Through the International Security Assistance Forces AFPAK Hands program, detailed in my previous post, we have learned that much of the efforts towards Afghan media, on the part of ISAF and the international community, are directed towards the Afghan media who have the largest audience. Much of this feedback was received from media outlets themselves. However, there are many other media outlets who communicate to specific audiences.

Last month was my third trip to Pakistan as a violinist and the founder of Cultures in Harmony, a US-based NGO that promotes cultural understanding through music. One of the two words that best describe this trip is “frustration.” Pakistan has a vibrant and compelling culture, yet who sees this side of it?

Through increased military and civilian cultural exchanges possible through the creation of “NATO Academies,” as well as by augmenting NATO’s existing web presence with value-centric initiatives and collaborative efforts in cyber-security awareness, unity among Member states can be fortified.

The public diplomacy between United States and Israel has intensified in recent days regarding the possible military action against Iran to ‘end’ the alleged military dimension of its nuclear program. Senior officials from United States and Israel are visibly at odds regarding the nature of Iran’s nuclear program and mechanisms to manage the issue.

...I was at a restaurant in New York City's East Village looking for ways to experience elements of India without leaving home. By observing differences between the real India and the India of New York City, I learned many important cultural lessons.

“Antena Live’s fresh format and new set mark a new era for TV Martí,” said Carlos García-Pérez Director of Radio and TV Martí. “The program builds on Martí’s high value news journalism, featuring one of the Martí’s most trusted and talented anchors, while focusing intensely on developments on the island.”

The CCP recently called for extra efforts to get Taiwan's youth into the China boat... In droves of surveys, the island's youth has stubbornly said they feel more Taiwanese than Chinese, and that Japan but not China is their favorite country. They say they would only consider moving to China to make more money, not because they think it's trendy or cool.

While the media still face many problems, as does the country itself, the creation of the media landscapes can be a powerful tool to counter forces of instability from dominating the country. Thus, if protected and utilized properly, the “Afghanistan Effect” can be one of the most powerful counterweights to a pre-2001 Taliban and Al Qaeda once again taking hold.