http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2008-07-24T15:25:00-05:00 Secretary Rice recently wrote this Op-Ed on U.S.-Colombian relations for Real Clear Politics.

In any partnership, the coin of the realm is trust and responsibility -- in other words, saying what you mean and doing what you say. In the dramatic rescue on July 2 of 15 hostages, including three Americans, held captive for many years by guerrillas and terrorists, deep in the Colombian jungles, we saw a powerful reminder that the United States has no better partner in South America than the government and people of Colombia.

Colombia's leaders, especially President Uribe, had promised us that our three abducted citizens would be treated no differently than the many Colombian men and women who shared their fate. Colombia never wavered in this promise, and never cut any side deals with the guerrillas that could have freed their citizens at the expense of ours. This was not an easy act of solidarity, but Colombia remained true to its word.

In the breathtaking rescue mission, carried out with the utmost skill and professionalism (and without a shot being fired) by the Colombian Armed Forces, our partners did great honor to themselves -- and a great service to us. We will never forget that. Nor will we forget the many Colombians who still have not found rescue from their guerrilla captors.

That our Colombian partners made good on their promise in this instance is important enough, but this is not the exception; it is the norm.

More than a decade ago, with its country wracked by the worst insurgency in the hemisphere, with its economy contracting, and with its democratic state on the brink of failure, Colombia resolved to turn the tide. Its government and people set out an ambitious plan to secure and expand their country's democratic development, and they asked for our support -- political, economic, diplomatic, and military. Starting under President Clinton, expanding under President Bush, and with bipartisan support in Congress all along the way, the United States has fully backed Colombia in meeting its bold promises of success. And the results speak for themselves.

Our Colombian partners said that they would win their fight against domestic terrorism and reclaim their country. Today they are.

They said they would combat social exclusion in Colombia by building the capacity and expanding the reach of their democracy. Today they are.

They said they would open their markets, trade freely and fairly, fuel economic growth, and create opportunities for social justice for all of their citizens. Today they are.

And our Colombian partners said they would protect the lives of all of their citizens, including trade unionists, and bring murderers and criminals to justice. Today violent crime has plummeted, law and order is expanding, and President Uribe's government has taken the courageous step of extraditing 15 major drug traffickers and paramilitary leaders to the United States to stand trial in our courts for their crimes against our citizens.

Colombia has done all of this -- and more. And the United States has supported them every step of the way. With the momentum of more than a decade's worth of shared progress at our backs, with Colombia on the cusp of self-sustained and lasting stability, and with Democrats and Republicans having shown that they can implement a long-term bipartisan strategy to achieve a critical national interest -- the success of a democratic Colombia -- now is the last time that we should begin going back on our word to Colombia. And yet that is exactly what we risk doing if Congress fails to pass the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

In addition to being a slap in the face to our Colombian partners, sacrificing this trade agreement at the altar of domestic politics would be no favor to U.S. workers. More than 90 percent of Colombian goods now enter the United States duty-free, while our exports to Colombia face tariffs of up to 35 percent. This agreement would level the playing field for our workers, so they could send the products of their labor to Colombia on the same terms that Colombians now send theirs to us.

Passing this trade agreement will be a culmination and realization of our partnership with Colombia. It will help the Colombian government and people to lock in their democratic and economic reforms. It will signal that Colombia, like a growing number of our fellow democracies in the Americas today, is a reliable place to invest and poised to compete effectively in the global economy. It will affirm that the future of our hemisphere belongs to democratic citizens, of the left and the right, who want their elected leaders to govern justly and lawfully, to expand economic freedom and trade, and to invest in their people. And it will send a message across the world that the United States will honor the promises we make to our friends and allies.

Colombia has stood by us. We have stood by them. And we have succeeded together. Now is not the time to jeopardize the fruits of our partnership, but to consolidate them. Now is the time to keep our word to Colombia, just as they have kept their word to us. Anything less is no way for a great nation to conduct itself - and no way to repay a faithful partner.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/promises_among_partners/ 2008-07-24T15:25:00-05:00 In First Meeting, Rice Presses North Korean on Nuclear Effort [NYT]

Iran praises US participation in nuclear talks [AP]

US calls for peaceful resolution of Thai-Cambodia flare-up [AFP]

Iraqi President Vows Veto of Election Bill [WP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0724_top_issues/ 2008-07-24T13:21:00-05:00 Rice to press North Korean envoy on nukes [AP]

Ex-Advisers Warn Against Threatening to Attack Iran [WP]

Key Syrian official skips US trip [AFP]

