AFSA SCORES CONGRESS REACHING OUT TO MUSLIMS TWO RIVERS

$3.50 / OCTOBER 2006 OREIGN ERVICE FJ O U R N A L S THE MAGAZINE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROFESSIONALS

BRANDISHING THE BULLHORN Public Diplomacy Under Karen Hughes

CONTENTS October 2006 Volume 83, No. 10

F OCUS ON P UBLIC D IPLOMACY F EATURE

19 / DAMAGE CONTROL: KEEPING SCORE IN THE CONGRESSIONAL GAME / 53 KAREN HUGHES DOES PD AFSA profiles how your senators and representatives A year into her tenure, is supported American engagement in world affairs. Hughes making effective use By Ken Nakamura of Foreign Service expertise? By Shawn Zeller

27 / PUBLIC DIPLOMACY C OLUMNS D EPARTMENTS MATTERS MORE THAN EVER PRESIDENT’S VIEWS / 5 Like intelligence analysis, LETTERS / 6 Ideology, Greed and the PD must be protected from CYBERNOTES / 10 Future of the Foreign Service MARKETPLACE / 12 political strong-arming, By J. Anthony Holmes AFSA NEWS / 71 generously funded and BOOKS / 83 PEAKING UT heeded at the highest level. S O / 14 IN MEMORY / 87 By Patricia H. Kushlis and Reaching Out to Muslims INDEX TO Patricia L. Sharpe By Richard S. Sacks ADVERTISERS / 98 33 / NEITHER MADISON AVENUE NOR HOLLYWOOD REFLECTIONS / 100 If public diplomacy has failed, as many critics Two Rivers Run Through It now claim, it is not due to an inability to find By Scott R. Riedmann the secret slogan or magic message. By Robert J. Callahan

39 / REBUILDING AMERICA’S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY Since the end of the Cold War, the U.S. has unwisely left cultural and educational diplomacy to the tough mercies of the marketplace. By Richard T. Arndt

44 / HOW DOES PUBLIC DIPLOMACY MEASURE UP? Here’s a look at what policy imperatives and technology trends mean for programs in the field. By Joe Johnson

THE MAGAZINE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROFESSIONALS OREIGN ERVICE Foreign Service Journal (ISSN 0146-3543), 2101 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-2990 is published J O U R N A L F S monthly with a combined July/August issue by the American Foreign Service Association, a private, non-profit Editorial Board organization. Material appearing herein represents the opinions of the writers and does not necessarily represent TED WILKINSON, the views of the Journal, the Editorial Board or AFSA. Writer queries and submissions are invited, preferably by Editor CHAIRMAN STEVEN ALAN HONLEY e-mail. Journal subscription: AFSA Members - $13 included in annual dues; others - $40. For foreign surface mail, add $18 per year; foreign airmail, $36 per year. Periodical postage paid at Washington, D.C., and at additional mail- Senior Editor KENT C. BROKENSHIRE SUSAN B. MAITRA ing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Foreign Service Journal, 2101 E Street N.W., Washington, D.C. STEPHEN W. B UCK Associate Editor 20037-2990. Indexed by Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS). The Journal is not responsible for unsolicited SHAWN DORMAN ANTHONY S. CHAN manuscripts, photos or illustrations. Advertising inquiries are invited. The appearance of advertisements herein Ad & Circulation Manager CRYSTAL K. MERIWETHER ED MILTENBERGER JOSH GLAZEROFF does not imply the endorsement of the services or goods offered. FAX: (202) 338-8244 or (202) 338-6820. Business Manager WILLIAM W. J ORDAN E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEB: www.afsa.org. TELEPHONE: (202) 338-4045. © American Foreign Service EIRENE BUSA LAURIE KASSMAN Association, 2006. Printed in the U.S.A. Send address changes to AFSA Membership, 2101 E Street N.W., Art Director JOYCE W. N AMDE Washington, D.C. 20037-2990. Printed on 50-percent recycled paper, of which 10 percent is post-consumer waste. CARYN SUKO SMITH KAY WEBB MAYFIELD CHRISTOPHER L. TEAL Cover and inside illustration by Darren Gygi

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 3 The Jannette Embassy Plan WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft comprehensive and Overseas Insurance for Personal Auto & Contents Coverage collision protection are available at foreign posts Since 1969, the Jannette Embassy Plan has provided dependable coverage to thousands of Foreign U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Service Personnel throughout the world. Our plan Available for short-term on home leave, change of assignment, and provides U.S. and Canadian personnel working at new auto purchase prior to embassies and consulates insurance protection for foreign departure. This coverage their personal property, including automobiles and must be issued in combination with an Jannette Embassy Plan household effects. Your Reliable Choice FOREIGN LIABILITY Each policy is backed by the expertise and dedicated support of our Contact post for compliance with customer service team. To learn more about the specific coverages local laws, excess liability limits offered by the plan, please visit our website at www.jannetteintl.com. over local liability coverage

PERSONAL COVERAGE The Jannette Embassy Plan Household goods, transit, Administered by Clements International valuables, personal liability and One Thomas Circle NW, 8th Floor, Washington D.C. 20005 life insurance (800) 256-5141 (202) 478-6595 Fax (202) 466.9069 EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE [email protected] www.jannetteintl.com Including directors and officers PRESIDENT’S VIEWS Ideology, Greed and the Future of the Foreign Service BY J. ANTHONY HOLMES

As I write this column in mid- Act to provide OCP and create USAID has manipulated selection September, the House Inter- a PFP system, it contained two board recommendations, shifting cer- national Relations Committee egregious flaws. Incompre- tain individuals to lower salary increase has just approved a mini-autho- hensibly, the bill sought to categories and boosting other favored rization bill. This is an important delink the award of future employees. The draft bill the House step in achieving AFSA’s highest PFP salary increases from the International Relations Committee just priority, but several hurdles selection boards. How can a passed contains guarantees that this remain. By the time you read PFP system work, we asked, if abuse will not occur again. But the this in early October, we likely will it isn’t based on performance evalua- months lost having to negotiate reme- know if our Herculean efforts the past tions? We got no response, but the dies to all these problems meant that eight months and the quid pro quo deal answer was clearly through a combina- precious little time remained in the we accepted earlier this year, agreeing tion of political factors and personal tightly packed post-Labor Day legisla- to a conversion of the entire FS to a favoritism. The other flaw was, in direct tive calendar. Moreover, because there pay-for-performance personnel system contradiction to the department’s pub- are 15 other State-supported provisions in return for Bush administration sup- lic assurances, the bill sought to emas- in this bill, at least one of which is a port for Overseas Locality Pay, have culate the employees’ exclusive repre- show-stopper for the Senate, the risks succeeded. Given the pitfalls that sentative (i.e., AFSA). In fact, it dupli- have multiplied. remain, I estimate our chances are not cated precisely the most controversial, Whatever its outcome, this saga has much higher than 50/50. ideological element of the DOD/DHS starkly revealed a few things. The When the State Department pub- systems that the courts have since ruled Foreign Service is held in extremely licly revealed in February the package illegal. These poison pills not only high regard on Capital Hill by the peo- deal dictated by the White House, it made the proposed system unaccept- ple who know us best and who oversee assured us that it would avoid the able to us; they also made it dead on us. AFSA’s views and input are active- morass that had befallen the new pay- arrival on Capital Hill in the views of ly solicited and we have a real ability to for-performance systems created for key members of both political parties. influence provisions that affect the civilian employees of DOD and DHS. “If it isn’t acceptable to AFSA,” we Service. However, there are some in These are mired in controversy, judged were told, “it isn’t acceptable to us.” I this administration who are decidedly illegal in significant part by a federal understand that key administration offi- unhappy with the statutory indepen- court, and detested as “anti-employee” cials responsible for these broken dence and autonomy of the FS and by the other federal employees unions. promises were astonished that we stood who want to make it more politically We were assured repeatedly that the on principle and didn’t simply take the subservient. They are clearly willing to new State PFP system for FS-1s and money and run. sacrifice for short-term political expe- below would be identical to what has Sorting this mess out took several diency what a bipartisan Congress has worked well the past two years for the months and, in the process, revealed constructed for the long-term good of Senior Foreign Service. Win/win all two weaknesses in the way some other our national security. around, we were told. FS agencies are operating their PFP AFSA will continue to defend the Unfortunately, 11 weeks later, when systems for seniors that also had to be oath that all Foreign Service officers we finally received the administration’s fixed. USAID and IBB did not provide take on receiving their commission, draft bill to amend the Foreign Service any performance-based increases this to uphold the constitution of the year to their seniors, claiming that United States, by preserving our abili- J. Anthony Holmes is the president of the Congress hadn’t provided sufficient ty to put our country’s long-term inter- American Foreign Service Association. funds. In addition, we understand that ests above political considerations.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 5 LETTERS

Missing the Point know something about this because I ing honoree. The write-up on Mort Speaking as a former ambassador was head of the OSCE Mission to was also very well done (July-August to Bulgaria and Indonesia, and a for- Bosnia and chair of its provisional FSJ). mer coordinator of U.S. assistance to election commission from 1998 to Mort was my ambassador when I Eastern Europe, I found the discus- 2001. Today Bosnia is on the eve of was first posted overseas. He contin- sion of transformational diplomacy in another election, which will leave the ued to be a role model and mentor your July-August cover story surpris- country divided and ungovernable throughout my career, which ended in ingly shallow (Shawn Zeller, “Trans- even after we worked for more than a 2004 after three ambassadorial tours. formational Diplomacy: A Work in decade within a 55-nation coalition I would like to share two stories in Progress”). By concentrating on the willing to spend money and put boots which Mort profoundly affected me question of how the program is to be on the ground. as a man of extraordinary integrity and carried out rather than whether it is I am afraid that we are not seeing humanity. The first was when we feasible or desirable, your commenta- the birth pangs of a new Middle East were in Thailand, and he (along with tor missed the point. in Lebanon today, but rather the Dick Holbrooke, then-Assistant Secre- Transformational diplomacy is not death throes of the old order. tary of State for East Asian Affairs) about where we put our people or Democracy, or elections, may be the took on powerful forces in Washing- how they are paid and protected. It is midwife of change, but at least in the ton to ensure the U.S. did the right about what they do and what the orga- short run it looks like change in the thing in saving and then granting nizing principle of U.S. diplomacy is wrong direction — Islamism. Having entry to hundreds of thousands of to be, at least for the remainder of this used the leverage of democracy to get Indochinese refugees. Many of them administration. Syria out of Lebanon, we are denied would have perished without Mort’s President Bush defined that goal the option of bringing them back in to intervention. in his second inaugural address: “It is curb Hezbollah. Given current views The second event happened years the policy of the United States to seek of the U.S. in the Middle East, send- later, when I was the U.S. ambassador and support the growth of democratic ing our diplomats out to promote to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Mort — movements and institutions in every democratic reform would be counter- already long retired from State, but still nation and culture with the ultimate productive for U.S. policy and dan- active in the Balkans — advised me to goal of ending tyranny in our world.” gerous to them personally. reconsider the course the majority of The goal of U.S. diplomacy is demo- In my experience, FSOs need little my diplomatic colleagues were taking, cratic reform. And transformational encouragement to get out from behind one which would have been safe, pru- diplomacy, in the words of Secretary their desks and promote change and dent ... and absolutely wrong. As a Rice, “seeks to change the world reform. But it is not a given that demo- result of his advice, I reversed course to itself.” cratic transformation will be a source pay due respect to the widows and chil- Democratic reform is not about of stability in today’s world. dren of the Srebrenica massacre and elections. That should be clear as a Robert L. Barry got my diplomatic colleagues to go result of recent elections in Iraq, Ambassador, retired along. Afghanistan, the Palestinian Author- Washington, D.C. Mort is smart, hard-working and in- ity, Haiti, etc. Instead, what is re- spirational, but what made him so spe- quired is institutional reform — the A Role Model cial to me and so many others was (and long slog of nationbuilding, for which I applaud AFSA for honoring Mort remains) his integrity and humanity. the U.S. has little appetite. Nation- Abramowitz with its Lifetime Con- Tom Miller building demands both plentiful tributions to American Diplomacy Ambassador, retired resources and a long attention span. I Award. There can be no more deserv- Woking, U.K.

