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Ronald in New York writes:

Dear Secretary Rice:

Please do not allow President Bush to bomb the nuclear sites in Iran; just prior to the November Presidential election.

Thank you.

Posted on Fri Aug 29, 2008

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

"The U.S. military says its airstrike on militants in Herat province killed 30 people, including five women and children, and it will investigate the Afghan report.

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN -- President Hamid Karzai on Saturday denounced an airstrike by U.S.-led forces that his government said killed 76 Afghan civilians.

Civilian casualties are an extremely sensitive subject in Afghanistan, where the government has repeatedly pleaded with Western troops to exercise greater care to avoid injuring and killing noncombatants. Karzai broke down in tears during one such appeal."

Is this the fruit of our labors?

While our strategists play cunning war games for Great and Noble Causes, people scream in vain for restraint. Are we too cowardly to kill our enemies with our own hands but instead prefer slaughtering innocents with bombs? How can it be that the thought of these poor, little, broken bodies does not pierce through to our very hearts? Does it not make one pause and ask themselves if these calculated tactics cause more harm than good? Are we so proud of our high science that we must birth these machines of death that kill so many who do not deserve to die? Is there truly no other way? We struggle, vainly, to do righteous deeds, but instead our fingers bloody all we grasp. More children who will never stand-fast- struck with awe at the glorious rise of the morning sun. Now, more mothers feed the cold hungry earth- never again to feel the caress of their husbands or touch with tender care the cheeks of their babes. Another brother taken, another son lost. Try as we might, to bring peace, freedom, and prosperity, what cruel curse is it that causes us to trample underfoot very lives we seek to protect? Their blood stains our souls. Right now, as widows' cries echo through the night, Our American Dream is surly their unfathomable nightmare.

If this is the fruit of our labors, I'd rather starve.

Posted on Sun Aug 24, 2008

Warren writes:

I hope your read this. I ran a cable tv company in Moscow for two years. I also traveled to 14 provincial cities working on the cable TV systems there. I have many Russian friends. I sat back for the last three years and shook my head whith what was going on. I met with many influential Russian Bureaucrats and in fact worked for one of bigger oligarchs. In preparation for my job I have read over 30 books on Russian history. So I think i am qualified to state the following

1. Once Putin controlled the oligarchs there was a clear order which was Russian control of commerce around the world. He let them amass as much wealth as possible to buy up everything they can. We let them do this why at the same time he pushed all US business out. Meanwhile the provides look like third world countries.

2. Your right they are still very mad about losing the speres of influence and will use military force to get them back. I am doing business in the Ukraine and believe me the Ukrainians are very worried at every level.

3. Your right you have to isolate them commercially. That means no visas period for any of their business men. The one thing that can make a difference is this and the UK should do the same. The population who recently has enjoyed travelling after years of confinement would react to this in a big way. All of western Europe should do this it would stop them in their tracks.

We don't have to worry about retaliation since we can't do business there anyway. I got the boot because Mayor Luzkov told my oligarch that no American was going run a communications company in Moscow.

I know is very complicated but we can influence what they do through commerce. Another case of our open society being taken advantage of.

Posted on Sun Aug 17, 2008

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ Joe in Washington, DC --

You'll be pleased to know that the Public Diplomacy Council is already on our blog list and now currently visible on our main page. We have about 20 entries on the blog roll, but only 10 are visible at any given moment. We are working to address this, and you should see some changes in the near future. We appreciate your suggestion and encourage you to continue reading and posting.

Posted on Tue Aug 12, 2008

Joe in Washington, DC writes:

As a member of the Public Diplomacy Council, I noticed on your blog roll that the listing for the Public Diplomacy Institute takes me to an outdated page. A more active page is sponsored by the Institute's affiliate, the Public Diplomacy Council, available at http://www.publicdiplomacycouncil.org

The Council, well known to public diplomatists throughout State, requests a link on your blog roll.

Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ Ben in Washington, DC --

The Office of Secure Transportation is located within the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration.

You might also find information about the State Department's Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs' Transportation Division of interest.

Posted on Wed Aug 06, 2008

Ben in Washington, DC writes:

My question is does the Department of State have an called "Office of Secure Transportation"?

I searched your web site and couldn't find a POC or any information. If this Office does exist can you please provide some contact information.

Thanks

Posted on Wed Aug 06, 2008

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

@ John in Greece

Great analogy! Thanks for sharing!

Posted on Mon Aug 04, 2008

John in Greece writes:

I will attempt to follow your very interesting question and query through this simple thought of mine:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/phoenix/main/index.html

“NASA found water in Mars.”

Your question is tough (good question!) … For the simple comment I will post…
However, I will try…

How this (water in Mars) will affect our lives in the next 5 years?

I do not think it will at all, except the “scientific and industrial amenities” we are going to receive from this program-operation.

But, it will probably affect our lives in 10, 20… or 50 years.

Who knows?

We can even go there.

Mars!

So, it probably has a serious meaning and result.
(According to my opinion, DipNote does exactly the same! It creates healthy thoughts that develop global positive political and diplomatic decision making we may not understand right now, but we will...)

Posted on Sat Aug 02, 2008

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

@ Any DipNote Bloggers,

I am curious. Since the launch of the blog in '07 and the accompanying reading of hundreds of posts and coordination between contributing authors, what has been gleaned from this operation? At the quiet end of a long day as you stare through your glass, be it water or wine, when your eyes are blurry and tired from all the reading, ears numb from the phone, what floats to the surface of the mind in relation to all this? What wisdom can be imparted for us interested readers?

Posted on Tue Jul 29, 2008

Jonathan in California writes:

As a student considering a career in diplomacy, I have strong hopes that "Dipnotes" will be an informative tool for learning about a diplomat's life. I appreciate both the desire to promote public dialogue about current events and the effort to give readers a glimpse of life as a diplomat.

Posted on Sat Jul 26, 2008

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

Some people call it coincidence, some call it synchronicity, others might call it divine intervention. I don't know what to call it, but I just had the honor to meet the Ambassador to the US from Cyprus, Mr. Andreas Kakouris. Here I am, enmeshed the deepest I've ever been in the study of international affairs, with dreams to some day become a Foreign Service Officer myself, and I happen to cross paths with a man of such class who is doing exactly what I wish to do, it has left me a bit stunned by the sense of the ironic. To say that I was rooted to the spot in awe might be a bit of an over-statement, but not by much.

But first, let me qualify that statement. In my line of work as a humble night auditor at a local hotel, and a few instances outside of it, I've had the opportunity to meet a number of powerful and influential people, why just the other day I helped a man to his room and afterwards his golf partner confided in me that his friend's assets were around the tune of 40 billion dollars, another time an English gentleman stayed with us for several months who had been knighted and was the member of a prestigious Order, he had met the Queen of England on a number of occasions. Those are to name a few, and there are a couple more. So, though I come from poor and modest background, I am hard to impress. None of those people held any particular sway for me. But none of those people ever carried themselves with such an aura of dignity and calm as Mr. Kakouris. From the moment he checked in, it was obvious he was a statesman, for he had a regal but humble air about him. As he came down this morning we had a chance to chat. His stature and mannerisms were elegant, dress impeccable, his voice was of fine modulation -- pleasing to the ear, and his manner of utmost congeniality.

After he revealed his occupation I managed to get out: "I'd just like to say that I'm honored to be in the presence of such a distinguished individual as yourself."

He said: "It's just a title." Then he added some advice, "You take your job very seriously, but-", and he leaned towards me with a little twinkle in his eye, "never take yourself too seriously." And with that, he was off. I can't say I've been more impressed with some one in such a short amount of time as this, I'm sure I'll remember it for a long while.

One last thing that made an impression, as we were talking, the cab pulled up and gave a ring, but Mr. Kakouris did not rush off, instead, he made the cabbie wait, just a minute or two, until we finished our conversation. Most people, when the cab arrives immediately cut the conversation short, sometimes in the middle of a sentence, and scurry out the door to get back to their very busy and important lives, but not this time. For a person of his status to show the patience and deference to a humble night auditor like me, made me feel like a prince among peers. Like a million bucks. But it also really made me pause and think about how I treat others and if I do it as kindly as he. It's those kinds of quiet actions that speaks volumes about another person and their character. I wish Ambassador Kakouris the best and hope that some day, I too, will be a gentleman of such fine Stateliness and Integrity.

Posted on Fri Jul 25, 2008

Ronald in New York writes:

First there was the Deck of Iraqi Cards

Now we have the Mosque Calendars

How about DIPNOTE t-shirts

Greatest Hits of Zarkhov? (a two-CD set)

The point?

State is very light on substance.

