"I say 20 words in English. I say money, money, money, and I say hot dog! I say yes, no and I say money, money, money and I say turkey sandwich."
--Portuguese-born Brazilian performer Carmen Miranda
UPCOMING IMPORTANT WASHINGTON, D.C. PUBLIC DIPLOMACY EVENT (repeat announcement): The third Public Diplomacy Council/USC "First Monday" Forum, "Public Diplomacy as a Global Phenomenon: The Baltic States." The following distinguished diplomats will speak about their country's public diplomacy and how it is planned and implemented in the United States: Maria Belovas, Press and Cultural Officer, Embassy of Estonia; Jurijs Pogrebņaks Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Latvia; Simonas Satunas, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Lithuania. Date/Time:
Monday, December 2
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)
2101 E Street NW
Washington DC (Foggy Bottom metro).
12:00-1:00 PM
For more information, including about attendance, please contact: eva.harder.pdc@gmail.com
VIDEOS
Встреча посла США в РФ Майкла Макфола с гостями Американского центра (20.11.13) [Meeting of USA Envoy to the Russian Federation Michael McFaul with guests at the American Center (20.11.13)] - youtube.com
Brubeck Jazz Classic “Take Five” in Pakistan Style (Video) - juancole.com: "Dave Brubeck called the cover of his band’s classic 'Take Five' (Paul Desmond) by the Pakistani musical group Sachal the 'most original' he had ever heard."
PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
How to Think About the Chinese Air-Defense News - James Fallows, theatlantic.com: "This is a strange development—China's establishment over the weekend of an ADIZ, or Air Defense Identification Zone, in an expanded area of the East China Sea, eliciting alarmed reactions from Japan, the United States (which today sent two B-52s through the zone), South Korea, and other countries in the region. ... Why risk getting involved, plus angering the Chinese, by sending B-52s through the new ADIZ? I think the Pentagon's initial explanation is the right one—on the merits, and as a matter of public diplomacy.
The United States is not taking sides in this Japan-China island dispute, but it is against either side unilaterally changing the status quo. Also, in continuing 'routine training flights'—which is how the B-52 mission was described—it is underscoring the U.S. commitment to existing rules on access to international air space. It was mildly risky to send that flight, but it would have been riskier not to react at all." Image from entry
Obama In L.A.: DreamWorks Speech Highlights Jobs, Creativity - Max Schwartz, neontommy.com: "President Barack Obama concluded his west coast trip by meeting with film industry representatives and discussing the economy at DreamWorks Animation in Glendale. ... Obama did not mention California’s unemployment rate. He instead talked about the positives, such as how Hollywood makes California and the United States special.
'The thing we do better than anyone is creativity,' Obama said. 'Entertainment is one of the bright spots of our economy.' The president also said that our films are important for foreign relations with other countries, pointing to the soft power role of Hollywood for American public diplomacy." Image from entry, with caption: President Obama speaking at DreamWorks Animation
Iran nuclear deal: Iran given six months to open nuclear sites to inspection - wjla.com: "The marathon talks in Geneva appeared at times to be a study in Internet-age brinksmanship and public diplomacy - with all sides sending out signals and statements by Twitter and Facebook - but they also were the culmination of a painstaking process of old-school contacts and secret sessions between Iranian and American envoys that began even before the surprise election of Iran's moderate-leaning President Hassan Rouhani last June."
