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.
Syrian shoppers bring Turkish delight
The cross-border spending sprees are one of the most visible effects of a recent rapprochement between Turkey and Syria, part of Ankara's drive to strengthen ties with its eastern neighbours, using trade and cultural links to increase its "soft power" in the Middle East.
U.S., U.K. alliance questioned following British election
In his telephone call to new British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday night, President Obama underscored his commitment to the "special relationship" between the two countries. That was a diplomatic necessity given the long alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, but the reality might be that the concept has outlived its usefulness.
Russia seeks to become regional player in Middle East
The Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, yesterday criticised the United States for not doing enough to foster peace in the Middle East, warning that the regional situation was "dangerous" and could slip out of control.
Canada’s vision for Africa’s bright future is as murky as ever
Africa's population is set to boom, but the direction of Canada's Africa policies is less clear. Ottawa has closed embassies, dropped several African countries from its list of targets for bilateral aid and declared a priority shift to the Americas.
Hearts, minds and homegrown terror
We're back at that old game of winning the hearts and minds of people who want to kill us. Except the problem is becoming a homegrown one. Faisal Shahzad may have had any number of motivations to detonate a bomb in Times Square, but his intent was harming his fellow Americans.
China-Arab cooperation aims for thriving future
The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum will open Thursday in China’s northern port city Tianjin. Under the theme "deepen comprehensive cooperation to achieve common development," the gathering is widely expected to further promote bilateral ties.
Korea to use taekwondo for overseas peace mission
World Friends Korea, the local version of the Peace Corps of the United States, unveiled a plan Wednesday to use taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art, to promote peace and friendship in underdeveloped countries around the world.
Diplomats are learning to do more with less
Foreign Affairs continues to operate with a budget showing a modest 6.75 per cent increase to $2.212 billion for its core functions of reporting the world and representing Australia.
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