First, it is already hard for any head of state to take orders from an employee of another state. So for middle eastern presidents to take orders from the secretary of state of the US is hard enough, and taking the order from a woman is harder 
Having a deeper reflection on the matter, I think both Albright and Rice dealt with the middle east issue in a superficial and arrogant way. Let´s hope Hillary wont do the same mistake if she took office;
Albright though she risked so much on behalf of people in the Middle East, Iraqis & Afghans not to abandon them to tyranny!!
Rice on the other hand believes that policy-making is 90 percent blocking and tackling and 10 percent intellectual. So what do you expect from her in the middle east negociation other than bullying!
Middle east problem is very complicated and needs delicacy in dealing with different opponents.
Those two ladies didnt do a good job in my opinion. I kinda like Hillary so l hope she accepts the post.
Thank you Cedars for a great answer. I haven´t been following the events in the Middle East, and even teh Secretary of State really takes orders from teh president... but I completely agree that there should be a little bit more brains in the process. The next person who takes this office should really be very well educated about all the intricasies of the Middle East. Obama´s presidence does bring some hope... but we will see.
judging people by their millions.