tara, I found it interesting that the blog was posted after your time in Saudi Arabia was complete and that it was posted by Frederick Jones and not by you. It would be great to hear some of your answers to the questions that your family and friends peppered you with upon your return. Do you see Saudi Arabia moving toward the type of liberal democracy the President discusses in his National Security Strategy? What do you hope to accomplish with your DIPNOTE? How closely scrutinized are your responses prior to posting? I'm hoping to hear more about your time in Saudi Arabia in the future.
Dipnote Bloggers write:
@ Layne in Texas -- Thanks for pointing out that the blog was posted by Frederick Jones. That's been corrected.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Tara, I found it interesting that the blog was posted after your time in Saudi Arabia was complete and that it was posted by Frederick Jones and not by you. It would be great to hear some of your answers to the questions that your family and friends peppered you with upon your return. Do you see Saudi Arabia moving toward the type of liberal democracy the President discusses in his National Security Strategy? What do you hope to accomplish with your DIPNOTE? How closely scrutinized are your responses prior to posting? I'm hoping to hear more about your time in Saudi Arabia in the future.
Dipnote Bloggers write:
@ Layne in Texas -- Thanks for pointing out that the blog was posted by Frederick Jones. That's been corrected.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Tim in California writes:
Intriguing (and well-written) blog. I look forward to more.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Intriguing (and well-written) blog. I look forward to more.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Aili in Massachusetts writes:
I look forward to hearing more stories about your time in Saudi Arabia!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
I look forward to hearing more stories about your time in Saudi Arabia!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Joe in Indiana writes:
Interesting. I'm hooked.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Interesting. I'm hooked.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Joy in South Carolina writes:
Welcome back Tara,
I look forward to your future posts of your detailed trip to Saudi. I lived in Dhahran in 1984. I was young and did not have the opportunity to take in the culture as much as I would have liked. My family and I were pretty much restricted to the miliary base. Next week I will be traveling to a neighboring country of Saudi Arabia and you have inspired me to post a blog upon my return.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Welcome back Tara,
I look forward to your future posts of your detailed trip to Saudi. I lived in Dhahran in 1984. I was young and did not have the opportunity to take in the culture as much as I would have liked. My family and I were pretty much restricted to the miliary base. Next week I will be traveling to a neighboring country of Saudi Arabia and you have inspired me to post a blog upon my return.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Thomas in Pennsylvania writes:
Ms. Foley's narrative, if continued, is the sort of personal anecdote about what Foreign Service life is actually like that is particularly useful for those interested in pursuing a Foreign Service career. It also has the potential to humanize the work the State Department does in other countries. Both are useful and worthwhile. But as written it is merely a teaser, whetting our appetite and leaving us wanting more. The narrative needs to be much more complete and in-depth. Instead of one long posting, this can go on over time. Indeed I hope this is just the beginning of an episodic tale of Ms. Foley's time in Saudi Arabia. I look forward to the next installment.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Ms. Foley's narrative, if continued, is the sort of personal anecdote about what Foreign Service life is actually like that is particularly useful for those interested in pursuing a Foreign Service career. It also has the potential to humanize the work the State Department does in other countries. Both are useful and worthwhile. But as written it is merely a teaser, whetting our appetite and leaving us wanting more. The narrative needs to be much more complete and in-depth. Instead of one long posting, this can go on over time. Indeed I hope this is just the beginning of an episodic tale of Ms. Foley's time in Saudi Arabia. I look forward to the next installment.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
James in U.S.A. writes:
Dear Ms. Foley,
I would like your thoughts on the Mearsheimer and Walt book (http://www.israellobbybook.com) about how the pro-Israel lobby (AIPAC, JINSA, PNAC, AEI) pushed US to attack Iraq and has been doing similar to get US to attack Iran next. Do you think that the US will go to war with Iran sooner rather than later in accordance with such (Scott Ritter also conveyed that AIPAC is pushing for US to attack Iran in his 'Target Iran' book - see the following youtube at your convenience)?:
