Rice's message

First, it must be a new speechwriter attempting to use her gender for effect, but I find it odd that the unattached and childless Condoleeza Rice has suddenly started using "motherly" metaphors for the Middle East. However, the usage sounds "male" to me.

On Saturday, "What we're seeing here ... are the birth pangs of a new Middle East and whatever we do, we have to be certain that we are pushing forward to the new Middle East, not going back to the old one."

Today, "I have no doubt there are those who wish to strangle a democratic and sovereign Lebanon in its crib," Rice said.

Second, did anyone else notice that Condi Rice wore sunglasses on top of her head for the entire meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora even sitting inside for formal consultations? I think that's one of those dubtle diplomatic messages. (Also notice there are no Lebanese flags in the Rice pictures in Lebanon, but there are lots of flags in the background when she meets with Olmert.)

(Last, was Rice's trip scheduled to take some attention away from Maliki's visit?)