India's Government Wins Parliament Confidence Vote [WP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0723_top_issues/ 2008-07-23T14:14:00-05:00 Iran Offers 2 Pages and No Ground in Nuclear Talks [NYT]

North Korea To Receive 'Very Strong Message' on Disarmament: Rice [AFP]

Bosnian Serb Captured; Sought for War Crimes [WP]

Zimbabwe Rivals Meet in Bid To End Crisis [NYT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0722_top_issues/ 2008-07-22T14:18:01-05:00 Iran upbeat, but fresh sanctions loom [FT]

US Secretary of State heads to Middle East, Asia [AFP]

Myanmar Says Suu Kyi May Be Freed Soon [AP]

Comment Stings Iraqi Leader on Eve of Obama Visit [NYT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0721_top_issues1/ 2008-07-21T18:26:00-05:00
How will America's diplomatic leverage be affected by the economic rise of others?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_economic_rise/ 2008-07-18T20:44:00-05:00 U.S. Considers Opening a Diplomatic Post in Iran [NYT]

South Korean Official: U.S., North Korea To Meet at Talks [AP]

Palestinians: Peace Talks Set for Washington [AP]

Palestinians: Peace Talks Set for Washington [WP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0718_top_issues/ 2008-07-18T13:21:00-05:00 U.S. Picks Compromise Over Confrontation With Iran [AP]

Dems Call for State To Investigate Iraq Oil Deals [AP]

Iraq Wants To Have Security Control of All Provinces by Year-End [LAT]

U.S. Launches Civilian Rapid Response Force for World Hotspots [AFP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0717_top_issues1/ 2008-07-17T13:22:00-05:00 U.S. Envoy To Join Meeting With Iranian [NYT]

U.S. To Give Czechs Ballistic Missile Defense [WP]

China Expresses "Grave Concern" Over Indictment of Sudan's Bashir [WP]

Misgivings Aired About U.S. Africa Command [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0716_top_issues/ 2008-07-16T12:49:00-05:00 Sudan Vows To Fight Charges of Genocide Against its Leader [WP]

Taliban Breached NATO Base in Deadly Clash [NYT]

Russia To "Neutralize" U.S. Missile Defense Threat: Report [AFP]
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0715_top_issues/ 2008-07-15T13:32:00-05:00 Israel's Olmert Says Peace Deal Closer Than Ever [AP]

Sudan President al-Bashir Charged With Genocide [AP]

Iran Would Allow U.S. Diplomatic Office [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0714_top_issues/ 2008-07-14T13:27:00-05:00 VIEW VIDEO | Full Text

About the Authors: Lynn Butler and Kari Jaksa, summer interns at the U.S. Department of State, report on their experiences during the ministerial events of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum.

Most articles you will read concerning the Seventh AGOA Forum will be filled with facts and figures. As interns in the Bureau of African Affairs and volunteers at the forum, we had the opportunity to see a more human side of US-Africa trade relations.

For those of you new to the acronym "AGOA," it is the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and is a piece of legislation that eliminates trade barriers between the United States and qualifying African nations. To qualify, one must meet standards of democratization and good governance. Currently, 41 African nations receive AGOA benefits.

The annual forum, held this year in Washington, D.C., focused on mobilizing private investment, and was attended by delegations from each qualifying nation as well as representatives from the civil society and the private sector.

Our jobs were to escort dignitaries and ensure that the forum ran smoothly. We also helped to assist the press and document the activities of the day. We seemed to impress many African delegations with our language skills, both breaking into Swahili and French throughout the day as we mixed and mingled with the guests. Though the masses of dark business suits could sometimes appear intimidating, African delegates broke into huge smiles after hearing a familiar language. Our new friends were eager to take pictures and swap business cards during the breaks between sessions. We were just as pleased to meet them and to hear their opinions on topics that we had studied. Just as exciting was the chance to see Secretary of State Rice speak in person for the first time, especially because it was a topic in which we were so invested.

Though the plenary and breakout sessions discussed many crucial issues facing Africa today, it was during the recesses that some of the most significant interactions took place. From these friendly exchanges, true diplomatic relations emerged. Overall, the forum seemed to be successful, and for these two "summer associates" it was an exciting experience and an invaluable lesson in international relations.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/lessons_from_agoa/ 2008-07-21T19:08:00-05:00
Would the G-8 be more or less effective if it were formally expanded to include other countries?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_g8_expansion/ 2008-07-11T20:56:00-05:00 Barak Hints at Israel's Readiness To Strike Iran [AP]

Four Detained After Deadly Istanbul Attack [NYT]

Georgia: Ambassador to Russia Recalled [NYT]