Israel's influence of US policy & the Israeli lobby:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O125hGt9qt4&NR
Even Colin Powell conveyed that the 'JINSA crowd' was/still is in control of the Pentagon (via JINSA/PNAC/AEI associated Dick Cheney whose wife is a fellow up at AEI where PNAC was based as well) for Washington Post correspondent Karen DeYoung's new bio book about him - simply look up 'JINSA/Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs' in the index:
A War for Israel? Colin Powell seems to think so:
http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=61128
Additional about Mearsheimer/Walt via the following URL:
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=49800
Congresswoman Jane Harman was asked about the Mearsheimer & Walt book during a townhall meeting this past Saturday in West Los Angeles (see the following URL):
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/10/7/184833/326
Respected intelligence author/writer James Bamford discussed the 'A Clean Break'/war for Israel agenda on pages 261-269/321 (http://tinyurl.com/2wltaw) of his 'A Pretext for War' book (the paperback version of 'A Pretext for War' includes an additional section about the ongoing AIPAC espionage case that has mentioned Secretary Rice and David Satterfield who handles Iraq for the State Department and has been associated with the USS Liberty attack cover-up as well - see http://tinyurl.com/2xtjtz - as the pro-Israel biased US media for the most part is not covering this either). Bamford also wrote the following 'Iran: The Next War' article for Rolling Stone magazine which mentions the AIPAC espionage as well:
Iran: The Next War:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/10962352/iran_the_next_war
AIPAC and the Neocon (War for Israel) agenda (AIPAC espionage case mentioned):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rf16XjbOUs
The Mearsheimer and Walt book (look up 'CBS News' in the index) and the Bamford 'A Pretext for War' book both convey that US support for Israel's brutal oppression of the Palestinians was a major motivation for the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center in 1993 and on 9/11 (look up 'Israel as a terrorist motivation' in the index of 'A Pretext for War'). The additional section about the AIPAC espionage in the paperback version of 'A Pretext for War' mentions Stephen Green (look his name up in the index) who was a consultant for the FBI because of the various books and articles that he has written to include the following 'Serving Two Flags' piece:
'Serving Two Flags':
http://www.ifamericansknew.org/us_ints/nc-green.html
Colin Powell's former assistant (Lawrence Wilkerson) in the US Army and at the State Department was mentioned in the latest counterpunch.org article by the retired CIA couple (Kathy and Bill Christison):
The Teflon Alliance with Israel (by Kathy and Bill Christison):
http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=79679
Colonel Wilkerson was also mentioned by the Christisons in their recent radio appearance during which they discussed the article (click on the link after accessing the following URL):
http://neoconzionistthreat.blogspot.com
You might also be interested in taking a look at the 'What Motivated the 9/11 Hijackers?' video which is linked at the upper left of the following URL:
The Gorilla in the Room is US Support for Israel
http://representativepress.blogspot.com/2005/08/gorilla-in-room-is-us-support-for.html
SCANDAL: 9/11 Commissioners Bowed to Pressure to Suppress Main Motive for the 9/11 Attacks:
http://representativepress.blogspot.com/2006/09/reviews-of-without-precedent-inside.html
Additional at the following URL:
http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=39590
THE HIGH COST OF SUBSERVIENCE TO ISRAEL (by Paul Findley):
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=75908
CBS '60 Minutes' refusing to cover the Mearsheimer and Walt book:
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=77703
Can I assume that the Israel first crowd at the State Department isn't too happy about the latest article (in the Chicago Tribune) regarding the USS Liberty attack (Ray McGovern's recent piece follows it there) via the following URL?:
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?p=392156#392156
Did Mr. Susser finally add Captain Boston's declaration to the historical record?:
http://la.indymedia.org/news/2004/02/103217_comment.php?theme=2
With kindest regards,
James Morris
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Dear Ms. Foley,
I would like your thoughts on the Mearsheimer and Walt book (http://www.israellobbybook.com) about how the pro-Israel lobby (AIPAC, JINSA, PNAC, AEI) pushed US to attack Iraq and has been doing similar to get US to attack Iran next. Do you think that the US will go to war with Iran sooner rather than later in accordance with such (Scott Ritter also conveyed that AIPAC is pushing for US to attack Iran in his 'Target Iran' book - see the following youtube at your convenience)?:
Israel's influence of US policy & the Israeli lobby:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O125hGt9qt4&NR
