This Week in PD is a weekly 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. Follow us via #TWiPD on Twitter and Facebook.

This Week in PD

Are there alternative ways to end the nearly month-long Israel-Hamas conflict?

As tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate in the Gaza Strip, another battle is raging on social media for the support of American and global audiences.

This week, we learned that enhancing Brazil's national image through soccer has pitfalls and obstacles (thanks, Germany).

As ISIS continues to successfully blaze a path through territory and the digital landscape, Iraq's numerous stakeholders reassess their roles in ensuring the young republic's existence.

Taking a closer look at the opportunities created by the World Cup this year, in Brazil and elsewhere.

As Al Qaeda-inspired ISIS continues its violent march towards Baghdad, the group's social media outreach is being closely examined.

As the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off to fanfare and protest, we see how soccer and sports diplomacy can improve the image and soft power of Brazil.

As FIFA's global sponsors work to maximize their brand engagement prior to next week's World Cup, host country Brazil and 2022 host Qatar struggle to overcome negative press and poorly-planned branding strategies.

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