U.S. Blames Pakistan as Afghanistan Incursions Rise [WSJ]

Tsvangirai Denies Negotiations Taking Place [FT]

]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0711_top_issues/ 2008-07-11T13:46:00-05:00 Rice warns Iran that US will defend Israel [AP]

U.S. Consulate in Istanbul Is Attacked [WP]

Rice: Russia should back off regional threats [AP]

US: Could take months to check NKorea nuclear list [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0710_top_issues/ 2008-07-10T12:50:00-05:00 VIEW VIDEO | Full Text

Today, before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William J. Burns testified on U.S. policy toward Iran. We thought DipNote's readers would be interested in what Under Secretary Burns said:

"...I have no illusions about the grave dangers presented by the behavior of the Iranian regime, or the difficulties of changing that behavior. I am convinced that we cannot do it alone, and that a strong international coalition is crucial. Hard-nosed diplomacy, backed up by all the tools at our disposal and as much leverage as we and our partners can muster, is also an essential ingredient. As Secretary Rice said earlier this year, 'America has no permanent enemies, we harbor no permanent hatreds. Diplomacy, if properly practiced, is not just talking for the sake of talking. It requires incentives and disincentives to make the choice clear to those with whom you are dealing that you will change your behavior if they are willing to change theirs.'

That is the kind of approach that helped produce significant breakthroughs with Libya several years ago, including its abandonment of terrorism and the pursuit of nuclear weapons. It is the kind of approach that is beginning to produce results in our multilateral diplomacy with North Korea. It may or may not produce results on Iran, with whom we have had a relationship burdened by deep-seated grievances and suspicions, and a long history of missed opportunities and crossed signals. But it is important for us to try, bearing in mind that our audience is not only the Iranian regime, but also the Iranian people and the wider international coalition we are seeking to reinforce. At a minimum, it seems to me, it is important to create in this Administration as strong an international diplomatic mechanism as we possibly can to constrain Iranian behavior, on which the next Administration can build. Our choices are not going to get any easier in the months and years ahead, but they will be even more difficult if we don't use all our diplomatic tools wisely now."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/policy_toward_iran/ 2008-07-09T18:56:00-05:00 Iran Tests Missiles in Persian Gulf [AP]

U.S., Czech Republic Sign Defense Agreement [AP]

Bush Pushes U.S.-India Nuclear Deal [AP]

Richest Nations Pledge
To Halve Greenhouse Gas [NYT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0709_top_issues/ 2008-07-09T13:09:00-05:00 Iraqi prime minister advocates withdrawal timetable [LAT]

North Korea nuclear talks to resume [AP]

Rice to promote peaceful resolution of Georgian conflicts: US [AFP]

G8 leaders play down hopes over oil price [FT]

US, Poland talk on missile defense [AP]
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0708_top_issues/ 2008-07-08T12:05:00-05:00 G-8 summit opens with spotlight on aid for Africa [AP]

U.S. Helps Remove Uranium From Iraq [NYT]

Bush, Preparing for Talks, Defends Olympics Decision [NYT]

Singh Gains Nuclear-Pact Backing [WSJ]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0707_top_issues/ 2008-07-07T13:08:00-05:00 Fourth of July Photo Gallery

On the Fourth of July, most Americans reflect on our nation and freedom, barbeque with friends and family, and watch fireworks and parades. For U.S. diplomats, the Fourth of July represents an opportunity to share the American experience and strengthen relationships with foreign counterparts. For all of us, this holiday also stands as a reminder of the democratic values we so cherish.

DipNote’s editors asked our colleagues serving around the world to share about their embassies’ Independence Day celebrations, which you'll find below, and we wish all of our readers a Happy Fourth of July!

From the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon:

Embassy Yaoundé held its Independence Day celebration on July 2. The Navy Band "Topside" played a beautiful rendition of the American National Anthem and entertained the embassy's 1,800 guests dancing and singing along with the band.

During her remarks, Ambassador Janet Garvey highlighted the strength of the U.S.-Cameroonian bilateral relationship and commented on Cameroon's recent difficulties saying, "Frankly, the past year has brought great challenges: the attacks in Bakassi, the unrest in February, setbacks to media freedoms and human rights... There has been some laudable progress in fighting corruption, but democracy is hard work and demands constant effort and total commitment ... I trust and hope to see progress on Cameroon’s democratic path in the year ahead. As a friend of Cameroon, the United States will support this effort in any way we can. Friends do not always agree but they listen to each other, share ideas, and speak with candor and honesty."