6 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 L ETTERS

Dancing on the Titanic I just read David T. Jones’ Speak- ing Out column, “Run, Lemmings, Run” (July-August FSJ). I say, “Hear, hear!” for some of the clearest think- ing on this topic in quite a while. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the Foreign Service since joining in 1981, with an increasing flood of them since 2001. So many of the latest changes, though, are encouraging the Service to turn into a scrambling heap of self- focused, short-term opportunists — almost to the point that the outsourc- ing of the whole institution to some yet-to-be-established subsidiary of some yet-to-be-named corporation wouldn’t come as a great surprise. At least such a move would be con- sistent with current trends. Mr. Jones’ comparison of the way cultural evolution is handled in the Defense Department as opposed to State reminds me of a conversation I overheard in the 1980s. I was at a small embassy in the Middle East that had just gone through a traumat- ic three years under an atrocious political ambassador (who’d had no prior government or corporate man- agement experience). An FSO was explaining to a Navy officer from a visiting ship why the career Foreign Service has difficulty with political ambassadors. The FSO put it rather adroitly: “Look at it this way: You’ve been in the Navy for 15 years and are on the verge of becoming captain of your first ship. Instead of getting the nod, however, the Navy sends in a political donor or friend of the administration to be captain. You become the exec- utive officer instead, and have to try and make the political captain look good. Wouldn’t you have a problem with that? Plus, you’re serving under someone who is learning on the job.” The Navy officer nodded. To stay with the maritime analogy, Mr. Jones’ insightful observations

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 7 L ETTERS

might be just like a tune played by the dence that Iraq actually had weapons Titanic’s dance band. of mass destruction, not merely the Steve Flora technology to produce them. FS Information But the real problem with regard to Program Officer Saddam Hussein was that he was Consulate Dubai, UAE engaged in a deliberate attempt to convince his neighbors (and the Fuzzy Intelligence world), as a means of intimidation, that Intelligence is always based on he was actually developing WMDs. imperfect knowledge and the judg- That prompted us to take pre-emptive ment of analysts — in effect, reading measures to protect ourselves. straws in the wind. Your June Cyber- Like any bluffing poker player, he notes article, “Intelligence Estimates: paid the price for bluffing. So let’s Fuzzy Math?” reminds me of another quit blaming President Bush for time when the Bureau of Intelligence doing what was necessary to protect and Research clearly outshone the the U.S. The residual problem is that competition. our action has, like the boy crying Back in 1973, when I was deputy wolf, effectively disarmed us in calling director of the Office of Economic on the world to take measures to Research and Analysis, our team pro- confront Iran and North Korea’s duced a report cautioning that the efforts to, as you also noted, develop Arab oil producers were moving WMDs. toward the creation of an oil cartel. As Based on my experience working a result, the U.S. might expect an oil with DIA and CIA officers, I think embargo within the next few months Washington Post commentator David as a tool for raising oil prices signifi- Ignatius’ assessment that INR is the cantly, thus enriching the coffers of best of the pack, as you also noted, is the oil-producing countries. Exerci- right on target. I have fond memories sing his “discretion,” the assistant sec- of my two years in INR and the col- retary for INR refused to approve the leagues I worked with. It is an exam- paper for distribution because he ple of how an assignment often dis- regarded it as “alarmist,” declaring dained by regular FSOs can prove that “any economist knows that cartels highly rewarding, even career-enhanc- don’t work.” ing. Three weeks later came the public David Timmins announcement from OPEC and long FSO, retired lines at gas stations across the country. Professor of Economics, I immediately got a call from the assis- Brigham Young tant secretary asking if I still had the University paper. We were the first agency in Salt Lake City, Utah government to come out with an analysis of the probable effects of Notes for the Secretary OPEC and the cost to the American I would like to share with FSJ read- economy. I’ve always wondered ers my view of the significance of the whether being first in the field with an Secretary of State’s responsibilities. accurate prediction would have made My conception of the job is that the any difference. Intelligence is always Secretary of State holds the most imperfect. And I wonder whether important position in the U.S. Cabin- more accurate information from the et. He (or she) is not only the presi- CIA would have been any more dent’s supreme adviser on foreign believed than its misplaced confi- relations, but also CEO of an organi-

8 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 L ETTERS

zation of some 25,000 people and a multibillion-dollar budget. I would love to see the next candidate for Secretary of State ask the president to make the following changes as a con- dition to accepting the job. First, ensure that State has clear primacy in foreign relations over the National Security Council, Defense Department and the Department of Naval Intelligence. Second, give the Secretary of State the ability to veto all senior appoint- ments in the department. He or she cannot be held responsible for State’s role in the conduct of foreign affairs if nominal subordinates answer directly to the president, vice president, members of Congress or others. Third, the Department of State must be a serious instrument for con- ducting foreign relations, not a pool of ambassadorships and other presti- gious jobs for friends, party faithful and major campaign contributors. With some notable exceptions, non- career appointees do not possess the qualifications of foreign affairs pro- fessionals who have been rigorously selected, trained, assigned and pro- moted purely on merit during long careers in a keenly competitive up-or- out system. The best analogy is the armed services. Finally, our few “safe” embassies ought not to be reserved for political appointees. Such posts must instead be regarded as relief assignments for career professionals coming off the firing line of hardship posts, whose numbers continue to grow. Richard Dawson Jr. FSO, retired Uzes, France

Send your letters to: [email protected]. Note that all letters are subject to editing for style, format and length.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 9 CYBERNOTES

State IG Finds BBG Head casting when the CPB’s inspector ness. Discussion is not defeat; conver- Violated Rules general found that he had employed sation is not concession. Backed up by On Aug. 29, the State Department contractors without documentation, our strong military position, these are Inspector General’s office sent the tried to tamper with CPB’s program- the essential first steps of intelligent results of its yearlong investigation of ming and appeared to show political diplomatic dialogue designed to pro- the Broadcasting Board of Governors favoritism in selecting CPB’s presi- mote the vital national interests of the Chairman, Kenneth Tomlinson, to dent while he was chairman. U.S.” Congress. The report, covered in AAD supports the efforts led by major newspapers (www.washing Diplomats Urge Dialogue with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice tonpost.com/wpdyn/content/art Syria and Iran to end the fighting in Lebanon and icle/2006/08/29/AR20060829014 In an Aug. 15 statement, members stop attacks on Israel, and applauds 92.html), states that Tomlinson of the American Academy of Diplo- U.N. Security Council Resolution improperly used his office and vio- macy urged the Bush administration 1701. However, it specifies that “dis- lated rules as head of the agency that to widen the dialogue on the Leban- cussions must now continue, both to oversees the Voice of America and ese crisis to include Syria and Iran ensure that it is faithfully implement- other government broadcasting (www.commongroundcommon ed by all parties and to address the operations. In particular, he put a sense.org/forums/lofiversion/ind underlying problems of the region.” friend on the payroll and ran a ex.php/t61149.htm). In concluding, the Academy “horse-racing operation” with gov- In releasing the statement, Acad- states: “We urge the administration ernment resources. emy Chairman Thomas R. Pickering to intensify and broaden diplomatic The State Department also sent acknowledged the essential contribu- efforts to include influential state the report to the Department of tion made by the U.S. armed forces, stakeholders Syria and Iran in a fully Justice, which has declined to bring as well as the fact that the country’s coordinated approach to the region criminal charges against Tomlinson. diplomats have proved their mettle in and its interrelated problems which, An allegation involving a contractor is, the “new and dangerous world afflict- if successful, could have important however, pending with the DOJ. ed by terrorism.” Pickering added: beneficial effects on all the areas of Last November, the BBG gover- “We need have no fear that talking conflict.” nor resigned his position as chairman with other governments of whatever In an interview in the July edition of the Corporation for Public Broad- stripe somehow demonstrates weak- of The Washington Diplomat (www. washingtondiplomat.org), Aca- demy President Brandon Grove 50 Years Ago... underlined the unique perspective Diplomacy exists to serve better understanding among and authority of the organization, whose members have held positions peoples. Yet probably one-half of the members of the of major responsibility in formulating U.S. Foreign Service are unable to speak any language and implementing U.S. foreign poli- but English to any useful degree. This is the shocking situation cy. “We are a very different and dis- uncovered by a recent departmental survey of language skills in the tinct organization in Washington Foreign Service. with possibilities that are unique,” he said. “Our greatest asset is our mem- — Editorial: “A Tongue-Tied Foreign Service?”, FSJ, October 1956. bership, which is an amazing group of people. This is probably the most

