June 29-July 2

"If you can't convince them, confuse them."

--President Harry S. Truman; Truman image from

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Tara Sonenshine on American Public Diplomacy: America Does Exceptional Things - Matthew Wallin, americansecurityproject.org: "Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Tara Sonenshine, had a rousing conversation with a passionate audience about her plans for American public diplomacy. Speaking for a few minutes on the challenges of public diplomacy and her plans, and stressing the need to engage foreign publics, she opened up the floor to a great Q&A session. In her remarks, Sonenshine stated that honest public discussion is an important element of PD, and pushed the notion that information is oxygen. The primary challenge of PD, as she sees it, is explaining America, including its policies, practices, and ideas in a way that expands into the public discourse. She explained that America itself is about strong principles, individual resourcefulness, national purpose, and human potential. America believes that individuals should shape their own destinies. In the complex world that is public diplomacy, Sonenshine also believes that PD must have short-, mid-, and long-term planning. Given that information flows so quickly, we must be in step with momentary ideas, while being mindful of long term aspirations. In addition to the strategic goals for public diplomacy set out by her predecessor, Judith McHale, Sonenshine also outlined some of her goals

as the Under Secretary, including: [1]Professionalizing the field of PD [2] Defining PD internally across government, externally across the United States, and overseas.[3] Integrating PD with economic statecraft, entrepreneurship outreach to youth, and to women and girls. [4] Enhancing social media outreach, particularly with youth. [5] Ensure our educational engagement is robust.Improving international broadcasting strategy. [6] American Spaces – Sonenshine stressed the importance of these 'spaces' to public diplomacy, noting that despite having over 800 of these spaces in foreign countries, Americans know very little about them. She plans to visit the spaces and find out how and what they’ve been doing and find out what they need. [7] Making the case for PD on Capitol Hill, through the nation, and overseas—this will include speaking, traveling, and engaging. When asked about the idea of American exceptionalism by ASP Board Member Nelson Cunningham, an idea that sometimes comes off as offensive to foreign publics, Sonenshine responded: [']…I don’t like to tell people that we’re an exceptional nation, but I tell them we do exceptional things.[']" Sonenshine image from article

The Role of Social Media in Diplomacy - Victoria Esser, Diplomacy in Action, U.S. Department of State:  "Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Tara Sonenshine, held a Twitter Q & A, answering your questions on everything from exchange programs in Pakistan to who inspires her (her children).

... [T]he Secretary of State’s Senior Advisor for Innovation, Alec Ross, spoke to 100 European Union public diplomacy professionals in Brussels, where he underscored the importance of social media in 21st Century Statecraft. One point they both emphasized was that social media is a place for listening and discussing, not just talking." Image from entry

Public Diplomacy - Bill Kiehl, Public Diplomacy Council: "Today when I opened my e-mail I was greeted by a message from the new Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. The message entitled 'A Snapshot of Public Diplomacy' was a rundown of public diplomacy activities in each of the regional bureaus ... .

Now, lucky members of the public like me--and now you--can see what PD folks are up to and it is often some impressive stuff. You can check it out for yourself at this website: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=6prxk9jab&v=001jZ0SncZoWrN66Kk1O3L922br7-5-aVaD3d7X9t28kHRsIfGKRKvRcSy2x0_hMNl2Px7idZKHjkUfJDOgf39lkUuEJLsR0MtIknFCvh-MJTjK_b_D9P0JuoN-VY7RYdVd Since we have been talking a bit about Smith-Mundt in these pages of late, it is worth noting that this sort of material was often held back from the curious eyes of the American public in the past because of some misunderstandings if not downright misinterpretations of the regulations relating to the dissemination of propaganda to the citizens and residents of the USA. Finally common sense has prevailed and the people who pay for this activity can actually learn what their tax money buys. And I think they will believe, as I do, that it is good value for money." Image from entry

Great Moments in Public Diplomacy, No. 938 - Peter Van Buren, We Meant Well: "Learning to love the one you’re with in Kabul social media. After all, if you don’t like yourself, how can others learn to like you? That said, many people believe that self-love is one of the purest forms of affection.