From the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal:

Just as summer begins and people begin to dread attending yet another national day that seems to stand between them and their vacation, Embassy Lisbon organized a July 4th reception that was a mini-vacation in Americana. Ambassador Thomas Stephenson and his wife Barbara hosted a “Tribute to Hollywood” July 4th event.

Costumed actors (dancers from a local company that had successfully paired with an American company in an embassy-sponsored exchange) portraying Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and others mingled with the crowd, providing a living, breathing representation of the collage of classic clips (compiled by an Embassy Foreign Service National) that played on six large screens. In his remarks, Ambassador Stephenson credited American film with providing a window onto our country for the rest of the world – and noted that many foreign-born directors and actors had helped in this effort of explaining America to the world.

"Never have we seen such a marvelous celebration of America," was what Embassy Lisbon hosts heard from contacts who had perhaps initially dreaded the obligation to attend. Talent from the Embassy itself loomed large; Public Affairs Officer Wes Carrington and Public Affairs Specialist Ana do Carmo performed a provocative skit composed entirely of memorable lines from American cinema. And, if bilateral relations can be unpredictable at times, "like a box of chocolates," we know that in the end we can "handle the truth" that our alliance is sure, partly based on our common cinematic experience.

From the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa:

The U.S. Mission in Pretoria, South Africa, celebrated U.S. Independence Day on July 3, at a reception hosted by Ambassador Eric M. Bost at the American Community Center.

A Congressional delegation comprised of Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA), Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA), Congressman George Miller (D-CA), Congressman Don Payne (D-NJ), Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA), and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA) also attended as part of their official program in South Africa. Congressman Berman is a prominent supporter of the U.S. government’s HIV/AIDS initiative -- the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) -- as well as the author of the recent bill, signed by President Bush on July 1, which removed the visa ineligibility of ANC members that participated in the struggle against apartheid.

The South African government was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sue Van Der Merwe, and over 250 foreign diplomats, dignitaries and officials were in attendance.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/celebrate_fourth_july/ 2008-07-04T21:13:00-05:00
What helps emerging democracies safeguard against threats to democratic gains?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/safeguard_democratic_gains/ 2008-07-03T17:53:00-05:00 15 Hostages Rescued in Colombia [WP]

Committee Questions State Dept. Role in Iraq Oil Deal [NYT]

US, Poland agree on outline deal for missile bases [AP]

Bush Keeps Up Pressure on Iran [NYT]

US prodding UN Security Council to punish Mugabe [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0703_top_issues/ 2008-07-03T12:39:00-05:00 Iran Diplomat Sees Potential for New Nuclear Talks [WSJ]

U.S. Embassy Cites Progress in Iraq [WP]

Message to U.S. Preceded Nuclear Declaration by North Korea [WP]

China Blocks Dissident Lawyers From Beijing Dinner Hosted by Congressmen [WP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0702_top_issues/ 2008-07-02T13:17:00-05:00 White House Mum on Alleged Covert Ops in Iran [AFP]

Zimbabwe President's Spokesman to West: "Go Hang" [AP]

Israel Seals Gaza Crossings After Rocket Attack [AP]

U.S. Wheat Begins New Aid to North Korea [WP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0701_top_issues/ 2008-07-01T13:31:00-05:00 U.S. Is Said to Expand Covert Operations in Iran [WP]

Mugabe Is Sworn In to Sixth Term After Victory in One-Candidate Runoff [NYT]

Foreign outreach called deficient [WT]

U.S. Advised Iraqi Ministry on Oil Deals [NYT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0630_top_issues/ 2008-06-30T13:16:00-05:00
How should the international community respond to the elections in Zimbabwe?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_elections_zimbabwe/ 2008-06-27T16:39:00-05:00 U.S. to Delist North Korea As Sponsor Of Terrorism [WP]

A Grim Image of Politics in Zimbabwe Emerges [NYT]

Israeli settlement activity surges despite peace talks [MCT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0627_top_issues/ 2008-06-27T13:14:00-05:00 Breakthrough Expected Thursday in North Korea Talks [MCT]

Peacekeepers Urged for Zimbabwe [WP]

Japan Government Expected To Press U.S. for Support on North Korea Kidnappings of Japanese [AP]

UN Expert: Deeper Syrian Nuclear Inquiry Needed [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0626_top_issues/ 2008-06-26T14:13:00-05:00 Baghdad Blast Kills Four Americans [NYT]

Iran May Consider U.S. Diplomatic Presence [AP]

North Korea Nuclear Declaration Will Not Include Weapons: U.S. [AFP]

U.S. To Probe Alleged Chinese-Made Ammunition Cover-Up [AFP]

Zimbabwe's Mugabe Refuses To Bow to World Pressure [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0625_top_issues/ 2008-06-25T13:27:00-05:00 UN Says Fair Vote in Zimbabwe is Impossible [AP]

Rice Heads to Asia for Critical North Korea Nuclear Talks [AFP]

Rice Urges Focus on Israeli-Palestinian Peace [AP]

American Envoy Is Linked to Arms Deal Cover-Up [NYT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0624_top_issues/ 2008-06-24T14:22:00-05:00 appeared on DipNote. In the article, the Secretary considers what is in America’s national interest and states that “...Our security is best ensured by the success of our ideals: freedom, human rights, open markets, democracy, and the rule of law.”