Posted on Wed Jul 23, 2008

Ronald in New York writes:

Dear Sean:

Right now, Kosovars are being flame-throwered out of their family homes, and brought up on false gun charges by corrupt officials who are laundering drugs, arms and development monies with organized crime groups. Their businesses are being seized; and their lives are threatened if they complain or attempt to file charges. The UN, USG, and other authorities have yet to take action; and it is beginning to look like there is an international negative contract to create good news in the Balkans. What do you think?

Posted on Wed Jul 23, 2008

Preben in Belgium writes:

Dear,

I would like to make contact with Mr.Sean McCormack.
Thank you for your time.

Yours sincerely
Preben


Posted on Wed Jul 23, 2008

John in Greece writes:

I think that this "book suggestion" conversation is one more outstanding highlight of our Blog's scope and vision. Please guys suggest an AMERICAN-ENGLISH dictionary too.

Nowadays, a good, reliable New World Dictionary is as important as an encyclopedia used to be when we were children. (now, the role of the encyclopedia is played by the internet -within the obvious dangers). Nevertheless, the meaning of the words remain and... words become stronger than they used to be!)

After I read your comments, I kept notes, I bookmarked books, I searched through the internet -- thank God there is "Amazon", because, for people like me overseas is not so easy to find good "international" books at the local stores... in descent prices.
However, exactly like Kirk, I will order some.

Eric and Kirk shared with us their pure experience with their first encyclopedia. What they described is exactly what we all felt when we "met" with our first volumes "in boxes". (I do not know about the States, but here in Greece, encyclopedias were delivered in paper-boxes back then).

However, the most important is that Mr. Luke Forgerson, Eric and Kirk made us -through their amazing writing- travel back and dream.

This is -- among other amenities -- the real, human face of this Blog.

We can travel!

Posted on Tue Jul 22, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

Thanks for the list Luke.

One thing probably influenced my interest in foreign affairs more than any reading of history, was personal interaction in somewhat impromptu and quite interesting "street diplomacy" over the years.

First time in NYC, 1989, standing in line at a pretzel stand across from the UN, what do I see? A Palestinian and a Hasidic Jew in traditional dress having an intense, but polite debate in English regarding Mideast peace.

Being a tourist, I did what tourists do, and asked them for directions...then mentioned that I couldn't help overhearing their debate, and could I ask them a question?

"Sure, why not?" one said.

I said, " How is it that the two of you can have this rational debate on the streets of America, yet the people of your homelands cannot on their own streets?"

They looked at one another and asked each other.."You want to answer that?"

So the fellow from Israel turns to me and says, " The answer to your excelent question is that we are standing on neutral territory."

"Ah!" I said, gesturing to the UN building. " This I can fully understand, but tell me....If your two peoples cannot resolve this conflict in your homelands, when will you bring your conflict to our shores?"

They had no verbal answer to this, only a sudden realization that they already had brought it. So we all introduced ourselves, and they got a Bhuddist perspective on their troubles for what might have been the very first time for each of them. And I got their perspective on the issues in return.

Years before it manifest as terrorism here in the States.

Posted on Tue Jul 22, 2008

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

@ Luke Forgerson, DipNote Blogger

Fantastic idea! I am eagerly awaiting the implementation and sure the results will be resounding success. Whenever I finish reading a biography on some one I admire and want to emulate, the first question that comes to mind is, "What were the books this person read? What doctrines and works shaped this person's thoughts and caused them to take the actions they did?" Following up on that question has almost always netted me another great read. I think people will be excited and curious to know what's on desk and shelf of our U.S. Diplomats.

Also, thank you for that link. Now I have purchased 4 great looking books and will spend the next 5 days or so impatiently checking my mailbox!

Related, since military considerations are an aspect of diplomacy, I point interested readers to the U.S. Army Chief of Staff's reading list:
http://www.history.army.mil/reference/CSAList/CSAList.htm

I personally recommend
"Leadership: The Warrior?s Art" by Christopher Kolenda (writer & editor),
"On Becoming A Leader" by Warren Bennis,
and,
"Thinking In Time" By Richard E. Neustadt and Ernest.


@ Eric in New Mexico

I had a similar experience, my mother bought an encyclopaedia set when I was young (it's crazy to think a $900, 30 book set, now fits on a $20 CD). I cannot accurately describe the positive impact it had on me (although sometimes I think she just bought it to shut me up, since I kept pestering her with all those "how come..." questions!) Judging by your interest in international affairs, it seems as if "Lands and Peoples" gave you a firm foundation to build on!

Posted on Tue Jul 22, 2008

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ Kirk in Kentucky -- Great minds think alike. We've been discussing a similar idea at recent staff meetings. In the near future, we'll be launching a feature focused on what U.S. diplomats are reading. In the meantime, you might be interested in the American Foreign Serve Association's Foreign Affairs Professional Reading List.

@ John in Greece -- Thanks so much for your kind words about the blog. We are pleased to hear that you enjoy reading it. Keep the suggestions coming!

Posted on Mon Jul 21, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

When I was a little boy in the 60's, my parents were want to buy any door to door encyclopedia salesman's product in the interests of my education...which was a good thing.

But one series called "Lands and Peoples" put out by Time/Life (if I remember correct) was my first reading material on foreign affairs...at 7 or 8 years old.

In a way it was like a hugely expanded version of DoS Country notes you can access on the home page.

Sure broadened my understanding of the diversity among us.

Posted on Mon Jul 21, 2008

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

I'd like to ask any who comes across this post, the Dipnote Bloggers as well, to state what were some of the most influential books in your life. The ones that have aided most in your understanding of diplomacy, personal development, human relations, and the like.

As for me:
Marcus Aurelius, To Himself.
The memoirs of the Roman Emperor taught me patience when dealing with others, keeping a balanced view, compassion, and cultivating inner resolve. It also was the book that introduced me to philosophy. I fell in love with this book and encourage everyone to read it.

Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. Perseverance, ethics, being accountable to one's self, and temperance of character.

Other books: Man's Search for Meaning, Art of War, The Prince, Five Rings, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Prometheus Rising.

Posted on Mon Jul 21, 2008

John in Greece writes:

@ Kirk in Kentucky -- I am sure they will do their best in DoS to promote the most intelligent Blog ever happened. However, we should not forget that DipNote is a newborn baby.

Sometimes, I'm in a hurry too, because I love the "baby" and I would love him/her to "talk" to me.

@ DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson -- I did not know about the Diplomats in Residence. Very interesting. Obviously it sounds like a powerful promotional tool. Keep up the good work!

However, with all the respect Sir, I would suggest that you should also consider the international perspective of the Blog too.

Maybe, you could also communicate -and promote the "site"- to Colleges and Universities outside U.S.A.

Posted on Thu Jul 17, 2008

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

@ John in Greece

Indeed, synthesis is the essence of creation. That is the beauty of global and international communication, forums where like minds with different perspectives can build on each other's knowledge to gain a wider scope of vision and thought. Now, instead of two vague ideas, we have two, more clearly defined inter-related ideas. Perhaps a duel channel mechanism? Where one or two "official" spokespersons can field the questions from journalists, giving another outlet for news agents to get the official word (and indirectly promote the blog) and another small group that can examine blogger questions, pick the ones that they think would contribute the most to the blog and answer them. I wonder how difficult something like that would be to implement? They have to read all the comments anyway. I believe that the gentleman that responded to the last posts, Forgerson, was a Public Affairs Specialist before this, so I'm sure he and the other folks on this crew would have some idea whether these ideas have any merit. Regardless, I'm interested in seeing how the Dipnote blog develops.

John, I like the way you think, I'll be keeping an eye out for your future posts.

What has started as a bright idea may end up becoming a powerful tool of interaction between the people "out there" and the "system inside." The more readers the blog can garner, the more opportunity the State Dept. has to explain it's positions, positively influence public perception, and rally support behind its policies. And, of course, people feel better and more relaxed when they know they are being heard and considered.

Posted on Wed Jul 16, 2008

John in Greece writes:

@ Kirk in Kentucky

I think that we suggest the same idea from a different perspective. It's great anyway! (I mean thinking almost the same, but in a creative way)

In fact, (please allow me to explain myself) I think that you are suggesting this new area ("Submit A Question") in order to enrich the Blog's content, while I "used" your idea in order to enrich the promotion "channel" of it.

Again, very good idea Kirk!

Keep on posting things. Best regards.

Posted on Tue Jul 15, 2008

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ Eric in New Mexico --

Great suggestion, Eric! The State Department's Diplomats in Residence are valuable resources on their university campuses and in their respective regions. They provide information about the State Department and Foreign and Civil Service careers and internships. The Diplomats in Residence are definitely aware of DipNote, and you'll be pleased to know that we'll be working more with them in the coming academic year.

Thanks to John in Greece and Kirk in Kentucky for your great suggestions, too. We're taking your comments into consideration and look forward to additional feedback.

