Glass ceilings cracked, but changes not so crystal clear

A pair of women were appointed to lead the CIA and Fox News last week, but gender doesn’t compensate for fundamental character flaws

Gina Haspel prepares to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee during her confirmation hearing to become the next CIA director Picture: Getty
John Bolton, US national security adviser: in favour of torturing suspects Pic: GETTY

Last week, history was made in the US. Twice. To paraphrase Hillary Clinton, two cracks appeared in two of the most resistant of glass ceilings. Women were appointed to lead both the CIA and Fox News, two US institutions that have proven uniquely resistant to providing level playing fields for women.

But are they cracks or cunning refractions of light?

Despite the ...