10 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 CYBERNOTES

distinguished group of American The report, GAO-06-894, states cy in many areas. For instance, due diplomats brought together since the repeatedly that the DRI has been to staffing shortages in consular sec- days of the Founding Fathers.” overtaken by demands for staffing and tions around the world, there are Grove, a retired FSO and former expertise from Iraq and Afghanistan. fewer officers to implement the new ambassador who took over from The initiative enabled State to hire interview requirements and screen- Ambassador Bruce Laingen as pres- more than 1,000 employees above ing procedures for visas, resulting in ident in April, intends to lead a “fun- attrition, but “most of this increase was extensive wait times for applicants damental reassessment” of the absorbed by the demand for person- for visa interviews at consular posts Academy’s mission to determine the nel in Iraq and Afghanistan, and thus overseas. Other functions, such as best way it can enhance American the desired crises and training reserve regional security, are also compro- diplomacy to meet the demands of a was not achieved.” And: “Although mised. volatile and complicated world. the DRI brought in a large number of On the issue of increasing lan- “We are at a crossroads in history. new FSOs, it made minimal impact in guage capabilities, despite efforts by The world is changing quickly around addressing the staffing gaps at hard- State, progress has been halting. As of us,” Grove said. “There are new ship posts, largely because of new October 2005, nearly 30 percent of things to understand about diplomacy staffing demands in Iraq and Afghan- language-designated positions were itself. We have got to move forward istan.” held by individuals who did not meet and share that understanding. The Elsewhere, it notes: “DRI’s goals the requirements. In the Middle East world is not ordered in any dis- became quickly outdated as new this proportion is at 37 percent. cernible way today. The U.S.’s pur- pressures resulted from staffing Moreover, GAO found that State has poses are not as clearly and consis- demands for Iraq and Afghanistan. not yet put in place a system for eval- tently defined as they should be. The For example, the department has uating the effectiveness of its initia- Academy is looking for ways to help currently levied what it calls an ‘Iraq tives. American diplomacy in a changed tax’ on all its bureaus in order to sup- GAO made five broad recommen- environment.” port its operations in Iraq and dations to solve these problems Afghanistan.” In the past two years, including using directed assignments A No-Nonsense Look at the Iraq tax has claimed a total of 280 as necessary to fill vital positions at State’s Staffing Crisis mid-level generalist and specialist critical-needs posts; systematically On Aug. 4, the Government positions, and another such tax is evaluating the effectiveness of the Accountability Office delivered a 65- expected for 2007. incentive programs for hardship post page report on the State Depart- The most severe staffing gaps con- assignments, and adjusting the incen- ment’s staffing and foreign language tinue to be at the mid-level, concen- tives on that basis; altering the assign- shortfalls to the chairman of the trated in the consular and public ment system to enhance language Senate Committee on Foreign Rela- diplomacy cones. Citing a recent sur- capability; systematically evaluating tions (www.goa.gov). GAO’s aim was vey of FS spouses and members of incentive programs for language-pro- to evaluate State’s progress in address- household, the report identifies fami- ficiency improvement; and, conduct- ing these problems since the 2002 ly issues and the lack of locality pay as ing a risk assessment of critical-lan- implementation of the Diplomatic the greatest obstacles to meeting the guage needs in regions and countries Readiness Initiative. With characteris- requirement for mid-level officers at of strategic importance, including tic thoroughness, the GAO sets forth hardship posts. requirements for staff and training, the scope of the crisis in black and The staffing shortfall directly and targeting limited resources white. affects the ability to implement poli- accordingly.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 11 C YBERNOTES

ernment had to scramble to get diplo- ecause we are rich [and] we mats and staff members to Lebanon, are strong we have Cyprus and Turkey to help evacuate Bsometimes been insensitive thousands of Canadian and dual- to the weak and to the claims of national citizens who were trying to people who couldn’t get high flee the region. enough on our agenda. So if we From 1995 to 2005, Canada want to exhort people and opened 31 new missions, and bet- persuade them as well as prevent ween 1999 and 2004 there has been a them from engaging in terror, we 50-percent increase in consular have to act like we believe our demands. But some missions, such as Beirut, have only one or two trained common humanity is more diplomats — so host-country nation- important. als and locally-hired Canadians who — Former President are not part of the Foreign Service are William J. Clinton, Aug. 16, doing much of the work. www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice In the view of one retired Canadian ambassador, the problem is only partly financial: the real problem is a shortage of trained diplomats. “I Canadian FSOs Face Budget think [Canada’s international pres- Constraints, Changing ence] has been damaged,” he says. Priorities “My belief, my conviction, is for Canada has the lowest proportion Canada to be served well abroad, it of diplomats posted abroad of any needs to be served by Foreign Service G-8 country — about 25 percent — officers.” according to a briefing report for Foreign Affairs Minister Peter The Cost of Secrecy MacKay that was brought to light in The annual financial costs attribut- the Aug. 23 issue of Canada’s foreign able to the national security classifica- policy newsweekly, Embassy (www. tion system reached a record high of embassymag.ca/html/index.php? $9.2 billion in 2005, up $1.2 billion display=story&full_path=/2006/ from 2004, according to a new report august/23/foreignservices/). from the Information Security Over- A decade of “financial restraint” is sight Office (www.archives.gov/ cited as the reason why more than half isoo/reports/2005-cost-report. of Canada’s Foreign Service officers pdf). never leave the Department of That figure does not, however, Foreign Affairs on Sussex Drive in include spending by the Central Ottawa. According to the briefing, Intelligence Agency, which classifies each additional diplomat posted its cost data. Otherwise, the govern- abroad costs up to $300,000 per year. ment share of this expenditure is esti- Further, many of the country’s mis- mated to be $7.7 billion. An addition- sions need millions of dollars worth of al $1.5 billion was spent by govern- security upgrades, and programs, ment contractors in the private sector. public diplomacy and advocacy have Classification-related costs include been pushed aside. not merely the direct costs of classify- According to Embassy correspon- ing information, which are modest, dent Lee Berthiaume, the problem but also the derivative costs of the was highlighted in July when the gov- personnel security clearance system,

12 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 C YBERNOTES

physical security for classified materi- al, classified computer security, and Site of the Month: www.eDiplomat.com more. In recent years, spending on Need to review the latest foreign policy statement from the U.K. Foreign physical security has climbed sharply, Ministry, or get an official biography from the Cambodian Ministry of External according to the report. Affairs? How about consulting the staff directory of Singapore’s mission in The ISOO, established by execu- Canberra? And, wouldn’t it be nice to get a post report with nothing but the tive order, reports directly to the pres- click of the mouse? ident on national security classification eDiplomat.com is a global portal for diplomats that offers links to the official policy (www.archives.gov/isoo). foreign ministry Web sites of 130 countries, and the Web sites of missions In congressional testimony a year around the world for 26 of those countries. It also provides links to the State ago, ISOO Director William Leonard Department’s Post Reports, and to the Web sites of diplomatic clubs and asso- argued that overclassification is a bar- ciations around the world. rier to critical information-sharing. The site also offers quick links to such things as “World’s 50 Best Restaur- “There’s over 50 percent of the infor- ants” and “International Job Vacancies.” mation that, while it may meet the cri- An independent, nonprofit organization that is not affiliated with any gov- teria for classification, really should ernment, eDiplomat was launched by a group of diplomats who recognized the not be classified in terms of what we potential of the Internet to serve as a platform for connecting diplomats and lose,” Leonard told the House those interested in diplomacy. Its self-declared mission is to “raise awareness Government Reform Committee. of and increase interaction among diplomats across the globe.” “The price we pay for classification outweighs any advantage we perceive we gain” (www.fas.org/sgp/congr the Joint Research Centre of the ply, by the best available science. (For ess/2004/082404transcript.html). European Commission (http://sed instance, the optimum target for sus- This and other developments in ac.ciesin.columbia.edu/es/esi/). tainable energy is 100 percent; and the area of classification policy can be “Our ultimate aim is to make our that for childhood mortality due to found in Secrecy News, an online pub- work policy-relevant,” Daniel Esty, environmental factors is 0.) lication of the Federation of Ameri- Hillhouse Professor of Environmental New Zealand was ranked first in the can Scientists’ Project on Govern- Law and Policy at Yale’s School of 2006 EPI, followed by Sweden, ment Secrecy (http://fas.org/sgp/ Forestry and Environmental Studies Finland, the Czech Republic and the news/secrecy/). and a member of the ESI-EPI U.K. The U.S. ranked 28th, with a research team, explains in the spring strong performance on some issues New Index Grades Countries 2006 issue of Environment Yale. and a weak one on others. In particu- on Environmental Stewardship Though the two indices are comple- lar, the U.S. lags its peers on water con- Scientists are finding increasingly mentary, the EPI, introduced in servation, sustainable energy and man- useful ways to evaluate and rank the January, is focused on current perfor- aging productive natural resources. environmental health of countries. mance and is more concerned with While the EPI spotlights pollu- Two promising new indices — the results. tion control and resource manage- Environmental Sustainability Index EPI ranks 133 countries based on ment efforts for which governments and the Environmental Performance their performance within six policy can be held accountable, the ESI Index — have been launched at the categories: environmental health, air presents a more complete, long- past two annual World Economic quality, water resources, biodiversity term picture of environmental sus- Forum meetings in Davos, Switzer- and habitat, productive natural tainability as it includes a host of fac- land. Available online, both the ESI resources (e.g., farmland, forests, fish- tors over which the current govern- and EPI are products of a joint initia- eries) and sustainable energy. Each ment has no control. For instance, tive between the Yale Center for category, in turn, is measured by two the U.K., which ranks fifth on the Environmental Law and Policy and to five indicators, or data sets. Each EPI, is 66th on the ESI. Though the the Center for International Earth indicator measures the distance a country “is now managing well what Science Information Network of country is from an established policy it has to work with,” Esty notes, it Columbia University, in collaboration target, based on goals set by treaties, has “300 years of industrialization to with the World Economic Forum and by international organizations or, sim- live down.”