Even Colin Powell conveyed that the 'JINSA crowd' was/still is in control of the Pentagon (via JINSA/PNAC/AEI associated Dick Cheney whose wife is a fellow up at AEI where PNAC was based as well) for Washington Post correspondent Karen DeYoung's new bio book about him - simply look up 'JINSA/Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs' in the index:
A War for Israel? Colin Powell seems to think so:
http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=61128
Additional about Mearsheimer/Walt via the following URL:
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=49800
Congresswoman Jane Harman was asked about the Mearsheimer & Walt book during a townhall meeting this past Saturday in West Los Angeles (see the following URL):
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/10/7/184833/326
Respected intelligence author/writer James Bamford discussed the 'A Clean Break'/war for Israel agenda on pages 261-269/321 (http://tinyurl.com/2wltaw) of his 'A Pretext for War' book (the paperback version of 'A Pretext for War' includes an additional section about the ongoing AIPAC espionage case that has mentioned Secretary Rice and David Satterfield who handles Iraq for the State Department and has been associated with the USS Liberty attack cover-up as well - see http://tinyurl.com/2xtjtz - as the pro-Israel biased US media for the most part is not covering this either). Bamford also wrote the following 'Iran: The Next War' article for Rolling Stone magazine which mentions the AIPAC espionage as well:
Iran: The Next War:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/10962352/iran_the_next_war
AIPAC and the Neocon (War for Israel) agenda (AIPAC espionage case mentioned):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rf16XjbOUs
The Mearsheimer and Walt book (look up 'CBS News' in the index) and the Bamford 'A Pretext for War' book both convey that US support for Israel's brutal oppression of the Palestinians was a major motivation for the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center in 1993 and on 9/11 (look up 'Israel as a terrorist motivation' in the index of 'A Pretext for War'). The additional section about the AIPAC espionage in the paperback version of 'A Pretext for War' mentions Stephen Green (look his name up in the index) who was a consultant for the FBI because of the various books and articles that he has written to include the following 'Serving Two Flags' piece:
'Serving Two Flags':
http://www.ifamericansknew.org/us_ints/nc-green.html
Colin Powell's former assistant (Lawrence Wilkerson) in the US Army and at the State Department was mentioned in the latest counterpunch.org article by the retired CIA couple (Kathy and Bill Christison):
The Teflon Alliance with Israel (by Kathy and Bill Christison):
http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=79679
Colonel Wilkerson was also mentioned by the Christisons in their recent radio appearance during which they discussed the article (click on the link after accessing the following URL):
http://neoconzionistthreat.blogspot.com
You might also be interested in taking a look at the 'What Motivated the 9/11 Hijackers?' video which is linked at the upper left of the following URL:
The Gorilla in the Room is US Support for Israel
http://representativepress.blogspot.com/2005/08/gorilla-in-room-is-us-support-for.html
SCANDAL: 9/11 Commissioners Bowed to Pressure to Suppress Main Motive for the 9/11 Attacks:
http://representativepress.blogspot.com/2006/09/reviews-of-without-precedent-inside.html
Additional at the following URL:
http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=39590
THE HIGH COST OF SUBSERVIENCE TO ISRAEL (by Paul Findley):
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=75908
CBS '60 Minutes' refusing to cover the Mearsheimer and Walt book:
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=77703
Can I assume that the Israel first crowd at the State Department isn't too happy about the latest article (in the Chicago Tribune) regarding the USS Liberty attack (Ray McGovern's recent piece follows it there) via the following URL?:
http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?p=392156#392156
Did Mr. Susser finally add Captain Boston's declaration to the historical record?:
http://la.indymedia.org/news/2004/02/103217_comment.php?theme=2
With kindest regards,
James Morris
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Zhen in China writes:
Hi Tara. Although more and more people in both Chinese and American begin to know each other's country, it is still very exciting for me to read a beautiful American Foreign Affairs Officer's blog. Maybe sometimes you will visit China. Best wishes!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Hi Tara. Although more and more people in both Chinese and American begin to know each other's country, it is still very exciting for me to read a beautiful American Foreign Affairs Officer's blog. Maybe sometimes you will visit China. Best wishes!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Zeb in Florida writes:
This is an interesting idea but somewhat of a non sequitur. Ms. Tara Foley mentioned as how the Saudi women changed from western garb into the traditional Shari'a formal clothing that is required of woman appearing in public places by Koranic Law.
