Haiti—Two Years Post Earthquake: What You May Not Know

Posted by Cheryl Mills / January 09, 2012

About the Author: Cheryl Mills serves as Counselor of the U.S. Department of State and Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The power of Haiti's heritage and its people is tremendous. For America, Haiti has held, and continues to hold, a unique and rich role in African-American history. Before and since the earthquake in 2010, Haiti has faced great challenges -- ones they are working to confront and to lead the international community in helping them solve. The U.S. government -- and the American people -- has had the privilege of being a steadfast partner in Haiti's efforts. As we approach the second anniversary of the 2010 earthquake, it is important to remember those who lost so much; and, to honor Haitians' unrelenting commitment to realize a more prosperous and stable nation by shining a light on some of the progress toward the great future they seek.

There is so much work still to be done -- by the government and people of Haiti, international partners, the private sector, and non-governmental… more »

Advancing U.S. Economic Statecraft in 2012

Posted by Jose W. Fernandez / January 09, 2012

About the Author: Jose Fernandez serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs.

This time last year, I made three, broad resolutions for 2011: to continue promoting U.S. job creation; to seek and build overseas economic alliances; and to protect U.S. businesses and their interests. Beyond these three, I also resolved to exploit every opportunity to foster prosperity at home and abroad. It is clear to me that my bureau's hard work and resilient efforts paid off during 2011. In the wake of the Arab Awakening, we took quick steps to foster economic recovery in the region, including through promotion of entrepreneurship and U.S.-Middle East business relationships. This fall, we seized long-standing opportunities for expanding economic growth by finalizing trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea,… more »

Join a Discussion on Religion and Foreign Policy

Posted by DipNote Bloggers / January 09, 2012

Update: Watch the video here.

Suzan Johnson Cook, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, will hold a conversation with Dr. Chris Seiple, President of the Institute for Global Engagement, on the role of religion in foreign policy. The discussion will be moderated by Cheryl Benton, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, and will be available to view here on DipNote, the Department of State's official… more »

The Year in 21st Century Statecraft

Posted by Alec Ross / January 09, 2012

About the Author: Alec Ross serves as the Secretary of State's Senior Advisor for Innovation.

Reflecting on 2011, it is obvious that connection technologies are playing an ever-greater role in shaping the world around us. The beginning of the year witnessed the events of the Arab Spring, with political movements organized and accelerated with the help of social media. This past fall, the world watched videos online that were captured on smart-phones by Syrian activists, documenting attacks on peaceful protests. The world watched as hundreds were injured and killed by their government for exercising their universal rights. And just weeks ago, demonstrations in Russia were organized online to protest allegations of election fraud, with social media influencers playing important roles.

As information networks become more ubiquitous and powerful, new movements and power structures are forming, others are being disrupted, and the speed of communications is making… more »

Egypt: Reaffirming Respect for All at Coptic Christmas

Posted by Jeffrey Feltman / January 08, 2012

About the Author: Jeffrey Feltman serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.

Over the course of my career as a United States diplomat, I've spent many a Christmas holiday in countries across the Middle East. From Beirut to Tunis, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Baha'is, and peoples of all religions, celebrate and acknowledge the importance of faith, a hope for the future, and goodwill toward all. Yet, something I saw a few days ago in Cairo reminded me of another important tenant of the season: tolerance.

I had the privilege of joining our Ambassador Anne Patterson in attending two Christmas services on January 6. First, we went to a moving celebration at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church near Tahrir Square. Then, in the evening, we attended a Coptic Christmas ceremony at Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral.

In both churches, there were celebrations of the joy of the season alongside somber moments of remembrance for those who lost… more »