One wonders how Embassy Kabul “liking” its own videos fits with these Public Diplomacy Tweets:

US Embassy Kabul: Eileen O’Connor Moving from Afghanistan to SRAPistan? - Domani Spero, DiploPundit: "[W]e had David Ensor (formerly of CNN) over at the US Embassy in Kabul as Director of Communications and Public Diplomacy, a newly created title. He had since moved on to VOA in 2011. He was soon replaced by former CNN/ABC correspondent Eileen O’Connor as Director of Communications and Public Diplomacy. Don’t worry, she’s not leaving government service. If what we’re hearing is true, you will soon rub elbow with Ms. O’Connor at the State Department cafeteria. So a now vacancy at US Embassy Kabul for a public affairs professional, huh? You can try Wolf Blitzer but you are wasting your time. Or John King who just lost his show, but it is an election year. Who wants to be in Kabul wrestling with the Taliban on Twitter when there is an Obama-Romney face off at the homefront? We have just the right candidate for you, folks — and she’s somebody familiar, taa-daa! Dr. Liz Colton. Dr. Colton previously worked as a journalist with firsthand experience abroad. She reported for Asia Week, a Reuters magazine, and was a London-based television producer for both NBC and ABC covering the Middle East and North Africa. She even has an Emmy for two ABC Nightly News pieces on Libya. Later she established Newsweek’s Middle East bureau in Cairo. She covered the Persian Gulf War and was even NPR’s State Department correspondent.

And best of all, she is a former Foreign Service officer. One of ours. Pardon me? Dr. Colton took the State Department to court for age discrimination? Oh heck, that’s like problematic, isn’t it? Here’s a public affairs professional whose talents they could really use over there, they don’t need six months to get her up to speed, but she took State to court and while in an ongoing legal tussle, she was thrown off the airlock at 66… and … But…but… DGHR is so full of nice people, surely they did not take that personally." Image from entry, with caption: Via US Embassy Kabul/Flickr | Minister of Border and Tribal Affairs Khalid greets Eileen O’Connor, Director of Communications and Public Diplomacy, U.S. Embassy, before the inauguration of the Access English program at Rahman Baba High School in Kabul, Afghanistan on Saturday, June 4, 2011. David Ensor is the guy with the red tie.

The ‘Feminization of Poverty’ is a phenomenon, change global priorities - Team celebration, A Celebration of Women: "[T]o win hearts and minds, advance freedom, and promote stability, U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy should systematically engage the role of religion and religious audiences."

Bombing Iraq...with Breakdance - Paul Rockower, Levantine: "Ah, the media. I have been in-touch with many a news outlet about American Voices YES Academy in Iraq, so it wasn't like the media doesn't know such business is taking place. Some have been receptive, and I should get some good coverage yet the vast majority I got nothing from. It seems the only news the media like to report from Iraq is this kind: bombings.

Maybe I should have made my press releases titled: 'American Voices Bombs Iraq with Breakdance' and I would have had more traction. To the contacts I had been in-touch with from various stations who didn't respond, I sent them their links of their coverage of the recent bombings asking 'wouldn't it be nice to get a different kind of story coming out of Iraq?'" Image from, with caption: Paul Rockower Watch in sequence, the breakdancing policeman!

Paul Rockower - Facebook: "Somehow I have become a public diplomacy camp counselor. This isn't the first time either."

My Big Fat Iraqi Wedding - Paul Rockower, Levantine: "We returned to the hotel and I accidentally stumbled my way into an Iraqi wedding. The wedding party was going on in the lobby, and the guests invited me over to dance. ... I ended up dancing in the middle of the party. It was great. The Iraqis were from Baghdad and Basra, up for the wedding. A couple had worked with the American[s] when they were in Iraq, and showed me pictures of them posing in front of the American flag. Meanwhile, I kept dancing. There was lili-shrieking involved. It was phenomenal, cultural diplomacy at its finest. The thing I couldn't get out of my head was the fact that the last wedding I attended was my uncle's orthodox Jewish wedding, with no men and women dancing together. Yet interestingly, this Muslim wedding with all the women in headscarves, still had some mixed dancing. The juxtaposition sat in my head all night."

ASL and Ohio University Bringing Education, Diplomacy and Social Media Together - American Studies Leipzig: "Last week, five students from Ohio University's Global Leadership Center (GLC) were in Leipzig to work together with their ASL peers on a wrap-up presentation of this year's Transatlantic Seminar project Think Transatlantic.