Posted on Tue Jul 15, 2008

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

@ John in Greece --

Those are great suggestions! However, in this context I must admit that, as non-journalist, I would be looking forward to being able to query the State Dept. on its stances that sometimes are not the current vogue news; and I think a lot of other people would like to have that opportunity, as well.

That said, I still think your idea has great merit. The only issue that could be a concern, as I see it, would be redundancy. In that, to give a response to a blogger, a State Dept. employee would probably only have to "stick to the policy line" but could offer their thoughts in an informal manner. But to make a statement to a journalist is akin to the Press Releases they have everyday, and one would have to be authorized to make official statements. That muddies the water a bit and almost infringes on the Press Spokespersons. With a little bit of sculpting, though, your idea could be quite useful! I am interested in seeing what they have to say....

Posted on Tue Jul 15, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

I just don't think a State Dept press briefing would be quite the same without the essential Mr. Lambros asking off-the-wall questions. And I'm just dying for him to ask Sean one of these days if the Dept of State has done any contingincy planning for State's diplomatic role when and if little green men ever pay us a visit?....(chuckle).

Posted on Mon Jul 14, 2008

John in Greece writes:

@ Kirk in Kentucky -- Fantastic idea Kirk, especially if this "Submit A Question" section is "dedicated" to journalists ONLY, around the world and U.S.A.. That's how we can gain huge worldwide promotion for the Blog:

Journalists can ask a question (maybe on the pick of the week issue), get their answer, present it as their own exclusive "interview" and publish it or air it nationally or internationally, referring to the source: "Sean MacCormack told us" through DipNote" ...etc.

This is real web worldwide promo that takes advantage of media coverage!

Of course DipNote should think of a logistic limit concerning the number of questions being answered weekly (especially Mr. Lambros...), otherwise Sean will kill us for this idea, when he gets the first 1000 question in a few days (I'm joking, he's doing a great job! Tom too!).

Posted on Sun Jul 13, 2008

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

Greetings!

The discovery of this blog has made for some great reading the last few days. The articles are so wonderfully written and some of the contributors have really impressed me with their breath and depth of the issues.

I think an exciting and popular addition would be a "Submit A Question" area where officers and staff can answer the questions that inquiring minds want to know, much like the State Dept.'s "Ask An Ambassador" segment. Despite all the press statements and such, most of what we get told revolves around the State Dept's major policy thrust & immediate reactions to world events, and there isn't much opportunity for the average person to get answers to some of the other issues out there. Most reporters seem to be interested in only a few head-line grabbing key issues and their insatiable appetite for play-by-play updates seem to overshadow the less breaking-news interests. I think this would be a nice way to have a relaxing and informal dialogue and see what's on the minds of everyone here and abroad.

So how about it?

Posted on Sat Jul 12, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ John in Greece -- John in Greece, that's easy. State get the "Diplomats in Residence" at their respective universities to put flyers up on the campus bulletin boards.

Dipnote would get 100,000 hits extra within the first week I bet.


Posted on Sat Jul 12, 2008

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ John in Greece --

Great idea! We're open to other suggestions, and look forward to hearing from our readers.

Posted on Fri Jul 11, 2008

John in Greece writes:

Eric in New Mexico and Santi in Indonesia inspired a real important "project" in which all of us can contribute. Let's "create" a theoretical brain storming team (through our posts) suggesting promotion ideas that can help and increase the popularity of DipNote.

I had a first idea: all university students should learn about the existence of the Blog. Especially students that study political science, diplomacy, international relations etc.

But, how can we communicate the existence of DipNote to them?

Maybe by organizing an annual international (inside U.S.A. too) diplomacy student essay competition that someone can participate by submitting his work ONLY THROUGH THE BLOG. This would offer us the chance to communicate DipNote's competition to universities and universities to communicate DipNote's address to student bodies.

This is just a simple thought. I will try to come up with more ideas.

Posted on Fri Jul 11, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Santi, it would probably help if a link to Dipnote were avalable on every US embassy home page of their respective websites.

By the way, we don't get a whole lot in the media here regarding the status of recovery from the Tsunami tragedy, as other issues have taken front and center.

So can you give me a sense of where things stand today?

Thanks.

Posted on Thu Jul 10, 2008

Santi in Indonesia writes:

This blog is interesting, i work for the state department and have just found out about this blog by accident. I think this blog needs to be more promoted!

Posted on Wed Jul 09, 2008

John in Greece writes:

This is ridiculous! Another hit against Democracy and Global Diplomacy.

Some minutes ago, I was informed through TV breaking news that we had an attack against the American Consulate in Turkey.

Once again, unjustly, without a cause, terrorism and fanatics hit or attempt to hit another American diplomatic mission.

Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded policemen.

Let's hope that all diplomats and local employees working at the embassy are safe and healthy.

Posted on Wed Jul 09, 2008

Hiroshi in Japan writes:

Dear Sir.

I would like to mention a word of abduction by North Korea.

In the World War Two, south east Asia people devoted their whole life to Japan at that time.

Extremely speaking, it is so natural young Japanese people taken by North Korea around 1970.

How do you think about my thought? Thank you so much.

Posted on Thu Jul 03, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

(Chuckle)...Ronald, you're probably right about those fog lights, but you'd still only be using applied probability theory to arrive at your destination.

@ llyas in Pakistan -- Welcome, I just wanted to say I think that folks in America take a high degree of interest in Afghanistan on many levels, including the history.

Most were simply trying to understand the story behind 9/11.

Then you have the fact that our citizens are there helping stand up a nation to be on its own feet, and that I believe makes it of continuing personal interest to all.

Posted on Tue Jun 24, 2008

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ Gary in Illinois -- On September 15, 1789, Congress passed "An Act to provide for the safe keeping of the Acts, Records, and Seal of the United States, and for other purposes." This law changed the name of the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of State because certain domestic duties were assigned to the agency.

The answers to your questions are courtesy of the Department's Frequently Asked Historical Questions web page.

You may also find the Timeline of U.S. Diplomatic History interesting.

Posted on Tue Jun 24, 2008

Ilyas in Pakistan writes:

A desirable initiative. I got to learn about it through Atlantic Community wherein I'm a member.

I had recommended to Ms. Gibson, Editor-in-Chief of Dipnote, that history of Afghanistan may be disseminated among the people as there appears to be a blissful ignorance of the same in U.S. etc. The mess that we have created therein may costs us all, including Pakistan, dearly, if history is any guide.

Posted on Tue Jun 24, 2008

Gary in Illinois writes:

When did the State Dept. start and under what name did it start?

Posted on Mon Jun 23, 2008

Kevin in Canada writes:

I am unfamiliar with the DIPNOTE Jargon however I am constantly learning and improving myself daily and eager to read more jargon terms which are conveyed in other mediums.

Posted on Fri Jun 20, 2008

Ronald in New York writes:

Hi Eric;

I occurs to me that we could use the fog-lights as we
travel over the bridge to the New Millennium.

Posted on Mon Jun 09, 2008

Alex in Virginia writes:

I am a retired U.S. Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer and I rejoined State on March 12, 2008 when I was sworn in at FSI (by the HRO) as a WAE. The NEA/SA Bureau is my Sponsoring Bureau.

Apart from my Management Officer/SGSO duties at Embassies and Consulates in Asia, North Africa, Europe and recently in the Middle East/Gulf Region I have always had an abiding interest in international political events, etc.

In my previous 20 years in the Engineering & Construction/Oil & Gas busines prior to joining State in 1990 I worked in Houston, TX, San Francisco, CA , South Korea, Singapore, Norway and West Africa.

Thank you.

Posted on Wed Jun 04, 2008

Patti in Illinois writes:

I'm honored to have been born in Kansa City, Missouri, USA.

Mr. President, I respect and admire the hard work you have done while our President of the United States. May our retirement be fulfilling involving worthwhile work in Texas.

Posted on Sun May 18, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Kenneth in Canada -- Kenneth, Iran's been calling for "Death to America" at Friday prayers since 1979. You'd think these pissed off preachers would grow up and get over it, being as we've not "obliterated" them in all this time.

But facts are facts, see this isn't really about Iran vs. the U.S. It's Iran vs. the world.

Here's a real eye opening article on the instructions the Iranian state media gets from the Iranian leadership.

In their own words.

Stuben wasn't sent by Germany to train the American revolutionary army, he probably had a problem with the British using Hussian mercenaries from his own country to fight in America.

Enjoy the reality check.

http://www.iranvajahan.net/cgi-bin/news.pl?l=en&y=2008&m=04&d=16&a=13

Posted on Mon May 05, 2008

Kenneth in Canada writes:

Has the U.S. government now created a new term Surgical Strike for an unprovoked attack? Today's news came out with a statement that the U.S. was about to make a Surgical Strike on Iran's Republican Guard Training Centres, because they suspected that Iran was training people for service in Iraq. By that statement, I would like to point out that Kapititan Steuben trained American INSURGENTS to fight British troops during the American Revolution. Did this give Britain the right to attack his Steuben's country?

