Should the U.S. Engage Hamas in the Peace Process Between the Israelis and Palestinians?

Apparently, our question of the week has caught the eye of some in the mainstream media. Take a look at today’s daily briefing transcript, in which one of our regular mainstream media briefing participants zeroed in on the question to ask whether the government was indicating a change in policy with respect to Hamas. I replied, as I had earlier in the briefing to a separate question not related to the blog, that neither had we changed policy nor were we considering a policy change. Our policy has…

Babs Chase serves as a Program Officer for the State Department's Foreign Press Center.

March 5, 2008

Since everyone has survived Super Tuesday #2, it is time to look at the issues behind the campaign. Some people weren’t too excited about our early morning departure the morning after the primary, but the briefings proved to be well worth the lack of sleep.

Bill Hammond, President and CEO, Texas Association of Business, welcomed the group to his office to talk about immigration from the business perspective. It was a fascinating discussion, similar to what discussions in the U.S. media currently are. He was intelligent and entertaining, captivating the group with his wit and frank logic.

The goal of the Texas Association of Business (TAB) is to create the best…

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Meeting Elsa
Posted by Sterling T. Tilley, Jr on Mar 07, 2008 - 09:03 AM

Reading and listening to stories of true freedom fighters is something that you read about in the history books or hear from someone much older than myself. Stories of people enduring great odds of fighting their own government for injustices against humanity grabs the emotions of many. I had the opportunity to meet one of our present day freedom fighters, Elsa Morejon, in January 2008. Mrs. Morejon is the wife of Cuban dissident and political prisoner Dr. Oscar Biscet, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a leader in her own right. Elsa is a humble lady with a desire to free her husband and her country from tyranny. She has raised her children alone but still managed to keep the flame of freedom burning as her husband languishes in prison. Her courage and will is infectious.

Elsa is a member of the Ladies…

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Texas Two-Stepping with Foreign Journalists
Posted by Babs Chase on Mar 06, 2008 - 10:06 AM

Babs Chase serves as a Program Officer for the State Department's Foreign Press Center.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson welcomed the group this morning and discussed the Texas primary process and the role of his office in ensuring a fair and secure election. He spent a good deal of time talking about the “Texas Two-Step” which is the primary caucus voting system for both parties. The rationale for this type of system is quite confusing for Americans, and even more so for someone from overseas.

As Americans, we often take for granted that an election is fair, secure and private for individuals casting their votes. We were reminded during our presentation that this is not the case in many parts of the world.

The Texas Secretary of…

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