US names Mel Gibson as Middle East envoy
4 Aug 2006 by Adam Tan
President Bush yesterday announced that he will send Mel Gibson as a "special envoy" to the Middle East in an attempt to help broker a ceasefire between warring Israeli and Hezbollah forces. "Mel Gibson's mandate is to help secure a just, enduring, and alcohol-free ceasefire," said Bush press secretary Tony Snow.Snow noted that Gibson "has the President's full confidence". In fact, it appears the idea to send Gibson originated with Bush himself. Bush reportedly asked aides on Tuesday "Can't we get that guy in the crucifixion movie to go over there and clean this shit up?"
The administration's initiative comes at an awkward time for Gibson, who has recently admitted unleashing a barrage of anti-Semitic invective at a police officer during a drink-drive stop. Gibson admits using anti-Semitic language, but denies rumours that he referred to the female police officer as "sugar tits".
Administration officials do not believe the incident will undermine Gibson's effectiveness abroad. "Fortunately, Hezbollah and the Israelis are too busy slaughtering each other to notice this kind of stuff; it's really below the radar over there," said a senior White House staffer.
Experts see Bush's move as a frantic attempt to salvage his administration's foundering Middle East policy. "They've pretty much tried everything else," said Douglas Ramsbottom, professor of Australian Actor Studies at the University of New South Wales. "Why not send an Aussie?"
However, Gibson's repeated brushes with anti-Semitism may limit his ability to negotiate effectively with Israel. Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni reportedly promised to "shoot" Gibson if he shows his face, although Livni later said she was "just joking". Gibson has repeatedly apologized for his remarks, and a source close to Gibson said the actor is "considering circumcision" in an effort to "improve his bona fides" with Israel.
