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.
Moscow Rally Calls For Release Of Prisoners
Several thousand Russian opposition supporters have held a march in Moscow to call for the release of people they consider to be political prisoners. The demonstration on October 27 expressed support mainly for those arrested after the May 2012 clashes between protesters and police on the eve of President Vladimir Putin's inauguration for a third presidential term. Protesters also called for the release of former oil industry tycoon, Mikhail Khodorvkosky, and Pussy Riot music band member, Maria Alyokhina.
The End of Hypocrisy
The U.S. government seems outraged that people are leaking classified materials about its less attractive behavior. It certainly acts that way: three years ago, after Chelsea Manning, an army private then known as Bradley Manning, turned over hundreds of thousands of classified cables to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks, U.S. authorities imprisoned the soldier under conditions that the UN special rapporteur on torture deemed cruel and inhumane.
Our Fear of Al-Qaeda Hurts Us More Than Al-Qaeda Does
Three disclosures this week show that the United States is losing its way in the struggle against terrorism. Sweeping government efforts to stop attacks are backfiring abroad and infringing on basic rights at home. CIA drone strikes are killing scores of civilians in Pakistan and Yemen. The National Security Agency is eavesdropping on tens of millions of phone calls worldwide — including those of 35 foreign leaders — in the name of U.S. security.
Israel asks U.S. Jews, Israelis: Where do your loyalties lie?
Two sensitive and potentially explosive issues have always clouded the relationship between the Jewish community in the United States and the State of Israel. The first relates to claims of “dual allegiance” to both Israel and the United States; the other concerns the pro-Israel, American “Jewish lobby.”
Public Diplomacy on the Front Lines of U.S. Foreign Policy
Advocates of official U.S. public diplomacy have long defended the value of its programs and argued for resources to do even more. But what exactly could be accomplished with such resources if they were, indeed, available? In fact, we may already have an answer to that question, albeit in the context of a single country at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy—Afghanistan.
7 Ridiculous Restrictions on Women’s Rights Around the World
With Saudi Arabian women behind the wheel since Saturday to protest their country's refusal to grant driver's licenses to women, they’re challenging not only long-standing restriction, but also a the larger system of Saudi Arabian gender-based laws, some of the harshest in the world.
US diplomacy: How Come Everyone’s Mad at Us?
It hasn't been the best of times — this week, this month, indeed, this year — for American foreign policy. The US looks imbecilic abroad when a few dozen members of Congress can bring the government to a standstill — later striking a compromise that only offers the same hotheads another shot in the new year. Nor, of course, did the amateurish roll-out of Obamacare enhance the reputation of the leader of the free world.
Egypt Offers to Help Ease Tension Between Iran and Gulf States
Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy has offered to mediate easing tension between the Gulf States and Iran during his visit on Saturday to the United Arab Emirates. “The tensions between Iran and the UAE have a negative impact on Egypt, and I am ready to meet any demands from the Gulf Arab states to clear the climate with Iran if needed,” Fahmy said in an interview with Al Arabiya.
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.