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 13 SPEAKING OUT Reaching Out to Muslims

BY RICHARD S. SACKS

ur national response to al- war on terror is in the realm of ideas, Qaida must reflect our aware- As the greatest U.S. national strategy must not permit Oness that to isolate our ene- security concerns to overpower or mies, we also need to reach out to nation in the world, undermine our chances for success in Muslims around the world. Regret- the strongest weapon that realm. Ultimately, our security ably, that message is not always reflect- will depend on our success in the ed in the welcome we give to Muslims in our arsenal is the struggle for hearts and minds. The last when they visit our country. power to persuade. thing we want to do is to turn the The jihadists who attacked us five Muslim world against us. years ago on 9/11 caused the biggest The United States was in a strong loss of American lives in a single day position to win a global ideological since the Civil War. One of their aims The United States and the West contest with Islamic extremism. The was to spread fear. But their main goal have much at stake. Our enemies outpouring of global support and sym- was to provoke the West into a war want to expel the West from Muslim pathy for the United States after the with Islam. lands, impose backward-looking Sala- 9/11 attacks was instantaneous, gen- Terror is the tool of the weak. The fist regimes, like that of the Taliban, uine and deeply felt. I was in Seoul at Islamic miscreants responsible for the that yearn for an imaginary, seventh- the time. I still remember how hard it atrocity of 9/11 were weak and they century utopia, and impose a perma- was to get to the front gate of the were few. Without an over-reaction nent state of “neither war nor peace” embassy through the mass of flower from us, they had practically no means between Islam and the West. Such bouquets on the sidewalk. to unite the world’s Muslims under the regimes naturally will be inimical to banner of their unpopular and dis- our interests. Our task in the global Horror Stories credited cause. In fact, ordinary contest for ideological supremacy is to In Panama, where I was stationed Muslims — in Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, minimize the number of new recruits for the past three years, there are Bosnia, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghan- for the jihadist cause. Avoiding mis- around 10,000 Muslims, mostly sec- istan, even in Iran — already had steps in the war on terror is crucial, ond-generation Lebanese and Gujara- rejected the Islamic dictatorships lest our mistakes become valuable tis. Not long after I arrived, we start- those fanatics wanted to impose. recruiting tools for the enemy. ed getting increasingly dire reports For five years, like it or not, we Naturally, after 9/11 Americans from Muslim travelers. They told us have been engaged in a global ideo- became more concerned about their chilling stories about their treatment logical struggle, with strong military security. And as the attackers were all at U.S. ports of entry. and political overtones, similar to the Arab Muslims, the idea that a “War of People who had been traveling to Cold War. That struggle — the War on Civilizations” was at hand surfaced. the United States on business for Terror — is being played out through But that is not what we are facing, and many years, some of them rather large argument, example and perception, as it is imperative that we avoid the per- investors, who had gone to school or well as through economic aid and ception that we are at war with Islam. who had children in school in the development. It is a war for globaliza- Today confusion on this point is United States, were being stopped at tion, for individual liberty and human rampant. Just listen to the talk shows our airports, forced to miss their and political rights. It is a war for and you’ll hear average Americans onward flights and interrogated for hearts and minds. Security and politics say, “Since we’re at war with the hours. They told us that U.S. port-of- are important parts of this fight, but Muslims...” entry officials had accused them of the main struggle is ideological. Because the principal fight in the being terrorists or terrorist supporters,

14 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S PEAKING O UT

Avoiding missteps in the MJWFCFUUFS war on terror is crucial, BCSBOEOFXDVTUPNEFTJHOFE FYUFOEFETUBZIJHISJTF KVTUUXP lest our mistakes become CMPDLTGSPNUIF9IJUF*PVTF XFBDDFQUHPWFSONFOUQFSEJFN valuable recruiting tools #-# SFJOWFOUTUIFFYUFOEFETUBZ for the enemy. FYQFSJFODFGVMMZBQQPJOUFEPOFBOE UXPCFESPPNGVSOJTIFEBQBSUNFOUT XJUIDVTUPNNBIPHBOZGVSOJUVSF¶ GVMMZFRVJQQFELJUDIFOTXJUITUBJOMFTT TUFFMBQQMJBODFTBOEMJNFTUPOF humiliated them in front of their wives DPVOUFSUPQT¶QMVTIUPXFMTBOEMJOFOT¶ and children, and sometimes in- LJOHTJ[FECFET¶EJHJUBMQSFNJVNDBCMF formed them that “our embassy in BOEIJHITQFFEJOUFSOFU¶TPOZXFHBUW EWEDETUFSFP¶TQBTFSWJDFT¶GJUOFTT Panama told us to cancel your visa” or DFOUFS¶ CVTJOFTTDFOUFSXJUIXPSL “our embassy in Panama told us that TUBUJPOTBOEDPOGFSFODFGBDJMJUZ¶ you are a terrorist.” XFFLEBZDMVCCSFBLGBTU XJUI TUBSCVDLT Some were chained and shackled DPGGFF ¶ BGUFSOPPO UB[P UFB ¶ XFFLMZ hand and foot and sent to overnight IPVTFLFFQJOH ¶  GSPOU EFTL BOE lockups, sometimes in dreadful condi- DPODJFSHF TFSWJDFT ¶ PO TJUF QSJWBUF QBSLJOH tions, sometimes deprived of food and drink for more than a day. Then, given the choice between voluntary deporta- tion and having their visas canceled, or appearing before an immigration judge, they chose deportation. One Panamanian told us that throughout his ordeal he kept expect- ing someone to jump out and say, ,6, “It’s all a joke. You’re on ‘Candid Camera’!” Alas, that did not happen. Granted, the al-Qaida attackers were brutal killers, and we have a right — a duty — to protect ourselves. But MVYVSZGVSOJTIFEBQBSUNFOUT why turn friends into enemies in the CZLPSNBODPNNVOJUJFT process? The cases I came to know about convinced me that we were on the wrong track. We must be clear and avoid doing exactly what will prof-  * 564''6 09 ¶ 9#5*+0)610 &% it al-Qaida.  ¶  Unfortunately, solving the problem -14/#0%1//70+6+'5%1/ involves confronting some unsettling 0; 0, 2# &% 0% attitudes and practices that we have adopted. For example, an emphasis on risk avoidance above all else may be making us less secure. We have filled sensitive positions with untrained per- sonnel who often act as if our security

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 15 S PEAKING O UT

We have a right — a duty — to protect ourselves. But why turn friends into enemies in the process?

increases each time they deny a Muslim entry. There are many instances where Muslims selected by our embassies for the International Visitor Program have encountered similar rejections upon arrival in the U.S. Do we really want to give the impression that adherents to that faith are no longer welcome here? In addition, our use of raw intelli- gence data to screen visitors is a good example of “garbage in, garbage out.” We are throwing unsubstantiated reports containing thousands of names into a computerized hopper called the National Tracking Center. Once a name is in the system, we are reluctant to remove it. Our officials also seem to be making little effort to vet reports on individuals. Further, our ports of entry appar- ently have made no real provision for handling detained passengers who have committed no crime. In response, more and more Pana- manians — not just Muslims, either — are changing their plans to avoid coming to the United States. Instead, they are traveling directly to Europe or China, whether for business, tourism, exchanges or education. Yes, it’s more expensive for them, but who wants to risk going to Houston or Miami anymore? Even the real estate boom in Panama is partly due to the ease of getting there and the difficulty of getting to Miami. And the same is

16 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S PEAKING O UT

true of many other countries around The public affairs section has aug- the world. Panama, after all, has a rel- mented its speakers program; for atively tiny Muslim population. Sometimes 90 percent instance, the ambassador has made a point of meeting frequently with Taking Corrective Action of diplomacy is members of Muslim communities in Beginning in 2005, Embassy Pana- Panama. The embassy is also playing ma took some important steps to cor- just being polite. an important part in the mission’s out- rect a perceived imbalance in relations reach by donating books to local with local Muslims. The ambassador mosques and seeking Muslim partici- hosted Iftar breakfasts marking the pants in the International Visitors end of the Ramadan fasting period, The embassy has been focusing Program. and other meals on religious holidays, attention on individual cases of I am sure that Embassy Panama is for the local Muslim communities. Muslims turned back at the border to taking additional steps, for several These simple acts of kindness generat- discover what remedies, if any, can be months have passed since I left post. ed a large amount of good will, as par- found. It also began a series of frank As the greatest nation in the world, ticipants noted that no U.S. ambas- discussions with local Muslim groups our power does not come from instill- sador had ever before invited them to to explain the complexities of visa ing fear. Rather, the strongest weapon the official residence. Woody Allen issuance, in close consultation with in our arsenal is the power to per- once remarked that 90 percent of life is State and DHS. More attention is suade. And we have that power just showing up. Well, sometimes 90 being placed on evaluating informa- because people admire our values as a percent of diplomacy is just being tion in the National Tracking Center nation: because we are champions of polite. database. human rights, because of our sense of

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 17 S PEAKING O UT

fair play and justice, our freedom, and Need to Sound the Alarm our respect for the freedom of others. About Something? Let me close by saying that Ameri- As Americans, we should can officials sometimes tell foreign Why not write a “Speaking Out” column travelers that having a U.S. visa only make sure that what for the Foreign Service Journal? allows them to “knock on the door.” “Speaking Out” is your forum to advo- As Americans, we should make happens after the door cate policy, regulatory or statutory sure that what happens after the door changes affecting the Foreign Service. opens reflects our ideals. Nothing less opens reflects our ideals. These can be based on personal experi- will improve our security, enhance the ence with an injustice or convey your image of the U.S. abroad or increase hard-won insights into a foreign affairs- related issue. the odds that we will win the struggle against Islamic terrorism. Writers are encouraged to take strong stands, but all factual claims must be currently is deputy director of the supported and documented. Richard Sacks is this year’s winner of Pakistan and Bangladesh office. Prior Submissions should be approximately AFSA’s William R. Rivkin Award for to joining the Service, he worked as 1,500 words in length and should be constructive dissent by a mid-level an Associated Press newsman, daily sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Foreign Service officer. Since joining newspaper reporter, and as a World Please note that all submissions to the the Service in 1989, he has served in Bank publications editor. He also co- Journal must be approved by the Panama (where he was political coun- authored Paraguay: The Personalist Editorial Board and are subject to edit- selor), Seoul, Hanoi, Casablanca, Legacy (Westview Press, 1991) with ing for style, length and format. Mexico City and Washington, D.C. He Riordan Roett. Home Suite Home

The next time you’re going to be in DC for an extended stay, make yourself at home at Georgetown Suites. With our discounted monthly rates and large, comfortable suites, you’ll feel right at home. Plus we’re near the State Department. Call today! Georgetown Suites

www.georgetownsuites.com 1-800-348-7203 [email protected] the fun place to stay in DC

18 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS ON P UBLIC D IPLOMACY

DAMAGE CONTROL: KAREN HUGHES DOES PD Darren Dygi

A YEAR INTO HER TENURE, IS HUGHES MAKING EFFECTIVE USE “ OF FOREIGN SERVICE EXPERTISE? BY SHAWN ZELLER

hy do they hate us?” There is no shortage of possible explanations. Waging war on Iraq seems to be one of the least popular policy decisions in the modern history of the United States, both at home and abroad. Then factor in the widespread perception, strengthened by the latest round of fighting in Lebanon, that WashingtonW favors Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians, and it’s fairly easy to understand why America’s popularity around the world — especially in the Middle East — is at a low ebb.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 19 F OCUS