The reason I bring this point up is that I have a female friend who was a Navy Orion Maintenance Tech who served in Saudi. She said her year in Saudi was the "pits", because if for any reason that she left the American Base she had to wear the traditional black abayas and hijabs too. Oh and one other think that rankled her "privately" was that she had to leave behind in the US of A any jewelry or paraphernalia that would have identified her as a Jewess.
So Ms. Foley, the truth, did you not also have to don the abaya and hijab also before you disembarked from that airplane to begin your assignment as a Foreign Affairs Officer in Saudi Arabia? This is a Cultural Affairs Question that should be taught in our Public Schools, but unfortunately is not. Cultural humility is not a popular subject in our Nation of late, IMHO.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
This is an interesting idea but somewhat of a non sequitur. Ms. Tara Foley mentioned as how the Saudi women changed from western garb into the traditional Shari'a formal clothing that is required of woman appearing in public places by Koranic Law.
The reason I bring this point up is that I have a female friend who was a Navy Orion Maintenance Tech who served in Saudi. She said her year in Saudi was the "pits", because if for any reason that she left the American Base she had to wear the traditional black abayas and hijabs too. Oh and one other think that rankled her "privately" was that she had to leave behind in the US of A any jewelry or paraphernalia that would have identified her as a Jewess.
So Ms. Foley, the truth, did you not also have to don the abaya and hijab also before you disembarked from that airplane to begin your assignment as a Foreign Affairs Officer in Saudi Arabia? This is a Cultural Affairs Question that should be taught in our Public Schools, but unfortunately is not. Cultural humility is not a popular subject in our Nation of late, IMHO.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Aziz in Malaysia writes:
It's refreshing to read of a young American diplomat who describes her 4 months overseas in a place like KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] as wonderful and challenging. I live in Malaysia and being a country where Islam is the official religion, we too have sometimes felt the bias of non-Muslims from afar who generalize all Muslim countries as this and that.. We have a vibrant U.S. embassy where they play a very active role in fostering better relationship between our two countries and also for the business community.
The world is a smaller but better place today thanks to the hard work of dedicated diplomats of yesterday, today and I am sure of tomorrow with more people like you Tara.
God bless and may you always use patience and understanding in discharging your heavy responsibilities to God, mankind and country.
Regards.
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Aziz in Malaysia --
Thank you for your kind words. Thus far, I've visited a handful of countries in the Muslim world, whether for work, study, or travel. In each place, I've had overwhelmingly positive experiences with the people I've met and the cultures in general. This is not to say it has always been easy! And Saudi at times was not. But "easy" isn't really the point. It's the mutual education we experience when we engage with other cultures that I find so valuable and enjoyable. The challenging aspects, and keeping those in perspective with the positive side of the experience, are all a part of that education. Thanks again and keep reading!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
It's refreshing to read of a young American diplomat who describes her 4 months overseas in a place like KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] as wonderful and challenging. I live in Malaysia and being a country where Islam is the official religion, we too have sometimes felt the bias of non-Muslims from afar who generalize all Muslim countries as this and that.. We have a vibrant U.S. embassy where they play a very active role in fostering better relationship between our two countries and also for the business community.
The world is a smaller but better place today thanks to the hard work of dedicated diplomats of yesterday, today and I am sure of tomorrow with more people like you Tara.
God bless and may you always use patience and understanding in discharging your heavy responsibilities to God, mankind and country.
Regards.
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Aziz in Malaysia --
Thank you for your kind words. Thus far, I've visited a handful of countries in the Muslim world, whether for work, study, or travel. In each place, I've had overwhelmingly positive experiences with the people I've met and the cultures in general. This is not to say it has always been easy! And Saudi at times was not. But "easy" isn't really the point. It's the mutual education we experience when we engage with other cultures that I find so valuable and enjoyable. The challenging aspects, and keeping those in perspective with the positive side of the experience, are all a part of that education. Thanks again and keep reading!
