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Posted on Fri, May 09, 2008 - 7:12:59

Ronald in New York writes:

Myanmar's Crisis is an Opportunity.

The Myanmar Regime is now faced with the highest degree of political exposure in the post-Nargis…

From the entry 'How Far Should the International Community Go To Deliver Humanitarian Assistance?'.

Posted on Fri, May 09, 2008 - 4:33:24

Joe in Tennessee writes:

There is also the possibility that all Intel concerning the use of Burma for terrorist training camps and arms holding may be valid.



From the entry 'U.S. Embassy Helps Americans in Burma Cyclone'.

Posted on Fri, May 09, 2008 - 4:15:11

Rabbit in Washington, DC writes:

Quick thoughts of the Rabbit:

1. Putin has had an agenda.

2. Limitation and control of the press were necessary…

From the entry 'What Impact Would Press Freedom Have on People Without It?'.

Navigation End

Colombia: An Opportunity for Lasting Success
Posted by Charles S. Shapiro on May 08, 2008 - 10:09 AM

A worker packs roses to be shipped to the U.S. north of Bogota, Colombia Feb. 8, 2008. [AP]

About the Author: Charles S. Shapiro serves as the Senior Coordinator of the State Department’s Western Hemisphere Affairs Free Trade Task Force.

Throughout the hemisphere, democratic nations are looking to create conditions for sustained economic growth. In today’s world of globalization, countries are not looking inward but rather outward to achieve growth and prosperity. Our friends in Latin America see free trade agreements as the way to accomplish this goal. As we partner with other nations to remove trade barriers, no country wants to strengthen its ties with us more than Colombia.

The cup of Colombian coffee that I had this morning, the roses that I’m going to send to my mother for Mother’s Day along with the box of chocolates all come from Colombia into the United…




Related Entries: Westerm Hemisphere | More entries by Charles S. Shapiro | Comments (1)



How Far Should the International Community Go To Deliver Humanitarian Assistance?
Posted by DipNote Bloggers on May 09, 2008 - 05:58 PM

Airport staff load crates of United Nations aid onto a cargo aircraft in the UAE May 7, 2008. [AP]

In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, the Burmese government has been reluctant to accept foreign assistance to help the estimated 1.5 million people affected. Today, Friday, the Burmese government seized food and relief supplies provided by the UN. In response, the UN temporarily halted its airlifts but plans to continue flying food aid into the country on Saturday.

When a government is incapable of, or unwilling to protect its people, how far should the international community go to deliver humanitarian assistance?




Related Entries: Question of the Week | More entries by DipNote Bloggers | Comments (1)



U.S. Embassy Helps Americans in Burma Cyclone
Posted by Steve Royster on May 07, 2008 - 09:56 AM

A map of the path that cyclone Nargis followed as it passed into Burma May 3, 2008.  [State Dept.]

About the Author: Steve Royster serves as the Spokesman for the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs.

VIEW PHOTOS

Cyclone Nargis struck Burma this weekend with winds of 120 miles per hour lasting for 10 hours. The Category 4 storm left over 22,000 dead and widespread devastation in its wake.

When a crisis like this strikes around the world, the Department of State’s first thought is for the safety of American citizens. As the storm brewed offshore, colleagues at the American Embassy in Rangoon issued…




Related Entries: East Asia and the Pacific | More entries by Steve Royster | Comments (6)



Afghanistan: Korengal Engagement
Posted by Alison Blosser on May 06, 2008 - 12:08 PM

Kandigal bridge, over 90% complete in February 2008 in Korengal, Afghanistan. [State Dept. photo]

About the Author: Alison Blosser is a State Department Representative/Political Officer with the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Asadabad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Alison's previous post: Updates From Afghanistan.

Unity of effort in Kunar's central and remote Korengal Valley, host to some of the province's most intense insurgent activity, has recently enabled fruitful negotiations to concentrate more on development and employment than fighting. Although insurgents continue to sporadically threaten local villages and Coalition outposts throughout the Korengal, Kunar government's provincial and district leadership, the Provincial Reconstruction Team, soldiers…




Related Entries: South and Central Asia | More entries by Alison Blosser | Comments (2)



Concerns About Adoptions From Vietnam
Posted by DipNote Bloggers on May 05, 2008 - 08:02 AM

Vietnamese vender waves to Vietnamese adopted child in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Dec. 9, 2008. [AP]

Americans adopt more children from foreign countries every year than all other countries in the world combined. The United States strongly supports international adoption as an option for children who need a family. The Department’s Office of Children's Issues works hard to support and assist American citizens interested in foreign adoptions.

Unfortunately, some international adoptions from Vietnam are not straightforward. Our colleagues on the ground in Vietnam have found serious irregularities, including forged or altered documentation, mothers being paid, coerced or tricked into releasing their children, and children offered for adoption without the knowledge or consent of their birth parents. (See Warning…



Related Entries: East Asia and the Pacific | More entries by DipNote Bloggers | Comments (5)



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