How would you define America’s national interest and what factors should be taken into consideration when determining it?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/how_would_you_define_americas_national_interest/ 2008-06-20T19:18:00-05:00 Rice to tour Asia as NKorea breakthrough hopes rise [AFP]

Rice Delivers Stark Assessment of Zimbabwe's President [WP]

U.S. Says Exercise by Israel Seemed Directed at Iran [NYT]

US diplomat to visit Syria on Iraqi refugees [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0620_top_issues/ 2008-06-20T13:09:00-05:00 Rice Urges UN, African Leaders To Press Mugabe on Elections [AFP]

Rice Urges UN, African Leaders To Press Mugabe on Elections [AP]

Rice Stresses Inspections in North Korea [AP]

Fragile Gaza Truce Comes Into Force [AFP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0619_top_issues/ 2008-06-19T14:01:00-05:00 Israel, Hamas Agree on Gaza Strip Truce [WP]

Iran says uranium enrichment to continue [AP]

World’s Refugee Count in 2007 Exceeded 11 Million, U.N. Says [NYT]

Sarkozy wants greater role in NATO [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0618_top_issues/ 2008-06-18T14:25:00-05:00 Rice Visits Lebanon To Bolster New President [AFP]

Brown Says Europe Will Tighten Iran Sanctions [NYT]

Mugabe Warns He Will Not Cede Power in Zimbabwe [AP]

U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia Called Home for Consultations [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0617_top_issues/ 2008-06-17T14:20:00-05:00 Rice Says Houses Hurt Mideast Talks [NYT]

Iran Weighs Nuclear Offer but Expectations Low [AFP]

Karzai Threatens To Send Soldiers Into Pakistan [NYT]

Mugabe Vows MDC Will "Never Rule Zimbabwe" [FT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0616_top_issues/ 2008-06-16T13:47:00-05:00
How Does the Strain on Natural Resources Affect U.S. Foreign Policy?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/natural_resources_foreign_policy/ 2008-06-13T20:22:00-05:00 Opposition Official Arrested in Zimbabwe [WP]

Iraqi Lawmakers Reject Security Draft Pact [AP]

Global Image of U.S. Improves Slightly [NYT]

Burma Says U.S. Aid Can't Be Trusted [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0613_top_issues/ 2008-06-13T14:40:00-05:00 Rice Warns Iran That World Has Lost Its Patience [AP]

Top U.S. Officials Stalling Taiwan Arms Package [WP]

Singh Vows To Press on With U.S. Nuclear Pact [FT]

Pakistan Angry as Strike by U.S. Kills 11 Soldiers [NYT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0612_top_issues/ 2008-06-12T13:15:00-05:00 Bush, E.U. Threaten New Sanctions Against Iran [WP]

Senior official confident of US-Iraq deal in July [AP]

US plays down criticism of Karzai ahead of donors meeting [AFP]

Congress briefed on U.S.-Iraq agreement [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0611_top_issues/ 2008-06-11T14:17:00-05:00 Rice changes mind on nation building [AP]

Bolivian protesters march on US Embassy [AP]

Myanmar frees 15 members of opposition party [AP]

Zimbabwe Opposition Fears New Crackdown [AFP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0610_top_issues/ 2008-06-10T13:24:00-05:00 Iraqi Premier Tells Iran Not to Fear U.S. Presence [NYT]

Bush to press Europe on Iran sanctions [FT]

Chavez urges FARC to end armed struggle [AP]

Violence Ruins Chance Of Free Zimbabwe Poll: HRW [AFP]

Fatah and Hamas in Senegal talks [BBC]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0609_top_issues/ 2008-06-09T13:28:00-05:00 Secretary Rice reccently wrote a comprehensive article on U.S. foreign policy in the July/August issue of Foreign Affairs magazine.

“My admonition in 2000 that we should seek to get right the 'relationships with the big powers' -- Russia, China, and emerging powers such as India and Brazil -- has consistently guided us. As before, our alliances in the Americas, Europe, and Asia remain the pillars of the international order, and we are now transforming them to meet the challenges of a new era.

