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.
Iran’s Opposition Extends Olive Branch, Unrequited
Furthering a trend that has been visible for several weeks now, a prominent Iranian opposition leader made conciliatory remarks on Thursday that were apparently aimed at defusing tensions and ending the nation’s political crisis.
Bill Gates pledges $10 bln for vaccines for poor
Bill Gates, the world's richest man, on Friday promised 10 billion dollars to develop vaccines for the world's poorest nations. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has now committed more than 25 billion dollars to various health projects, especially targeting AIDS and polio and other diseases that hit poor countries.
On Cultural Diplomacy
So, very soon after his appointment as Syrian ambassador to the US in 2004, Imad Mustapha tried a new tactic to reshape his country’s image abroad. He took his love of all things cultural, sized up what Syria had to offer the US, and began an extraordinary diplomatic mission to take the modern, vibrant Syrian art scene to his newly-adopted home.
The Strange Ways of Indian Soft Power
Soft power is often more effective. However much you may hate your neighbour you cannot afford to displease and ignore the sentiments of your own people. Kashmir is perhaps very important but the self esteem and pride of Pakistani people in their own cricketing heroes is far more valuable.
Delhi kids make films on capital’s heritage
An unusual festival, featuring short films made by 10 to 12-year-old Delhi school kids on the capital's rich heritage, would be held here on Feb 1. Organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, the aim of the festival is to spread awareness about the city's cultural heritage and the importance of its conservation among the youth.
Military might not the only solution
But President Obama is right that the military alone cannot achieve success. So, this week, the British government is hosting a conference in London to ensure that military achievements are matched by political and economic progress in Afghanistan.
Clinton Backs $500M Effort to Court Taliban
NATO and Afghan officials detailed a $500 million initiative for Afghanistan to negotiate with insurgents today and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton indicated she supports attempts to deal with the Taliban. "The starting premise is you don't make peace with your friends," Clinton said at the London conference.
Success Can Only Come in Afghanistan If We Talk to the Radicals
The West wants to defeat the Taliban by paying off moderate fighters. What nonsense. Afghanistan's history shows that without giving the radicals a place at the table any effort at reconciliation is doomed to failure. Calls for an exit program underscore the helplessness of the NATO alliance.
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