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.
Is It Possible to Find Common Grounds for Global Security with Dar al-Islam?
Thanks to 9/11 and the merchants of war, the myth of "clash of civilization" between the technologically superior West and the technology-starved House of Islam (Ar. Dar al-Islam) has been getting much notoriety. So pervasive is this propaganda that we often forget that these two powers, while sometimes colliding in the last 14 centauries, did also have comparable periods of peace, compatibility and cooperation.
The Silver Lining
The U.S. women's gymnastics team overturned cultural cliches in the team event. We've heard a lot about the collective, hardworking ethos of Chinese culture--which David Brooks contrasted earlier this week with America's individualistic impulses--but the irony early on was that it was the Chinese who seemed to be joyfully and expressively performing while the American girls looked drawn and anxious.
Olympic Water Self Sufficient, No Deep Aquifer Water Involved
A Ministry of Water Resources official said on Wednesday that Beijing could ensure a sufficient supply of water for the Olympic Games, with all water coming from the capital itself, no deep underground water being involved. Vice Minister of Water Resources Hu Siyi told a news conference that the hosting of the Games did not pose any threat to Beijing's supply of water. "There is no Olympic water diverted from the neighboring Hebei Province, and the valuable deep underground water is not used."
Gold is Good, but More Cheers for Sportsmanship
The Chinese public, while savoring the delight of one Olympic victory after another on the home soil, have also cast their eyes on the "losing heroes," sharing their pains, admiring their efforts and looking forward to their future success. "Winners or losers, all Olympians are heroes." This has become a catchphrase for the Chinese media and the home audience, tens of millions in number, over these days.
“Environmental Champions” Film Documentary Premieres in Olympic Green
A new documentary film on the personal stories and achievements of seven "environmental champion" torchbearers selected by Coca-Cola for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay made its debut in the Olympic Green here on Wednesday.
Games Organizers Say Girl’s Vocal Lip-synched to Ensure “Best Voice, Best Performer”
Beijing Olympic Games organizers said here on Wednesday that they had lip-synched the girl's singing at last Friday's Games opening ceremony to ensure the "best voice and the best performer." "There were a number of candidates to sing the song and the artistic directors just picked the best voice and the best performer," said Sun Weide, an official with the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games.
Beijing Starts Security Checks at Parks After Fatal Stabbing
Police started security checks at park gates in the capital region on Wednesday in a bid to keep knives and other dangerous items out of these areas, in the wake of the fatal stabbing of a U.S. tourist.
Go for Gold in Olympic Weather Service
While people were enjoying the fireworks show in the evening, meteorologists were firing rockets to disperse threatening rainy clouds coming from the southwest. In order to keep the "Bird's Nest" dry, a total of 1,104 rockets were launched.
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.