Member, Slave, Observer - just what does “Special Envoy” mean?
From today’s speech by Bush at the Islamic Center of Washington….
To underscore America’s respect for the Muslim faith here at home, I came to this Center six days after the 9/11 attacks to denounce incidents of prejudice against Muslim Americans. (Applause.) Today I am announcing a new initiative that will improve mutual understanding and cooperation between America and people in predominately Muslim countries.
I will appoint a special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference. This is the first time a President has made such an appointment to the OIC. (Applause.) Our special envoy will listen to and learn from representatives from Muslim states and will share with them America’s views and values. This is an opportunity for Americans to demonstrate to Muslim communities our interest in respectful dialogue and continued friendship.
Wikipedia reports that the OIC has an “observer” role (that OIC flag says “Allahu Akbar” of course):
Here’s the question: are we in a “special envoy” category that puts us outside the Members and Observers categories….the only category we could fit in a logical scheme would be countries and territories, where we join Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Central African Republic, Russia, Thailand, the non-recognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and, uh, the USA.
Or is the “special envoy” role a kind of try-out to become a Muslim state (sort of like cub scouts working on our badges….) - or is it that special new, USA-only dhimmitude desk at the State Department?
Just how special is the “special envoy”?