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Erkan in Thailand writes:
As a former foreign service employee of another country it is quite interesting to read the U.S. diplomats' blogs. Congratulations to DoS [Department of State] administration. Thanks..
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
As a former foreign service employee of another country it is quite interesting to read the U.S. diplomats' blogs. Congratulations to DoS [Department of State] administration. Thanks..
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Amy in California writes:
Hi Tara,
I wish to read more about your experience in Saudi Arabia. Please answer all the questions in your last paragraph. I'll be eagerly waiting. Thanks.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Hi Tara,
I wish to read more about your experience in Saudi Arabia. Please answer all the questions in your last paragraph. I'll be eagerly waiting. Thanks.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Ralph in Greece writes:
Did the Saudi's tell you anything at the airport because you weren't covered like the Saudi women? I thought I read that Diplomatic missions do not have to follow those rules regarding women covering up? If so, it may be interesting to give details on your experiences and if the religious police ever tried to harass you. Having that diplomatic ID card sure comes in handy. Tell us more, please...
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Did the Saudi's tell you anything at the airport because you weren't covered like the Saudi women? I thought I read that Diplomatic missions do not have to follow those rules regarding women covering up? If so, it may be interesting to give details on your experiences and if the religious police ever tried to harass you. Having that diplomatic ID card sure comes in handy. Tell us more, please...
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Shukhrat writes:
Hi Tara. My first visit. Interesting site, first time i have viewed look forward to more. I think this blog is great and its nice to read about you there.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Hi Tara. My first visit. Interesting site, first time i have viewed look forward to more. I think this blog is great and its nice to read about you there.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Sam in Illinois writes:
I'd be interested in reading your future comments on this blog. I went to high school at a British Standard international school in Riyadh in the late 80's/early 90's. Being from the U.S., I felt lack of many freedoms we enjoy here, therefore my feelings of living there were negatively skewed. However, looking back at it now, it was an experience I will always remember. I wouldn't trade those years for anything. The types of cultures, people, nationalities and ethnicities I encountered and befriended in KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] can never be replaced or duplicated.
A lot has changed since then, but from what I hear, little progress has been made in terms of human rights. Please share your observations in this regard.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
I'd be interested in reading your future comments on this blog. I went to high school at a British Standard international school in Riyadh in the late 80's/early 90's. Being from the U.S., I felt lack of many freedoms we enjoy here, therefore my feelings of living there were negatively skewed. However, looking back at it now, it was an experience I will always remember. I wouldn't trade those years for anything. The types of cultures, people, nationalities and ethnicities I encountered and befriended in KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] can never be replaced or duplicated.
A lot has changed since then, but from what I hear, little progress has been made in terms of human rights. Please share your observations in this regard.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Gary in Thailand writes:
Dear Tara,
I am interested to hear about your time in Riyadh. I am a banker and spent six months working with Riyad Bank in 2002/2003. I found the KSA to be quite fascinating and the Saudis in a one-to-one situation to be both charming and hospitable. I was lucky to be based in Sahara Towers in Olaya which housed a mixture of nationalities including many from other middle eastern countries.
Did you have a chance to go to Mad'ain Salah in the north west ? This is the site of the Sabatean tombs carved in the rock similar to those in Petra, as well as many other archaeological treasures from an even earlier era. Also the remains of the old pilgrim railway which in the dry air is remarkably well preserved.
Hope you enjoy being back in Washington and I look forward to reading more about your time in Saudi.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Dear Tara,
I am interested to hear about your time in Riyadh. I am a banker and spent six months working with Riyad Bank in 2002/2003. I found the KSA to be quite fascinating and the Saudis in a one-to-one situation to be both charming and hospitable. I was lucky to be based in Sahara Towers in Olaya which housed a mixture of nationalities including many from other middle eastern countries.
Did you have a chance to go to Mad'ain Salah in the north west ? This is the site of the Sabatean tombs carved in the rock similar to those in Petra, as well as many other archaeological treasures from an even earlier era. Also the remains of the old pilgrim railway which in the dry air is remarkably well preserved.
Hope you enjoy being back in Washington and I look forward to reading more about your time in Saudi.