Iran: the diplomatic dividend - Andrew Gardner, europeanvoice.com: "The international agreement struck this weekend to constrain Iran's nuclear programme may only be preliminary, but it is a huge success. In practical terms, for the first time since 2004, Iran has committed itself to suspending the programme and is rolling back some critical elements. In diplomatic terms, the deal is a triumph. The United States and Iran are talking publicly again, after three decades. The five permanent members of the United Nations' Security Council – the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom – have maintained a united front since international talks began in March 2012. And the European Union – led by Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief – has led those talks and maintained that unity. ... Just
how much the breakthrough was attributable to EU diplomacy and Ashton will become clearer when more is known about the behind-the-scenes diplomacy between the US and Iran. Hours after the deal, it emerged that the two had been holding secret talks since March, a process that continued during the formal talks in Geneva, with go-betweens scurrying around the city incognito. But such secret diplomacy also needed public diplomacy – and for that the EU and Ashton were essential." Image from entry, with caption: Breakthrough: Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief, and Muhammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister
In search of self-aware diplomacy - Ian Bremmer, blogs.reuters.com: "In 2005, Karen Hughes became George W. Bush’s undersecretary of public diplomacy. Her charge, both poorly defined and ill-timed, was to improve America’s international image in the years after the country had launched two wars. Other countries will side with us and do what we want if only we better explain our point of view, the thinking went, and make them see us as we see ourselves. By the time Hughes left office in 2007, international opinion of the U.S. was no higher than it was when she arrived, according to polls. And yet, this kind of if-we-say-it-clearly-enough-they-will-listen diplomacy is not exclusive to the Bush administration. It has carried over into the Obama White House. ... This dissonance between what’s presented and what’s perceived is a problem, especially in a new world order that lacks order. More than ever, the U.S. needs help and cooperation from other countries to manage challenges like Syria, Libya, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership — but its diplomacy is outdated. Americans have never been willing to understand how their actions are received by others and to accept the consequences of those actions. The country was once powerful enough to get away with that myopia.
It’s not anymore. ... This dissonance between what’s presented and what’s perceived is a problem, especially in a new world order that lacks order. More than ever, the U.S. needs help and cooperation from other countries to manage challenges like Syria, Libya, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership — but its diplomacy is outdated. Americans have never been willing to understand how their actions are received by others and to accept the consequences of those actions. The country was once powerful enough to get away with that myopia. It’s not anymore. ... The most effective American emissaries are now the ones who aren’t just hyping America’s view — they’re the ones who understand the historical, economic, and political circumstances of their partners. This sounds like common sense diplomacy, but it’s clear that for America, it’s radical." Via LOS on Facebook; selfie image from
DNA study abroad fair: SVKM, Santokba Hall, Mumbai - indiancolleges.com: "The second day of dna Global Education seminar sponsored by Bank of India took place on November 27. The second seminar was held at SVKM, Santokba Hall, Mumbai.
The aim of the workshop was to help aspirants with the admission and application process, scholarships and bursaries, popular and new courses, and work experience, which has become a crucial requirement for a person wanting to go abroad for further studies. Alisha Mashruwala, overseas education counsellor; Neha Sarwal,academic head, IMS; NU Goswami, assistant general manager, Bank of India and Ajay Rao, second-tour public diplomacy-coned consular officer, US Consulate were the speakers at the workshop." Uncaptioned image from entry
Senators take a holiday hike and leave Obama nominees twisting in the political winds - Al Kamen and Walter Pincus, Washington Post: "So as the senators slithered out of town Thursday for Thanksgiving — apparently they eat a lot and need time to digest, so they won’t be back until Dec. 9 — they left more than 70 nominees, all of whom had been approved by Senate committees, twisting in the wind. ... The State Department is taking the biggest hit, starting with ... Richard Stengel for public diplomacy."
Time Exec Cashed in Big Bonus Before Jumping to Obama's State Dept - Melissa Clyne, newsmax.com: "State Department official and former Time magazine managing editor Richard Stengel has disclosed that he expects to receive up to a $250,000 bonus in early 2014 for his work at Time despite ordering the layoffs of colleagues during the bonus period . ... Stengel
may be one of only a few Time Inc. employees receiving a bonus. Time Inc. CEO Laura Lang wrote a memo earlier this year alerting staff that annual merit raises were being axed 'with the long term health of the company in mind.' Stengel is at least the 24th journalist to join the Obama administration."
Uncaptioned image from entry
Mahtab Farid - Facebook: Comment on: Washington Times article, Ex-Time editor Stengel got big bonus while laying off staff, heading to State Dept.: "Such a class act leading our public diplomacy efforts."
