May 29-30

“2b?Ntb? = ?”

--Hamlet’s famous line rendered in telephone texting format; image: Edwin Booth as Hamlet (1870) from

"The government is doing everything humanly and technologically possible to plug the hole 5,000 feet above — ar — 5,000 feet below — the floor — below the ocean."

--Obama's press spokesman Robert Gibbs, on Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer on CBS.

PUBC DIPLOMACY

Dealing With Pakistan – Editorial, ‎New York Times: "The United States still does not have a good enough strategy for winning over Pakistan’s people, who are fed a relentless diet

of anti-American propaganda. ... The State Department also needs to move faster to implement its public diplomacy plan for Pakistan. Officials need to think hard about how to make sure Pakistanis know that aid is coming from the United States — like the $51 million for upgrading three thermal power plants announced by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in October. It is a delicate issue, but the 'made in America' label has to be affixed. The State Department has committed to spend $107 million over two years to help Pakistanis better understand the United States. Plans include bringing 2,500 Pakistani academics and others on exchange visits and expanding after-school English classes in Pakistan. There also are proposals to bring more American academics to Pakistan and to reopen cultural centers. They should move ahead. An initiative to make more American officials available to speak directly to Pakistanis has shown promise. Changing Pakistani attitudes about the United States will take generations. The Shahzad case is one more reminder that there is no time to lose." Image from

Shadows & Tremors Beneath US-Pakistani Relations – James Gundun, The Trench: "The NYT seems to have taken to blaming everything on Pakistanis, a sentiment visible in the general American public and media. Its solution to change Pakistani minds: 'The State Department needs to move faster to implement its public diplomacy plan for Pakistan. Officials need to think hard about how to make sure Pakistanis know that aid is coming from the United States - like the $51 million for upgrading three thermal power plants announced by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in October. It is a delicate issue, but the ‘made in America’ label has to be affixed.' Yes, send Clinton to handle a 'delicate issue' in Pakistan. She already tried to implement a public diplomacy plan and it didn’t go so well. What Pakistanis hate more than America is US doublespeak, which Clinton and Gates excel at. Public relations miss the point - America must change its actions, not its rhetoric. This arrogance is exactly why Obama continues to face the same image problems as George Bush."

State Department/USUN Report to the White House Council on Women and Girls, ‎US Department of State:

"The State Department is firmly committed to promoting women’s empowerment and human rights around the world. The Department’s main office for coordinating its policy and programs on issues affecting women and girls is the Office of Global Women’s Issues (S/GWI). ... In the multilateral sphere, S/GWI works with the U.S. Mission to the United Nations (USUN) to advance women’s rights, freedoms, and opportunities. Within the Department, S/GWI and USUN work with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL), Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), Bureau of International Organization Affairs (IO), and Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP), as well as with the regional bureaus and the Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (R)." Image from

Applying the Tools of 21st Century Statecraft to Public Engagement - Luke Forgerson, Ethiopian Review: "Under Secretary Judith McHale recently convened a series of discussions and asked State Department colleagues to move public diplomacy forward in innovative ways. These discussions focused on several activities, including everything from student exchanges to English-language teaching programs. I had the opportunity to step away from my day-to-day tasks associated with DipNote and join a dozen colleagues to consider how the State Department is using new media and technology to engage the public. We addressed the Department's current new media efforts (last week, mashable.com examined the same topic) and brainstormed ways we can effectively leverage new tools and technologies. We looked at online communication trends with distinguished experts, many of whom graciously joined us on short notice via conference call or Skype. Finally, we listened and learned from each other, as colleagues shared the work they are doing from Korea to Libya, Argentina to Canada. I certainly left the session inspired by my colleagues, and suspect I wasn't alone in my sentiment. Source: U.S. Department of State."

Edward R. Murrow's Theory: Is It Right? - Nancy Snow, ‎Huffington Post:

"Judith McHale, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs ... shared this in her May 23rd Commencement Address at Coker College: 'Let me suggest a moral imperative for the twenty-first century: that we must make the necessity to treat people and nations always first as potential partners and not as potential threats.' McHale's words, at least in this one short phrase, suggest a theory of public diplomacy ... [that] reflect a sentiment shared by historian Henry Steele Commager, who influenced Murrow's [Edward Murrow, Director of USIA – United States Information Agency during the Kennedy administration] own moral imperatives at USIA. Commager said that the United States had a special obligation to the community of nations because it was 'particularly dependent on and related to other peoples and other nations.'" Image from

Fitzgerald: That Muslim Economic Summit in Washington – Jihad Watch: "White House deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said the administration believes that promoting global entrepreneurship is a vital part of U.S. foreign policy. 'This is not simply an exercise in public outreach or public diplomacy,' Rhodes said. 'We believe this is the beginning of forging tangible partnerships.'"

