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.
“Olympic pandas” kick off new life in Beijing
Eight "Olympic pandas" made their debut at the Beijing Zoo and instantly aroused visitors' great affection. The pandas were nominated by Internet users to meet visitors in the run up to the Olympic games. Since their natural habitat was devastated by the May 12 earthquake, they were flown to Beijing via Chengdu on May 24 ahead of schedule.
Good day to remember John Carlos and Tommie Smith
John Carlos and Tommie Smith are worth remembering as U.S. athletes headed to Beijing are being told to sign promises they won't address political issues while in China. So, does that mean that if there's a government crackdown on dissidents or a blatant abuse of basic human freedoms while they're in China that our athletes are just supposed to pretend it didn't happen?
IOC in awe of Beijing Games preparations
The International Olympic Committee praised Beijing Games organisers on Wednesday for setting the scene for what promised to be a successful Games. Hein Verbruggen, the IOC's chief inspector for the Beijing Games said all the venues were spectacular and Beijing would be a hard act to follow for London, which will stage the 2012 Olympics.
Overseas, Excitement Over Obama
The primary race generated unprecedented interest outside the United States, much of it a reflection of a desire for change from the policies of President Bush, who surveys show is deeply unpopular around the globe. At the same time, many people abroad seemed impressed -- sometimes even shocked -- by the wide-open nature of U.S. democracy, and the history-making race between a woman and a black man. "The primaries showed that the U.S.
Sanchez: Chile seeking answers at U.S. campuses
In a presentation here last week, Alejandro Foxley, Chile’s foreign minister, referred to U.S. academic institutions as a “considerable soft power” the United States could use to generate new trust and increase areas of shared interests in inter-American relations.
South Korea strives for soft power
South Korea's discovery of soft power came almost by accident. Some years ago, a South Korean soap opera...was a surprise hit throughout Asia. Tourists from Singapore, Vietnam and Japan, who were fans of the programme, started turning up in South Korea.
Iran: Farda Journalist Details ‘Unfortunate’ UN Incident
A correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Persian-language Radio Farda, barred from covering a UN food summit in Rome, is speaking in detail about the incident, which has attracted the attention of Italian politicians and the international media.
European Commission signs up UK media chief
Antonia Mochan moves to London this month to take up the role. The move follows more than three years as the European Commission spokeswoman for science and research, based in Brussels...As well as providing a service to British journalists on European issues, Mochan is also handling the European Commission's cultural diplomacy service, which involves organising film festivals and cultural events.
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