September 25

"[J]unk food [in the U.S.] adds up to 400 billion 'empty' calories in a year or the calories in almost 2 billion candy bars, which would weigh almost 90,000 tons, more than the weight of the aircraft carrier Midway (70,000 tons)."

--Nanci Hellmich, "Retired military leaders want junk foods out of schools," USA Today U.S.S. Midway image from

SITE OF INTEREST

U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission. Image from Comission website

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Secretary Clinton Kicks Off Global Philanthropy Working Group - topfoundationgrants.com: "The announcement coincided with a meeting of the State Departments new Global Philanthropy Working Group, which brought together U.S. The Treasury Department expects that this will make professional tax advice in this area easier to obtain, will significantly reduce the administrative costs of foundation grantmaking to foreign civil society groups, and will also ensure that accurate determinations regarding foreign grantees are made.

The Global Philanthropy Working Group is the sixth and newest pillar of the Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society the State Departments formal mechanism for involving civil society in the policy-making process. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Tara Sonenshine and Special Representative for Global Partnerships Kris Balderston will co-chair the new Global Philanthropy Working Group." Clinton image from

Conscience and Charisma: Aung San Suu Kyi Receives the Congressional Gold Medal - Meryl Chertoff, Huffington Post: "On Wednesdsay I had the extraordinary privilege of being present in the Capitol Rotunda when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi received the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to her by Congress in 2008 ... [T]he U.S. still has something unique to offer to the world, and that we should continue to offer it through the Voice of America, public diplomacy, and a vigorous program of international education and exchange. While the aspirations of the people of the Middle East and North Africa during and since the Arab Spring have never been embodied in a single charismatic individual on the order or [ sic] Daw Aung, we can still hope for the emergence of a vision like hers. The presence of such leaders is a gift to the generation that witnesses their years on earth."

VOA Website Wins Online News Association Award - insidevoa.com: "Middle East Voices, a collaborative Voice of America social journalism project that combines traditional reporting, commentary, and the stories of people living through the Arab Spring, has been honored with a 2012 Online Journalism Award for 'Topical Reporting.'

The awards, which were announced Saturday at the 2012 Online News Association Conference in San Francisco, recognize excellence in digital journalism. 'The competition was very stiff, and we are so proud of what the small but dedicated team at Middle East Voices has been able to accomplish,' VOA Director David Ensor said.  'It is an excellent example of how VOA journalists are working with social media and online tools to tell stories in a meaningful way, and to help others share stories about the events that are shaping their lives,' Ensor said." Image from

Leyla Aliуeva: “Public diplomacy is one of leading instruments in the modern world” - trend.az: "The article of the vice-president of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the editor-in-chief of international magazine 'Baku', the chairman of the Azerbaijan Youth Organization of Russia and the founder of organization IDEA Leyla Aliyeva published in the 'Rossiyskaya Qazeta' [sic] (September 25) narrates about Azerbaijan's effective cultural policy abroad and positive results of the public diplomacy realized by Azerbaijan in Russia. In the article, titled 'Azerbaijan - Russia: the effective formula of success. Public diplomacy gives impulse to mutual relations, the author analyzes the basic stages of development of the Russian-Azerbaijan cooperation and the humanitarian policy carried out by Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. According to the author, in spite of the fact that our generation

had to experience decade of radical pains when changed the meanings of the ideals, such as eternal moral universal values as humanism and tolerance, were supported and brought up by that culture representatives of which are proud both Russia and Azerbaijan. 'Just on the said platform also is necessary to form common approaches and answers to challenges. As an example it is necessary to mention as well a new perspective format of interaction - the Baku International Humanitarian Forum under patronage of the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan', the author marks. Further, L. Aliyeva draws attention of readers to the good situation in Azerbaijan, since ancient times known for its atmosphere of high tolerance, stressing that the 'location of the Muslim mosque, Orthodox church, Catholic church and the Jewish Synagogue in one street in Baku are evidence and result of this atmosphere'." Aliyeva image from article

Edelstein: Don’t Blame Reporters for Israel’s Negative Image - Baruch Shomron, jewishpress.com: "Minister of Public Diplomacy Yuli Edelstein told students and young professionals not to blame reporters for Israel’s poor image at a conference on media and hasbarah at Ariel University earlier this month. 'Some reporters are anti-Israel others

are pro-Israel and most are objective,' Edelstein said. 'The reporters are here for one reason, and that is to cover the conflict . . . [e]ven if they did write a nice article about Israel, it wouldn’t be published.' Edelstein also urged citizens to take an active role in Israel’s public diplomacy efforts, stating that, 'Citizens, who photograph and share it on social media introduce to the world our human face.' The conference was part of the week-long New Media and Public Diplomacy Seminar organized by Ariel University’s School of Communications and sponsored by the Ministery of Hasbarah as well as the Prime Minsiter’s Office, held September 9-14th. The seminar brought together 40 young students and professionals from around the world to learn about how public diplomacy shapes the Middle East conflict and the increasing impact of social media." Image from article, with caption: Minister of Public Diplomacy Yuli Edelstein speaking at Ariel University.