The U.S. must get over the idea that since the Soviet Union was dissolved in the early 1990's, it can now use its power to dictate to the world. If it makes an unwarranted attack on Iran, then any country can use that same option to make SURGICAL STRIKES on the U.S.A. if need be. I personally hope that the U.S. is not foolish enough to attack Iran. Because if it does, I know I will be on the side that strikes mainland U.S.A. with a vengeance, because it might usher in World War III, which I do not want.

No country in the world should ever be so foolish to think that it can get away with murder, and that includes the U.S. So please tell your leaders that one mistake can cost them their own country, by default. Because there are now people around the world that cannot be bought with U.S. Dollars, and will rise against the U.S. if it takes the law into its own hands. That is my warning to the American People,who will suffer whether they are guilty or not, because of the errors made by their naive leaders.

Posted on Sun May 04, 2008

Kenneth in Canada writes:

Mark in Illinois, you have really got to be kidding about the regime of terror.com being real. Most of the stuff that I have read could well be a page out of KGB's propaganda office. I used to think the Soviets were brainwashing the people, but now I am not too sure who was worse, the Soviets or the U.S. I monitor the garbage that is being put over websites across the U.S. and have come to the conclusion that there is really no difference from the Soviet era.

Nazi Germany had its morons who hung on to every word the party said. Along came the Stalinist and they too fell into the trap which made them mere puppets. Today we the the U.S. government or the Bush regime which gives its daily dose of propaganda to all and sundry in the, I hope to GOD that not every American is as naive as you are and can see through this garbage, and distances themselves from it.

It's just possible that I am suspicious of every nation that talks of peace while preparing for war, that is the reality America of today. Perhaps having spent time in Mao's China, I got to know the meaning of propaganda and brainwashing. So, I do know what I am talking about.

Posted on Thu May 01, 2008

Jerrie in California writes:

Hello,

I have to write a paper for a cultural anthropology symposium in Mid-May. I decided to write about how technology has changed how people view the conflict in the Middle East. I'm not interested in discussing the complications and problems of the war just how technology has given immediate access to websites like yours that allows open communication between the general public and our government. So I guess my question is how do you think technology has changed communication regarding wars vs. how the war in say Vietnam was brought to the American people? I hope that was clear, I am not use to writing to government officials :)

Posted on Thu May 01, 2008

Mark in illinois writes:

@ Ken in Canada -- It's funny that I have speeches on my site (http://regimeofterror.com) showing Saddam praising jihad against the U.S. throughout the 90's and plenty of times before and after the current war. He also trained THOUSANDS of jihadists in terror camps in activities such as carbombing, suicide bombing, IED's etc in the years before the war. These are from Saddam's own documents and the testimony of his own men.

It's alright to want to debate but all opinions aren't equal and someone who reads only misleading news headlines is not of equal opinion who has spent years scouring foreign and domestic reports, interviewing people etc..

Read the original reports. If anyone is uninformed, it is you Dave. It's not that hard to read up and educated yourself.

Posted on Mon Apr 28, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack -- All silliness aside, (chuckle, still amused..) I thought I'd offer a suggestion on improving the reader base of the blog.

If the blog has a link to it on every U.S. embassy website mainpage, that I think will help foster more international participation in commentary from a more diverse readership.

A few shameless plugs for the blog at press briefings might not be a bad idea either...(chuckle)

Point being that there's an urban myth out there that this administration takes no regard for public opinion.
(polls do not influence policy, badly translated )

This blog directly refutes the myth, and is the story.

Whether the press considers this newsworthy or not is another matter.

Keep up the good work folks!

Posted on Wed Apr 23, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ DipNote Bloggers -- "Hi Eric. You'll be happy to hear that if you bookmark DipNote today, it will say 'Blog.' Thanks!"

---
It was very amusing, and I think I'll leave it as is for posterity's sake. Kind of enjoy thinking of it as the "Blobosphere" anyway. And hey folks, how often do you get to invent new jargon anyway? Gotta love it. Don't thank me, Thank You! for making it so enjoyable to visit!

The IT guys should be given a bonus!

Posted on Fri Apr 18, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

Dear Sean McCormack , I don't think you broke your own rules, you simply stretched the parameters of jargon. If you think about it from the standpoint that all here that contribute comment are "Citizen Ambassadors."

By the way, when I put this site on "my favorites," an odd thing happened. The tag for the site reads on my computer as "Dipnote Official State Department Blob"

That's "Blob," not blog.

I think someone at State must have one heck of a sense of humor.

Please allow me then to "Blob" this thought onto the world stage as a Citizen Ambassador from the U.S.;

"We're all dysfunctional, get over it already!"

World peace can be achieved through the things we hold in common, as long as we all realize what we have in common.

Got to start somewhere. Time now I think for a healthy dose of "Get a grip," globally.

Best Regards.

---
DipNote Bloggers write:

@ Eric in New Mexico -- Hi Eric. You'll be happy to hear that if you bookmark DipNote today, it will say "Blog." Thanks!

Posted on Fri Apr 18, 2008

Kenneth in Canada writes:

@ Tony in China -- I think that Tony in China is quite right in his observations. It's double standards to raise the question of Human Rights violations by China in Tiber, by the U.S. without raising the issue of Human Rights violations in Kashmir by the Indian occupation forces. There must be no double standards, even one party is an ally or supposedly neutral country.

But in the case of India it is hypocrisy from the start. The issue is that India signed a UN agreement to the effect that it would permit plebiscite in Kashmir, that would allow its people self-determination in October 1947. But as with all treaties and agreements sign by India, it was abrogated by the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

If the U.S. wants to hold China responsible for the Tbet question, I think that it should also hold India to that very same standard.

Posted on Thu Apr 17, 2008

Tony in China writes:

I criticize the method used by the U.S. government to deal with the Tibet issues with double-standards. As a Chinese, I hope it will be equal to communicate with American.

Posted on Thu Apr 17, 2008

Patricia in Saudi Arabia writes:

I read the comments with interest. I have been in KSA for 8 years. Yes, there are hugh differences but I really don't believe you get to know the people if you don't associate with them. I mean in their homes with their families. I have been fortunate enough to have that experience. I have been welcomed as part of the family, even travelling with them. Not only the immediate family but their extended family as well. I have found close friends which is very important when you are away from your own. I don't speak any Arabic but when I enter their homes, the family tries to speak but actions and signs. I do think that some of the customs are difficult to understand but it's their way of life. We are fortunate that as females the only thing we have to adhere to is the abaya. The females are controlled not only by the fathers but also all males in the family as well as "what people would say." There are definately some things I dislike. The holding of passports, the exit-entry visa which is very difficult if you have older parents and need to travel quickly, especially on a weekend. Not being able to drive seems not important when I consider the things mentioned above. I have pointed out any times to my employers that when they go outside the country their passports are not held. With the dollar being in such a state right now, I find myself still wanting to stay because I love it here.

Posted on Tue Apr 15, 2008

Sybel in Wisconsin writes:

While at the American University, Washington, D. C., one of our friends suggested that several of us study in Europe. Therefore, we travelled. The young man that we did keep up with is the one who may have worked in your department. At any rate, he led two of us through Checkpoint Charlie in 1963. We took a student tour and ended up spending a day in East Berlin. His name is Lynn Coon. Evidently his son may resemble him a great deal and may have become friends at college with one of our neighbors. Is there a way for your Department to check as to whether he did ever work there? He travelled to Vienna when I did and then went on to Meissen, Poland. Eastern Europe was evidently an area he became interested in. he also attended The American University and originally hailed from Iowa.

Posted on Sat Apr 12, 2008

Kenneth in Canada writes:

I just could not get over the statement by Robert of Washington, DC in which he tells Michael that he is entitled to his own opinion, but that that this is offensive and insulting to those in the Foreign Service.

What gave me jolt was the statement on how action has to be against certain countries for the defence of democracy. Let's look at the picture very clearly. I believe that all insurgents should treated equally, and this attitude of treating some as patriots and others as terrorist has got me stymied. I don't not think there is any difference between one insurgent and another, and my reason is this. I do not beieve that those fighting in Iraq to free their country from foreign domination are any different to George Washing and his band that wanted the British out of the American colonies. If the Iraqis are terrorists, then so are the American patriots under George Washington.