What has changed is, most broadly, how we view the relationship between the dynamics within states and the distribution of power among them. As globalization strengthens some states, it exposes and exacerbates the failings of many others -- those too weak or poorly governed to address challenges within their borders and prevent them from spilling out and destabilizing the international order. In this strategic environment, it is vital to our national security that states be willing and able to meet the full range of their sovereign responsibilities, both beyond their borders and within them. This new reality has led us to some significant changes in our policy.”]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/secretary_condoleezza_rice_on_foreign_policy_in_the_last_eight_years/ 2008-06-09T13:35:00-05:00
What issue should transatlantic leaders make a priority at the U.S.-EU Summit?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_us_eu_summit/ 2008-06-06T17:23:00-05:00 U.S., British Envoys Attacked by Mugabe Loyalists in Rural Zimbabwe [WP]

Iran: U.S. Pressuring UN To Probe its Nuclear Programs [AP]

Olmert: Israel oving Toward Using Force in Gaza [AP]

Report Accuses Bush of Misrepresenting Iraq Intel [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0606_top_issues/ 2008-06-06T13:50:00-05:00 Palestinian Leader Urges Talks With Hamas [NYT]

Al-Qaida Claims Responsibility for Embassy Attack [AP]

Olmert Wraps-Up U.S. Visit That Focused on Iran [AP]

Zimbabwean Police Charge Mugabe Rival [WP]

]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0605_top_issues/ 2008-06-05T14:46:00-05:00 U.S. Nears Goal for Iraqi Refugees Admissions [AP]

Rice Calls Dialogue With Iran Pointless [NYT]

White House: Congress "Sabotaging" Mexico Aid Deal [AP]

U.S. Suspends Talks To Improve Sudan Ties [AFP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0604_top_issues/ 2008-06-04T15:09:01-05:00 Syria To Allow UN Inspectors at Site Targeted by Israel [NYT]

Assad Wants U.S. "Sponsorship" of Peace Talks With Israel [AFP]

As Olmert Heads to Washington, Peace Deal Seems "Increasingly Unlikely" [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0603_top_issues/ 2008-06-03T14:45:00-05:00 State Deptartment Reinstates Fulbright Grants to Gazans [NYT]

Iraq Acknowledges Differences With U.S. Over Security Pact [AP]

Australia Ends Iraq Combat Operations [WT]

U.S. Aid Ships Could Soon Leave Myanmar Coast [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0602_top_issues/ 2008-06-02T13:41:00-05:00 International Compact with Iraq conference in Sweden, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called upon the international community to provide debt relief to Iraq, cut its war reparations from the Saddam Hussein regime, and increase assistance to the country.

Should the international community relieve Iraq's debts?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_iraqs_debts/ 2008-05-30T18:30:00-05:00 Burma Starts Mass Evictions From Cyclone Camps [Reuters] [AP]

Burma Lashes Foreign Aid, Says Survivors Can Eat Frogs [AFP]

U.S. Withdraws Fulbright Grants to Gaza [NYT]

First UN Peacekeeper Killed in Darfur [AP] [Reuters]


]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0530_top_issues/ 2008-05-30T13:50:00-05:00
As news of the temblor spread back to the United States, the Department, the Embassy and Consulate General Chengdu fielded phone calls from friends and family of travelers known to be in China. Posts, with help from the Department, reviewed the records of Americans who had registered their trips to the region. With this valuable information about who they were looking for, our officers in China set out to bring our citizens to safety.

Our rescue teams traveled far into affected areas, but dangerous travel conditions kept them from reaching the epicenter. Despite the dangers, and loss of power and communications throughout the area, the teams located all known Americans in the region, all safe and sound except for one who reported a minor injury. In the effort to find one of the last missing Americans, who was stranded in mountains near the epicenter, consular staff worked tirelessly with Chinese authorities. They were unable even to contact him until the American called consulate authorities on a satellite phone that the Chinese government included in relief supplies that they airlifted to the isolated region. By phone, the American assured our consular team that he was all right and could safely remain until helicopters could evacuate him.

Along the way the consular teams helped Chinese refugees whom they encountered, sowing goodwill through humanitarian assistance at a grassroots level. During a rest break near Mianyang, the team came across Chinese refugees whose farming village had been destroyed. To tide them over until relief supplies reached them, team members left the villagers cases of water and gave them money from their pockets.