After an exciting week which was filled with working sessions, student and staff socials, and different outings (like a city tour), the GLC and ASL students jointly presented Think Transatlantic to public diplomacy experts and professional diplomats at the American Consulate Leipzig." Image from article, with caption: Consul General Mark Powell, Consul for Public Affairs Teta Moehs, and professors and students at the American Consulate Leipzig

Adapting to New Challenges in the Public Diplomacy Landscape - rkmattern, publicdiplomats.wordpress.com: "The U.S. has been presented with a number of issues to exert its diplomatic influence recently as situations continue to unfold in Sudan and Syria. However, aside from condemning the violence in both nations, little else has been done. The U.S. government, and especially President Obama, have an ample opportunity to explore public diplomacy as a route to put pressure on the international governments to act on these two situations. One way to handle the current challenges the U.S. government is facing is to unite the message and make sure that current communication technologies are being utilized to their fullest extent. ... Another way to respond to the challenges to public diplomacy is to engage with more international public."

It’s Me, The Government! Accept My Friend Request, Yo! - davidreinbold, Multiple Perspectives On Public Diplomacy: "Social media is a great tool for engagement, as it can break

down physical barriers to people, but the audience must have access to the medium." Image from

Transforming U.S. public diplomacy - M.J. Pham, A Hard Look at Soft Power: Global Public Diplomacy: "It is clear that as an institution, public diplomacy has become a multi-stakeholder instrument that has been integrated into modern diplomatic practice. As a result, U.S. public diplomacy’s institutions, methods and priorities require transformation rather than adaptation."

Improvements to US Public Diplomacy - Denise, Public Diplomacy Today: "I think that one of the best ways to improve our public diplomacy is by educating Americans on other people."

The VOA and RFA Journalists are the Same as CCTV and Xinhua Journalists Act of 2012 - Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting: NTD Television, 25 June 2012: "'Last week the US House of Representatives held a hearing for the 'Chinese Media Reciprocity Act,' a bill proposed by congressman Dana Rohrabacher last year. The bill seeks to limit the number of media visas the United States issues to state-run Chinese media entities and journalists, so it’s equal to the number China issues to US journalists. In 2011, 811 Chinese journalists were allowed to enter the US, whereas only two from the US were allowed to enter China. The 'Chinese Media Reciprocity Act' would, if passed, seek to change the US Immigration and Nationality Act 'by establishing a reciprocal relationship between the number of visas issued to state-controlled media workers in China and in the United States.' ... [Elliott comment]: Most Chinese journalists in the United States are 'state-controlled,' while most of the US journalists in China are from private media. This is because of the nature of the media in each country. The explusion of most 'state controlled' Chinese journalists from the United States would probably result in the expulsion from China of most journalists of US private media. And the bill equates VOA and RFA journalists with those of CCTV and Xinhua. The United States should continue to show that it is different from China by not restricting access by journalists from anywhere. Publicity of the non-reciprocity would be good public diplomacy. The Chinese Media Reciprocity Act, if passed, would be the opposite." Image from

VOA involved in controversy re the expulsion of a reporter from the UN Correspondents Association - Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting

As Western media step behind paywall, Al Jazeera, RT, Xinhua, etc remain free-to-use and "expand their influence" - Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting

BBC World Service director asks employees for money-making ideas - Kim Andrew Elliott reporting on International Broadcasting: "[Elliott comment:] Commercial activities do not have to compromise the journalistic independence of an international broadcasting organization. The fact that funding is diffused among several advertisers rather than from one national government would, it seems to me, enhance credibility. The fact that an international broadcasting entity is so successful that it can earn some or all of its keep should be a matter of pride. The more that BBC World Service can pay for itself, the more of the UK television license fee can be used for domestic broadcasting. If I were an employee of BBC World Service, I would welcome a memo asking for ideas about this matter."

Social Diplomacy: "Engaging the Arab World through Social Diplomacy" - social-diplomacy.org: "We recommend you the following useful publication devoted to Social Diplomacy and the Arab World by Rianne van Doeveren. As the winds of change sweep through the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Western governments need to reconsider their public diplomacy strategies in order to jump through this window of opportunity and improve their relationships with the people, not just with governing elites and their associates. This Clingendael Paper aims to contribute to this goal by addressing the challenges and opportunities for Western countries in the light of current fundamental shifts. For public diplomacy to be legitimate and effective, the paper argues, it has to serve a broader purpose than narrow national interests.

