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.
Venezuelans Campaign on Term Limits Amid Rising Tension
In the final days before a referendum that will determine whether President Hugo Chávez can run for re-election indefinitely, campaigning has taken on a noticeable, and sometimes ugly, edge. Antigovernment protests have intensified in some cities, despite government pressure, and pro-Chávez vigilantes have attacked institutions like the Caracas mayor’s office and the Vatican’s diplomatic mission.
India bans diplomats from Facebook
In a series of official circulars, diplomats at overseas embassies and foreign ministry officials in New Delhi, were warned not to use the Orkut, Ibibo, and Facebook networking sites or music, film, and photo-sharing sites like Kazaa, Flickr and Picassa. They have also been warned not to use Gmail or any other web-based email on official government computers.
Obama Reaches Out: Rebuilding Relations with the Muslim world
While many Muslims are critical of the policies and actions of the US, Israel and their own governments, the wars in Iraq, Lebanon and Gaza, authoritarian regimes, lack of freedoms and human rights, the majority also reject extremism and terrorism as a response. To restore America's global image, moral stature and leadership and further weaken the extremists, the Obama administration must listen to -- not necessarily agree with -- and not dictate to but also seek to work at nongovernmental levels with mainstream Muslim organizations and NGOs in addressing these concerns and injustices.
Findings From the Understanding Islam Through Virtual Worlds Project
We have no illusions that radical Islamists are going to reverse course because Second Life has appeared," say Fouts and King. "However, as part of a broader public diplomacy strategy, engaging and interacting with people in virtual worlds who self-identify as Muslim can contribute to a well-developed and inclusive perspective on religion, society, and democratic coexistence, which serves to undermine conditions that can lead to radical views and violent actions.
Russia hones new image among EU elite
The recent gas crisis showcased Russia's new "public diplomacy" in the use of public relations companies and the style of its EU ambassador. But the Kremlin-Gazprom brand has its competitors and remains tricky to sell. Unlike his predecessor Mikhail Fradkov, Mr Chizhov chats to press on the phone, cracks jokes in English, fields human rights questions at seminars and often pops up in black tie at social events, such as the Czech EU presidency ball. "Public diplomacy is an integral part of foreign policy and that's what I'm entrusted to do," the ambassador said.
Dear President Ahmadinejad and President Obama: Support Generation Y Diplomacy
You have both publicly stated your support for U.S.-Iran dialogue, and your governments are examining ways to launch such diplomacy. But dialogue between our two countries need not wait until Tehran and Washington sit down at the negotiation table. You can begin the process of dialogue by facilitating exchanges between young Americans and Iranians -- those who will gain the most from such interactions, yet have the least knowledge and understanding of the other.
Pakistan panel recommends ban on Indian channels
A Pakistan Senate committee on Monday recommended immediate banning of Indian TV channels in the country, Geo TV reported. The Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting asked the ministry of information and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to ban all Indian channels on cable in the country.
Beirut, 13 Other Cities Honor Gaza’s Martyred Children
Hundreds of candles flickered on the seafront at Ramlet al-Baida on Sunday evening in commemoration of Gaza's fallen children. The vigil was one of 13 organized by Mothers Across the World for Gaza in cities across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America to mark the passage of 40 days since the first child was killed during the Israeli military's December-January offensive against the Gaza Strip.
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