El Hacker Cívico: Civic-Minded Techies Gain Sway with Government in Mexico and Beyond - Theresa Bradley, Huffington Post: "Building on a model pioneered in a handful of U.S. cities since 2010, Mexico's civic innovation team aims to integrate so-called 'civic hackers' with policy experts already inside government -- to not only build better technology, but to seed a more tech-minded approach to problem-solving across federal processes and policy. What began as outside activism is slowly starting to creep into government. ... Most civic hacking still takes form as outside activism, using the power of example to show officials and citizens how government might change its approach to technology. Around the world, some agencies are starting to pay attention -- not only accepting civic hacking as a new avenue of citizen engagement, but as a potential source of new tools. Many public offices now hold their own hackathons, including the White House, which in June hosted one of nearly 100 events marking the first 'National Day of Civic Hacking' in the
Your airport has something to tell you - Jed Willard, Boston Globe: "Public diplomacy, the art of using communication and culture to accomplish foreign policy goals, comes in many shapes. Traditional forms include international broadcasting (think Voice of America), visiting scholars (Fulbright), and cultural exchanges (Duke Ellington in the USSR). Newer public diplomacy tactics integrate commercial and cultural interests, use experiential programming, and embrace social networks. Commercial airport design, while rarely referred to as a public diplomacy tactic, has been important to regional and national promotion since, well, commercial airport design. ... Promoting the social, cultural, and economic vitality of their surrounding area is both in the interest of airports themselves and of the public that relies on them. After all, they want to attract more travelers, airlines, and routes, and a vibrant regional economy makes that possible.
The daily flights between Logan and Schiphol are symbolic themselves, 'linking two innovative economies' according to Ilse van Overveld, head of Dutch public diplomacy in the USA. ... Jed Willard works on public diplomacy challenges at the Harvard Kennedy School in
Digital diplomacy spreads through Washington: Canadian Embassy hosts Digital Democracy Open House - Meagan Fitzpatrick, CBC News: "The Canadian embassy in Washington, D.C., opened its doors last week to the city’s digital diplomats for an event where they could brag about their use of social media and pick up some tips. A dozen embassies and international organizations, including the World Bank and European Union delegation, participated in the 'Digital Diplomacy Open House' that was held in
partnership with the Digital Diplomacy Coalition. The groups had tables set up with materials and laptops and they gave presentations to showcase how they are using Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms to further their foreign policy objectives. Digital diplomacy has been evolving quickly over the last three to four years and some countries, such as the United States and Britain, are way ahead of others. But in true diplomatic fashion, embassies in Washington at least, are trying to bridge the gaps by helping each other learn about and leverage the power of social media. ... Social media is changing the way public diplomacy is conducted and it's giving embassies a bit more control over their messaging. It’s also extended their reach far beyond local or national media markets." Image from entry, with caption: Katherine Baird welcomes attendees of the Digital Diplomacy Open House event at the Canadian embassy in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, November 21, 2013
How Defence Matters in NATO Countries - atlantic-community.org: "NATO has asked think tanks from eight European and North American allied countries to assess the national conversation on defence and to provide recommendations on how to stimulate this debate. Today, Carnegie Europe hosted a conference in Brussels
to reflect on the conclusions of the 'Defence Matters' project. In essence, defence still matters, but the wider strategic community needs to do a much better job at explaining why and how. ... The Atlantic Initiative, the publisher of atlantic-community.org, conducted the 'Defence Matters' research for
Romania reiterates support for initialling of EU-Georgia Association Agreement - actmedia.eu: "The Georgian side highlighted Georgia's commitment towards its NATO accession goal, especially through the substantial contribution to ISAF and the bid to contribute to the allied post-2014 efforts in Afghanistan. David Dondua [Georgia's First Deputy Minister of State for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration David Dondua] also presented the most relevant progress made recently as regards the reform of Georgia's defence sector. Aurescu [Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs Bogdan Aurescu] praised Georgia's progress in what concerns the preparation for accession to the Alliance and reiterated Romania's support for NATO's 'open door' policy. He also mentioned the importance of Georgia's capitalising on cooperation with the North Atlantic Alliance under the Annual National Programme and within the NATO-Georgia Commission. The two officials also evoked the role of NATO Contact Point Embassy the Romanian diplomatic mission in Tbilisi is fulfilling between 2013-2014, as an important element for Romania's supporting, by public diplomacy activities and cooperation with the authorities in Tbilisi, Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations."
