From world leaders to entrepreneurs, a massive conference on Afghanistan in Dallas last week was a reminder that the war isn't over in Afghanistan, say former Undersecretaries of State Karen Hughes and Paula Dobriansky.
Ambassador Karen Hughes is the global vice chair of Burson-Marsteller where serves as a senior strategist helping business leaders strengthen their corporate reputations, achieve business goals through effective communications, and shape positive public and stakeholder perceptions. Previously, Ambassador Hughes reached out on behalf of the United States to audiences across the world as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Hughes served as Counselor to the President, a title reflective of her role as strategic advisor to President George W. Bush. She was President Bush's Communications Director in 2000, helping lead his successful presidential campaign, and served as a senior communications strategist on his 2004 campaign. Ambassador Hughes served as Director of Communications in the Texas Governor's office and directed communications during Governor Bush's successful gubernatorial campaigns in 1994 and 1998. She was Executive Director of the Texas Republican Party from 1992 until 1994, and served as a consultant and frequent spokesman for the Party throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. She was the Director of Media Relations for Halcyon Associates, and also worked on numerous political, issue and bond campaigns in Dallas and was Texas press coordinator for the Reagan-Bush '84 campaign.
On her flight back to Texas with the former president, White House counselor Karen Hughes reflects on unexpected accomplishments, low opinion polls, and why she didn’t bring her dog on the plane.