INDIAFRICA: Nine entrepreneurs to compete for $10,000 grant - Providence Obuh, hvanguardngr.com: "Nine finalists from five countries will be presenting their business proposals to nine business experts from Africa and India, as well contest for $10,000 grant in the finals of the INDIAFRICA Business Venture Competition. The competition, put together by Idea Works in partnership with Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Lagos Business School and the Indian School of Business, is titled, 'Entrepreneurial Solutions to Address Developmental Challenges.'”

RELATED ITEMS

Drone strikes in Pakistan have killed many civilians, study says: The strikes have not made the U.S. safer, researchers from Stanford and New York University say in the report 'Living Under Drones' - David Zucchino, Los Angeles Times: Far more civilians have been killed by U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal areas than U.S. counter-terrorism officials have acknowledged, a new study by human rights researchers at Stanford University and New York University contends. The report, "Living Under Drones," also concludes that the classified CIA program has not made America any safer and instead has turned the Pakistani public.

Expanded role for American mouthpiece of al Qaeda - Wes Bruer, CNN: American born al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn has released a new propaganda video in support of rebel uprisings throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The nearly 84-minute video, "Advice and Support to Our Rebel Brothers Against Injustice," was released on extremist websites and forums on September 20, and was reported to have been produced on April 30 by al Qaeda's As-Sahab media wing. The address to rebels is the second appearance this month Gadahn has made in al Qaeda videos released on jihadist forums.  The two videos are the first Gadahn videos since before Osama bin Laden was killed.

Remarks by the California-born jihadist were included in Ayman Al-Zawahiri's 9/11 anniversary message last Tuesday. In that video, "Truth has Come and Falsehood has Perished," Gadahn condemned statements by President Barack Obama that the United States was not at war with Islam. "America is crystal clear about its opposition to Islam as a political system, Islam as a ruling system ... and the essence of Islam. So, how can America say that it is not at war with Islam?" Gadahn said. Image from article, with caption: Screen shot of al Qaeda video released this month featuring American Adam Gadahn

In Arab Spring, Obama Finds a Sharp Test - Helene Cooper and Robert F. Worth, New York Times‎: The hard lessons the president had learned over almost two years of political turmoil in the Arab world: bold words and support for democratic aspirations are not enough to engender good will in this region, especially not when hampered by America’s own national security. Obama's handling of the uprisings also demonstrates the gap between the two poles of his political persona: his sense of himself as a historic bridge-builder who could redeem America’s image abroad, and his more cautious adherence to long-term American interests in security and cheap oil.interests. The tensions between Mr. Obama and the Gulf states, both American and Arab diplomats say, derive from an Obama character trait: he has not built many personal relationships with foreign leaders. “He’s not good with personal relationships; that’s not what interests him,” said one United States diplomat. “But in the Middle East, those relationships are essential. The lack of them deprives D.C. of the ability to influence leadership decisions.”

against U.S. policy in the volatile region. It recommends that the Obama administration reevaluate the program to make it more transparent and accountable, and to prove compliance with international law. In April, Obama's top counter-terrorism advisor, John Brennan, described civilian casualties from drone strikes as "exceedingly rare." Brennan said the drone program has reduced danger to U.S. pilots, limited civilian casualties and helped prevent deeper U.S. military involvement overseas. Image from article, with caption: Villagers attend a rally against drone strikes in Islamabad, Pakistan. U.S. officials have described civilian casualties as “exceedingly rare.”

In the Middle East, a pro-American turn - Editorial Board, Washington Post: Anti-Americanism is a potent force in the Arab Middle East; polls show that in several countries — though not in Libya — U.S. prestige has fallen during the Obama administration. But in a region where power is up for grabs, it is only one of many competing agendas, and much evidence suggests that its champions are in the minority. That means the appropriate U.S. response is not to write off the region, or to cancel aid programs — as some in Congress propose — but to help moderate forces defeat and marginalize the extremists.

Netanyahu’s Iran Blunders - Roger Cohen, New York Times: After Iraq, Americans, if they are go to war in a third Muslim country, want that war to be fact-based. Isreali Prime Minister Netanyahu's headstrong behavior has been ungrateful to Obama and undermining of Israel’s true strategic interests.

Should the U.S. Be a Political Player in Russia? - Room for Debate, New York: Is it proper and useful for the United States to finance projects to promote democracy in Russia and elsewhere?

