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.
Quake Helps Mend China’s Image
The sudden disaster has united a nation that only a week ago was fuming with anger over the perceived foreign insults to its Olympic pride. Immensely proud of hosting the biggest sporting event for the first time, this August, China had readied to showcase its modernity, development and win soft power on the international scene.
Al Jazeera English Tries to Extend Its Reach
The English-language offshoot of Al Jazeera, the Arabic television news network, is pushing for a “breakthrough” that would make the channel available to American TV viewers and help it move beyond a turbulent start-up phase, according to its new managing director, Tony Burman.
State nominee defends VOA
Breaking months of silence, James Glassman responded to VOA's critics by vigorously defending its practices, though he did not directly address the delay on his nomination by Sen. Tom Coburn, Oklahoma Republican. "We tell the truth, even if the truth might appear harmful to U.S. interests in the short run," Mr. Glassman, chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), which is in charge of U.S. government broadcasts, said at the Heritage Foundation.
Pentagon scales back AFRICOM ambitions
Still, they were unable to sway opposition in African countries, where many viewed the new command as a neocolonialist move to secure US oil interests and counterbalance China's influence. American officials could not overcome the "paranoid rhetoric," said a defense official. The headquarters will now either stay at its current home in Stuttgart, Germany, or be moved to the East Coast of the US. Technically, AFRICOM remains under European Command until its official launch October 1.
Foreign exchange
A few hundred Olympic volunteers got brushed up this week on the do's and don'ts of how to serve the Beijing Games this summer. Urban volunteers to man posts outside Olympic venues during the Games received a two-day training course in the Chinese capital. They will offer first aid help as well as interpretation and information consulting services.
Quake cannot sink Olympic preparations: BOCOG
The massive jolt in southwest China that feared to take more than 50,000 lives will not affect either the safety or the preparations of the Beijing Games, said a senior official with the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG).
In China, he builds bridges with music
"China has been portrayed negatively in the international press lately because of the Tibet protests. Do you think this concert will help change the world's impression of China?" At the very least, it's a strong message that the China Philharmonic Orchestra is allowed to play in the Vatican, and that the Vatican is allowing us to play there: It shows both sides have an open attitude. As a leader of an orchestra, it's a great honor to give a concert for the Holy Father, especially the Mozart "Requiem." Music is a language without boundaries of culture or religion.
Rebranding America the Occidental Strategy
Recommendations for the next president on rebranding America drafted by students of Occidental College and shared with Senators McCain, Obama, and Clinton's senior staff.
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