This has become most apparent in the Arab world, where the West needs public diplomacy most but where it finds it hardest to pursue. Meanwhile, new actors, most notably from civil society, have emerged on the scene. They have proven much more effective in fostering relationships, containing crises and improving mutual understanding in a process that can be called social diplomacy. This paper takes the first steps in combining public and social diplomacy approaches in a customized approach to the MENA region, as much by conceptual clarification as by making recommendations for Western governments. Link to download the full text: http://clingendaelpaper_rvandoeveren.pdf" Image from, with caption: Forum on Social Diplomacy in Transmediterranean Relations. March 12, 2010

Osun to explore cultural diplomacy with Brazil - thenationonlineng.net: "The Osun State Government and Brazil are set to have cultural diplomacy, the House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salaam has said. The Speaker was speaking on a discussion he had with Governor Rauf Aregbesola during a tour of cultural sites in Brazil’s capital, Rio De Janerio, and the State of Bahia in the South American country. In a statement by his Press Secretary Goke Butika, the Speaker noted that the tour of cultural sites in Brazil was an eye opener to opportunities in tourism potentials that abound in Osun State." On Osun State, see.

Beats By Dre Studio He thinks that at - coachbaglbb, owenmarecic.spruz.com: "At the end of 2011, in Shanghai public diplomacy association council the second-time meeting up, famous basketball athlete Yao Ming be elected and increase to repair for the association a pair president of association, and serve as the ambassador of honor of public diplomacy association. Tally up half years the work coming more feel, the Yao Ming is candid in saying he to the comprehension of public diplomacy: 'In my eyes, public diplomacy and government diplomacy has connection and has differentiation, but at current, both of the differentiation may be worther to emphasize.'"

Diplomat Abhay K. releases his new book 'Remains' - indiablooms.com: "The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal released an anthology titled Remains, compiled and written by a diplomat, Abhay Kumar.

Abhay who is a Deputy Secretary in the Public Diplomacy Division of the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi wrote this collection of verses during his stay in Russia. Incidentally, his poems were inspired by the architecture and landscape of Russia. Currently Abhay Kumar is working on his new book Seduction of Delhi, which is expected to hit the stands next year. This particular book, he says, captures the centuries old civilisation and cultural heritage of this great city." Image from

In March, Kente Cloth; In July, Cowboy Boots: a TCK Looks at Freedom - Jenn Lebow, hobwas.wordpress.com: "Laneice Brooker is a career Foreign Service Officer currently serving as the Public Diplomacy Cultural and Educational Exchanges Coordinator for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs."

Deena Mansour Commentary: “Public Diplomacy in the Context of a New Egypt” - mtprnews.wordpress.com: "My experiences as a first-generation American shaped my desire to serve our country. Upon graduating from college with a degree in international relations, I passed the foreign service exam and specialized in public diplomacy. This branch of diplomacy promotes our national interest by informing foreign publics and broadening dialogue between Americans and people across the world. I loved the work, but after eight years in the service, including four years in southeast Asia, it was time to come home.

I was fortunate to receive the opportunity to implement similar programs at The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at The University of Montana. The Mansfield Center has as its dual mission a commitment to ethics in public policy as well as fostering mutual understanding between the U.S. and Asia. We have many private and public partners in these efforts, including the Departments of State, Defense, and Education." Image from, with caption: Mansfield Foundation. Mike and wife Maureen.

Things Fall in Place - Return To Hades: "My ... asset is my MBA degree which I will have very soon. I didn't major in political science, law or history. I'm not a super smart engineer or doctor. People may perceive that MBA is good for corporate careers or for the management cones. But a business degree gives me an edge in public diplomacy that law, politics or social studies might not. Good business is about social responsibility."

RELATED ITEMS

State Department to Drop ANOTHER $117 million in Iraq - Peter Van Buren, We Meant Well: The Washington Post reports that the State Department is planning to spend $115 million to upgrade the embassy compound in Baghdad.

We have a white elephant of an embassy in Iraq, one that sucks up money, distorts the State Department’s personnel system with its out-of-proportion needs and accomplishes very, very little for America in return. Image from entry. See also.

