Tuesday, January 17, 2012

January 17



"Stalin commissions this huge painting of ‘Lenin in Zurich’ and the unveiling takes place with enormous fanfare in front of thousands of dignitaries. The curtains are pulled back and the painting is of Krupskaya in bed with Trotsky and Trotsky is smoking a pipe. Stalin is outraged and shouts at the artist: ‘Where’s Lenin?’ The artist says: ‘In Zurich.’"

--From; Krupskaya (who married Lenin in 1898) image from

LANGUAGE

Who is Emboff? - John Brown, Notes and Essays

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

US Mission Russia: Ambassador McFaul Makes Online Splash, and About Those 'Personal' Twitter Accounts - diplopundit.blogspot.com: "Earlier last week, the new US Ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul launched his new twitter account @McFaul -- http://twitter.com/mcfaul. By Thursday, the US Embassy in Moscow rolled out its introduction video of Ambassador McFaul via YouTube [included in article] ... Ambassador McFaul is now officially the second U.S. ambassador to Russia in 30 years who was not a career diplomat. ... The 2:14 minute YouTube video cross-posted in Ambassador McFaul's brand new blog at http://m-mcfaul.livejournal.com/ has already garnered 2440 comments. I don't read/speak Russian so I don't know if the comments are favorable or not.

John Brown of John Brown's Public Diplomacy Press and Blog Review, Version 2.0 and former CAO at US Embassy in Moscow, has [comments on the video] ... via HuffPo . ... More than the irritating background music, I actually got a headache from the speedy photo transitions in this video. It feels like going on a super sprint, in YouTube - makes you feel dizzzzyyy and out of breath. In any case, Ambassador McFaul actually speaks fluent Russian (as well as Polish and Portuguese), so he could have done this intro video in Russian; instead it is in English with Russian subtitles which is good since a bunch of folks in D.C. and the WH also do not speak Russian. ... I'm also confused about the 'personal' notations on the ambassadors' Twitter accounts. Isn't a U.S. ambassador the personal representative of the President of the United States overseas, and the public face of the U.S. government in his/her host country? Doesn't it follow that everything he/she says is official? So then to pretend otherwise is rather silly, isn't it?" McFaul image from

Tweeting for Hearts and Minds - Helle Dale, blog.heritage.org [previously cited in PDPBR, but without following comment:] "Matt Armstrong · 6 days ago Helle . ... It is important to remind your readers though that while the office formerly held by Jim Glassman, Judith McHale, and hopefully soon

Tara Sonenshine, is the 'Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs', the reality, as you know, is that 'and Public Affairs' should really be in parentheses if not just dropped to reflect the true relationship between PA and the Under Secretary. The issue, as you rightly note, is that one cannot limit PA from PD anymore than one can pretend to communicate only with people in the US and not the whole world on social media or other mediums of communication. Here are some questions to for a (likely heated) discussion: Does it make sense to keep the Public Affairs operation (represented above by Victoria Nuland) and the Public Diplomacy operation, represented by the Bureau for International Information Programs, the Under Secretary's twitter-capable bureau, separate? If not, then how would the increased integration look? Would the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (Mike Hammer) truly work for the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy (and Public Affairs) or would IIP go to PA or would IIP or some other relationship (such as IIP as a packager of content supporting direction from the A/S or the U/S)?" Sonenshine image from

The US Embassy uses social media to spread Bangkok terrorist alert - Jon Russell, thenextweb.com: "The US Embassy in Thailand ... demonstrated how important social media is for its communications when it used its Twitter account and Facebook Page to get word of a terrorist threat in Bangkok out in the country. ... Social media is a quick and effective method of reaching large audiences — the embassy has 39,500 Twitter followers and close to 30,000 Facebook fans — but it also used SMS and email alerts to get the message out. However, it was the tweets that attracted the most attention with a number of Twitter users initially sceptical of the message or seeking further information. US Ambassador Kristie Kenney spent time responding to many of the incoming replies that she received to emphasise the alert, which was made as a local announcement with no statement issued from Washington. ... Kenney enjoys a high profile on Twitter but her administration has faced criticism for using the medium too. While social media has opened the embassy’s opportunities to connect with US citizens, Thai Royalists were unhappy that the ambassador discussed Thailand’s sensitive freedom of expression issues — such as a law that makes liking certain content on Facebook ill-advised — on an open chat on Twitter last month."

