A curated selection of public diplomacy-relevant news from a global cross-section of English-language media outlets, including independent, corporate-owned, and state-sponsored sources. The stories featured don't necessarily represent CPD's views nor have they been verified by CPD.
AFRICOM: Joined-up Geographic Command or Federal Business Opportunity
As an African enjoying the privilege of living in the USA while working for Refugees International on issues of peace and security in my home continent, I have followed the evolution of AFRICOM closely. And I believe that AFRICOM is step in the right direction, because it promises to make U.S. security policy toward Africa more coherent and to focus more sharply on building partner capacity for the maintenance of peace and security. However, AFRICOM stepped off on the wrong foot, in terms of public diplomacy, and is at risk of remaining off balance in its actual program delivery.
Congress Challenges AFRICOM
In mid-July, Congress held a hearing on the progress of the new AFRICOM planned to become fully operational in October. Chairman John Tierney (D-MA) and at least five other members of the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs of the House Oversight Committee expressed stern skepticism and borderline anger at the expansion of the U.S. military in Africa.
Analysis: AFRICOM Mission Prompts Concern
Critics of AFRICOM say the U.S. military should remain focused on training African security forces and peacekeeping operations, leaving the larger humanitarian role to the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development in concert with the United Nations and international aid organizations.
Services to be held for former Reagan appointee Wick
The genius of Charlie Wick lies in his ability to recognize how changing information technology, especially satellite communications, has transformed the international political landscape," Reagan said of Wick in 1988. "He understands the need for the United States to convey its message to the people of the world if we're to succeed internationally. And he knows how to do it better than it's ever been done before.
China Reiterates Vow to Facilitate Olympic Reporting
"The Chinese government will abide by the Olympics' reporting rules seriously and completely, and try its best to facilitate the reporting," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a regular briefing here.
Former USIA chief Charles Wick dies at 90
Los Angeles -- Former U.S. Information Agency director Charles Z. Wick has died. Wicks' family says in a statement released Tuesday through the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation that Wick died of natural causes on Sunday at his Los Angeles home. He was 90. President Reagan nominated his longtime friend as director of the USIA and he was confirmed in June 1981. He served in that post until January 1989.
With Karadzic’s Arrest, Europe Sees Triumph
Europe on Tuesday welcomed the arrest of Radovan Karadzic not just as a victory for international justice, but as a vindication of the Continent’s favored political doctrine: soft power. “This is a big success for Europe,” Bernard Kouchner, the French foreign minister, said on Tuesday after meeting his European Union counterparts here, the group’s headquarters.
Chavez Seeks Arms and Energy Deal with Moscow
Russian President Dmitri Medvedev welcomed his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez with warm words about trade and cultural ties, saying bilateral cooperation between their two countries helps Caracas maintain regional stability.
Pages
Visit CPD's Online Library
Explore CPD's vast online database featuring the latest books, articles, speeches and information on international organizations dedicated to public diplomacy.