Naval Diplomacy, Strategic Communication, and the NOC - Galrahn,
informationdissemination.net: "I'm a big Lindy Kyzer fan, because as communication specialists go in the armed services - she is one of the best. I'm a bigger LT Jennifer Cragg fan - but that's more of a Navy > Army thing. Lindy has a post up on the Official Army blog worth noting, because it discusses a topic. I've been thinking about as I read through the NOC for the third time. It is very nice that the official Army blog is dynamic enough that one can find someone who isn't a flag officer giving a strong opinion. Perhaps if the official Navy blog was similar I'd think it was worth a link...Lindy has a strong opinion on the term strategic communication, indeed on the larger concept related to the DoD.

The term strategic communication has been around for awhile, and gained traction around 2002. And it’s almost always been tied to the military and State Department in our roles of communicating issues related to national defense and public diplomacy. Then National Security Advisor Condelezza Rice even established a Strategic Communication Policy Coordinating Commitee in 2002 (word is they’re still out there somewhere, debating the definition of the term strategic communication)." Kyzer image from

Statement by Letitia King, Director, BBG Office of Public Affairs - Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting: "Radio remains a prime medium for U.S. international broadcasting to reach audiences around the world. In fact, of the 171 million people reached weekly by Broadcasting Board of Governors broadcasts, 102 million are reached via radio. The Ofcom research cited by Helle Dale gives insight on the domestic market in the United Kingdom. In the case of international broadcasting, we are reaching diverse and dynamic marketplaces outside the U.K. The strategy of the BBG is to reach audiences on the media they prefer, when it is possible to do so. To determine media preferences, the BBG conducts a robust global research program. Changes in audience media use grow increasingly complex and demand that a one-size-fits-all shortwave solution must be replaced with individually tailored approaches to match the market. Media usage worldwide has grown increasingly complex, and Dale’s wishes for a shortwave solution are not supported by the facts. ... The BBG and VOA are not abandoning shortwave; it is our audiences that are migrating to other media."

Salud Para La Gente hosts Serbian health providers - Name Dropping, May 30: SV hosts law, banking professionals, santacruzsentinel.com [Scroll down link for item]: "Salud Para La Gente hosted 10 Serbian women health providers with a clinic tour and luncheon in Watsonville on May 12.

The Serbians were in the Santa Cruz area, living with American families and visiting various health facilities under the auspices of the USAID Community Connections Public Diplomacy Program, which provides technical training and cultural exchanges." Image from, with the following observation: "The Beauty Of Serbian Women Posted by Karl Haudbourg I really want to stop writing stories about people making statements about the beauty of Serbian women, but the latest is too good not to share. Last month, we wrote about an Indian guy who spent a week working in Serbia saying that Serbian women are the most beautiful on earth. Back in India, he’s still amazed with the beauty of Serbian women, and goes on to write another blog post about Serbian women. In fact, it’s an email that he has sent to his colleagues a few days after landing at Belgrade. The email is so good that I ended up including the whole thing, because it’s too good not to read — but check out Indiandream’s site directly."

President calls upon Indian community in China to create goodwill - ‎All India Radio: "President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has called upon Indian community in China to create goodwill and function as a bridge between both the countries. ... The President said, India has organised a cultural festival of India in China and it has been well received and given the people of China an insight into our heritage. India's participation at the Shanghai Expo-2010 is also an integral part of its outreach to the Chinese people which allows us to project our values.She met writers, Indian intellectuals, IT Experts working in Multinational Companies in China and Hong Kong and representatives of Indian Bank in China. She was received by the Mayor of Shanghai Tang Deng Jie. Earlier, the dedicated to the Chinese people an Indian style Buddhist temple at Luoyang in Henan province. This is one of India's biggest public diplomacy initiative in China. The temple has been built within the historic White Horse Monastary Complex."

