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.
An Unusual Sighting in Ramallah
I had to rub my eyes a few times to be sure that what I was seeing was real. The setting: downtown Ramallah. The event: International Youth Day. The participants were wearing white T-shirts with logos on the front and back and dark red hats. Palestinians from all over the West Bank were participating in the event organized by a network of youth NGOs called "We are Palestine." The theme this year was "We will be as much as we can dream."...WHAT SURPRISED me was not the event or the enthusiasm or the number of the youths participating in it.
Very, Very Lost in Translation
To say that Farouk Hosni doesn't much like Israel is putting it lightly. According to the Anti-Defamation League, he has called it "inhuman," and "an aggressive, racist, and arrogant culture, based on robbing other people's rights and the denial of such rights." He has accused Jews of "infiltrating" world media. And in May 2008, Hosni outdid even himself, telling the Egyptian parliament that he would "burn right in front of you" any Israeli books found in the country's libraries.
Iran Softens its Nuclear Stance - For Now
A new report on Iran's controversial nuclear program will be released this week by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ahead of the September deadline set by the Barack Obama administration in anticipation of more multilateral sanctions on Iran. All indications are that after a temporary lull, the Iran nuclear crisis will loom large again come this autumn.
Lieberman Proposes Requiring Army or National Service for Diplomats
Israel's foreign minister proposed that only Israelis who serve in the military or complete national service be eligible to become diplomats. Avigdor Lieberman proposed a new regulation Monday that would only allow Israelis who completed army or national service to apply for the foreign ministry's prestigious cadet program, according to Israeli media reports.
Jews, Hindus Urge Pope to Take Up Cause of Roma During Czech Visit
Hindus and Jews have asked Pope Benedict XVI to take up the cause of the Roma of the Czech Republic during his upcoming apostolic journey on September 26-28. They said that Roma were living in apartheid like conditions. In a joint statement issued in Nevada Tuesday, Rajan Zed, an acclaimed Hindu statesman and Rabbi Jonathan B.
Two Koreas to Discuss Reunions for Split Families
North and South Korea will hold three days of talks on reunions for families torn apart by the Korean War and divisions between the two countries, South Korea's Unification Ministry said Tuesday.
Zimbabwe Catches On To Facebook
Given the fact that out of a population of 12 million, some 3 million Zimbabweans live outside the country, it is inevitable that the social network is used to transcend national boundaries. “It has reconnected me with Zimbabweans in the diaspora who I would never have been in contact with otherwise,” said Colbert Mpofu, “That’s been the greatest thing for me, using it as a reconnection tool.”
NBA Reaches Far and Wide to Build Fan Base
After participating in similar clinics in Korea and Israel in recent years, [La Lakers guard Jordan] Farmar says those experiences reminded of what led him to play basketball when he was a kid. "You can use sports to bridge gaps," Farmar said. "That's big, whether that's in America, Asia or Israel. People can get kids connected together through sports. A country may be at war, but that doesn't mean their people can't high-five each other."
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