But given the fact that the Bush Millions of people in the one that public diplomacy officers administration, even in the face of see as just a single piece of the puz- flagging domestic support for the Muslim world empathize zle in turning around anti-American war, is sticking to its guns (so to attitudes abroad. speak), the more important ques- more with Osama bin Part of the tension comes from tion for the Foreign Service, partic- the less-than-perfect fit between ulary State Department public Laden than America. public affairs and public diplomacy, diplomacy officers, is: Can we help which State has combined into one them understand us, or at least bureau. Most public diplomacy temper the damage, when U.S. policy is at fundamental officers would define public affairs as aimed at domestic odds with foreign public opinion? audiences, getting messages out to American decision- “We’ve made the assumption for five years now that makers and the American public at large. Public diplo- everyone wants Western-style democracy and capital- macy is conducted overseas, reaching audiences in dif- ism,” says Anthony Quainton, a former director general ferent countries using a variety of informational, educa- of the Foreign Service and ambassador to Peru, tional and cultural tools. Nicaragua, Kuwait and the Central African Republic. Hughes, according to her critics, is placing a dispro- “Well, the reality is that that assumption may be wrong, portionate amount of attention on news media outreach, and then you are really swimming upstream.” and too little attention on the types of long-term outreach Still, for the first time since the 9/11 terrorist attacks efforts — such as foreign exchanges and educational pro- put public diplomacy back on the State Department grams — that public diplomacy experts say are equally radar, America’s front lines of public relations have a well- important. The payoff for those efforts, of course, will placed, and serious, political leader: Under Secretary only be felt in years to come, when foreigners who come Karen Hughes, a former Texas television reporter who to America on exchanges in their youth become influen- has worked for President Bush since he was governor of tial figures in their own countries as adults. Texas and is, by all accounts, one of his closest and most No matter what the mix of public diplomacy tactics, trusted advisers. though, it remains unclear whether PD alone can make a Her task is a huge one: To turn the tide of public opin- significant difference in foreign attitudes when U.S. pol- ion in the Muslim world, public opinion that is now so icy decisions are so unpopular abroad — an unfortunate negative that millions of people there empathize more result, some say, of the Bush administration’s failure to lis- with Osama bin Laden than with the United States. ten to the Foreign Service’s public diplomacy experts in A year into her tenure, Hughes is getting better the first place. If there is to be success, it will be evident reviews than either of her short-lived Bush administra- in years, not months. tion predecessors: Madison Avenue advertising executive Hughes faces three main challenges. First is the con- Charlotte Beers and Republican public relations opera- tent of U.S. public diplomacy. Hughes is a master at tive Margaret Tutwiler. But Foreign Service officers framing a political message. She, second only to Karl remain deeply skeptical of whether Hughes is doing Rove, is credited with engineering Bush’s presidential enough to tap the expertise around her. They fear that election wins. But can she sell not only American poli- she is trying to run the public diplomacy apparatus as she cies, but also our values, in regions where it’s unclear if would a political campaign. they are shared? The criticisms primarily come on two fronts. First, Second, Hughes must rebuild the State Department’s Hughes remains wary of the Foreign Service, and has public diplomacy apparatus, which was dismantled in largely surrounded herself with political appointees. 1999 when Congress merged the highly regarded United Second, she’s focused overwhelmingly on media outreach States Information Agency into State, on the ill-fated — a tactic that might work in a political campaign, but assumption that public diplomacy wouldn’t be a crucial skill after the demise of the Soviet Union. It’s clear from Shawn Zeller is a senior staff writer for Congressional interviews with PD officers that this is where Hughes’ Quarterly and a frequent contributor to the Journal. performance has been weakest. One PD specialist says

20 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006

F OCUS

that Hughes has, in fact, shown By all accounts, Hughes’ sible situation, sounded trite as “outright hostility” to career she described herself repeatedly staff, surrounding herself with tenure at State got off to an as “a mom” and recited clichés deputy assistant secretaries “who about U.S. democratic values. don’t know or care about the inauspicious start. But there To her foreign audiences, she Foreign Service.” came off as insincere and conde- Third, Hughes needs to coor- is also agreement that she has scending. And back at State, dinate the public diplomacy mis- such encounters confirmed con- sion with other agencies that learned from her mistakes. cerns that Hughes was a public share responsibility for carrying diplomacy lightweight, with no it out — most prominently the experience working abroad, Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees the appointed to a vitally important post simply because she United States’ foreign broadcasting, but also the U.S. was a friend of the president. Agency for International Development, as well as other But other FSOs, even some who are sharply critical of Cabinet departments such as Defense and Commerce. her in other areas, say that the trips were a welcome wake-up call for Hughes. “She seems to be really smart, Three Goals and Five Es flexible and adaptable, and willing to change her tactics to By all accounts, Hughes’ tenure at State got off to an accommodate the facts,” says one longtime PD officer. inauspicious start. Her visits to Saudi Arabia and “She seems to be capable of learning from her mistakes.” Indonesia in the fall of 2005 were pilloried in the foreign Since the trips, she has recast her role by defining a and U.S. press. The most memorable, and demoralizing clear mission and setting three overarching goals. The moments, came in Saudi Arabia — where a group of local first, she says, is that the United States must “continue to women took issue with Hughes’ criticisms of Saudi cul- offer the world a positive vision of hope and opportunity ture, insisting that they were happy, despite the Saudi that’s rooted in our values, our belief in freedom, our rules that bar women from driving and require strict sep- commitment to human rights, our belief in the worth and aration of the sexes — and in front of Indonesian stu- dignity and equality and value of every single person in dents, where Hughes was challenged repeatedly about the world.” Second, the United States must work with U.S. policy in the Muslim world. allies and friends to isolate and marginalize violent “I think it was maybe the case of mixed expectations as extremists. Finally, the U.S. must encourage recognition opposed to reviews,” Hughes said earlier this year, of the “common interests and common values between reflecting on the trip. “I mean, I remember talking with Americans and people of different countries and cultures the reporters. The idea that I’m going to sit down with a and faiths across the world.” group of people who are adamantly opposed to the war in To accomplish those goals, Hughes has laid out tactics Iraq and, because I am there to listen to them, that some- that she dubs the “five Es,” which are “engage, exchange, how I’m going to change their minds, I don’t think any- educate, empower and evaluate.” Many officers admit one in this room would expect that that’s a very realistic that they can’t help rolling their eyes when they hear expectation.” Hughes try to boil down the public diplomacy message But unfortunately for Hughes, that was where she into pithy talking points. But her effort to define the mis- made her biggest headlines during her first year at State. sion does square with the recent recommendations of the And the reports of the trips still linger in the minds of Government Accountability Office, as well as the influ- many Foreign Service officers, continuing to inform atti- ential 2003 Advisory Group on Public Diplomacy for the tudes about her competency. “She started out not just Arab and Muslim World. The latter was chaired by badly, but horrifyingly, shockingly, embarrassingly badly,” Edward Djerejian, director of the James A. Baker III says one Washington-based officer who has done 10 over- Institute for Public Policy at Rice University and a former seas tours. ambassador to Israel and Syria. Both studies argued that For many State officers, those encounters showed that U.S. public diplomacy lacks the clear message and force- Hughes was out of her depth. She walked into an impos- ful, coordinated delivery that define a good private-sector

22 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

public relations campaign. A new “Rapid Response Unit” affairs. Many of Hughes’ initia- Furthermore, Hughes has tives, in other words, start with a backed up her PR talk with sev- in the Bureau of Public Affairs dictate from Washington that eral substantive program and the field must then follow, with policy changes. In Foggy Bot- monitors foreign broadcasts little receptivity to ideas coming tom, a new “Rapid Response from the other direction, they Unit” in the Bureau of Public and blogs, then produces a say. Affairs monitors foreign broad- Earlier this year the Govern- casts and blogs, and produces a daily one-page report. ment Accountability Office daily one-page report on the credited Hughes with taking the stories foreign journalists are first steps toward a professional covering along with the U.S position on those issues. The public relations campaign, but continued to criticize the report is then delivered to top political appointees, ambas- department for its slowness in distributing guidance to the sadors and public affairs officers around the world. field. Hughes has also set up what she calls “an echo cham- Hughes has made much of the increased number of ber,” in which policy statements are posted on State’s interviews Foreign Service officers have conducted in Intranet in an effort to unify the department’s message on Arabic — a number that doubled from 2004 to 2005 to key issues attracting attention in the international media. about 100 total interviews, and is slated to rise again this Those statements are also used to draft editorials that air year — but, as the GAO notes, there is still a long way to on Voice of America broadcasts. go. Its study found that 37 percent of the language- Hughes has also freed ambassadors to be interviewed designated posts in the Muslim world are filled by officers by the foreign press without advance permission from without the requisite language skills. Washington. She has herself conducted interviews with In January, President Bush launched the National Al-Jazeera and other Arab media on the grounds that they Security Language Initiative to help cut into that deficit. have wide viewership in the Muslim world, even though Under the program, State is slated to receive $27 million they were once unwelcome at State because of their per- to boost the language skills of FSOs. At the same time, ceived hostility to U.S. policy. And out of concern that too Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has changed promo- many previous media relations efforts have focused on tion criteria at State to require more advanced language bilateral relations, she’s set up regional public diplomacy mastery. These efforts may well improve the situation, hubs in Dubai and Brussels. The public affairs officers but it will clearly take years before State can respond to there focus on regional media outlets such as Al-Jazeera. the foreign media in the Muslim world as readily as “The purpose of our ambassadors and our Foreign Hughes and others would like. Service officers is to be out interacting with the media, to Describing Hughes’ efforts, Steven Johnson, a former be communicating with the public about America’s poli- State public affairs officer now at the conservative cies and values and actions,” Hughes told the Associated Heritage Foundation, a Washington think-tank, says it’s Press in June. “We are working to try to change the entire about “what you’d expect a former journalist to do, which culture of the State Department.” is focus on the media.” But, he adds, “I’m not sure she has The changes have won positive reviews. Officers on focused enough on the other parts that make up two- Hughes’ staff indicate that they are impressed with her thirds of the public diplomacy mission: building bridges of energy and her access to the White House. And some understanding through academic and cultural exchanges, express admiration for her skills as a public relations oper- as well as foreign broadcasting, and coordinating the for- ative. The Bush administration’s message “may be hard to eign public affairs efforts of other government agencies. believe,” says one veteran officer. “But she excels at In that [respect], she’s still getting her sea legs.” choreographing the ways to get it out there.” Critics within the department say that Hughes also Many in the field say Hughes’ public relations-style needs to focus more on the development of her Foreign approach to public diplomacy reflects the kind of top- Service staff. Hughes has not taken it upon herself, they down thinking that works better in politics than foreign say, to commend career staff when they do a good job, or