Read more about earthquake relief efforts for China.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/assistance_china_earthquake/ 2008-05-29T22:04:01-05:00 Burma Lashes Out at “Chocolate Bar” Foreign Aid [Reuters]

Aid Agencies Push Burma for More Access to Quake Area [WSJ]

U.S. Envoy: Disarming North Korea in 2008 a "Challenge" [AP]

Treaty Seeks To Ban Cluster Bombs Within 8 Years [AP]

Iraqi PM Calls for Debt Waiver at Global Conference [AFP]

Oil Exporters are Unable To Keep Up With Demand [AFP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0529_top_issues/ 2008-05-29T13:12:00-05:00 Sixty Years On, Human Rights a Global Mess: Amnesty [Reuters]

Amnesty International Condemns U.S., China in Report [AP]

U.S., North Korea Nuclear Envoys Meet in China [VOA]

Zimbabwe Accuses U.S. Envoy of Sneaking Across Border [AFP]

Nuclear Warning From Iran’s Speaker [NYT]

Burma Keeps Suu Kyi Detained, Aid To Continue [AP]

]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0528_top_issues/ 2008-05-28T15:29:00-05:00 UN Says Iran Withholding Information on Nuclear Program [AP]

UN Blames Russia for Downed Drone [NYT]

Suleiman Is Voted Lebanon's Leader, Ending Stalemate [WSJ]

Opposition Supporters Detained in
Burma [AP]

]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0527_top_issues/ 2008-05-27T13:32:00-05:00
Other than sports, can you think of a means by which to bring people and nations together?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_bring_nations_together/ 2008-05-23T16:45:00-05:00 VIEW VIDEO | Full Text

Secretary Rice and British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband visited Google's Mountain View, CA, headquarters this week for a conversation with Google Senior VP David Drummond. The result is an in-depth foreign policy conversation that the editors at DipNote think you will enjoy this Memorial Day weekend. The topics discussed are wide ranging, and the format is one we feel confident our DipNote readers will be absorbed by. This event took place on May 22, 2008, as part of the @Google series. ]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/secretary_rice_at_google/ 2008-05-23T16:12:01-05:00 "Significant Strategic Divisions" Seen Between U.S. and Israel [WSJ]

Rice Defends Post 9/11 Interrogation Techniques [AP]

Can a Cyclone Open the Iron Fist of Myanmar's Generals? [LAT]

The Not-so-diplomatic Ambassador to Zimbabwe [LAT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0523_top_issues/ 2008-05-23T14:44:00-05:00 Israel, Syria Disclose Peace Talks [FT]

Rice Touts "Successful" U.S. Policy Towards Iran [AFP]

UN Chief Pleads With Burma's Junta [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0522_top_issues/ 2008-05-22T15:19:00-05:00 Iran Says Ready To Start "Serious, Targeted" Negotiations [AFP]

White House Denies Israeli Press Report on Plans for Attacking Iran [NYT]

State Media: Myanmar Shuns Aid From U.S. Warships [AP]

U.S. Envoy Calls Plane Incident Accidental [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0521_top_issues/ 2008-05-21T14:34:00-05:00
"One of the Administration’s major foreign policy objectives is to engage with an increasingly influential China to affect choices that Chinese leaders make in ways that serve global stability and U.S. interests.

China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. It possesses one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. It is a nuclear power, and it is the seat of a great civilization. U.S.-China cooperation is in our mutual interest.

Before addressing three important dimensions of U.S.-China cooperation, I want to express condolences on behalf of our government to the Chinese people for the tragic loss of life from Monday’s earthquake in Sichuan province. We have transferred $500,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and are exploring ways to make additional assistance available to China through public-private partnerships and other means. Our interest in the immediate welfare of the Chinese people at such a moment is emblematic of our broader commitment to strategic dialogue and cooperation with China as a nation.

Today, I would like to focus on three vital dimensions of our relations with China: maintaining peace and stability in Asia; motivating China’s positive contributions to global stability; and encouraging China’s greater respect for human rights and freedom of expression..."

You may read the continuation of Deputy Secretary Negroponte’s testimony or view video of it.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/us_china_globalization/ 2008-05-20T21:30:00-05:00 U.S. Confirms Navy Plane Violated Venezuelan Airspace [NYT]

Iran Agrees to Solana's Nuclear Trip, No Date Set [Reuters]

Diplomats Meet on North Korean Weapons [AP]

France Discloses "Contacts" With Hamas Leaders [WP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0520_top_issues/ 2008-05-20T14:59:01-05:00 Abbas Doesn't Want U.S. To Mediate Peace Talks [WT]

Yemen Jails Wanted USS Cole Bomber [WP]

France Acknowledges "Contacts" With Hamas [AFP]