Robert from Washington, DC made a statement which cannot be borne out in reality. During the U.S. War the U.S. Navy was involved in an act of piracy, by the fact that it used arms to board the the RMS "Trent," a British ship on the high seas and took into custody two Confederate representatives at gunpoint. The U.S. government was so afraid of starting another war with Britain while the Civil War was on, that it immediately apologized and released the two Confederate representative. Thus the U.S. has made it a point to only attack weaker nations and not those nations that possess any means of retaliation. So, Robert in Washington, DC please stop your self praise and false arguments, they show you up to be another amateur trying to act like a professional, because you lack the experience. Go, get a job that you can handle, not one that is gotten by your connections, because it shows.

If you are trying to impress people, first study the subject and then you might be able to pass on knowledge.

Posted on Sun Apr 06, 2008

Kenneth in Canada writes:

When I read some of the material put out by governments and people, I still believe that our world has been brain-washed to such an extent that people are no more than marionettes like Punch and Judy.

When Mark from Illinois writes about Saddam Hussein and puts him with Jihadist, I know that he has been gotten at by someone in the government. The Soviet Union was bad, and present day China not really any different, but must the U.S. government continue to use the same methods on its own citizens? I know for sure that a person with a brain cannot be brain-washed. So the reality is those who have brain power and a strong sense of right and wrong cannot be reached by manipulators.

Posted on Sat Apr 05, 2008

Sybel in Wisconsin writes:

As a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, I appreciate the access to the information that the State Department makes available. Thank you.

Posted on Sat Apr 05, 2008

Susanna in California writes:

I'm trying to find out the locations of where the Foreign Service Officer Test will held in July 2008. I would like to book my air travel early. I would appreciate any information you can provide me. Thank you.

Posted on Fri Apr 04, 2008

Mark in Illinois writes:

Saddam Husssein didn't "just" train, fund, harbor and arm anti American Islamic terrorists, many times he ORDERED them to attack Americans.

Posted on Wed Mar 26, 2008

Mark writes:

Now that the DOD has issued a report, confirming previous State reports, that Saddam Hussein's Iraq sponsored all kinds of Islamic, anti American terrorism can the State issue some kind of response on the topic? Maybe just a blog post at least?

A response to http://www.regimeofterror.com 's work on the subject?

Posted on Wed Mar 26, 2008

Deborah writes:

I have just been approved to serve a six month tour of duty in Iraq. I have been told I will be working as a support staff as I currently do in the states. I have had two other staff I work with go over and serve. I will be working with RCLO. I would like to have open communication with anyone working over in Iraq currently and talk with them about their tour in Iraq.

Posted on Fri Mar 21, 2008

Stefano in Italy writes:

Dear friends of Dipnote blog, I have the opportunity to do my fair share of talking on a daily basis. As I hope pacifist say: "No more wars, no terrorism, no violence and indifference that surrounds it. Just with missiles and bombs. "

On 20 March 2008, was the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq prepared by the United States, and I think the time has come to take stock. In new book, entitled "The Three Trillion Dollar War" (War three trillion dollars) Harvard lecturer Linda Bilmes a prudent estimate of 'economic impact of the war in Iraq, calculating that the United States be treated precisely costs in 'order of three thousand billion dollars, and many for the rest of the world, much more than the' Bush administration had calculated before the war.

L 'Bush Administration therefore has not only lied to the international community about the possible costs of this war, but has also tried to keep hidden as the war continued.

After all, in fact, 'Bush Administration has lied about everything else, from weapons of mass destruction which Saddam Hussein was holding his alleged links with al-Qaeda.

In reality, 'Iraq has become a breeding ground for terrorism only after' invasion led by the United States.

Thank you so much.

Posted on Fri Mar 21, 2008

Paul in FL writes:

"Talking" to an organization whose announced purpose is to destroy an ally is likely to be fruitless, while conferring stature on that organization. Chamberlain talked to Hitler.

That said, it might be worth trying contacts through less
public, lower level "feelers", since the alternative is endless misery.

Of course there is another alternative. A cooperative and coordinated, firm stance by the "first world" members of the United Nations, denying recognition, aid and hope of success to the aggressor, might convince them to take a diplomatic approach instead.

Posted on Wed Mar 19, 2008

Alber from PA writes:

If someone declared that justification for his existence was killing you and your family and he threw grenades at your home would you try to have a peaceful discussion with the killer? Hamas, Hitzbollah and in fact Fatah having Terror groups are all those killers you want to have a peaceful discussion with.

Posted on Wed Mar 19, 2008

New American Agenda

Restore economic integrity at home and around the world.

Create an eco-sustainable energy policy.

Lead a global Human Security Initiative.

Recapture the American Dream

Bring back USIA and share the Best of America with the world.

Posted on Wed Mar 19, 2008

As both a US citizen and conservation and wildlife advocate I am deeply distressed by Zimbabwe's extermination plans regarding their elephant population. Further more, since many American trophy hunters travel to this country to take advantage of this countries lax enforcement of protecting endangered species, I strongly urge the State Department to revisit their policies regarding travel to this country. I am aware of the US Treasury Department's list of banned Zimbabweans that are off limits to Americans. However, who enforces this ban? Trophy hunters are rich and know loopholes, many probably bribe corrupt officials there to falsify their travel documents, lodges stayed at, number of endangered species "bagged", etc. I believe there needs to be intense scrutiny of these individuals when they return to the US. We know Zimbabwe's record on observing recommendations covered in the ESA is deplorable. We also KNOW American citizens are breaking the law there. This must stop! Follow who has dealings with Mugabe and his cohorts, the trail of " campaign" contributions made to him by American hunters. Have the IRS look into "gifts" and "donations" made by our citizens to this corrupt government. Please, I am speaking on behalf of those who have no VOICE!

Posted on Mon Mar 17, 2008

T in U.S.A. writes:

Since the employees if the State Department are civil service and can't be fired, they could be put to good use at sweeping parking lots at military bases. This would be a better use of their time than what they are doing now. Such as enabling a group of people who want to destroy us.

Posted on Tue Mar 11, 2008

James in U.S.A. writes:

Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 07:46:52 -0800 (PST)

From: "James" Subject: For Pedro Echevarria and Ambassador David Satterfield

To: Pedro Echevarria

CC: David Satterfield

Dear Pedro,

How could you allow Ambassador Satterfield to warmonger against Iran (for AIPAC) this morning during his segment for 'Washington Journal' when it is obvious that he is acting as an agent of Israel instead of a being loyal member of the American government? You can read more about his mention in the ongoing AIPAC espionage case via my post on the 'Welcome' page (can scroll down to it at the following URL) of the State Department blog which was launched last year (you had to have known about his mention in association with the AIPAC espionage case but apparently didn't have the courage to even ask him about such):

http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entries/welcome/

See the following URL (scroll down to the Jerusalem Post article there as it is incredible how Ambassador Satterfield is still working in the U.S. government after being named in association with that AIPAC case like so):

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=40990

Can also see Mr. Satterfield (it appears to be him at least) in that Dutch AIPAC documentary (in English) via the following URLs when the U.S. vetoes UN resolutions against Israel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6SQ02gqqao

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2894821400057137878

Posted on Wed Mar 05, 2008

Peter in Georgia writes:

On behalf of the Kenyan people I would like to thank the U.S.,U.K.,E.U., and the international community for sanctioning the mediation process in Kenya. I would like to thank President Bush, and Secretary Rice (whom travelled to Nairobi) for their involvement in seeing to a coalition agreement signed. Kenyans await the implementation of this agreement. I urge the U.S. and the international community to maintain vigilance and see the peace plan through to its fruition, so that Kenyans can once more say "Hakuna Matata". Asante Sana.

Posted on Fri Feb 29, 2008

Ken in Kansas writes:

Words have Meaning -- What is a Kosovar?

On Sunday, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia with the support of the U.S. and several European countries. Over the years, President Bush and former President Clinton, the State Department along with other government entities, and just about every form of media use this term to define a Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb.

While assigned to Kosovo in 2001, I worked closely with the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo shortly after the fall of Slobodan Milosevic. Our mission was to provide a safe and secure environment for all citizens of Kosovo. The Serbian Orthodox Church at the time represented the new Serbian government under Vojislav Kostunica. My contact was with Bishop Artemije, the Bishop of Kosovo and Father Sava, Protosyncellus to the Bishop to ensure a safe and secure environment for the Kosovo Serbs.

So what does Kosovar mean to a Kosovo Serb. The word "Kosovar" is an Albanian translation of the Serb name "Kosovac" and today in Kosovo when someone says Kosovar one primarily means of Kosovo Albanians. Kosovo Albanian refers to Kosovo as Kosova. For an Orthodox Serbs, they refer to Kosovo as the fatherland which is Kosovo and Metohija. This dates back to the 13th Century. When a Kosovo Serb hears the word Kosovar, it means to them an ethnically pure Kosovo with only Kosovo Albanians. It means leave or genocide. When you use the word Kosovar in their presence, in their mind, you support genocide of the Kosovo Serb people. Obviously, the Presidents, State Department, other government entities, and media doesn't support genocide for the remaining 120,000 Kosovo Serbs and the 200,000 displaced Kosovo Serbs in Serbia. However, words have meaning and the use of the word Kosovar unwittingly incites unnecessary violence among the people due to ignorance of the past and culture.