Third Session of the CPPCC National Committee first- Xinhua News Agency, posted at sellshoesf73g: "Eleventh CPPCC National Committee at its third session, after completing its agenda, 13 am in the Great Hall of the closing. The meeting called on the CPPCC organizations at all levels, all participating units and CPPCC members,

closely unite the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Hu Jintao as General Secretary, hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Deng Xiaoping Theory and 'Three Represents' thinking, thoroughly implement the scientific concept of development, the courage to dare to play a glorious mission, the spirit of solidarity and cohesion to move forward from strength to exert the energy to complete a good spirited challenge for the win reform and opening up and socialist modernization The great victory of the new struggle! ... With Hong Kong, Macao compatriots to deepen exchanges and cooperation, the CPPCC to promote public diplomacy." CPPCC image from

ADA holds Advanced Foreign Service Program graduation - ‎News.Az: "Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) held graduation ceremony for the Advanced Foreign Service Program, attended by Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. ... The Advanced Foreign Service Program is a six-month training course for diplomats and civil servants. The participants attended seminars and workshops on international relations, international law andeconomics, public diplomacy, consular services, as well as on communication, presentation, negotiation skills. 14 of the students have been granted one-month internships at Azerbaijani embassies inSpain, US, UK, Austria, Germany and Czech Republic."

The Financial Armageddon with Dr. Igor Panarin Dr. John Brown and Edward Hodgman - Jose Luis Flores, global-information-network-society.com:

"Dr. Igor Panarin predicts the collapse of the United states just like as it happened to the Soviet Union ... [Entry has video of ] his ... Lecture, Debate and Discussion about Dr. Igor Panarin’s view that the Financial Crisis will lead to the collapse of the U.S. Main Participants: Dr. Igor Panarin (Former KGB Anal), Dr. John Brown (Professor Georgetown University) and Edward Hodgman (executive director of Understanding Government) Dr. Igor Panarin is former KGB analyst and currently professor at the Moscow State Diplomacy Academy under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Note: In February 2005, Panarin proposed the 'creation of a State Commission for Public Diplomacy of Russia (later renamed to a Council for Public Diplomacy).' The topic of Panarin’s discussion at the Center — billed as a Lecture-Debate — was his unique perspective on the future of the United States." Image from

The idea of Sovereignty in Public Diplomacy - Madhurjya Kotoky, The Public Diplomacy Blog: “'Global citizen diplomacy'” ... has the potential to dwarf government to government public diplomacy."

Moving At The Speed Of Change 2010: InterAction Annual Forum - press release, ‎PR-USA.net: "InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations

focused on the world's poor and most vulnerable people, will be hosting its annual conference next week in Washington. Hundreds of leaders representing public, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will convene to discuss and examine a wide range of foreign policy issues, including: U.S. foreign assistance, the role of NGOs in public diplomacy, engaging men and boys in gender equality, the Millennium Development Goals, hunger as a development priority and Haiti." Image from

Summer Program - Our Neighbors - theeagle.com [scroll down link for item]: "Andrea Cohen, a junior at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station, has been awarded a full scholarship to the 2010 Telluride Association Summer Program at The University of Texas at Austin, 'Changing Minds, Winning Peace: Cultural and Public Diplomacy in Today's World.' This year, Telluride Association is co-sponsoring three programs, two with Cornell University and one with The University of Texas. These six-week-long educational programs involve college-level seminars for gifted and highly motivated high school juniors. This year's 50 participants were chosen from 1,001 applications from all parts of the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.tellurideassociation.org."

Multimedia - Audio: Jon Wilks on his UK public diplomacy role - arabmediasociety.com: "Recently posted at the British embassy in Dubai, Jon Wilks is no newcomer to the Middle East. Having served across the region over a number of years, the fluent Arabic speaker has been brought in to explain British government policy to the Arab World. Speaking to Arab Media & Society Managing Editor George Weyman, Wilks talks about his role, revealing his mixed views on Arab-channel interviews and how he avoids discussing conspiracy theories."

Deputy Director-General: Public Diplomacy - naombakazi.blogspot.com: "Reference: Ref. 66750/3Start Date: 23 May 2010 Expiry Date: 11 Jun 2010Company: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation Location: South Africa - Gauteng - Pretoria Industry: Government and Public Sector Salary Range: From 976317.00 to 0.00 ANNUALLY SPECIFIED Applicants must be in possession of an appropriate Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification and/or appropriate experience and at least five years' strategic management experience. Job Description Branch: Public DiplomacyDeputy Director-General: Public Diplomacy Total salary package: R976 317 per annum.