Public-Diplomacy Advice for State Department Social Media Guru Alec Ross - John Brown, Notes and Essays

Golden Globes 2012 a huge hit in Iran - Thomas Erdbrink, washingtonpost.com: "Tehran — Winning the Best Foreign Language Film award at the Golden Globes might not mean much in most countries, but in Iran many stayed up through the night to watch Madonna announce that 'A Separation' by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi took the 2012 prize. ... On Facebook, blocked by Iran’s government but accessed by many Iranians using special software, people changed their profile pictures to images of Farhadi receiving the Golden Globe. ... The Golden Globe frenzy has increased hopes that the film will also win an Oscar, which would be a first for an Iranian film.

'Maybe some people in our society don’t like this film,' said Houshang Golmakani, editor of a film magazine. 'But this is the best public diplomacy Iran has had in a long time.'” Image from article, with caption: Director Asghar Farhadi, left, and actor Peyman Moaadi accept the award for Best Foreign Language Film for "A Separation.”

‘VIP’ Chinese Pandas arrive for new life in France [AFP] - wanderingchina.org: "Chinese public diplomacy: Pandas as agents of diplomacy and proxies for international relations. And now, the French get a piece of panda action despite repeatedly ‘hurting the feelings’ the Chinese in recent times. Threatening to snub the Beijing Olympics, the disturbance of the Paris leg of the torch relay by pro-Tibetan militants, and the making of the Dalai Lama an honorary citizen come to mind. Panda diplomacy has existed as far back as the 7th century AD with Tang dynasty Empress Wu Zetian sending a pair to the Japanese emperor. One thing not reported here is that the Pandas are not ‘given’ for an indefinite period. They’re typically on ten year loans with a standard loan fee of $1m and a provision that any offspring during the loan are property of the PRC."

Let us graduate from sprint to marathon - tagpat.com: "Zhao Qizheng Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, says among one interview with China Daily. China has gone from the periphery of the international community apt the centre of the world stage among a short duration So it's natural for other opener players apt attitude it with curiosity, misunderstanding and even suspicion,just favor people do while a modish contact shakes into a community. The Cold War mentality and the Western media's

China-bashing strategy for commercial reasons activity one important chapter within creating these misconceptions, says Zhao, who is also former minister of the State Information Office. But he concedes that China has apt new itself among a better access so that the international community understands what the reality namely Since it doesn't distinguish a agreeable story it almost always finds itself within one clumsy position behind the West presents another distorted version of the reality that is China. That's why public diplomacy has transformed so important. The administration learned institutions, NGOs, the middling and others who communicate with the people abroad can contribute apt the country's image establishing They ought explain apt foreigners China's policies and real situation, and answer always their questions. Chinese officials who nay to meet journalists alternatively attend public functions abroad are never serving the nation well." Image from

Department of Defense interpret China’s military diplomacy in 2011: outstanding stability of the surrounding - 9abc.net: "Qian Lihua, director of the Foreign Affairs Office Ministry of Defence recently told Xinhua News Agency reporters interview, said ... we actively carry out various forms of public diplomacy activities. PLA Military Band to the United States access to performances, cultural exchange delegation to Laos Culture Week organized by the Chinese army, the navy 'Peace Ark' hospital ship for the first time to go to Latin American countries, medical services and humanitarian access to the task. Our men and men with foreign people close communication and extensive interaction, show excellent professionalism and energetic spirit, spread the good military culture, established a military peace, cooperation, and open a good image."

Edelstein: Israel-Diaspora dynamic a two-way street: Public diplomacy and diaspora affairs minister tells WIZO meeting that Israel looks differently upon Diaspora than in past - Gil Shefler, Jerusalem Post: "Israel has changed its attitude toward the Diaspora and is more interested in a relationship of equals than it was before, Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Minister of Yuli Edelstein said on Monday. Speaking at the

Women’s International Zionist Organization’s Enlarged General Meeting in Tel Aviv, the Likud politician boasted that the government not only accepts donations from Jews living abroad but also invests in them. ... Edelstein shared a secret with the audience, revealing that the word 'Diaspora' was dropped from the name of a Succot festival in Netanya last year because organizers were worried it would make it seem boring to Israelis and deter them from coming. The festival drew thousands of people, offering them a glimpse into the lives of member of Jewish communities around the world, he said. 'Thousands learned about communities abroad.'” Uncaptioned image from article

Sweden’s “Democratic Twitter Experiment” - Candace Ren, Ren's Micro Diplomacy: “'BBC reports that Sweden is allowing one citizen per week to take control of its official Twitter feed, in what’s been described as ‘the world’s most democratic Twitter experiment.’ Adam Arnesson, a 21-year-old organic sheep farmer, is said to be the biggest star of the project so far, uploading photos and videos of life on his family’s farm; while a female minister in the Church of Sweden and a Bosnian immigrant have also posted on the feed.

