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.
Perception and Reality: Revitalizing America’s Image
"The United States is the only developed country with no federal department of tourism and no national budget for tourist promotion," Reinhard points out. He emphasizes the need for visa reform, more international students at American schools, and a public welcome message from President Obama and key government figures inviting international visitors.
State Department “Pokes” the Middle East and North Africa
The pilot program is part of a long-term effort to help bring democracy to the region, with a preference toward using existing technologies and social media platforms. The program intends to "expand the availability of social networking and new media capabilities in the Middle East and North Africa," reports Gautham Nagesh for the Public Intelligence Blog. The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the program's sponsor, is pledging up to five billion dollars in grants to five organizations.
Obama and the Nobel Prize: Not Such a Peaceful Debate
Many people in the Arab world agree with the authors' praise. The initial reaction from the Arab world was "overwhelmingly positive," according to Voice of America. Middle Eastern leaders such as the former Egyptian Foreign Minister and Arab League Secretary-General Esmet Abdel Meguid, who was involved in Middle East peace talks for many years, said "Mr. Obama's award appears to be a positive development for peace in the region."
SBY: Indonesian President and world citizen
"The first imperative is to make the 21st century the century of soft power. I believe the clash of civilizations is actually a clash of ignorance," SBY told the Harvard auditorium. Couldn't agree with him more, hence no more divisions based on religion. Let us keep the world as it is: one world. On pursuing "a new approach, one defined by goodwill and trust-building," for Aceh, well, we have divided our country into two societies adhering to different sets of law.
Good Ship USA
CPD's PD News Story of the Week
Turkey cuts scene from TV series after row with Israel
The state-run Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, or TRT, has removed scenes of Israeli violence against Palestinians from the TV series “Ayrılık,” which caused a diplomatic row with Israel, the producer was quoted as saying Thursday, reported Agence France-Presse.
Kazakh president underlines cooperation with Turkey
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is on a state visit to Turkey, on Thursday hailed the positive relations and cooperation between Kazakhstan and Turkey. Speaking at a joint news conference with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in the Turkish capital of Ankara, Nazarbayev, who arrived in Ankara Wednesday night for a state visit, said Turkey was the first country recognizing Kazakhstan's independence.
Relations Between Ankara and Israel Becoming Chilly
The once-vital relationship between Turkey and Israel is going through a distinctly frosty period. The chill began after the invasion of Gaza earlier this year, which Ankara criticized harshly. But now ties between the two Middle East allies are diving further and some experts are wondering if the relationship is coming to end.
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.