August 12

“In the most direct sense, Osama bin Laden is made in the USA.”

--Feisal Abdul Rauf, the imam behind the controversial ground zero mosque, whom the State Department sends to the Middle East as part of a public diplomacy mission to explain how Islam is perceived in America; his above statement made a few days after 9/11; image from

“'Ground Zero Mosque' Imam Was A Bush-Era Partner For Mideast Peace”

--Headline, democraticunderground.com

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN THE NEWS

No Hope and Little Change - Helle Dale, The Foundry, Heritage Foundation: "For an Administration that started with the premise of improving relations with the 'Muslim world,' as President Obama likes to put it, the results of the 2010 Arab Opinion Poll should be deeply disappointing. Having experienced soaring hopes for the dawning of a new era in U.S.-Arab relations, Arabs are now reacting with bitterness to the fact that no change has taken place.

And not only that, but as opinions of the Obama presidency are plummeting across the Middle East, support for the Iranian nuclear program is growing. From a policy, as well as public diplomacy, point of view, this is grim news. ... Where are the U.S. public diplomacy tools that could help explain to the Arab population just how dangerous a nuclear-armed Iran would be, for the world, the Middle East, and the Iranian people? Well, those tools have been abandoned in favor of the broadcasting of entertainment and the love affair with new media technology. Reportedly the U.S. Agency for International Development is looking at programs to train young Arabs in the use of social media technology, an initiative with the support of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. ... Yet, 'One cannot take seriously the United States or any other Western government that funds political activism by young Arabs while it simultaneously provides funds and guns that help cement the power of the very same Arab governments the young social and political activists target for change,' wrote Rami G. Khouri, editor-at-large of The Daily Star, and director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut." Image from

More of the Same - The Moor Next Door: Maghreb Affairs :: Geopolitics :: International Relations:

"The 2010 Arab Opinion Survey seems to communicate similar, if increasing, dissatisfaction with the Obama administration in the Arab world. ... There were many commentators last summer who believed poor poll results for the Obama administration could be dismissed or viewed with the glass half-full because the administration was young; that, whatever the numbers said, Obama was doing 'better than Bush' (an excuse for laziness on the left and for potshots in the domestic context); that, as in baseball, real success required more 'follow through' in the months and years ahead. The last point is perhaps true and might be applied nowadays. Yet the fact is, the crucial 'follow through' has not come. What has come is poorly managed diplomatic activity, domestic distractions that have allowed client states to humiliate the President and Vice President publicly through defiance and snubs; half-hearted and mediocre public diplomacy and community engagement campaigns; wild tokenism, and so on. One can applaud initiatives aimed at scientific education and youth engagement. Indeed many of these, though they are frequently preceded by useless speeches or presentations about less useful administration activities, carry on with concrete goals that actually have impact on the lives of individuals and some communities. But this not so much the point; educating engineers or doctors fits well with modernization theory but it will not solve the actual political problems that face the United States in the 'Muslim world'." Image from

Liz Cheney breaks with Bush admin over Imam behind "Ground Zero mosque" - Greg Sargent, Washington Post: "Republicans are currently attacking the Obama administration for sending Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf, the man behind the 'Ground Zero mosque,' to the Mideast to discuss life for Muslims in America. The problem with this attack line, as many have noted, is that this Imam was chosen for this program by none other than the Bush administration. ... The program in question is run by the State Department, which is sending the Imam on a speaking tour designed to explain to Muslims abroad what life is like as a Muslim in the United States. Republican officials such as Pete King have blasted the program. Amusingly enough, members of the administration presided over by Liz [Cheney]'s father, such as Karen Hughes, included this Imam in administration programs designed to improve relations with Muslim countries." See also (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7).

IYD2010: A New Pakistan with YES program - Partners In Public Diplomacy: A Blog from the Participants of the IVLP Program 2009 Organized by Department of State: [no posting]

Image from blog

Transition to Civilian-Led Operations in Iraq: This Time It’s for Real – Laura A. Hall: "The continuing reports on the difficulties of the transition from military to civilian responsibilities in Iraq expose several key issues that remain unaddressed. Others will write on the political situation, regional power struggles, the overall strategy, the risks of leaving (and of staying). The management challenges, however, are less understood and appreciated. ... If the goal is to move towards a 'normal' presence, it will be critical to shift from U.S.-funded reconstruction to political engagement, regional political management, and public diplomacy. Iraq must own its development. The planning effort should start with clear goals for a U.S.-Iraq relationship five years from now and work back. As military and civilian planners work the 'seams,' they should be very careful not to simply develop civilian plans for executing all the activities previously done by the military."

The write stuff? But there can be trickery in all that tweeting‎ - Cynthia Banham, Sydney Morning Herald: "British Foreign Office ... diplomats now write authorised blogs, and this week its website contained a very considered piece from Britain's deputy ambassador in Cairo, Thom Reilly. ... The diplomat's blog shows British taxpayers what their diplomats actually do for a job, and it sends a very positive public diplomacy message to the rest of the world about Britain's willingness to engage with different ideas.