The world from here: Israel’s public diplomacy is crucial on Iran deal - Dan Diker, Jerusalem Post: Netanyahu told his Likud faction on November 25 regarding a possible final agreement with Iran that 'This accord must bring about one outcome: the dismantling of Iran’s military nuclear capability,' while reiterating that 'Israel will not allow Iran to gain a military nuclear capability.' This restated Israeli red line will have to be supported by a first-rate public diplomacy effort. ... While second nature to Israeli officials, many in the international community, from diplomats to shapers of public opinion, are unclear on distinctions and relative dangers among spinning centrifuges, dangers of various levels of uranium enrichment, levels of plutonium in Arak’s heavy water reactor, weaponization and ballistic development. ... The Iranian regime has also proven itself a strong public diplomacy player. ... The Iranians have ... understood that good messengers are necessary but insufficient as part of an overall public diplomacy offensive. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Basij paramilitary forces have reportedly created a cyberspace council that has launched online 'cyber battalions' that engage in pro-regime public diplomacy campaigns, as well as removal of anti-regime content. ... An expanded public diplomacy effort by Israel must continue to shape the international discourse on Iranian compliance with the interim agreement as part of a broader international campaign to expose the Iranian regime’s race for regional and nuclear supremacy and its leadership support for and sponsorship of international terror. ... [T]he current intensified challenge requires a major upgrade of Israel’s public diplomacy infrastructure similar to what the United States did in 2011 when it established the Center of Strategic Counter- Terrorism Communications in the White House, which was created to counter Al-Qaida’s and other radical Islamic terror groups’ propaganda. Israel’s ability to convince the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capability in a final agreement poses a major challenge for Israel. It requires a substantial investment in and expansion of the Prime Minister’s Office’s public diplomacy infrastructure, manpower and initiatives to upgrade efforts and capabilities both off-line and in cyberspace’s social and media networks in battling the increasing dangers of a nuclearizing, terror-sponsoring Iranian regime that has gained both legitimacy and time under the current interim deal."
Netanyahu shifts to backroom diplomacy on Iran deal: PM to send team to DC to discuss permanent accord; Obama reaffirms "shared goal of preventing" nuclear weaponized Iran - Herb Keinon, Jerusalem Post: "The decision to send the team to Washington, as well as
Israel Needs New Tack Post-Deal, Analysts Suggest: Focus should now be on realistic final pact, not on ending Iran’s enrichment program - Joshua Mitnick, thejewishweek.com: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of the Geneva compromise on Iran’s nuclear program was resounding: Iran had emerged with a 'dream' deal that allowed it to continue to enrich uranium — for the first time with the blessing of the international community. ... Netanyahu and other Israeli officials say the agreement puts Israel in existential danger; the prime minister’s opponents have characterized his diplomatic efforts as too shrill. But a number of analysts say the agreement is neither a dream deal nor a disaster. 'We’re not talking about the destruction of the Third Temple,' said Amos Yadlin, a former IDF intelligence chief and the head of the Institute for National Security Studies, a Tel Aviv University think tank. 'Without loving this agreement, it’s better than a situation of no agreement,' he said. ... He also criticized the prime minister’s handling of the public diplomacy, saying that future dialogue over Iran should be kept discrete and classified, rather than being conducted via newspaper headlines. That type of public conflict reduces Israel’s influence on the talks, Yadlin said. Other analysts have said that its also injuring Israel’s relationship with the United States."
Shabbat Dinner With American Friends of Likud - jewocity.com: "American Friends of Likud is partnering with Manhattan Jewish Experience for an Exclusive Young Leadership Event Shabbat Dinner in NYC on Friday, December 20th at Fifth Avenue Synagogue (5th and 62nd). Featured speaker will be Capt. (res) Barak Raz to discuss: The Israel-Palestinian Conflict: Opportunities and Threats in Light of Recent Negotiations. Attendees are expected to include Michael Lichtenstein, Yechiel Lichtenstein and others. Captain (Res.) Barak Raz is a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, just recently finished seven years of national service in the IDF, serving most recently as the Spokesperson for the Judea and Samaria Division of IDF Central Command – the IDF’s largest and most complex division, responsible for the region also referred to as the West Bank. Barak was also responsible for all media and public diplomacy efforts of the division, working with organizations and individuals from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and around the world, including government officials, media, NGOs, human rights organizations, civic organizations, and more."
