U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE HAS APPOINTED DR. SHIRIN TAHIR-KHELI AS HER SENIOR ADVISOR ON WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT, THE STATE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THURSDAY. THE NEW POSITION, WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE OF THE UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, WILL FOCUS ESPECIALLY ON 'OUTREACH TO THE WOMEN OF THE MUSLIM WORLD,' THE STATE DEPARTMENT SAID IN A STATEMENT. THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IS 'VITAL' TO PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH'S AGENDA FOR PROMOTING DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM, THE STATEMENT SAID, ADDING THAT 'STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF WOMEN AND PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM ARE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PROGRESS.'
