Colleen Graffy, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for public diplomacy and one of two key diplomats whose job it is to improve our image overseas, but particularly in Islamic countries, told the BBC World Service the suicides of two Saudis and one Yemeni at Gitmo this weekend were a "good PR move to draw attention."

Not having anyone around her sane enough to stuff a sock, a purse, or a pillow in her mouth, she instead decided to insert her foot: "It does sound that this is part of a strategy in that they don't value their own life and they certainly don't value ours and they use suicide bombings as a tactic to further their Jihadi cause."

The three who committed suicide have been held for more than 4 years, have been denied access to any uncensored or unreviewed communication and one of them was under 18 when he was originally brought to Gitmo. No suicide bombs...no charges filed against them for any prior wrongdoing...no independent court reviewing their case...Gee, if they didn't value their lives, I wonder who taught them their lives had no value?

Somehow I'm doubting these desperate men were engaging in a "PR campaign." Though I certainly could be wrong.
How SO like a member of the current administration to immediately seek to treat these three as though they were subhuman...not lives but tools of some nebulous threat.

Graffy coordinates efforts with Karen Hughes, a former top aide to President George W. Bush, who is now the number one special envoy on our "image" abroad. All I can say about her job performance is....meets expectations. Sadly.