Posted on Tue Feb 19, 2008

Anjey writes:

It's great idea start this blog, where people can see news and share comments. Information is important part of government work and I hope this will be useful as for your as us.

Posted on Sun Feb 17, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

Feedback from the general public does help in getting the policy right. I sincerely believe that DIPNOTE is a good idea, it also helps us crazy yahoos know something about how the general public feel about different matters/issues.

Posted on Thu Feb 14, 2008

D in Virginia writes:

This whole blog is simply a puff-piece propaganda site for a discredited Administration and discredited foreign policy and discredited State Department (at least Secretary-I can attest from personal experience that the professionals remain professional).

If you spent more time and energy on getting our policy right, I would applaud you. Instead, I marvel at your Chutzpah in putting this "stuff" ( a euphemism for the ___ you post) on line and how the yahoos outside the Beltway actually buy in to your puerile drivel.

Posted on Tue Feb 12, 2008

Freddy from U.S.A. writes:

I would like to know why the State Department is allowed to engage in NEPOTISM in it's hiring practices? A husband or spouse, if qualified, will be hired before any other U.S. citizen at a foreign post for a local position. The State Department will not even allow a U.S. CITIZEN to apply for a position in a foreign country unless you live in that country and have a valid visa to work in that country. The Department, if there are no "trailing spouses" will then offer the job to a citizen of that country and may very well pay them less than the American citizen would have received.

Funny how ILLEGAL immigrants can come to my country, the U.S.A. and the ICE (government) does nothing to arrest them and deport them yet if I seek employment in MEXICO et al with my own government barriers are thrown in front of me. Then they hire some 24 year old with little foreign language skills as a newbie FSO. It was good to try to understand some FSO on Argentinean radio who spoke a horrible Spanish.

Then there are the free trade deals where the State Department helps shut down our own factories here in the US for cheap labor in other countries. Yes, at the request of the Congress.

Finally, I get a kick out of the FSO's who don't want to go to Iraq. You knew the score when you applied for the Foreign Service. Most U.S. citizens have little clue as to the benefits you receive in foreign countries at taxpayer expense. Like sending your children to the most expensive private schools at taxpayer expense?

In many foreign countries, you can knock on the front door of another country's embassy and consulate. The U.S. has to spend billions on security and barbed wire. Oh well?

Posted on Tue Jan 29, 2008

Bryon in Illinois writes:

The dialogue I have with Iran is interesting. I've been in touch with their embassy. The United States Institute of Peace signaled recently a change in Middle East strategy and brought up 15 key points to consider when negotiating with Iran. While Iran states they oppose the occupation of Palestine, they also don't oppose Judaism. I recall reading about Israel's nuclear program. Does the U.S. take this into account when dealing with Iran's fears of Israel? Rational discussion of this situation has yet to transpire in my opinion.

Posted on Mon Jan 21, 2008

Cathy in Michigan writes:

@ Ali in Kurdistan -- I don't know if the State Department bloggers gave you an answer, but I personally would like to hear what you have to say! Carry on!

Posted on Mon Jan 21, 2008

Samantha in Oregon writes:

Why do families who never used government assistance who haven’t done anything wrong who pays there taxes have to be torn apart by immigration deportation. The immigrants who kill, steal, and destroy who are violent, abusive, and commit hate crimes get to stay this is very wrong and it needs to be changed.

Posted on Sat Jan 12, 2008

Sam in Hawaii writes:

In the season of political primaries, I would like to know why the Secretary is not running for President. I might just have to write her in next November.

Posted on Fri Jan 04, 2008

Peter in Georgia writes:

Focus on the Bhutto assassination may have left many unaware of recent important developments in Kenya. A civilian coup has been perpetrated by the incumbent president Mwai Kibaki. Having adjusted the December 29th election tallies, the former government is now illegally in office. The populace is not taking being hoodwinked lightly and riots have broken out across the country. The death toll is reported to be between 150 - 500. Reliable reports are not forthcoming as a media blackout, and curfew has been enforced by the usurpers. I speak for many voiceless Kenyans as I urge the U.S.,U.K.,E.U.,the Commonwealth and the international community not to legitimize the crimes being committed against the Kenyan people.

Posted on Mon Dec 31, 2007

Libby in Oregon writes:

My comment is on the Bhutto murder. I understand there are things the general public will never know. From the reading I have formed some opinions. I think the Pakistan PM had to have clue she was in the sights of the Islamist terrorist and he has failed to provide intel to her. For God's sake they killed a woman with a purse. The PM is probably next and he thinks that by letting the Tribal Leaders, Extremists and others operate that’s his get out of their sights free card. I believe this provides us with the opportunity to leverage the ability to go into the Tribal area and finish off the Taliban, OBL and others.

Posted on Fri Dec 28, 2007

Ali in Iraq writes:

Dear Sir,

This is Ali from Iraqi Kurdistan, I am journalist and political writer.

I am interested in writing articles and stories to your blog if you are interested.

Especially I want to write about the U.S. policy in Iraq and toward the Kurds.

All the best,
Ali

Posted on Fri Dec 28, 2007

Tristan in California writes:

What is the State Department's next diplomatic move in Pakistan in the wake of Bhutto's assassination?

Are you doing to push for the elections to go ahead as scheduled?

Does the White House have any relationship with Sharif and/or his party?

Dipnote Bloggers: @ Tristan in California -- We will do our best to provide you specific answers to your questions soon. In the meantime, you might find these links useful:


· Assassination of Benazir Bhutto
· Remarks After Signing Condolences Book for Benazir Bhutto
· Daily Press Briefing

Posted on Fri Dec 28, 2007

James in U.S.A. writes:

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays,

What is the State Department going to do if Israel attacks Iran possibly manifesting in the next world war as a result (please access the following URLs)?:

http://tinyurl.com/2yo9qv

http://tinyurl.com/2f92u3

Looks like Senator Barack Obama is beholden to the Israel first crowd as well based on his response to the recently released Mearsheimer/Walt book (http://www.israellobbybook.com)as the beginning of the following piece from the American Conservative magazine conveys:

The Lobby Strikes Back:

http://www.amconmag.com/2007/2007_12_03/cover.html

I would like to know why my comment was never responded to by Tara Foley (via the comments section of the following blog entry URL of hers):

http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/foley_saudi_arabia/

James in U.S.A. writes:

Dear Ms. Foley,

I would like your thoughts on the Mearsheimer and Walt book (http://www.israellobbybook.com) about how the pro-Israel lobby (AIPAC, JINSA, PNAC, AEI) pushed US to attack Iraq and has been doing similar to get US to attack Iran next. Do you think that the US will go to war with Iran sooner rather than later in accordance with such (Scott Ritter also conveyed that AIPAC is pushing for US to attack Iran in his 'Target Iran' book - see the following youtube at your convenience)?:

Israel's influence of US policy & the Israeli lobby:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O125hGt9qt4&NR

Even Colin Powell conveyed that the 'JINSA crowd' was/still is in control of the Pentagon (via JINSA/PNAC/AEI associated Dick Cheney whose wife is a fellow up at AEI where PNAC was based as well) for Washington Post correspondent Karen DeYoung's new bio book about him - simply look up 'JINSA/Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs' in the index:

A War for Israel? Colin Powell seems to think so:

http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=61128

Additional about Mearsheimer/Walt via the following URL:

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=49800


Congresswoman Jane Harman was asked about the Mearsheimer & Walt book during a townhall meeting this past Saturday in West Los Angeles (see the following URL):


http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/10/7/184833/326

Respected intelligence author/writer James Bamford discussed the 'A Clean Break'/war for Israel agenda on pages 261-269/321 (http://tinyurl.com/2wltaw) of his 'A Pretext for War' book (the paperback version of 'A Pretext for War' includes an additional section about the ongoing AIPAC espionage case that has mentioned Secretary Rice and David Satterfield who handles Iraq for the State Department and has been associated with the USS Liberty attack cover-up as well - see http://tinyurl.com/2xtjtz - as the pro-Israel biased US media for the most part is not covering this either). Bamford also wrote the following 'Iran: The Next War' article for Rolling Stone magazine which mentions the AIPAC espionage as well:

Iran: The Next War:

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/10962352/iran_the_next_war

AIPAC and the Neocon (War for Israel) agenda (AIPAC espionage case mentioned):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rf16XjbOUs

The Mearsheimer and Walt book (look up 'CBS News' in the index) and the Bamford 'A Pretext for War' book both convey that US support for Israel's brutal oppression of the Palestinians was a major motivation for the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center in 1993 and on 9/11 (look up 'Israel as a terrorist motivation' in the index of 'A Pretext for War'). The additional section about the AIPAC espionage in the paperback version of 'A Pretext for War' mentions Stephen Green (look his name up in the index) who was a consultant for the FBI because of the various books and articles that he has written to include the following 'Serving Two Flags' piece:

'Serving Two Flags':

http://www.ifamericansknew.org/us_ints/nc-green.html

Colin Powell's former assistant (Lawrence Wilkerson) in the US Army and at the State Department was mentioned in the latest counterpunch.org article by the retired CIA couple (Kathy and Bill Christison):

The Teflon Alliance with Israel (by Kathy and Bill Christison):

http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=79679

Dipnote Comment: This comment was originally posted under the entry "Thanks for a Great Start in '07, Here's to '08."