Posted on Tue Oct 09, 2007
Michael in New York writes:
well i was getting anxious to hear of some of your experiences after all the build up. but was disappointed you did not actually say anything!
what did you do over there? what was your social life like?
what was the food you got to try? oh so many more questions.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
well i was getting anxious to hear of some of your experiences after all the build up. but was disappointed you did not actually say anything!
what did you do over there? what was your social life like?
what was the food you got to try? oh so many more questions.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Zach in Georgia writes:
Tara -
Clearly you are a well-spoken and perceptive person, who looks to be about my own age (mid-20s). My question is in reference to the recent Hollywood film about Saudi Arabia, "The Kingdom."
As someone who has experienced the nuances of Arab culture, how do simplifying, black-and-white, Patriots-versus-Terrorists films like this make you feel? Do you think it is dangerous for the American people to be exposed to this kind of jingoistic Jamie-Foxx-can-solve-our-problems portrayal of the Middle East?
And, without getting you in trouble with your bosses, would you agree that it is exactly this mentality that has (as my Arkansan friends back home would say) 'got us cross-ways' with Arabs in particular and Muslim culture in general?
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Zach in Georgia --
I definitely went straight to the multiplex the weekend of "The Kingdom" premiere! I, too, am intrigued by Hollywood's portrayal of the Middle East (not to mention the U.S. government - @ Chanarad in Illinois). I'll look forward to unpacking those ideas further in a future post. Thanks for asking – it's great to hear what readers are interested in learning more about. I am already loving the interactive feature of this site!
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Tara -
Clearly you are a well-spoken and perceptive person, who looks to be about my own age (mid-20s). My question is in reference to the recent Hollywood film about Saudi Arabia, "The Kingdom."
As someone who has experienced the nuances of Arab culture, how do simplifying, black-and-white, Patriots-versus-Terrorists films like this make you feel? Do you think it is dangerous for the American people to be exposed to this kind of jingoistic Jamie-Foxx-can-solve-our-problems portrayal of the Middle East?
And, without getting you in trouble with your bosses, would you agree that it is exactly this mentality that has (as my Arkansan friends back home would say) 'got us cross-ways' with Arabs in particular and Muslim culture in general?
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Zach in Georgia --
I definitely went straight to the multiplex the weekend of "The Kingdom" premiere! I, too, am intrigued by Hollywood's portrayal of the Middle East (not to mention the U.S. government - @ Chanarad in Illinois). I'll look forward to unpacking those ideas further in a future post. Thanks for asking – it's great to hear what readers are interested in learning more about. I am already loving the interactive feature of this site!
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Chanarad in Illinois writes:
This blog idea is quite awesome. My idea of how government works is heavily tainted by hollywood conspirary movies like Bourne Ultimatum ( ;-) ) and it is nice to see the human faces behind our diplomatic work.
As you visit other countires, please observe and comment on the attitude of common people on the streets about united states, positive or negative. We hear the generalization that in those countries where the government is a big ally of the U.S. the people are negative and cynical towards U.S. and vice versa. I would like to know the impressions of people from the diplomatic side of things.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
This blog idea is quite awesome. My idea of how government works is heavily tainted by hollywood conspirary movies like Bourne Ultimatum ( ;-) ) and it is nice to see the human faces behind our diplomatic work.
As you visit other countires, please observe and comment on the attitude of common people on the streets about united states, positive or negative. We hear the generalization that in those countries where the government is a big ally of the U.S. the people are negative and cynical towards U.S. and vice versa. I would like to know the impressions of people from the diplomatic side of things.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Wang in China writes:
Is it a little difficult for a women like you to live and work in Saudi Arabia, where the women are in lower social class?
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Wang in China --
And all those who asked about my experience as a woman living in Saudi Arabia. This will be the topic of a full post in the very near future. This is a hot topic, and almost always the first thing people ask about! I wonder why that is. Is it because the veil is something tangible we can see, to give a name and a shape to all of the other less tangible questions and notions we have about another culture? I wonder... I'll discuss my own thoughts on this issue very soon.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Is it a little difficult for a women like you to live and work in Saudi Arabia, where the women are in lower social class?
