 United States President Barack Obama's choice of Middle East Chief Envoy George Mitchell is in itself a profound statement of intent. Senator Mitchell's mother was a Maronite Christian Arab from the Levant, and this Levantine heritage might prove helpful as he tries to sort out the complex problems of the Middle East. We wish both Mitchell and his boss Obama all the very best. And, we once again note that President Obama has made a wise choice. I illustrated Mitchell with a colossal aquiline to highlight his Middle Eastern roots. He is bound to take the challenges of the region in his stride, and just as seriously as he did those of Northern Ireland. Hip, hip, hurray. parent page (29 January - 4 February 2009, issue #932) |