UN Secretary General To Visit Burma [FT]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/monday_may_19/ 2008-05-19T14:10:01-05:00
To what extent should U.S. foreign assistance be conditioned on the behavior of the recipient?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/q_foreign_aid/ 2008-05-16T21:36:01-05:00 Iran Calls UN Sanctions Illegal, Offers Proposal for Talks [AP]

Bin Laden Slams West Over Israel, Vows To Fight On [AFP]

Hezbollah Shows Might in Lebanon But Faces Limits [AP]

Bush in Saudi Arabia To Discuss Oil [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0516_top_issues/ 2008-05-16T13:09:01-05:00 Hezbollah Celebrates Victory as Lebanon Reverses Decisions That Prompted Violence [WP]

Burma Agrees To Increase Aid Flow [NYT]

Fate of U.S.-Indian Nuclear Deal Remains Uncertain [WSJ]

]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0515_top_issues/ 2008-05-15T13:00:01-05:00 U.S. Offers First Public View of North Korean Nuclear Documents [NYT]
[AP]

U.S. To Bolster Aid to Lebanon as Saudis Blame Iran for Supporting "Coup" [WSJ]

Russia Urges Security Guarantees for Iran: Reports [AFP]

With China Coping Well After Earthquake, Aid Groups Focus on Burma [AP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0514_top_issues/ 2008-05-14T14:09:01-05:00 Ex-State Officials Allege Corruption in Iraq [AP]

Earthquake Rocks China [WSJ]

U.S. Alerts Banks to Risks of Iran Support [FT]

Bush’s Legacy on Israel Debated on Eve of Visit [WP]]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/08_0513_top_issues/ 2008-05-13T14:19:01-05:00 On Monday, May 12, USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore accompanied the first airlift of USAID supplies to Burma. On May 9, Administrator Fore spoke with Department Spokesman Sean McCormack for the Department's policy podcast. The following is an excerpt of their conversation:

MR. MCCORMACK: I want to talk about something that is on everybody’s radar screen right now and that is the humanitarian disaster in Burma. And you are at the forefront of the United States’ response to that disaster.

I’d like to, first of all, get your assessment of what’s the situation here. Can you give us a reference point for this, say, versus several years ago, the tsunami or other humanitarian disasters that AID has dealt with?

MS. FORE: Well, it is certainly on everyone’s mind right now, Sean. It’s a tragedy of enormous proportions. It’s on an individual level, on a national level, and on an international level. I think we are all very concerned because time is starting to run out. It is now five days since the cyclone hit and there are people who have been without water, without food, medical kits are not available, so that there are people in great need throughout Burma.

So, our hope is to be able to get our DART teams, which are teams that are professionals who work in the world of international relief -- they’re currently prepositioned in Bangkok ready to go in – and to get more of our aid supplies. We’ve got blankets and plastic sheeting. We’ve got Jerricans for water, health kits, all of which is just very important right now for the people of Burma.

MR. MCCORMACK: And what has been the reaction thus far of the Burmese Government to these offers, not only of assistance from us, but from the rest of the world?

MS. FORE: Well, I think all of us are hoping that the Burmese regime will issue visas and let our international relief workers in to try to help the Burmese people. A few shipments have gone in, so food is beginning to trickle in, food and water and medical supplies. But we need a river of international relief going in. There isn’t enough capacity for distributing the food, so boats and helicopters will be very important and we just need more of that. So, we’re hoping that some of our specialists who know food, sanitation, water can go in and try to help the people.

So, we’re poised, we are ready to be part of a very large international coordinated effort and the American people really want to respond. The President said it very well yesterday and Secretary Rice, and they were saying that the American people want to help now and they want to help the Burmese people. So, that’s what we’re looking forward to.

MR. MCCORMACK: Let me touch a little bit on the diplomacy. What are we doing to try to convince the Burmese Government to allow in this international assistance?

MS. FORE: Well, we’re working on all fronts, diplomatically with a number of countries, but also with the UN and multilateral organizations. It’s a very difficult problem, but it is one that, when you compare it against the tsunami that you mentioned earlier, many countries had not wanted a large international relief effort to come in. It disrupts, it changes life, but they have found that it was enormously useful. This is difficult for any country to deal with alone, but with an international relief effort, you have much more chance to reduce the death toll, to reduce the amount of sickness and disease that will no doubt come.

We’re also very concerned because the rains are due to start again. This Irrawaddy River delta is inundated with water and it looks like we may have lost much of the rice crop. And this is very important for feeding the people in Burma. Rice prices will rise, the water prices are rising, fuel is low, so at this