Haleli Jabotinsky follows in her great-grandfather's footsteps - israelhayom.com: "The great-granddaughter of Zionist leader Ze'ev Jabotinsky is one of dozens of Jewish Agency delegates on North American college campuses promoting a positive image of Israel. ... Haleli was raised in the Jezreel Valley and was educated at home in the liberal-Zionist spirit of her great-grandfather. She says that 'as a graduate of the public diplomacy program Stand With Us, the decision to join a delegation was a natural step for me.'
She joins the more than 70 delegates who are working in conjunction with the Hillel on-campus Jewish community organizations to try to paint a realistic picture of Israel to students. Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky has supported a number of initiatives to promote Israel on college campuses worldwide, believing that the influence of universities on international public opinion has grown dramatically." Image from entry, with caption: Haleli Jabotinsky: Following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, Ze'ev
Iran's Nuclear PR Pitch: Can Leaders Sell Their High-Stakes Program? [includes video] - Sara Afzal, mashable.com: "Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif turned to YouTube to promote his country's nuclear program. ... 'The new Iranian government’s use of social media has generated a whole new buzz about the world’s only modern theocracy. The new Iranian government’s use of social media has generated a whole new buzz about the world’s only modern theocracy and altering at least part of its image in the meantime,' says Robin Wright, a journalist and scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center. ... Iranian leaders' new use of online communication is, according to Wright, 'the most ambitious public diplomacy campaign since the 1979 revolution,' when the five-decade reign of the Pahlavi dynasty came to an end."
Turkey’s Social Mediators: The young men behind Turkey’s Institute of Creative Minds and the Twitter handle 140journos - Stephen Starr, majalla.com: "Last November, Cem Aydoğdu, Engin Önder, and Oğulcan Ekiz organized a
is best known for 140journos, a Twitter-based initiative that documents protests and anti-government activity across
Promoting local talent to cut costs - Devirupa Mitra, newindianexpress.com: "With the government facing austerity measures, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu has become more creative in engaging with the local population, without resorting to the import of Indian cultural troupes that incur high costs. The Indian embassy in Nepal has been investing in promoting more homegrown talent - authors, journalists, singers and filmmakers - which ultimately leads to a higher level of engagement with the young population. The Ministry of External Affairs has had to tighten its belt considerably, which has put pressure on the Indian Centre for Cultural Relations to bring down the number of cultural groups sent abroad. Since January 2013, the Indian mission has been experimenting with four series of public events, organised at the library of B P Koirala Nepal-India Foundation. 'All these four programmes are aimed at promoting Nepalese art, literature, music and films as well as to engage the younger generation of Nepal to share their ideas, experiences and stories,' an official said. According to sources, all events had got wide coverage in the media and have become important dates in the local literary world which were attended by Nepali celebrities. This is an entirely new direction for public diplomacy as advocated by Indian embassies, who have usually have only used cultural events to showcase Indian culture."
Scotland releases blueprint for independence: 670-page document promises to keep Queen, pound but collect own taxes, control defence force - Thomson Reuters, cbc.ca: "Scotland's bid for independence is being watched closely internationally, particularly in Catalonia where 80
per cent of people favour a vote for independence from Spain. 'If it's feasible in the U.K., it should be feasible in Spain,' said Albert Royo, secretary general of Diplocat, the Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia, a public-private body charged with building support for Catalan's independence vote." Uncaptioned image from entry
China's Jade Rabbit Moonshot - Christina Larson, businessweek.com: "
The rover’s scientific mission will include collecting samples of lunar 'soil' and taking ultraviolet readings of distant stars. The rover is also—already—being used as a public diplomacy tool to highlight China’s growing scientific ambitions." Image from entry, with caption: A model of the moon rover Jade Rabbit displayed during the 15th China International Industry Fair in Shanghai on Nov. 5
Korea's Public Diplomacy Opportunity - Philip Seib, Huffington Post: "Korea must decide if it wants to avail itself of its opportunities to become even more of a regional and global leader in public diplomacy."