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 23 F OCUS

give them assurances that hard Many FSOs fear Hughes is example, shifting rating stan- work and training in the public dards for ambassadors to diplomacy arena will lead to trying to run the PD apparatus include an evaluation of their career advancement. success in speaking out on as she would a political behalf of the United States, and USIA: Gone but encouraging their missions to Not Forgotten campaign, from the top. do the same. In addition, he Among public diplomacy notes, Hughes has succeeded officers, current and past, there in having a deputy assistant sec- is still great nostalgia for the United States Information retary for public diplomacy placed in each of State’s six Agency, an independent agency that guided the United regional bureaus. States’ communications efforts overseas for nearly 50 Quainton worries that promotion opportunities are still years with great success. Seven years after USIA became not as bright for public diplomacy officers as they were part of State in 1999, PD officers say that they still feel like during the days of USIA. “There are no senior jobs guar- outsiders in the department. anteed to public diplomacy diplomats now,” he says. When the Public Diplomacy Council — a group of top “That’s a distinct downgrading of career opportunities diplomats organized by The George Washington from what existed before.” PD officers have a greater University — issued a “Call for Action on Public opportunity, of course, to seek ambassadorships; but that, Diplomacy” in January 2005, its first recommendation was as Quainton notes, is not a purely public diplomacy func- essentially to reconstitute USIA as a new U.S. Agency for tion. Public Diplomacy. The unintended result of the merger The bottom line, says Djerejian, is that “To change of USIA and State, the report said, had been “to weaken [the] culture you have to lead a campaign and get it done, strategic communication as an effective foreign policy and I think more work needs to be done on that. Foreign tool.” Service officers have to understand they are on the front However, the report argued, simply creating a new lines of public diplomacy no matter what their function public diplomacy bureaucracy within State would not may be.” work: “Without direct control of public diplomacy per- sonnel and financial resources, an under secretary will The Broadcasting Piece of the Puzzle continue to be held responsible for, yet have no real If reshaping State’s culture weren’t enough of a chal- authority over, public diplomacy — a prescription for fail- lenge, an equally daunting task may be integrating State’s ure. A new structure ... must be built.” public diplomacy efforts with those of other government Not everyone agrees with that argument. Edward agencies and, in particular, the Broadcasting Board of Djerejian himself calls the dismantling of USIA a Governors. The BBG oversees myriad, disjointed foreign “strategic lapse in judgment.” But he adds that it broadcast networks that have both a responsibility to coor- would be very difficult to resurrect another govern- dinate with State and a mission that requires journalistic ment institution. Instead, he believes the challenge is: independence. “How do you reinvent public diplomacy within the At a House Appropriations Committee hearing in May, Foreign Service?” Rep. Alan B. Mollohan, D-W.Va., laid out the problem: Quainton, who is vice president of the Public “We’ve had the Coalition Information Center and the Diplomacy Council, says that there’s a strong argument to White House Office of Global Communications, Strategic be made that it would be more efficient if State could be Communication Policy Coordinating Committee, and the made to carry out the public diplomacy mission. “They’ve Muslim World Outreach Policy Coordination Committee. been groping for a structural solution to integration, And the DOD’s had the Office of Strategic Influence,” he which I think is still far from perfect,” he says. “It’s turned said, touching on some of the previous efforts to coordi- out to be very, very difficult.” nate. “To what extent can we realistically think that we’re Djerejian points out that Hughes has taken steps to going to coordinate all of the agencies in a unified mes- boost the profile of the public diplomacy mission by, for sage?”

24 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

Responding to Mollohan, Hughes acknowledged the sion network in Arabic-speaking countries, and Radio problem. “As I travel the world, people almost every- Farda in Iran. where tell me, you all don’t speak as one government. You The level of independence of the broadcasters — speak as a bunch of different governments,” she said. It’s among themselves and from State — has been a source of “hard,” she added, “because a story breaks somewhere longstanding debate. “There have been some differences and it involves one agency. And you don’t know the of opinion as to what exactly, where the firewall is,” answer, and yet different agencies are asked about it. And Hughes said at the May House hearing. “For example,” so, it appears that no one wants to talk about it. Yet it’s she said, “it seems to me that it would make sense for our really just a matter that the State Department shouldn’t broadcasting entities to cover our exchange programs. be answering questions about what the CIA is doing — or Why shouldn’t our broadcasting do a documentary about should it?” As yet, no one has managed to resolve those a group of clerics who come to America, or a group of thorny questions. young people who come to America?” Also frustrating for Hughes is the independence Djerejian agrees that State should have more editorial afforded the BBG, which has a $645 million annual bud- influence over the broadcasters. “You’re trying to put get to broadcast independent journalism focusing on U.S. someone in a suit that doesn’t fit them” by creating a fire- policy to countries where press freedom is restricted. The wall, he says. “I believe that if you are going to have a BBG oversees such venerable radio and television entities Voice of America, you should make it a voice of America. as the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio It is seen as that, and people will listen to it as that.” Free Liberty, as well as new media outlets in the Middle To facilitate closer cooperation, in April President East such as Radio Sawa and the Alhurra satellite televi- Bush established yet another interagency panel that

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 25 F OCUS

Hughes leads: the Policy Coor- If reshaping State’s culture limited ability to interact dinating Committee on Public directly with target populations Diplomacy and Strategic Com- weren’t enough of a challenge, because of security concerns, munication. according to the GAO. Most But it will be an uphill fight an equally daunting task may embassies are now, by necessity, to convince the broadcasters, hardened facilities with little or who closely guard their inde- be integrating its PD efforts no public access. Initiatives pendence, of the need for clos- such as the American Corners er coordination. Indeed, veter- with those of other agencies. program, which sets up Ameri- an employees of the U.S. can reading rooms and comput- broadcasting entities say that er access in cooperation with any hint of State Department control will undermine local partners, are still only in the beginning stages. their credibility. The budget for international exchanges, meanwhile, “I believe international broadcasting and public is up 11.3 percent this year from 2005. Spending could diplomacy should be two different activities,” says Kim hit $474 million in 2007, but it is still inadequate, accord- Andrew Elliott, an audience research analyst for the ing to many analysts. State has received an influx of cash International Broadcasting Bureau, who noted that he for public diplomacy, with the budget hitting $630 mil- was speaking only on his own behalf. “Public diplomacy lion in 2006 from $520 million in 2004. But, as the GAO is really public relations on an international scale. It has has noted, State hasn’t been able to fill even all of its a persuasive purpose, an advocacy purpose. Broadcast- existing public diplomacy positions with qualified appli- ing has a different purpose. People tune in to get infor- cants. Approximately 15 percent of PD positions over- mation that is more credible than what they get in their seas are currently vacant. own state-controlled media. Credibility is the be-all and Better management, exercised consistently, will help end-all.” alleviate these problems. But Michael Schneider, a for- But is U.S. broadcasting effective under the current, mer USIA deputy associate director for policy and pro- sometimes tense arrangement with State? That’s the grams, argues it’s unlikely that even that will solve the million-dollar question. The GAO has reported that in public diplomacy dilemma once and for all. Even very many cases the broadcasts have suffered from poor audi- effective selling of policies that are objectionable over- ence attention, and limited transmission capabilities. As seas can only take you so far, he says. And that may be a yet, no comprehensive study has been conducted on challenge that even a very effective public diplomacy how much U.S. broadcasting affects foreign public opin- operation — one that provides a serious advisory role for ion. PD officers — cannot overcome, because, as the war Judging from the limited data that are available, many continues to boil in Iraq, it just may be too late. of the findings are not good. A recent survey of univer- “The missing ingredient in U.S. national security pol- sity communications students in the Arab world, con- icy is the lack of a strong, consistent, advisory role for ducted by a researcher at Queens University of public diplomacy,” says Schneider, who is now a profes- Charlotte, N.C., found that young people who listened sor at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public to Radio Sawa or watched Alhurra Television actually Affairs at Syracuse University. “People who know the grew less sympathetic toward U.S. foreign policy. The culture, languages and societies should not just have BBG has dismissed the study as unscientific, because been asked, but been required to play a stronger role in respondents were not selected at random and the total policy development. What we hear from our leaders is sample size was small. But the results are still disquiet- that we need a stronger voice, but we can’t be effective ing. if our policies don’t benefit from the people who deal with public opinion and social and cultural concerns. The Role of Management We need to craft those policies with a more consistent State’s public diplomacy team has also suffered from and a more clear-cut view of what are the possible poor attention to evaluation of existing programs and results.”

26 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS ON P UBLIC D IPLOMACY

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

LIKE INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS, PD MUST BE PROTECTED FROM POLITICAL STRONG-ARMING, GENEROUSLY FUNDED AND HEEDED AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL.

BY PATRICIA H. KUSHLIS AND PATRICIA LEE SHARPE

ublic diplomacy was vitally impor- single, freelance blogger reaches even more people than tant during the Cold War, a contest the U.S. could not did the BBC and the Voice of America combined a few afford to lose on any level. So it is perhaps understand- decades ago. Enterprising geeks can undermine elec- able thatP the euphoria that followed our victory led oth- tronic security systems and government censors’ erwise sober analysts to entertain thoughts of the “end of Internet blocking. history.” Contrary to the expectations of the policymak- There’s more. Satellite television outlets with deeply ers who abolished the U.S. Information Agency in a fit of appealing, competing perspectives have multiplied. The hubris and parsimony, however, we find ourselves in a Internet allows rapid, low-investment access to global dangerous, shape-shifting era. More and more govern- audiences by anyone, anywhere, and bloggers pounce ments play the nuclear card, once-poor nations throw gleefully on ill-considered official statements. Misrep- their economic clout around and even longstanding resentations are exposed, counterarguments are gener- allies must be cajoled for support. ated, and silence is filled by alternative ideas. To suc- In some ways, we are the victim of our own success. ceed in this decentralized, democratized, even anarchic Ex-client states have outgrown U.S. tutelage and eco- environment, diplomacy requires ever-greater contex- nomic support; political empowerment has produced tual sophistication, flexibility and nimbleness, and two- intellectual independence; and the U.S. is no longer way communication skills, meaning dialogue — not seen as the “indispensable force” or beloved uncle whose hectoring. warts and missteps can be overlooked. Instead, the U.S. must explain itself even to its old friends and, too often, Contemporary Contexts for finds itself on the defensive. The swagger that inspired Public Diplomacy confidence during the Cold War now generates more Given this dangerous and complex world, the exercise resentment than admiration. of public diplomacy offers distinct advantages. It’s far Nor is bigger always more powerful today. Some of cheaper than war and its results are long-lasting. Public today’s most virulent threats come from supranational diplomacy isn’t about coercion, bluster or manipulation, universalistic ideologies and non-state actors perpetrat- but persuasion. It’s about communication so relevant ing massive cross-border (or intrastate) violence. And a and so well conceived that allies are reinforced, neutrals