The Swedish Institute and VisitSweden launched the experiment in December, which has helped to double Sweden’s Twitter followers in the past month. http://tech.slashdot.org/story/12/01/15/0218214/sweden-experiments-with-public-twitter-takeover?utm_source=headlines&utm_medium=email.” Image from

Cultural Diplomacy: Reducing Global Risks and Increasing National Security - Mark C. Donfried, cdnews1.wordpress.com: "[I]t has become apparent in today’s interdependent world that the legitimacy of cause is of vital importance to both state and supranational governments. In establishing legitimacy in both the domestic and international spheres (public support for the government as well as the support of the international community) with the ultimate goal of reducing global risks and increasing security, a multi-level strategy is an absolute necessity. Despite its vital importance, the use of cultural diplomacy in addressing global risks remains largely underutilized. In many ways, the application of cultural diplomacy practices can complement the other, more traditional ways of increasing security (military measures or increased access to intelligence), by means of exposing and challenging destructive ideologies. By helping to educate, enhance and sustain relationships, the application of cultural diplomacy can assist in building and improving dialogue, understanding and trust between governments and citizens all over the world at the local, national and global levels. The stronger the relationships between citizens and governments, the more trust will be fostered and the less ideological incentives there will be for citizens to resort to terrorism and violent activities.

Bringing governments and citizens together into a constructive dialogue will profoundly increase mutual understanding, confidence and trust and can be accomplished relatively easily through cultural exchange programs as well as grass-roots community initiatives supported by governments. By engaging the fields of art, music, sports, religion and civil society and by working in partnership with representatives of those fields and other cultural diplomats, governments can more effectively communicate their messages within and beyond their borders and move closer to their citizens. This closeness will be sustained over time; however can immediately reduce major gaps or conflicts. In addition, by endorsing cultural diplomacy, which is generally accepted as a positive and constructive activity throughout the world, governments can demonstrate their support for cultural diversity and multiculturalism and improve their images abroad. The most notable benefit of including cultural diplomacy practices and tools into national agendas, however, is that it is cost effective compared to the alternatives. In addition, cultural diplomacy is inherently constructive in nature, as to destructive alternatives such as military or police action." Donfried image from article

RELATED ITEMS

10 reasons the U.S. is no longer the land of the free - Jonathan Turley, Washington Post: Every year, the State Department issues reports on individual rights in other countries, monitoring the passage of restrictive laws and regulations around the world. Iran, for example, has been criticized for denying fair public trials and limiting privacy, while Russia has been taken to task for undermining due process. Other countries have been condemned for the use of secret evidence and torture.

Even as we pass judgment on countries we consider unfree, Americans remain confident that any definition of a free nation must include their own — the land of free. Yet, the laws and practices of the land should shake that confidence. In the decade since Sept. 11, 2001, this country has comprehensively reduced civil liberties in the name of an expanded security state. Image from

As U.S.-Pakistani relations sink, nations try to figure out ‘a new normal’ - Karen DeYoung and Karin Brulliard, Washington Post: The “fundamentals” of mutual interest in destroying al-Qaeda and safely managing Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal haven’t changed, said a senior Obama administration official, who, like several sources in this article, discussed sensitive diplomatic matters on the condition of anonymity. But the two countries are groping their way toward what he called “a new normal” — somewhere between the strategic alliance that President Obama once proffered in exchange for Pakistan severing its ties with militants, and a more businesslike arrangement with few illusions.

Image from article, with caption: A Pakistani protester holds a burning U.S. flag during a Jan. 11 demonstration against drone attacks in Pakistani tribal areas. As relations between the two countries nations sink, officials try to figure out a way forward.

The U.S. has to make up its mind now on Afghanistan - Anthony H. Cordesman, Washington Post: The withdrawal of U.S. and allied troops from Afghanistan could plunge that country into a recession or depression by the end of 2014 unless Kabul receives a massive new aid package.

The U.S.: Still the protector of Mideast strongmen [Blowback] - Mark LeVine, latimes.com: The Obama administration has not listened to such pleas. It has consistently told activists that the U.S. will not abandon longtime military and political allies or a system that has served American interests so well for the sake of human rights and real democracy.

Don’t Do It, Bibi - Roger Cohen, New York Times: A piece of advice to Netanyahu if he cares about his dysfunctional relationship with Obama: Do not attack Iran this spring or summer.

Image from

Israelis increase trust in Obama: Small majority now see ally - Ben Birnbaum, The Washington Times: As Mr. Obama seeks to burnish his pro-Israel credentials ahead of November’s election, most Israelis are ambivalent about the American president. For the first time, polls show that a slight majority of Israelis view Mr. Obama as more “pro-Israel” than “pro-Palestinian.” But he has yet to create an emotional bond with the Israelis, and many still view him as a fair-weather friend.