Our own Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade doesn't allow its diplomats to blog - yet. Austrade, the Australian government's trade and investment body, is in the process of contracting a company to advise it on how to develop a social media strategy. ... The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, is a well-known digital diplomacy enthusiast. But in a speech earlier this year she cautioned that 'these technologies are not an unmitigated blessing'. Social media might yet be the transformative tool which gives us more open and responsive government. But we should reflect on the downsides, too." Image from

China South Sea boiling up - Stanley Crossick, Stanley’s blog: "[T]he South China Sea ... [is] an issue of major tension between the US and China. Underlying this is the fact that the two powers are geopolitical, and increasingly military, rivals. ... Beijing accuses Washington of seeking to contain China, which of course is American policy. China insists on its 'indisputable sovereignty' over the Sea, in the face of neighbouring countries’ claims over the Paracels, the Spratlys, and 'all [other] islands inside the U-shaped traditional maritime boundary'. It is unclear why the problems have become an issue of public diplomacy between the US and China. Are we seeing a flexing of muscles of the two big powers? If so, why at this time and what do Beijing and Washington hope to achieve? The US, knowing of China’s growing naval strength, appears to be sending a clear message to China and its neighbours that China will not be given a free run. China is presumably concerned at this manifestation of US containment policy."

How to Win Friends and Influence People – Laura McGinnis, manIC: "[O]ne of the major themes underlying discussions of effective PD: Even effective campaigns are unlikely to overturn opinions rooted in cultural differences and attitudes about foreign policy. The solution to this problem may lie not in the method of outreach, but in its underlying ideology and in policies grounded in a respectful collaboration towards mutual goals.

The catch, of course, comes in situations where two countries must work together without sharing the same objectives. ... Some people and nations have irreconcilable goals. Faith and trust may not be automatic solutions, but they are essential components of successful public diplomacy (and foreign policy) campaigns." Image from

‎Hoover Institution Releases Islamic Extremism and the War of Ideas: Lessons from Indonesia, a Book by Pulitzer Prize–Winner John Hughes - Press release, Business Wire: "The Hoover Institution today released Islamic Extremism and the War of Ideas: Lessons from Indonesia, a book by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist John Hughes. In Islamic Extremism, Hughes examines lessons learned from his experience in public diplomacy and explains how the United States could more effectively counter Islamic extremism, promote democracy, and define itself in the Islamic world. ... In Islamic Extremism, Hughes makes a powerful case for a new and reenergized American public diplomacy effort—one that includes a new agency that replicates the positive features of the now-defunct United States Information Agency and embraces the new resources and skills available in communicating with a world that is changing politically and technologically. Hughes suggests an 'Agenda for Progress,' his vision of what a new agency dedicated to public diplomacy should cover, including budget, journalists, language, exchanges, discussion, culture, religion, sports, women, and broadcasting. He points to Indonesia as a successful example of the melding of democracy, Islam, and modernity and suggests that Indonesia and other nations where Islam and democracy coexist—such as Turkey—could play a significant role in helping thwart Islamist extremism."

‎The Small World of Wikileaks, Part 1 What might this have to do with Public Diplomacy? - Ali Fisher, MountainRunner.us: "The now familiar story of the release of documents by Wikileaks and reported by the New York Times, The Guardian and Der Spiegel has been analysed from numerous angles considering potential impact on reputation and the relationship between digital and the more traditional print media. The experience of Wikileaks has much in common with those engaged in Public Diplomacy and seeking to measure their attempts to disperse information on specific issues.

Examining Wikileaks provides a case study of an attempt to map a network of influence and identify key nodes within that network. ... Just at is was important for Wikileaks to find ways to bridge into different communities, so a Public Diplomacy organisation planning an event or to release of information, could adopt this approach to identify a baseline, recognise users who may be key nodes in the further dissemination of information, and develop a strategy to combine digital dissemination with engagement through traditional media." Image from

140 Characters Hits the Bay Area - Renee Blodgett, weblogtheworld.com: "Jeff Pulver’s 140 Character’s Conference is coming to San Francisco on August 19, 2010 as part of Connected Marketing Week. You can register here); also check out San Francisco’s schedule. BTW, Jeff is touring with this relatively new conference – only a couple years old, he has had and plans to have events in the following cities: LA, Boston, Detroit, London, Tel Aviv, Barcelona, New York and Washington DC. And I thought I never slept. Can we just say impressive and be done with it. At these events they have explored the effects of Twitter and social media on a wide range of topics including: Celebrity, 'The Media', Advertising, Politics, Fashion, Real Estate, Music, Education, Public Safety and Public Diplomacy."

8/31, "Rethinking Diplomacy: Challenges and new methodologies" - DR.CityAngel: [Google translation:] "2010-08-12 13:00:32 Theme: International Health Conference / Training Guide Post - drcityangel: Japan Foundation (Japan Foundation), the symposium co-sponsored by the Conrad Foundation and Adenauato 'Rethinking Diplomacy: Challenges and new methodology' will be held. [Purpose] 'Cultural diplomacy', 'private diplomacy' As symbolized by the words such as, into the 21st century, Diplomatic methods and actors has continued to diversify. On the other hand, so far, 'How should diplomacy' and discussed the Among governments or intellectuals, but some have been made, And have been discussed at national level not say enough. If you look at the world's Diet, the U.S. soft power strategy, And global spread of Chinese culture and Chinese language education core, Countries with their own brand Are competing to establish an image of 'avoiding war' and 'Country's economic growth.'