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 27 F OCUS

become supportive and opponents Public diplomacy sionals (not advertising whiz kids, are defeated or undermined by not PR people, not MBAs), with doubt. The violently defeated usu- isn’t about coercion, cutting-edge tools and carefully cul- ally vow to undo the damage as tivated communications networks, soon as possible, and those blind- bluster or manipulation, might have generated more enthusi- sided by the elite-to-elite aspects of asm for the cause, but we’ll never secret or traditional diplomacy may but persuasion. know. America’s public diplomacy feel less than bound by agreements agency had already been disman- that seem unfair. But it’s hard to tled, its professionals disdained and repudiate a deal to which you’re a knowing and willing dispersed. party. Public diplomacy plays a yet more critical role in gain- Even friends take persuading, as the present Bush ing support for American interests in countries whose administration discovered in seeking allies for the second leaders are suspicious, hostile or simply indifferent to Iraq War. In several instances, governments were inclin- U.S. interests. A nudge from below can have beneficial ed to join the coalition of the willing, but their publics results even in undemocratic states. Outreach provides were less happy about going to war. A robust public the opposition with intellectual ammunition, and when diplomacy effort conducted by a seasoned corps of action is dangerous or impossible, it keeps ideas and hope respected and self-respecting Foreign Service profes- alive. And finally, there’s the challenge of being prepared for Patricia H. Kushlis was a Foreign Service officer with the change. Public diplomacy allows for continuity of contact U.S. Information Agency from 1970 to 1998. She moved when revolutions, coups or upsets of one kind or another to New Mexico after retiring from the Foreign Service and displace valued contacts at the top of the hierarchy. What is an adjunct professor of political science at the happens? A ready and waiting set of friends assumes University of New Mexico. She authored an instructor’s responsibility. manual on comparative politics for Wadsworth Learning In short, America’s public diplomacy must reflect the (2005), managed Voter News Service’s coverage of New vitality of political, social, economic, intellectual and cul- Mexico’s elections in 2000 and 2002, and co-founded the tural debate in such a way as to support current policy, World Affairs Forum, a foreign affairs discussion forum yes, but also to provide a basis for America’s continuing based in Santa Fe. She regularly posts on the foreign influence in an unpredictable, multipolar world, whatev- affairs and national security blog WhirledView er the ideology of the party in power. (www.whirledview.typepad.com) which Cheryl Rofer, Though many of our examples in this article are drawn Patricia L. Sharpe and she created in 2004. from the USIA era, we do not argue here for the agency’s Patricia Lee Sharpe was an FSO with USIA and State reincarnation. We do advocate an effective PD presence from 1978 to 2001. A former Fulbright lecturer in around the world. We also contend that public diploma- Pakistan, she has a Ph.D. in American literature and has cy, like trustworthy intelligence gathering, must be pro- worked in journalism, advertising/public relations and tected from short-sighted political strong-arming, must academia. Since retiring to Santa Fe in 2001, she has be generously funded and must be factored in at the devoted herself to writing fiction and poetry, publishing highest levels. two books: The Deadmen and Other Poems (Writer’s Workshop, Calcutta, 2003) and Four Walls and a Veil Keeping Allies Cooperative (Oxford, 2004), her translations from the Urdu of the Although the U.S. is powerful today — absolutely and poems of Pakistani feminist Fahmida Riaz. She is cur- comparatively — we still need friends and allies. The rently preparing a volume of short stories entitled The truth is that even old friends do not always see things the Natalie Tales for publication. In addition to addressing way we do. To gain and retain their support, America current affairs through the WhirledView blog, she has must convince them, not once but continuously, that U.S. been an occasional visiting lecturer on South Asia at the interests are also theirs. Friends, personal or interna- University of New Mexico. tional, must never be taken for granted.

28 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

Yet as part of her call for “trans- The swagger that good or important and what is not. formational diplomacy,” Secretary But genuine democracies differ in of State Condoleezza Rice is pur- inspired confidence culture and habits of mind. They suing a global repositioning initia- disagree about priorities. They tive that reduces the U.S. presence during the Cold War now are frequently at odds about eco- in Europe, in order to beef up nomic issues, the World Trade embassies elsewhere in the world. generates more resentment Organization negotiations being a Improving U.S. representation in case in point. Even minor gaps in India or Indonesia is an excellent than admiration. understanding can be fatal when idea. But drawing down in time is of the essence. Europe to do so is a mistake. A Consider a demarche, an ur- political shakeup is on the horizon in the U.K. Romano gent request for another government’s support or state- Prodi has considered pulling the Italian contingent out ment of support, often presented at the highest level. of Iraq. Poland is changing. Putin’s Russia is flexing its The U.S. needs a quick response: “Yes, we support you!” petroleum-funded muscle in worrisome ways. Even on or “No, forget about it!” With no time for discussion or good days, interests are seldom identical and no one negotiation, the response may be an unwelcome nega- wants to pay the piper. Our foreign affairs friends are tive if a government fears its public is insufficiently pre- not clones of America or of one another. pared. The bedrock for American security, we often think, is This need not happen. Sustained public diplomacy shared democratic values and perceptions of what is can ease the way for a demarche. Given today’s hyper-

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA SINCE 1971 2006 represents our 36th year helping to maintain America’s fleet of vehicles throughout the world. All of us at D & M consider it an honor to have worked with all of you through these years.

We are aware of the importance of your official and private vehicles, forklifts, generators, tools and equipment. We look forward to continuing this service in a professional manner. We are here to help, just ask! Gary Vlahov www.dmauto.com (516) 822-6662; FAX: (516) 822-5020; E-mail: [email protected]

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 29 F OCUS

communicative, democratizing Effective PD programs text of the countries to which they world, successful foreign policy would eventually be posted, they cannot be made in secret by a tight do not presume that the were able to shape America’s mes- group of trusted confidants. In sta- sage in ways that resonated with ble democracies and even in auto- U.S. can democratize radically different audiences. cratic situations, support for (or Today many exchange programs opposition to) a government’s for- tyrannized societies are underfunded and, for political eign policy comes from many direc- and budgetary reasons, aimed tions: the media, educational estab- overnight, or is the largely at one geographic region. lishments, opposition parties, other Further, by de-emphasizing the parts of the bureaucracy, the busi- only model for them. need to educate Americans abroad ness community, labor unions, in favor of bringing foreigners here, NGOs, students and religious lead- the State Department has forgotten ers. To ensure support when we need it, the U.S. must be that the very meaning of “exchange” is two-way. laying the groundwork for a whole range of contingencies Similarly, USIA’s press and information experts day in, day out, through public diplomacy. played a dual role. They kept accurate and relevant During the Cold War, the U.S. worked hard to con- information on current U.S. policy flowing to foreign vince friends and allies of our shared political and opinion-shapers, policymakers and media people who, moral compass. Even in London and Paris there were however well disposed toward the West, might be unin- well-staffed PD missions. USIA was continually updat- formed or susceptible to misinformation and disinfor- ing computers and communications technology to back mation. The Voice of America was a trusted daily up the fast-reacting, intricately coordinated, highly spe- source of reliable news, admired for its accuracy and cialized and professionally skilled person-to-person because it occasionally aired news items that were not efforts of America’s public diplomacy corps. Until very wholly favorable to the U.S., thus incarnating the recently these officers proudly accepted (and were virtues of a free press. allowed to accept) the risk of operating out of buildings In addition to supporting systematic polling efforts that weren’t fortresses for the frightened. America’s to keep tabs on public opinion, information officers PD efforts emanated from cultural centers, libraries monitored the local press for anti-American stories, and English-teaching institutes where people were editorials and commentaries, then crafted culturally- warmly welcomed to share the excitement of an open appropriate, rapid, on-the-spot responses that got a society. USIA librarians served high school and college thoughtful reception because these PD pros had been kids, which is to say future as well as current leaders: leg- making friends and doing their homework all along. islators, presidential aides, journalists, academics, busi- USIA officers didn’t put out vicious propaganda, didn’t nesspeople. Educational and professional exchange pro- conceal authorship, didn’t manipulate, didn’t lie. The grams gave people from around the world firsthand expe- truth usually made America look good — but the way rience of the U.S. With very rare exceptions, they USIA handled PD made America look even better. returned with a keen appreciation for Americans and The Bush administration might have garnered their institutions. stronger support for its foreign policy if the public Similar exchange programs made it possible for diplomacy resources developed over decades hadn’t Americans to learn about the world. U.S. teenagers been squandered and the very need for a PD profes- studied in German high schools and lived with German sion hadn’t been so radically disputed. Uncritical devo- families. Fulbright professors taught American studies tion to the market model and to the private sector led to Russians, even during the Cold War. Many foreign to filling PD leadership positions with advertising and area and language specialists who later joined USIA or public relations executives whose miscalculations the State Department began their international careers resulted in ridicule. as Fulbright researchers in Japan, India, Brazil, you Their ineptness, in turn, encouraged the Pentagon name it. Profoundly experienced in the cultural con- to fill the information gap in ways that have under-

30 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

mined trust in America’s veracity. Despite the The equivalent miracle is possible in Islamic countries, firestorm of criticism that broke out when the public where a majority seldom supports oppressive fanati- learned that the Pentagon-funded Lincoln Group was cism, if U.S. representatives are prepared to function in paying Iraqi journalists to plant American-written ways that are subtle, well informed and respectful. That pieces favorable to the U.S. under their own bylines, means PD officers taking the time to sip sweet tea, talk such psy-ops continue to eat away at our credibility. poetry and discuss theology on the same day they’ve lec- Under these circumstances the people who would be tured on the virtues of a limited executive and shown our natural allies have no reason to trust us. We there- the younger crowd how to find hot political blogs or by lose the friends that honest PD would garner. download pop songs legally. The choice of diplomatic tools is always situation-spe- Making Friends in cific, so PD people at each post need the freedom to pick Tough Neighborhoods and choose among the high- and the very low-tech. For The Cold War showed the U.S. how to make hay example, during the 1980s, the U.S. Information Service when the sun wasn’t shining. Working smart, working library in Helsinki kept a box with copies of the indirectly and by example as much as exhortation in International Herald Tribune and other printed material Iron Curtain countries, the U.S. was able to influence that representatives of the fledgling Estonian indepen- and strengthen the resolve of people seeking democra- dence movement picked up and hand-carried across the cy and its corresponding freedom of speech, thought Gulf of Finland each month. The recently deceased and religion. As a result, much to Russia’s dismay, most Lennart Meri, who became Estonia’s president after of the old Eastern Bloc is joining the European Union. independence, said that what he valued most about the