MLK on Peace, Israeli Security and Anti-Zionism - camera.org: In light of the tendency by some propaganda films and anti-Israel speakers to posthumously enlist Martin Luther King, Jr., for their attacks on the Jewish state, it's worth noting what the civil rights hero actually felt about Israel and its situation. Those who knew King well have recalled his strong support for Israel, his understanding of the links between Israeli security and peace, and his opposition to anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.

Washington Moves The World Closer To War - Paul Craig Roberts, opednews.com: More confirmation that Washington is moving the world toward a dangerous war has appeared. The Obama regime is using its Ministry of Propaganda, a.k.a., the American media, to spread the story that President Obama, Pentagon chief Panetta, and other high US officials are delivering strong warnings to Israel not to attack Iran.

What these "leaked" stories of Washington's warnings and protests to Israel are all about is to avoid Washington's responsibility for the war Washington has prepared. Image from article

'Western scenarios' have propaganda use - english.iribnews.ir: Western countries' scenarios, including oil sanctions, military threats and assassinations are part of a propaganda show against the IRI inspiring role in the region, parliament speaker Ali Larijani told Al-Alam Monday.

“Iran’s drills in Strait of Hormuz could have worried the West but they were completely peaceful," he said in another regard. "Sanctions against Central Bank of Iran are part of a pressure package posed by the US and its allies and they are nothing more than a propaganda show aimed at preventing Tehran’s inspiring role in ongoing Islamic Awakening in the Middle East and North Africa,” he added. Ali Larijani image from article

Sunni v. Shia in Police Station Gunbattle - Peter Van Buren, We Meant Well: Finally, an Iraq narrative in simple enough terms for the average American (Rick Perry) to grasp, Cowboys versus Indians style! As part of the democratic process still unfolding in Iraq, Sunni insurgents have attacked an Iraqi police station manned by Shia cops, in Sunni Ramadi.

The cops work for the Iraqi government, widely seen as being dominated by Shia and used as a tool of control over the Sunni’s in Ramadi. Cowboys and Indians. Image from article

The Peace Corps kids are all right: Peace Corps volunteers shouldn't be pulled out of Central America - Jared Metzker,latimes.com: "The Peace Corps director decided last month to take a step back from the programs in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. He has evacuated all Peace Corps workers from Honduras and is suspending the induction of new volunteers in Guatemala and El Salvador.

These decisions seem unnecessary, even cowardly. As the U.S. passes through adverse times, it's important that we not lose sight of the ideals that made us great in the first place. The Peace Corps is a paragon of these ideals, and any decision to scale it back should be taken with full awareness of the damage that doing so would cause. Image from article, with caption: The Peace Corps is depicted during its 1960s era in a U.S. Postal Service stamp.

Chinese Media Aiming High in City - Laura Kusisto, Wall Street Journal: Four major Chinese media companies are expanding their presence in New York City as they lay the groundwork to begin competing on a global stage. Xinhua, one of the Chinese government's main news outlets and propaganda arms, last year moved into the top floor of an office building on Broadway with 30 journalists and lit up a 60-foot video screen with its logo nearby in Times Square.

Meanwhile, China Daily, the largest English-language newspaper in China, has increased its presence here to more than 20 journalists and other employees, and China Central Television, the main state broadcasting agency, plans to hire 62 journalists here and in other parts of the country. Smaller media operations are also setting up shop here. Caijing Magazine, a largely independent publication dedicated to covering business, has expansion plans, according to its New York correspondent, Yu Wang. Image from article, with caption: The Chinese news agency Xinhua's billboard in Times Square

Reconstructive History - Kristin M. Jones: "The Compilation Film" is a series of films,stretching back to the 1920s, that are composed entirely from archival footage. For "Revue" (2008), Sergei Loznitsta turned to midcentury depictions of Soviet life in television shows, newsreels, propaganda movies and feature films—presenting an absurd and touching parade of distinct faces declaiming poetry, singing of the joys of rural life, and expressing determination to toil ever harder in fields and factories. For

"Strictly Propaganda" (1991), Wolfgang Kissel and C. Cay Wesnigk mined the archives of the East German state film studio to chronicle the regime's rise and fall, with instructional films about threats from the West, TV shows indoctrinating children, and the East German leader Erich Honecker and his wife, Margot, waltzing at the twilight of the so-called German Democratic Republic. "Strictly Propaganda" image from

AMERICANA

Scarcity of women causes men to spend more, save less - By Sandra Block, USA Today: In Columbus, Ga., where there are 1.18 single men

for every single woman, the average consumer debt was $3,479 higher than it was 100 miles away in Macon, Ga., where there were 0.78 single men for every woman. Image from

IMAGE


Krupskaya (right) in 1936