Posted on Sun Dec 23, 2007

Jerris in U.S.A. writes:

What does the State Department have to say about the alleged rape of that woman by the State Department employee recently conveniently reassigned to Washington? How long will the Department of State keep it under the rug? More ethical guidance from the White House?

Dipnote Comment: This comment was origionally posted under the entry "Is the U.S. Doing Enough to Protect Consumers From Potentially Harmful Imported Products?"

Posted on Wed Dec 19, 2007

Rick in Florida writes:

Dear Beloved Honorable Godly Intelligent Lovely Miss United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. What I want to know is why is the media not saying that we are winning in Iraq and Afghanistan and that we have captured the Hearts and Minds of the Iraqi and Afghan People, Because our enemy flees with great fear! and there needs to be credit where credit is due. I ask you Miss Rice to brag boast and show off, because this will help the Republican party and give the President the honor and respect he deserves and plus it will make you look great, which you already are.

Dipnote Comment: This entry was originally posted under the entry "Behind the Scenes: Italian President Visits U.S."

Posted on Sat Dec 15, 2007

Steve in Iraq writes:

For those of you contemplating an assignment in Iraq who are looking for both a challenging and rewarding experience that offers the opportunity to explore Iraq through electrical grids, sewer systems, farmers fields, homes of tribal leaders, political awakening, fledgling governments and a host of other activities you may never have dreamed of becoming involved with, then the ePRT may be the job for you. It is a job opportunity that encourages flexibility, creative thinking and will certainly tickle your imagination. All questions welcome!

Posted on Thu Dec 13, 2007

Hugh in Russia writes:

I have a suggestion with respect to the recent cancellation by China of U.S. Navy visits to Hong Kong. Since this is not working out with the Chinese, I suggest that we shift the proposed next quarter's visits to Kaohsiung. Since all parties recognize that there is only one China, this will keep the visits in China, and will allow our sailors to see a different part of the country. It will also put a significant infusion of cash into Taiwan and display our even-handed interest in all of China.

I suggest that EAP discuss it with Defense and then broach the topic at our next meetings with China.

Posted on Wed Dec 12, 2007

Morton in Canada writes:

In "The Times of Israel", he wrote his famous "Letter to the World from Jerusalem":
-abridged-
I'm not a creature from another planet. Like yourselves, I'm of flesh & blood. I'm a citizen of my city, a part of my people.

Not a diplomat,I don't have to mince words,please or persuade you. I owe you nothing. You didn't build this city,live in it, defend it when they came to destroy it. We'll be damned if we'll let you take it away.

Jerusalem existed before New York. When Berlin, Moscow, London,& Paris were miasmal forest& swamp,here was a thriving Jewish community. It gave the world what you nations rejected ever since you established yourselves- a humane moral code.

Here the prophets walked, their words flashed like forked lightning. Here a people who wanted only to be left alone, fought off heathen would-be conquerors, bled& died on the battlements, hurled themselves into flames of their burning Temple rather than surrender& when finally overwhelmed by numbers& led away into captivity, swore that before they forgot Jerusalem, they would see their tongues cleave to their palates, their right arms wither.

For two pain-filled millennia, while we were your unwelcome guests, we prayed daily to return to this city.3 times a day we petitioned the Almighty: "Gather us from the4 corners of the world, bring us upright to our land, return in mercy to Jerusalem, Thy city, & swell in it as Thou promised." Every Yom Kippur& Passover, we fervently voiced the hope that our next year would be in Jerusalem.

Your inquisitions, pogroms, expulsions, ghettos into which you jammed us,forced baptisms, quota systems,genteel anti-Semitism,& the final unspeakable horror, the holocaust (& your terrifying disinterest in it) have not broken us. They may have sapped what little moral strength you still possessed, but they forged us into steel. Do you think you can break us now after all we've been through? Do you really believe that after Dachau & Auschwitz we're frightened by your threats of blockades& sanctions? We have been to Hell and back- a Hell of your making. What more could you possibly have in your arsenal that could scare us?

I have watched this city bombarded twice by nations calling themselves civilized. In 1948, while you looked on apathetically, I saw women & children blown to smithereens, after we agreed to your request to internationalize the city. It was a deadly combination that did the job- British officers, Arab gunners, and American-made cannon.& the savage sacking of the Old City-the willful slaughter, the wanton destruction of every synagogue and religious school, desecration of Jewish cemeteries, sale by a ghoulish government of tombstones for building materials, for poultry runs, army camps, latrines.

& you never said a word.

You never breathed the slightest protest when the Jordanians shut off the holiest of our places, the Western Wall, in violation of the pledges they had made after the war- a war they waged, against the decision of the UN. Not a murmur came from you whenever the legionnaires casually opened fire upon our citizens from behind the walls.

Your hearts bled when Berlin came under siege. You airlifted "to save the gallant Berliners". But you didn't send one ounce of food when Jews starved in besieged Jerusalem. You thundered against the wall the East Germans ran through the middle of the German capital- but not a peep out of you about the wall that tore through the heart of Jerusalem.

& when that same thing happened 20 years later,& the Arabs unleashed a savage, unprovoked bombardment of the Holy City again, did any of you do anything?

The only time you came to life was when the city was at last reunited. Then you wrung your hands & spoke loftily of "justice" & need for "Christian" quality of turning the other cheek.

The truth - you would've preferred the city be destroyed rather than have it governed by Jews. No matter how diplomatically you phrase it, the age old prejudices seep out of every word.

If our return to the city has tied your theology in knots, perhaps you'd better reexamine your catechisms. After what we have been through, we're not passively going to accommodate ourselves to the twisted idea that we are to suffer eternal homelessness until we accept your savior.

For the first time since the year 70, there is religious freedom for all in Jerusalem. For the first time since the Romans put a torch to the Temple, everyone has equal rights (You prefer to have some more equal than others.) We loathe the sword- but it was you who forced us to take it up. We crave peace, but we are not going back to the peace of 1948 as you would like us to.

We're home. It's a lovely sound for a nation you willed to wander the face of the globe. We're not leaving. We're redeeming the pledge made by our forefathers: Jerusalem is being rebuilt. "Next year" & years after,until the end of time- "in Jerusalem"!

Posted on Sat Dec 08, 2007

Matt in Dominican Republic writes:

"Harty's Downfall"??

I think not. Those of us who have had the privilege of knowing and working with Assistant Secretary Maura Harty (even on the periphery, like myself) know better than to listen to the ravings of Joel Mowbray. Let's face it; there are those who face complex and difficult issues and there are those who write about it. Even lower down the food chain are those who criticize. Rather easy work if you can get it.

Let's put that editorial hack on the back burner for a moment, if you will oblige me. I challenge anyone to face down the huge, almost impossibly contradictory Foreign Policy goals (Secure Doors/Open Borders? WHTI?) and still be standing at the end of the day. Maura Harty did it, and did it very well. No, it wasn't easy and not everything worked the way it should. When does it ever? What is the sign of her leadership and perseverance is that the Bureau of Consular Affairs has come out on the others side alive and well. I had the great pleasure of becoming a regular correspondent of Mary Ryan's after her retirement and never, never heard her utter a disparaging word about the circumstances of her departure. She was a lady, and a class act at that. Maura Harty is cut from exactly the same clothe. How fortunate for us that when circumstances demanded strong, creative leadership after 9/11 we had Mary Ryan and Maura Harty. How fortunate for America.

Mr. Mowbray attacked Maura and Mary Ryan; two people for whom I personally owe a tremendous debt. These were my mentors and their example of leadership, and to an even great degree, their humanity, are things I will take with me through my career as a Foreign Service Officer. In circumstances when I've been faced with a difficult decision I would often ask myself "What would Mary do?" or "Which answer would Maura think is best?" In both cases I have in the past been able to write them an e-mail and always, without fail, receive a reply. That's the kind of family Consular Affairs has always been, thanks to our leaders. Now that Mary has passed and Maura is leaving us, I hope Mr. Mowbray doesn't spend too much time gloating over his venomous little editorials. For me, and for many others in Washington and around the world, Mary and Maura will continue to be an inspiration and guide our decisions.