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Wang in China --
And all those who asked about my experience as a woman living in Saudi Arabia. This will be the topic of a full post in the very near future. This is a hot topic, and almost always the first thing people ask about! I wonder why that is. Is it because the veil is something tangible we can see, to give a name and a shape to all of the other less tangible questions and notions we have about another culture? I wonder... I'll discuss my own thoughts on this issue very soon.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
David in California writes:
What this blog needs is a biographical area (perhaps a closed wiki) where each poster could provide as much of a biography as they want. I know that many college students looking forward to graduation would appreciate knowing how people got into the State Department and how they rose to the level they are at.
Dipnote Bloggers write:
@David in California -- Hi David. Currently, the blog has an "About" page that lists brief biographies of the bloggers. We are also creating a wiki, so stay tuned...
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
What this blog needs is a biographical area (perhaps a closed wiki) where each poster could provide as much of a biography as they want. I know that many college students looking forward to graduation would appreciate knowing how people got into the State Department and how they rose to the level they are at.
Dipnote Bloggers write:
@David in California -- Hi David. Currently, the blog has an "About" page that lists brief biographies of the bloggers. We are also creating a wiki, so stay tuned...
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Bill in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands writes:
Hi. Interesting site, first time i have viewed look forward to more.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Hi. Interesting site, first time i have viewed look forward to more.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Ron in North Carolina writes:
Tara: Thank you for taking the time to write on the blog. I would like to hear your opinion of what life as an Arab woman is like, as you see it. You touched on this when you mentioned the women lined up to cover themselves just prior to landing in Saudi Arabia. Surely none of these women could ever hope to reach your level even if they could receive your education. Were you able to drive a car when you were there? Did you need to be escorted by a man? All of these issues must have had a strong impact on your opinion of this nation.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Tara: Thank you for taking the time to write on the blog. I would like to hear your opinion of what life as an Arab woman is like, as you see it. You touched on this when you mentioned the women lined up to cover themselves just prior to landing in Saudi Arabia. Surely none of these women could ever hope to reach your level even if they could receive your education. Were you able to drive a car when you were there? Did you need to be escorted by a man? All of these issues must have had a strong impact on your opinion of this nation.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Bruce in Massachusetts writes:
You left me hanging. I hope future posts are going to appear soon. I have a good friend whose brother works at the moment in Riyadh and he dislikes it there (he is Italian and is a hard to please individual) so I am anxious to hear a more positive side which you seem to have.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
You left me hanging. I hope future posts are going to appear soon. I have a good friend whose brother works at the moment in Riyadh and he dislikes it there (he is Italian and is a hard to please individual) so I am anxious to hear a more positive side which you seem to have.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Bob in Nebraska writes:
My first visit. I know the journey will be informative.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
My first visit. I know the journey will be informative.
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
William in Turkey writes:
Hi Tara,
Where are you serving now? I think this blog is great and its nice to read about you there. I'm a former Communications Officer in Diplomatic Service now working Instanbul as Regional Sales Manager and Consultant in software automation with Turkish manufacturers. In the Foreign Sevice, I was assigned to Washington DC, U.S. Embassy Honduras (2yrs) and the U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe (3yrs).
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Hi Tara,
Where are you serving now? I think this blog is great and its nice to read about you there. I'm a former Communications Officer in Diplomatic Service now working Instanbul as Regional Sales Manager and Consultant in software automation with Turkish manufacturers. In the Foreign Sevice, I was assigned to Washington DC, U.S. Embassy Honduras (2yrs) and the U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe (3yrs).
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
Darla in Oklahoma writes:
What year was your time in Saudi Arabia and what do you do in DC?
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Darla in Oklahoma --
I was in Saudi during February - June of 2007. I'm now back in Washington working in the Office of WMD Terrorism here at our main State Department headquarters. I'm looking forward to sharing more about what I do now in later posts. Thanks for reading!
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
What year was your time in Saudi Arabia and what do you do in DC?
Dipnote Blogger Tara Foley writes:
@ Darla in Oklahoma --
I was in Saudi during February - June of 2007. I'm now back in Washington working in the Office of WMD Terrorism here at our main State Department headquarters. I'm looking forward to sharing more about what I do now in later posts. Thanks for reading!
Posted on Mon Oct 08, 2007
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