The main objective in the eyes of the public diplomacy of the past such as faded slot Now becoming Gan, Japan has set goals of what the diplomatic next What people able to share how that level. In addition to the example of Germany with a focus on European, Asian countries (China, Korea, Thailand and Singapore) in comparison with the example, Rethinking the way of diplomacy. Posted ●: Tuesday 18:00 - 20:00 August 31, 2010 Venue ●: Japan Foundation (Japan Foundation) JFIC Hall [Sakura] Organizer ●: Japan Foundation, Konrad Adenauer Foundation (Germany)" Image from

National Alliance For Excellence Honored Scholars Program - pc-fuchs.info/national-alliance-for-excellence-honored-scholars-program: "Sanford School of Public Policy: Elana M. Berger received the Joel Fleishman Distinguished Scholar Award for highest academic achievement in public policy studies. She completed an honors thesis titled 'Selling America: U.S. Public Diplomacy Programs in the Middle East and South Asia in a Post 9/11 Environment.'"

Nation 2.0 – Big Society, Branding & Web 2.0 - Felix Wetzel, People, Brands & Random Thoughts:

"[A] piece I wrote for my article Brand England ... was published in the academic journal 'Place branding and public diplomacy' and which I refined later for my MSc dissertation: It’s all about how branding can revive democracy." Image from: "Why Every Brand Needs a Sex Tape"

Ambassador James Bissett/ James Jatras: Kosovo - Albanian Muslim Gangsters 2/2 - sciencestage.com: "James George Jatras, Director of the American Council for Kosovo www.savekosovo.org is a Principal in Squire Sanders Public Advocacy, LLC, in Washington, DC. He has traveled to Kosovo on several occasions and is thoroughly knowledgeable with the Islamic radical movement in Kosovo and the Balkan region. ... Jatras has extensive experience at the senior staff level with the Republican Leadership in the US Senate in a broad range of policy areas, including matters related to foreign policy, international security, human rights and religious freedom worldwide, public diplomacy, immigration, international trade and finance, and the global terror risk environment.. Prior to his Senate work, Mr. Jatras served as a Foreign Service Officer with the US Department of State, specializing in Soviet affairs and Eastern Europe."

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Taliban film 'a perfect propaganda image' - Channel 4 News: After Channel 4 News broadcast a rare film of Taliban fighters on the Afghan frontline, Colonel Richard Kemp, the former commander of British forces, analyses what the footage reveals about insurgent tactics. KEMP: The insurgents in this fascinating film, seen ineffectually blasting away at the distant Nato convoys, are most likely a local group.

This is not to underplay the true bravery of journalist Paul Refsdal, whose personal exposure to danger was underlined when he was taken hostage after shooting the film. But he has captured a perfect propaganda image of determined freedom fighters protecting their homes, rather than the callous terrorists, careless of death and destruction among their own population, that make up the hard core of the fighters in the Afghan conflict. Colonel Richard Kemp is the former commander of British forces in Afghanistan and the author of Attack State Red. Follow him on Twitter @colrichardkemp. Image from article

No need to fuss over Confucius Institutes - Liu Chang, Lu Hui, Xinhua: Perhaps no one will label Goethe Institutes, Alliances Francaises or Cervantes Institutes as propaganda vehicles or tools of cultural invasion, so why all the fuss over China's Confucius Institutes, an identical organization? China is neither the inventor nor the monopolizer of establishing such institutes to promote overseas cultural understanding and facilitate language learning. Ever since China began helping to establish Confucius Institutes in 2004 for public good, these facilities are designed to provide non-profit Chinese learning programs to language learners and to promote the knowledge of this ancient oriental civilization. As of July 2010, 316 Confucius Institutes have been opened in more than 90 countries and regions. None of the institutes was established without the request and consent of host universities and colleges. At present, Confucius Institutes are teaching Chinese to over 40 million people around the world, and the number is growing fast due to China's increasing openness, plus the world's burgeoning curiosity to know more about China.

Russia dusts off propaganda to lure investors - Courtney Weaver, Financial Times: ‎The economic development ministry believes Russia should create a multi-lingual internet portal to showcase Russia’s “history of success”. The resulting campaign should draw not just upon global examples, but Russia’s previous propaganda efforts during the Soviet era, the proposal states.

Russian government, business and scientific leaders should serve as the faces of Russia’s success, says the ministry, which has nominated itself to coordinate the programme. Russian news organisations - including newspapers Rossiiskaya Gazeta and Interfax, radio station Business FM and magazine Expert - would help with material about Russia’s attractive business climate. Image from article

Russian Footballers To Replace Western Propaganda with Spiritual Value of Life - Pravda: The Moscow government will soon launch a social campaign to encourage Muscovites to read more. For some reason, however, officials decided to use footballers for this purpose. Football players are apparently those, who spend their days reading a lot.