America's 'Pacific pivot' craze: The Middle East remains in turmoil. The U.S. should boost its air and naval assets in Asia but leave the other military branches free to focus on other regions - Max Boot, latimes.com

Egypt foreign policy tone may change, but not its substance: As its first Islamist president takes power, the nation can't afford to harm relations with the U.S. or abandon its peace treaty with Israel, at least in the short term, experts say - Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times: "There will be no change in the peace treaty with Israel, and strategic relations with the U.S. will continue," said Emad Gad, a foreign affairs expert with Cairo's Al Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

"Morsi will actually enhance relations with the U.S. The Muslim Brotherhood's program is based on free markets and is liberal when it comes to the economy." Image from article, with caption: Egyptian President-elect Mohamed Morsi waves to supporters Friday at a protest in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Drone makers urge U.S. to let them sell more overseas: U.S. firms such as Northrop are eager to tap foreign countries' growing appetite for drones, which some nations already sell. Arms control advocates fear the weapons could fall into enemy hands - W.J. Hennigan, Los Angeles Times: "Export restrictions are hurting this industry in America without making us any safer,"

Wesley G. Bush, Northrop's chief executive, said at a defense conference this year. "The U.S. is struggling to sell unmanned aircraft to our allies while other nations prepare to jump into the marketplace with both feet." Image from article

Obama removes bundler as Holland envoy nominee: Broas’ alcohol case becomes issue - Luke Rosiak, Washington Times: President Obama has withdrawn the nomination of one of his major donors for a cushy diplomatic post after the nominee was arrested on charges of drunken driving, speeding and resisting arrest. D.C. lawyer Timothy Broas collected more than $500,000 for Mr. Obama’s 2012 campaign, and in late April was nominated by the president as the next U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands. But Thursday, Mr. Obama sent a message to the U.S. Senate withdrawing that nomination.

North Korean media promotes hymn to Kim - AFP, asiaone.com: North Korea's state media has been playing a new hymn dedicated to new leader Kim Jong-Un in an apparent attempt to bolster his public support and personality cult.

The title of the song, "Onwards toward the final victory", is the last phrase of Kim's speech on April 15 which marked the 100th birth anniversary of his late grandfather Kim Il-Sung. It is the first time the North has publicly promoted a propaganda song for the untested young leader since he took over power after his father and longtime ruler Kim Jong-Il died in December. Image from article

Film Key to Perfecting of Kim Family Tree - Jeong Jae Sung, dailynk.com: The newly revealed North Korean documentary film about Koh Young Hee, ‘The Great Mother of Songun [Military-first] Chosun’, is a key plank in propaganda efforts to emphasize the legitimacy of the Kim bloodline and secure the integrity of the regime of Kim Jong Eun. Kim, who took official control of all the remaining levers of North Korean power during April’s political functions, needs to be idolized, and that requires the idolization of his mother, Koh.

AMERICANA

Foie gras lovers scrambling as California ban nears: Foie gras ban in California goes into effect Sunday. Restaurants are offering menus featuring the duck or goose liver, while some scramble to find alternatives - Tiffany Hsu, Los Angeles Times

Image from article, with caption: At Haven Gastropub & Brewery in Pasadena, the ban on foie gras in California is forcing executive chef Greg Daniels and pastry chef Santanna Salas to change their menu. The restaurant offers a cheesecake made with foie gras.

The happiest seaside town in America - Kitty Bean Yancey, USA Today: KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – Snug behind a security checkpoint that keeps interlopers off this resort island, families are riding bikes on the wide 10-mile beach and a threesome is teeing off on the verdant, palm-dotted Osprey Point course. Kiawah Golf Resort workers who interact with the public cannot have visible tattoos; men can't sport beards or mustaches. No "unnatural" hair colors or dreadlocks are allowed. Though staffers are diverse, the clientele this weekend is overwhelmingly Caucasian. There's an island pecking order: The richest property owners live behind a second security gate, can enjoy a private beach club and play on The River Course (membership in The Kiawah Island Club costs $300,000 for all such activities, not including dues).

MORE QUOTATIONS FOR THE DAY

"It is not our job to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices."

--Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts

"And I found the most precious gift of all: the sound of desert silence."

--World traveler Paul Rockower