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.
The Madness Myth: Ending America’s Powerless Negotiations with North Korea
Every American president since Eisenhower has started negotiations with North Korea the same way: soft power, generous promises, good cheer. Every American president since Eisenhower has ended negotiations with North Korea the same way: hard power, stringent demands, cold negotiations.
Obama tells Africa: “Yes, you can”
Less than 24 hours after the United States’ first family seized the rapt attention of Ghana’s public, landing in Accra for President Barack Obama’s maiden presidential trip to sub-Saharan Africa, they left, wrapping up a visit that analysts say was just long enough for America’s first black president to deliver his special brand of inspirational messages to Africa.
Clean, Sexy Water
So many people in poor countries desperately need assistance. So many people in rich countries would like to help but fear their donations would line the pocket of a corrupt official or be lost in an aid bureaucracy. The result is a short circuit, leaving both sides unfulfilled. That’s where Scott Harrison comes in.
Media Pushes For Bureaus Across Taiwan Strait
Mainland [China] and Taiwan media representatives Saturday pushed the authorities on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to allow them to set up resident bureaus on each other's side. So far [China] journalists usually stay in Taiwan for three months and can extend to six months after application; China also allows the maximum six-month stay for Taiwan media people.
A New Moment of Promise in Africa
Today, the President gave a speech in Accra, Ghana. He laid out his vision for human rights and democracy in Africa’s future, and he described what America’s role in promoting better governance in Africa will be. The speech was entitled, "A New Moment of Promise." Audio and transcripts available.
Diverse Group of Nonprofits Including Grassroots International Seek Meeting with Obama Administratio
Diverse group of American nonprofit organizations wrote a letter to President Obama recently to seek meeting with Obama administration on new rules for charities
Iranian Expatriate Artists’ Projects Give Voice To Countrymen
Working with A-list producer Don Was, rock singer Jon Bon Jovi and his longtime guitarist Richie Sambora, Madadian recorded a propulsive cover of "Stand by Me," the old Ben E. King classic, with lyrics in Farsi and English. Although "Stand by Me" -- or, if you prefer, "Ma Yeki Hastim," which translates as "We Are One" -- is no protest anthem, it appears to have struck a chord, judging by its combined 600,000 hits on YouTube and other sites.
British Council Bulgaria Announces Library Closure
Citing decreasing demand, an "increasingly easier" wide access to English books and materials, and a changing role of the organisation across Europe, the British Council Bulgaria announced its library service in Sofia would be closed as of November 2009.
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