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What Role Should Religious Leaders Play in World Politics?
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
During Pope Benedict XVI's recent trip to America, his journeys spread beyond the world of religious events. He met with President Bush, the United Nations General Assembly, and other high-ranking leaders. During these meetings, he discussed topics from religious freedom to poverty to peace processes that should be enacted around the world. In a similar fashion, the Dalai Lama has been a voice in expressing to the world the views of the people of Tibet on issues beyond religion.
What role should religious leaders…
What Are the Most Significant Underlying Factors Behind Recent Food Riots?
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
Issues surrounding food price and availability recently appeared on magazine covers and front page news reports. In some cases, rioting broke out over price increases and shortages. News reports cited a variety of reasons for the recent spike in some commodity shortages and prices.
In your view, what are the most significant underlying factors behind these events and what should be done about it?
To What Extent Should U.S. Foreign Assistance Be Conditioned on the Behavior of the Recipient?
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
The United States is the world’s largest donor of bilateral and multilateral foreign aid. Though there are different ways to measure foreign aid, the following countries are among the leading recipients of U.S. assistance: Afghanistan, Colombia, Egypt, Israel and Iraq.
To what extent should U.S. foreign assistance be conditioned on the behavior of the recipient?
U.S. Cyclone Relief Efforts in Burma
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
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.
How Far Should the International Community Go To Deliver Humanitarian Assistance?
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, the Burmese government has been reluctant to accept foreign assistance to help the estimated 1.5 million people affected. On Friday, the Burmese government seized food and relief supplies provided by the UN. In response, the UN temporarily suspended its airlifts but resumed flying food aid into the country Saturday.
When a government is incapable of, or unwilling to protect its people, how far should the international community go to deliver humanitarian assistance?
Concerns About Adoptions From Vietnam
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
Americans adopt more children from foreign countries every year than all other countries in the world combined. The United States strongly supports international adoption as an option for children who need a family. The Department’s Office of Children's Issues works hard to support and assist American citizens interested in foreign adoptions.
Unfortunately, some international adoptions from Vietnam are not straightforward. Our colleagues on the ground in Vietnam have found serious irregularities, including forged or…
What Impact Would Press Freedom Have on People Without It?
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
Freedom of the press is treasured in the United States. This freedom is a liberty not enjoyed by everyone in the world but deemed important enough to have an entire day devoted to it. The United Nations recognizes World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd.
If press freedom were available to all, what impact would it have on the people of those countries without it now?
Is Celebrity Engagement Helpful in Bringing Attention to Policy Matters?
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
When Angelina Jolie went to Iraq, she met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and U.S. General David Petraeus to discuss the plight of Iraqi refugees. George Clooney traveled to Sudan to highlight the predicament of that country’s refugees. Bono has met with several world leaders, including President George Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss aid for Africa.
Is celebrity engagement helpful in bringing meaningful attention to these policy matters?
Policy Podcast: Making a Passport
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
Recent news stories recently raised questions about the fact that some of the components of U.S. passports are produced overseas. Questions were also raised about passport security and why foreign firms have been engaged as part of the passport production process. Under Secretary of State for Management Pat Kennedy joined Department Spokesman Sean McCormack for a video podcast to discuss these issues. This video walks you through the process and explains the new passport's new security features.
Does the U.S. Spend Too Much or Too Little on Foreign Aid?
Posted by: DipNote Bloggers
In recent years, the United States has launched the largest international development effort since the Marshall Plan. Since 2001, the U.S. has doubled its assistance to Latin America, quadrupled it for Africa and nearly tripled it worldwide. The U.S. is the world’s largest donor of bilateral and multilateral foreign aid. In 2006, the U.S. gave $23.5 billion in official development assistance. This represents less than 1% of its GDP.
Does the U.S. spend too much or too little on foreign aid?