This all-inclusive remuneration package consists of a basic salary, the State’s contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund and a flexible portion that may be structured in terms of the applicable rules. The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance contract (Ref. 66750/3) Requirements: Applicants must be in possession of an appropriate Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualificationand/or appropriate experience and at least five years' strategic management experience." Image from

RELATED ITEMS

Why Obama's image doesn't match his record - Al Neuharth, USA TODAY: Every president needs a press secretary who is adept not only at answering questions but also at anticipating them. Obama suffers because White House press spokesman Robert Gibbs is better at dealing with politicians than he is with the press.

Can Obama's team of rivals bring Afghan success? - David Ignatius, Washington Post:

Obama has also come to appreciate the value of ceremonial events in sending clear messages on foreign policy. The Karzai visit was a case in point. Image from

A Trillion Dollar Turning Point? - Rep. John Conyers, Huffington Post: As of 10:06 a.m., Sunday, May 30th, the United States will have spent $1 trillion on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As we approach this milestone, Americans of all political stripes should take a moment to consider what war spending on this scale means, not just in dollars spent, but in terms of opportunities lost to strengthen, invest in, and improve our country. ... During my 44 years in Congress, I have personally witnessed the transformational change that is possible when the American people resolve to take back their democracy. As my friend and mentor, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated, "Those of us who love peace must organize as effectively as war hawks. As they spread the propaganda of war, we must spread the propaganda of peace." This Sunday, I hope that my fellow citizens will heed Dr. King's advice and ensure that this May 30th isn't remembered only as the day America crossed the $1 trillion threshold, but also as the day Americans took a united stand against more war

English as a Juggernaut Conquers the World With Glee and an OMG [Review of Globish: How the English Language Became the World’s Language By Robert McCrum] - Dwight Garner, New York Times:

One of Mr. McCrum’s predictions in “Globish” is that English is about to make a “declaration of independence from the linguistic past.” English is shedding many of its colonial and imperial connotations and is becoming what the anthropologist Benedict Anderson calls a type of “post-clerical Latin.” Image from

Israel goes PR through Propaganda - Sameh Habeeb, Palestine Telegraph: Israeli TVs and tens of other Israeli media outlets seem to be recruited by the government of Israel now. The propaganda portrayed in these media outlets will never succeed to changing the damaged image of Israel.

S Korean military puts anti-DPRK propaganda leaflet plan on hold - ‎Lin Zhi, Xinhua:

South Korea's military has put off a plan to fly anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Yonhap news agency reported Sunday, citing a defense ministry official. "Leaflet distribution had been put off due to weather conditions so far, but we have now decided to put it on hold for the time being, considering the political situation," the ministry official said on condition of anonymity. Distributing propaganda leaflets is among a series of measures South Korea plans to take in retaliation for the alleged DPRK's sinking of a South Korean warship in March, which killed 46 sailors. Other steps include halting trade with DPRK and resuming loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts along the border. Image from


MORE QUOTATIONS FOR THE DAY

"Public diplomacy is a message with truth.
Truth in advertising is a message with occasional truth.
Strategic communications: the message counts more than truth.


Propaganda is a message with truth, when truth fits the message.
Cultural diplomacy -- a message with culture, not always truth.
Cultural relations: messages, truth.
Education is truth with a message.
Art is truth without a message.
Truth has no message but truth."

--From; image from

AMERICANA

Meanwhile, In Arlington... - Princess Sparkle Pony's Photo Blog: I no longer keep track of Condoleezza's hairdo: Police are looking for a a 6′2″ transsexual who ran from a South Arlington beauty store with a pilfered wig, hopped into a car and sped off onto Columbia Pike. Usman Minayar, manager of the Crystal Beauty store on South Edgewood Street, said the suspect tried to stealthily put the $17 ten inch honey blond wig in a purse while her friend, a local stripper, distracted him. When Minayar saw what was going on, the suspect made a mad dash for the door.

He didn’t try to stop her.“I was a bit scared… [s]he’s a big guy… [s]he might knock me down, you know.”The suspect was wearing a black shirt, a bandana and “booty shorts” at the time of the theft, Minayar said. He said he’s confused by the theft because both the transsexual woman and the stripper, a biological female, have bought items at the store before. Image from article

IMAGE


--from: Cultural Tips for New Americans, 2009 ; livre en mousse, acrylique et encre, édition de 3. © DR, via Stanislas Bourgain (facebook entry)