World Expo 2020 - Lauren Madow, PD News–CPD Blog, USC Center on Public Diplomacy, "Four cities are currently in the running to host the 2020 World Expo:
Marc Fonbaustier donne sa définition de la diplomatie en 2013 - mayuran yogananthan, blogs.mediapart.fr: "5/ Etre diplomate, c’est un métier, ou plutôt, une somme de métiers. D’après certaines idées reçues, le métier d’ambassadeur, qui correspond à un point culminant du métier de diplomate, est un métier de généraliste, à faible coefficient de savoir-faire technique, en apparence, qui pourrait être exercé de manière satisfaisante par n’importe qui… Or, être non pas simplement ambassadeur, mais être un bon ambassadeur, n’est sans doute pas à la portée de tout le monde. C’est le résultat d’un mûrissement, d’une préparation lente, par l’occupation d’emplois successifs et de responsabilités croissantes dans la diplomatie, en principe, qui sont autant d’étapes qualifiantes. De plus en plus, un ambassadeur doit avoir de bons contacts et de l’entregent avec les autorités locales, pour pénétrer les circuits de décision et les influencer, si possible, au profit des intérêts nationaux. Il doit pouvoir rassurer (et protéger) la communauté française résidente (et les voyageurs). Il doit contribuer à la 'diplomatie d’influence' ('public diplomacy' en anglais), très exigeante et tellement centrale aujourd’hui. Il doit donner des gages aux entreprises et leur apporter un appui résolu. Il doit maîtriser et pouvoir apprendre des langues étrangères. Il doit, de plus en plus, monter des partenariats publics-privés, trouver des financements innovants. La diplomatie économique se situe à présent au cœur du métier de diplomate et devient une des missions principales de nos ambassadeurs. Aux avants postes, dans les grands pays émergents, il faut vendre la Maison France, être comme un Préfet à l’étranger, une vitrine et un entrepreneur…"
Faced With a Changing World, Diplomacy Needs to Evolve - Bhimanto Suwastoyo, thejakartaglobe.com: "While the world has undergone rapid changes and become increasingly globalized, diplomacy has mostly remained entrenched in old practices and therefore needs to undergo drastic changes to be able to stay relevant, a Canadian political analyst and career diplomat said . ... 'I think diplomacy really has an image problem, a substance problem, because it has not really adapted or evolved very well, to the challenges of the globalization age,' said Daryl Copeland, the author of 'Guerrilla Diplomacy: Rethinking International Relations.' ...Diplomats, he said, now needed to deal directly with foreign populations, engage in partnership with civil society and be aware of the need of the strategic use of both conventional and new media. 'We have moved from traditional diplomacy to public diplomacy, as the new diplomacy,' he said. 'I think we have got to take diplomacy to places it never has been before and practice it in ways in which it has not been practiced before.' Copeland argued that diplomacy should no longer be confined to the chancery and closed environments such as saloons and meeting places, but should move to the streets, the kampongs and barrios, the markets and conflict zones. Diplomacy, he said, should also be practiced in a way that was sharper, faster, lighter and more agile, as well as in a more flexible and adaptable manner rather than the pin-striped diplomacy most of the public still associate it with. Foreign ministries, he said, in particular need to undertake a cultural revolution. 'They are conservative, they are change-resistant, they are very hierarchic, they are kind of rigid, they are authoritarian and they are entirely bureaucratic, and standard procedures and convention are really important,' he said. The age of globalization, he said 'is all about being unconventional. It is also about being innovative, fast, leap-footed, agile, supple, going with the flow and not being rigid. It is talk, not fight.'”
Culture Posts: Public Diplomacy in the Ancient World - R.S. Zaharna, PD News–CPD Blog, USC Center on Public Diplomacy: "Exploring public diplomacy’s ancient roots opens up new vistas of research that can help de-Americanize the PD field. Such research will give recognition to the valuable contributions of other heritages from around the world."
SK Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies, scholars emissions birthplace jihanpa [Google "translation"] - vip.mk.co.kr: "Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies ... Secretary-General (former ambassador to the United Nations) is a 'foundation of international academic exchange programs expanded to Asia and the Middle East Asia and contribute to the development of academic exchanges, the de facto place to train hanhakja foundation of international academic position caught,' said a 'new diplomatic area of public diplomacy (Public Diplomacy) is supposed exemplary practices in the future, as well as South Korea's SK Group's main businesses are going to continue with a similar contribution hope to precedent,' he said."