So take THAT Mr. Mowbray.

Posted on Fri Dec 07, 2007

Nosh in New York writes:

Just signed on.

Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007

Michael in West Virginia writes:

In response to Yonaton:

I would invite, even challenge you, (or anyone else for that matter), to suggest any logical and effective method by which a Lebanese or Palestinian voice would be heard, on any matter of substance, regarding the heavy handed, often brutal way that they are treated by vastly more powerful and influential governments. And any action by Israel is a default action by the United States. To overlook or ignore this central concept is to miss the whole of the matter and would result in a discussion of remarkable banality. Choose carefully the aspects of history that support your case, ignore significant facts and ugly truths and all can be well with your reasoning.

Validate middle eastern history through only the Jewish religious texts and it's so simple that the average 6th grader will validate your assertion. A broader, meaningful view will make it more complex.

However, I find that most with hardened mindsets about such matters don't seek the truth. They seek only those parts of the larger puzzle to support a personal viewpoint. With an often amazing ability to overlook and even ignore significant aspects of the unsanitized historic record. The uncomfortable truths - from both sides.

Your claim that "they" want to destroy Israel and the West, and that they do not want peace is utterly myopic and simplistic. When a population is consistently treated as badly as they have been, expecting that no response will eventually come from extremists is unreasonable. Remember our radicals like Washington, Jefferson and Franklin? Throughout history, humans tend to object, slowly at first, with increasingly violent methods, to being deprived of basic human dignity. For refusing to toil in the fields while their oppressors live a life that they can only envy.

I further invite you to cite one instance of violence by any person or group of the Muslim faith that wasn't in direct response to overt, covert or draconian actions by Israel or the West by default. What Muslim person, group or government ever threatened the life or property of any American, without first being the victim of violence in a quest for Islamic oil or land?

What person or persons of the Islamic faith ever influenced an American election? Overthrew an American administration/government? Imposed sanctions against the American population resulting in hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths, most of which were women, children and infants? Toppled a duly elected leadership to install and actively support a brutal dictator for decades?

If truth is an important matter to you, that would begin with a cogent, sensible grasp of the events leading to this point in history.

Start with the sixty year history of the United States CIA. Regarding Saddam Hussein, the once valued and important U.S. ally, educate yourself as to the when, how and why he became not in US interests any longer. Remember WMD? Remember the alleged Iraq/al Qaeda connection? Remember the nuclear allegations, complete with images pounded into the American brain about mushroom clouds over American cities?

Did you believe the claims then? Do you still?

Posted on Thu Nov 22, 2007

[NOTE: This commment was moved from the entry: "What It's Like To Be Secretary Rice's Chef on Overseas Missions.]

Yonaton in U.S.A. writes:

Dear Sean,

What will it be like when Rice is shown to be 100% wrong?

She mistakenly calls Hamas a "resistance" when they themselves admit they are terrorists. They send dozens of rockets a day into civilian areas. They are evil. Why does she just does NOT 'get it'?

And Fattah is just as bad, because they too want to destroy Israel, and then the West; and they attack Israelis and kill Americans, just like Hamas. They do NOT want peace, nor do they want reconciliation. They want Islamic Domination of Israel, and then the World.

It was the "Palestinian" Arabs (when Arafat's Fatah was in charge) who gave us airline hijacking, and suicide bombers. If not for them, 9/11 would not have been possible. How can she, and Mr. Bush, take themselves seriously when they rightfully fight terrorists everywhere else, but support the mother of all terrorist entities at the expense of not only our allies, but ourselves?

It boggles the mind!

Also, I've heard that Ms. Rice claims that most Israelis support her foolish ideas. But then I read that quite a few more Israelis oppose them.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50575

Is she really that out of touch with reality? Does she think that just by telling people what she wants to be true that it will be? What kind of a twilight zone is she living in?

She wants Israel to give up the "West Bank" which is really Judea (named for the tribe of Judah) and Samaria, which is the heart of the heart of Biblical Israel. The so-called "Palestinians" have NOTHING to do with any of the land of Israel, let alone our heartland! And she claims to "know her Bible?!" Oh, please!

If I were assigned to be Ms. Rice's "Chief Of Overseas Missions" I would not only respectfully decline to serve, because there WILL come a time, and soon, that Ms. Rice's policies will be shown to be utter folly, not only for Israel, but for the United States. But then I would turn and run from her as fast as my feet could carry me, because if she keeps this up, she is headed for a fall of Biblical proportions.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tiding, but "facts is facts."

G-d help us all!

Posted on Mon Nov 19, 2007

Iatragenic Nukes.....

OK....please tell me that you are ahead of the curve on loose-nukes from the Russia, Afghan, Pakistan (FSU) routes.

Since 1994, the specter of a nuclear suitcase bomb has been growing. Now, with the destabilization of Pakistan, and the confluence of AQI, Drug and Arms gangs, and other criminal factions, we need to be especially pro-active.

It seems too clear that the more anti-nuke pressure we put on bad actors and criminal-regimes, the greater the chance of a loose-nuke or small atom bomb. Against the backdrop of the recent GAO report on the TSA failures to intercept bomb components, I'd say we were well on the way to a mega-9/11. Where's the intelligence, and what's being done?

Posted on Mon Nov 19, 2007

Raz in Israel writes:

Let's be realistic, and apply a clear, unbiased grasp of un sanitized U.S. history. The term "U.S. Diplomacy", without fail, is the euphemism for the public's perception that the U.S. is a civilized country, valuing human rights, self-determinism and democracy. The reality is, and history clearly and repeatedly reveals, that the U.S. values none of these in actual practice. The true way that the U.S. exerts its influence on other nations is through the well-funded, covert efforts of our CIA and the various black-ops tentacles at its disposal. Thwarting any seeds of democratic reform, (1) carrying out vigorous. propaganda campaigns,(2) the crushing of labor unions,(3) and overthrowing legitimate governments, (4), the CIA is the epitome of secretive, under-handed government power, applied often with stunning brutality, free of effective oversight and far from the knowledge of the U.S. public. In pursuit of U.S. economic and strategic interests for 60 years, worldwide, (once the hype, hyperbole and propaganda is stripped away), the U.S. is clearly and demonstrably the leading terrorist nation in the world. Patriotism is a grand tool protecting a house of cards based on a grand lie. Indifference, ignorance, media control and false pride protect the perpetrators.
And most importantly, if you don't, (or refuse to), connect the myriad of past U.S. covert actions, particularly in the Middle East, directly with the attacks of 911, you are among the immense population of 'ideal Americans' carefully groomed and most prized by your government.

A good start on a blog. As for my feedback:

-The U.S. has a diversity of citizens. Foreign Service employees, who are very hardworking and motivated, do not necessarily reflect that diversity. Please do more to hire FS candidates with cross cultural communication skills and who have actually lived in those countries for some time. Focus on outreach to communities in the U.S. that have the background and the skills to articulate American ideals and perspectives.

-Work with the UN to ensure they have more accountability at all levels of their organization.

Posted on Mon Nov 19, 2007

Andre in Jerusalem writes:

I've noted the arrival of this blog with interest. Would you be able to answer a question about how we got here? I think the idea is great, but the obstacles in the way (convincing the rest of the organization to support the effort) must also have been impressive. I'm particularly please by the copyright notice which allows others to use your information... it's something many official blogs are reluctant to do.

My own site is about combatting racism online (as it relates to the Middle East conflict). I find there is just so much anti-American and Anti-Israel content online and hardly anyone responding. I do hope your blog (as it develops) will comment on some of these issues affecting the blogosphere and perhaps give us all a little good news from time to time that we can (thanks to your copyright policy) share with others.

All the best with this endeavor.

Posted on Mon Nov 19, 2007

Laura in Oregon writes:

Title of security briefing paper presented to Condi Rice on August 6, 2001:

"Bin Laden Determined to Strike In U.S"

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Posted on Sat Nov 17, 2007

Dana in North Carolina writes:

I'm going through the FSO application process and am very curious as to some of the initial assignments/posts I might be offered if I succeed in the application process. How grueling is the oral review? Any other advice would be helpful and I'd really love to hear some stories of your "first post as an FSO" ... the website's job descriptions are OK, but I'm guessing they're a little whitewashed.

Thanks!

Posted on Sat Nov 17, 2007

Michael in Russia writes:

While the site design is elegant, I agree with the people who say that reading white on black in small font size is tiring.

Can anyone tell me where to find a list of hardship posts?

Posted on Sat Nov 17, 2007

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