A Foreign Policy for Mitt: What the Republican candidate might say Tuesday in New York - Bret Stephens, Wall Street Journal: "I know it is a heavy burden for America to be the world's policeman. But far heavier would be our burden if we were to forsake that role. Because we are not a disinterested party when it comes to securing democracy against despotism, civilization against barbarism, and order and fair play against the rule of the jungle."

Azeri Anti-Armenian Propaganda Seized in Tokyo - Attempts by Azeris to distribute anti-Armenian propaganda during a large international tourism exhibit were thwarted when National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia brought the matter to organizers’ attention. The Japanese Association of Tourism Agents was hosting its annual international tourism forum over the weekend, when a delegation from Azerbaijan attempted to distribute anti-Armenian propaganda to participants and visitors.

The delegation of National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia requested the organizers of the exhibition to address the Azeri provocation and eradicate the offensive materials. The JATA authorities responded promptly and the Azeri materials were removed from the exhibition, NCFA Public Relations Office said. The efforts of Azerbaijan, in using international tourism platforms for spreading of anti-Armenian propaganda, were once again nipped in the bud in the face of our vigilant counteraction. Image from article, with caption: A scene from the JATA forum in Tokyo

Iran Arrests Former President's Daughter on 'Propaganda' Charges - Ladane Nasseri and Yeganeh Salehi, businessweek.com: The daughter of former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was taken into custody late yesterday to serve a six-month sentence on charges of “propaganda against the regime,” the state-run Mehr news agency reported. Faezeh Hashemi’s trial started in December, her lawyer Gholam-Ali Riyahi said at the time. Hashemi was arrested twice for joining anti-government rallies following the unrest triggered by president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed re-election in 2009.

Never Mind Condi On The Piano, Here's Madeleine Albright On The Drums! - Princess Sparle Pony's Photoblog: “Who knew? OMG: A longtime supporter of jazz who has worked with the Monk Institute for years, Albright received the annual Fisher Founder’s Award. ‘After the customary speech of thanks, she went to a drum set and pounded away on tom-toms and cymbals — quite creditably — as trumpeter

Chris Botti performed an instrumental version of ‘Nessun dorma,’ the aria from the Puccini opera ‘Turandot.’' My mind is blown. I'm not surprised that Albright is into music, however, because I once personally witnessed her thumbing intently through the racks at Tower Records (RIP) in Georgetown. Way to go, Maddie!” Image from entry

New Album by Propaganda - "Excellent" - chosenforgrace.com: Rapper Propaganda has a new album out today called Excellent.

Stinkbugs Emit Propaganda, Terror Across Philly Region: The brown nuisance is using sensory fear to dominate you - "Stinkbugs are back, and they are stinkier and buggier than ever. The Department of Agriculture is warning of 'an historic outbreak' of the bugs in homes this fall. If you had them in your home last year, chances are you are getting more this year.

If you didn’t share in the joy of having a bug or two slowly crawl across the screen while you watched TV, there is a good chance it will happen this year. Officially called the brown marmorated stink bug, it is believed they stowed away in a shipment of goods from China, Korea or Japan to the Lehigh Valley. ... One last personal note: I have killed a stinkbug and guess what? It didn’t stink all that much. In fact, hardly at all. I think the whole stink thing might be counter-intelligence stinkbug propaganda to keep us from swatting them. So I suggest you go for it." Image from

AMERICANA

SAT scores: Only 43% of high school seniors are college-ready - Michael Muskal, latimes.com: Just slightly more than four of every 10 high school students taking the national SAT exams meet the standard indicating that they are prepared for their first year in college, the College Board announced Monday. In the latest findings from the College Board, which administers the exam, just 43% of the class of 2012 met the benchmark scores indicating that they could achieve a B-minus average in the first year of college. The SAT is the bane of high school students and a key barometer for college officials contemplating admissions. The number is the same as in 2011, but the College Board warned that the figure remains low.

Retired military leaders want junk foods out of schools - Nanci Hellmich, USA Today: Readiness, a group of more than 300 retired generals and admirals, is releasing a new report today saying that the 40% of students who buy high-calorie, low-nutrient junk food from school vending machines and cafeteria a la carte lines consume an average of 130 calories a day from those types of foods (candy, chips, cookies, pastries). That's roughly 5% to 10% of the calories kids and teens should eat in a day. All those extra calories are contributing to childhood obesity, a problem that means many young people are too heavy to serve in the military, ultimately putting national security at risk, the report says. Three-quarters of those ages 17 to 24, or about 26 million young people, cannot serve in the military, a quarter of them because they are overweight or obese, says retired Air Force lieutenant general Norman Seip, a spokesman for Mission: Readiness, which advocates policies that would help young Americans get ready to serve. Image from