The State Department and USAID are critical to maintaining and extending American leadership, and we will be, in the future, called upon to do more, in more places, more frequently, and most likely with fewer resources.

Today’s article in the Wall Street Journal entitled “More Drones, Fewer Troops” looks at the policy behind the increasing use and reliance on drones, but it misses an essential point: unmanned warfare’s impact on public opinion and public diplomacy.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while emphasizing upon the significance of public diplomacy called upon the press officers posted in Pakistan’s Missions abroad to remain focused in highlighting the national policies so as to reflect the real image of Pakistan.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors is presently working toward updating its organization and strategy to meet America’s 21st Century needs. Whether you agree with the suggestions or not, most of the proposed changes remain just that: proposed as they await approval for many of the key changes.

Vietnam did a great job in 2011 to promote its land and people. Various activities were held on the theme of building a shared awareness of cultural integration and combining cultural diplomacy with political and economic diplomacy. In 2012 the country will continue to use diplomacy to foster its culture.

On July 20th, 2011, famine was declared in parts of the Horn of Africa. As humanitarian aid becomes a familiar and even expected element in public diplomacy, senior members from the State Department provided an update on continued U.S. efforts to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the region as well as some of the ongoing security challenges that exist.

Culture diplomacy has been increasingly used to enhance the exchange of ideas, values, and traditions, with the intention of fostering mutual understanding.The second edition of the Indo-US Printmaking Exhibition, which displays the printmaking works of over 120 artists of repute from the USA and India, was inaugurated in New Delhi.