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.
Americas Summit: Chance for New Start
Obama must define himself in terms of trade. The pending agreements with Panama and -- especially -- Colombia are seen throughout the region as a measure of America's willingness to reach out to its friends. Mr. Obama, at different times, has appeared to say both Yes and No to free-trade pacts in the region. It is time for him to be clear.
No silver bullet for Somalia problems
Moreover, the Africa Strategic Command, which was launched during the Bush administration, must be fully embraced and given new marching orders by the Obama administration. Although the key to our engagement in the region must be diplomatic, there is clearly a military aspect to some the challenges.
Obama Appoints Judith McHale Chief U.S. Image-Maker
McHale's job will be improving America's image in the Muslim world, and it will be interesting to follow her approach after the failures of George W. Bush's public diplomacy chiefs to make headway in that department.
Pentagon Closes Office Accused of Issuing Propaganda Under Bush
A Pentagon office responsible for coordinating Defense Department information campaigns overseas has been abolished in an effort by the Obama administration to distance itself from past practices that some military officers called propaganda,..Pentagon officials said the position of deputy assistant secretary of defense for support to public diplomacy had been closed by Michele A. Flournoy, the new under secretary of defense for policy.
(Not) An Indie Film
Russians and like-minded Ukrainians are lining up these days to see a movie, “Taras Bulba”, that gives a good patriotic cry while undercutting Ukraine’s separate national identity.
Tensions High in North Korea Row
International tensions have remained high after North Korea said it was expelling UN nuclear inspectors and resuming work on its nuclear programme. The US has condemned Pyongyang's "provocative threats", saying they were "a step in the wrong direction".
Guantánamo Detainee Calls Al Jazeera
A Guantanamo detainee phoned a Middle Eastern TV network to say he was severely beaten for refusing to leave his cell, giving the first media interview with someone held at the U.S. prison in Cuba. Mohammed el Gharani, a 21-year-old from Chad, told Al-Jazeera that guards beat him with batons and sprayed him with tear gas, according to the network. The comments were published on its Web site Tuesday.
Hearts, Minds and Hollywood
The conflicts of the future are going to be as much about the abundant cultural flows of the global information economy as about the scarcity of oil and water. This is because competing values have been crowded into a common public square created by freer trade, the spread of technology and the planetary reach of media.
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