I think I have a new heroine...

It boggles my mind that with our current involvement in Iraq, Gertrude Bell's name isn't bandied about on a daily basis. It's also a shame that we can't clone this amazing woman a hundred times over, as she seemed to be one of few to actually take the time to learn about the multitude of desert tribes and interact with them in a respectful, dignified manner.

In an era where women still struggled for basic rights, she used her vast knowledge or Arabia and power of negotiation to assist in the self-determination of part of the Middle East we call Iraq. A Kingmaker to say the least, as she was responsible for the ascension of Faisal I.

She ventured on daring caravans that most seasoned adventurers would balk at, was a close colleague of Lawrence of Arabia, and was inspired to great deeds by her enduring forbidden love for a married man.

Will someone please write a screenplay?