Robert V. “Bob” Gildea - email from Leonard J. Baldyga: "Robert V. 'Bob' Gildea, retired United States Foreign Service Officer, died at his home in Arlington, Virginia, on November 25, 2013 . ... He was 91 years old. ... He joined the United States Information Agency in 1954, managing United States government public information programs in Southeast Asian trouble spots during the Viet-Nam War. He later supported German-American cultural relations from several locations in Germany and in Washington. Recognizing the importance of these contributions, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany awarded Bob a distinguished service medal on April 22, 1985."
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Iran sanctions: Dancing with Tehran -- Critics of the nuclear deal miss the fact that the punitive approach works only with the support of other nations, which do not want new measures - Doyle McManus, latimes.com: If the negotiations succeed, Iran will be allowed to continue enriching modest amounts of uranium — a concession by the U.S. and its allies — but under stringent controls that prevent it from producing nuclear weapons.
If the negotiations fail, President Obama and his allies say they'll try to ratchet sanctions up once more, and they'll be right — but not until then. Image from
U.S. Relations With Iran Thaw, and Allies Shiver - Room for Debate, New York Times: President Obama, who has long sought closer relations with Iran, has reached a deal to limit Iranian nuclear plans that would once have been considered unthinkable. “It’s a major seismic shift in the region,” one expert said. “It rearranges the entire chess board.” It now seems conceivable that Iran could have a role in coming Syrian peace talks. If the United States continues to become more engaged with Iran, how would that affect American relations with regional allies, like Saudi Arabia, a major opponent of Iran?
Worse Than Munich: In 1938, Chamberlain bought time to rearm. In 2013, Obama gives Iran time to go nuclear - Bret Stephenss, Wall Street Journal: The U.S. is attempting a fleeting opening with Tehran at the expense of a durable alliance of values with Israel and interests with Saudi Arabia.
Obama Signals a Shift From Military Might to Diplomacy - Mark Landler, New York Times: “Regime change,” in Iran or even Syria, is out; cutting deals with former adversaries is in.
Image from entry, with caption: “For the first time in a decade, we’ve halted the progress on Iran’s nuclear program,” President Obama said on Monday.
Israel's Iran Dilemma, Roger Cohen, New York Times: The United States and Iran have embarked on a new phase in their relationship. Obama and Kerry have invited Netanyahu to think again — and not just about Iran. Nothing, to judge by the hyperventilating Israeli rhetoric, could be more disconcerting.
Worse Than Munich: In 1938, Chamberlain bought time to rearm. In 2013, Obama gives Iran time to go nuclear - After World War II the U.S. created a global system of security alliances to prevent the kind of foreign policy freelancing that is again becoming rampant in the Middle East. It worked until President Obama decided in his wisdom to throw it away. If you hear echoes of the 1930s in the capitulation at Geneva, it's because the West is being led by the same sort of men, minus the umbrellas.
The ‘Munich’-Iran deal analogy is absurd - Eugene Robinson, Washington Post: Pay not the slightest attention to the people yelling “Munich” about the Iran nuclear deal. The Munich crowd seems to believe that some combination of bombing runs and cruise missiles – short of a full-scale invasion, of course – can wipe out not just Iran’s nuclear facilities (a questionable assumption) but all trace of nuclear knowledge and expertise. This is preposterous.
U.S. and Afghanistan need to work together to reach deal on forces - Editorial, Washington Post: President Karzai's irascibility is playing into the hands of White House political operatives who would like to withdraw all U.S. forces while assigning blame to the host government, as happened with Iraq in 2011. If that’s what happens, the consequences would be similar: an escalating civil war that destroys U.S. allies and empowers extremists.
The Battle for Ukraine: Vladimir Putin wants to recreate a Russian sphere of influence - Review and Outlook, Wall Street Journal: An independent Ukraine that leans West will lead to a more peaceful Europe and make it harder for Mr. Putin to rebuild a revanchist Russian empire.
Obama’s photo policy smacks of propaganda - Dana Milbank, Washington Post: The White House has increasingly excluded news photographers from Obama’s official events and is instead releasing images
taken by in-house photographers, who are government employees. These photos often appear online and in newspapers, even though they lack the same standards of authenticity that govern those taken by photojournalists. New York Times photographer Doug Mills likens the administration’s actions to Tass, the Soviet Union’s news agency. Image (not from the White House) from
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From: Summer Anne Burton, "Americans Try To Place European Countries On A Map," Buzzfeed; via MP on Facebook
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