Thank You for supporting ASAP Africa

Cultivating Self-reliance in Southern Africa www.asapafrica.org #2658

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 31 F OCUS

U.S. presence in Finland was the Cultural programs they are thrown out in elections; American Center. He urged the they lose, so to speak, the mandate U.S. to establish one in Tallinn. We are crucial PD tools in of heaven. Suddenly PD contacts did, but it lasted less than a decade are in control of the government! before succumbing to budget cuts countries where normal When the Berlin Wall fell in and security concerns. November 1989, the U.S. knew the During the 1990s a critical PD political activity has opposition in Poland and Hungary tool in Sierra Leone was a “Women as well as Czechoslovakia. When in Development” group. Encour- been driven underground Labor gave way to a Conservative aged by USIS, the women sparked government in the United King- an indigenous peace movement — not frills. dom in 1979, the new prime minis- that eventually brought down a ter, Margaret Thatcher, had experi- nasty military junta. The future enced America on a U.S. govern- president of the country was also a carefully cultivated PD ment-sponsored International Visitor program. contact and frequent dinner guest at the ambassador’s res- Dance and cultural programs are not frills. They are idence. crucial PD tools in countries where normal political activ- Speaker programs also support change. They not ity has been driven underground. While American musi- only explain U.S. policy, but embody democratic cians perform during a concert at a public affairs officer’s debate. PD officers and political officers have often house, invitees are free to talk to their host and often pro- argued vehemently over whether official speakers vide useful information. During a 1998 concert in should stick to a party line or whether they can incor- Karachi, for instance, a Pakistani Muslim leader revealed porate opposing ideas as well. In our experience, when that he was deeply unhappy with trends in his Saudi- foreign audiences heard U.S. officials discussing policy, backed organization. So, nearly a decade ago we realized they were attentive. When USIA-sponsored academics that Islamist politics had become important, and we had respectfully differed with current policy, however, the connections. result was unalloyed admiration for the courage of the Or take an incident from 1972. The military junta in U.S. in showcasing free and open discussion. It was a Thailand earned an abrupt downfall by cold-bloodedly win-win situation, but we’re told that this richness of firing upon student demonstrations. The king appoint- opinion is no longer tolerated. That’s a major loss to ed judges to run the country and prepare for elections. U.S. credibility. A USIA officer in the cultural section was the only per- Effective PD programs do not presume that the U.S. son in the U.S. embassy community who knew these can democratize tyrannized societies overnight or from judges personally. He had entertained them at his the outside, or that every democracy has to follow the home. They trusted him. The U.S. was off on the right U.S. model in detail. But in Eastern Europe and else- foot with the new regime. where, USIA programs overseen by skilled PD officers Whatever the context, however, integrity is impera- helped to equip the personalities and prepare the tive. Having earlier suggested that public diplomacy is ground from which sturdy indigenous democracies are more durable than duress, we insist that blatant propa- growing. Vaclav Havel and Charter 77 were well-known ganda is not only counterproductive, but increasingly to PD officers at Embassy Prague. futile. In today’s speed-of-light communications envi- ronment, the right message will resonate globally as Ensuring Readiness for Big Changes never before. The folly of a poorly conceived message Even when governments shun official contact with will be exposed just as rapidly. A U.S. government American diplomats or when top American officials spokesperson has a reasonable chance of influencing refuse to deal directly with their counterparts, PD prac- news and commentary in the mainstream media at titioners may be in productive contact with respected home, but the Wild West cacophony of the Internet is members of civil society and the opposition. only controllable if U.S. spokespeople are honest and After all, governments change. They fall overnight; make sense. We know. We’re bloggers now.

32 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS ON P UBLIC D IPLOMACY

NEITHER MADISON AVENUE NOR HOLLYWOOD

IF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY HAS FAILED, AS MANY CRITICS NOW CLAIM, IT HAS NOT BEEN DUE TO AN INABILITY TO FIND THE SECRET SLOGAN OR MAGIC MESSAGE.

BY ROBERT J. CALLAHAN

ow is it possible, that is specific and self-defining. Movie-makers want a congressman mused publicly a few years ago, that to entertain and, when good, provoke. Their product “the country that invented Hollywood and Madison appeals to the senses as well as the mind. Political Avenue”H could not sell itself overseas? He seemed to strategists work in a familiar domestic milieu where suggest that if we just hit on a pithy, persuasive slogan, communication is rapid and emotional, an environment we could convince others of our good intentions. He where the sound bite and arresting image produce appeared to argue that, delivered with the right results. Public-relations agents burnish the reputations panache, our message would be welcomed and of individuals or businesses, rarely going beyond embraced by the world. clichés and superficial explanations. When their clients But public diplomacy is neither advertising nor do well, they tout it. When they behave badly or per- movie-making. Nor is it public relations or political form poorly, they make excuses for them. campaigning. It may be related to those disciplines, as We public diplomacy practitioners, in contradis- baseball is distantly related to cricket, but it is most tinction, work in foreign countries and usually in for- assuredly not close kin. For while all these occupa- eign languages. We seek to explain and promote for- tions, including public diplomacy, must communicate a eign policy issues, which are by their nature compli- message to large groups of people, the difference is in cated and multifaceted. We must also describe the complexity of the product. American society, culture, history and values, a task Advertisers sell an item — beer or shoes or cars — that is, if anything, even more challenging. Yet we can- not reduce our arguments to slogans or images, no Bob Callahan, a Foreign Service officer since 1979, has matter how appealing. We have to provide context and been a public affairs officer in Rome, Athens and La nuance, explain our motives and goals, and describe Paz. He has also served in San Jose, Tegucigalpa and those many factors, domestic and international, that London. His most recent overseas assignment was as shape the policy. Although the policies we are pursu- press attaché and spokesman in Baghdad from June ing, and why we are pursuing them, may be self-evi- 2004 to May 2005. He is currently a public diplomacy dent to Americans, that’s rarely the case for a foreign fellow at The George Washington University. audience.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 33 F OCUS

Pressing the Flesh To do public edly and usually individually or To do public diplomacy prop- in small groups. erly requires time, preparation diplomacy properly These personal encounters and patience. As we assess ways are essential for a couple of rea- to improve our image, we must requires time, preparation sons. Through them we can consider new technologies, novel describe and defend American methods and clever approaches. and patience — policies, positions and motives We embraced quickly, and used to make our actions clear and to good purpose, the Internet. and personal contact. understandable. In addition, we Some of our offices now employ can use them to identify individ- text messaging and other tools uals who would profit from an popular among the young and tech-savvy to enlarge our academic exchange or international visitor grant and, in audience. No doubt other instruments will soon be- the fullness of time, share their deeper knowledge of come available that will help us in our work. We should America with others. also explore what those other related disciplines, such as To be sure, an interview that reaches large numbers advertising and public relations, can teach us about through television, radio or newspapers may enlighten effective communication. and sway people. A performance featuring an American But we have to accept that public diplomacy, like jazz trio, string quartet, dance company or theater troupe every diplomatic enterprise, is labor-intensive. It ulti- will show our diversity and artistic talents to good effect. mately comes down to talking to people, often repeat- Film festivals, seminars, photo exhibits, lecture series and

34 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

other activities attract large num- Foreign Service officers There are several ways to do bers and expose them to different this, all of them quite basic and aspects of American history and are among our most relatively inexpensive. First, we culture. Such offerings can in- need more officers who speak struct and gratify foreign audi- valuable, but underused, languages at a professional level. ences, contributing to getting our Then, all Foreign Service offi- message out. Still, effective pub- public diplomacy assets. cers, and not just those specializ- lic diplomacy depends on person- ing in public diplomacy, must al contact. Otherwise, how do we use their enhanced language invite the right people to the exhibit and find a respected skills to engage foreign publics. In order for officers to co-sponsor? How do we understand a journalist’s biases do this well and confidently, we need to provide more or know an academic’s political leanings? How do we training in the theory and practice of public diplomacy. choose the right newspaper, magazine or broadcasting And, most important, we need to recognize and reward program for an interview? those officers who do all these things. This has all Personal contact, of course, requires officers, and begun to happen, but too slowly. officers cost a lot of money. Yet there is little prospect that future budgets will allow for dramatically increas- The Importance of Speaking Fluently ing our programs or our ranks. So what measures can It all starts with language ability. If we do not master the department take to ensure that public diplomacy foreign languages, and if we go overseas without the gets done and done well? ability or will to use them, then we are remiss in our

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 35 F OCUS

duties. I can think of no other Should anyone be it stands now, too often the skill more essential to our work. department spends two years Yet too often we get to the 3/3 sent abroad to represent educating officers in a language speaking/reading level, and stop — Korean comes especially to there. I speak — perhaps spoke America who cannot mind — yet after spending is more precise — Spanish and three years in the country, they Italian at the 4-level and Greek discuss Puritanism, Mark never go back. at a 3. The practical gap between those grades is gargan- Twain and the civil … And Having Something tuan. In the first two languages, to Say I could do television and radio rights movement? State might also want to interviews, talk from notes and reconsider its requirement that answer questions in seminars officers have two geographic and conferences, and skim the papers for relevant arti- areas of expertise. If someone makes the effort to learn cles. But in Greek, I could only carry on a simple con- Arabic to the 4-level, then that person should be able to versation and get through newspaper editorials with a serve exclusively in the Arab world. After all, it is the dictionary at hand. I may have been able to answer lingua franca, so to speak, in almost 20 diverse coun- most questions, but I could not shade my meaning or tries, from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. convey subtlety in my responses. I certainly would not Similarly, learning one Slavic language helps with have dared to do live interviews for radio or attempted another, and each Slavic country offers different chal- to exchange serious opinions with an informed audience lenges, so why shouldn’t an officer spend a career in in the language. Central and Eastern Europe? The fault was mine, not FSI’s. I left language train- Just speaking the language, of course, is not enough. ing with a 3/3 and the expectation that I would get bet- As Alaister Cooke once said, he had a friend who spoke ter in Greek through regular use. But I quickly learned six languages perfectly but never uttered an intelligent in Athens that my FSN staff and the journalists, politi- word in any of them. No one would accuse our officers cians and academicians I regularly talked to spoke of that, but we could all use some help. Yes, several ses- English far better than I spoke Greek. Although I used sions dedicated to giving an interview, responding to the it with people in stores and restaurants and on official press, writing a speech and speaking in public should be calls in the provinces, and even though I was dutiful in mandatory for all officers, but FSI should go beyond attempting to read the local papers, Greek was hard training to education. It should also offer a version of and the demands of the job were many. I got lazy. area studies focusing on the United States. We might When I left the country after three years I had barely like to think it’s otherwise, but many officers have for- improved at all. A few of my colleagues did better, but gotten much of what they learned in college about most resembled me more than a fluent speaker. I have American culture, law, history, literature and art. Public discussed this with many other officers who have stud- diplomacy must address these subjects as well as foreign ied Arabic, Korean, Japanese and Chinese, and again, policy. many of them simply never got much beyond their FSI Most of us would welcome a refresher course on score. America’s seminal documents — the Declaration of Perhaps it is now time for the department, which Independence and the Constitution — and the pays a bonus to those who speak a hard language at the Supreme Court decisions that changed our history. I 3/3 level, to test officers annually. If someone slips would think that many of us would seize the opportuni- below a 3, he or she loses the additional income. As a ty to study again, even briefly, the great speeches of further inducement, the pay differential between 3 and Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy and King and 4 should be increased. This would encourage officers to their implications for our country. And should anyone use the language and improve their facility in it. It be sent abroad to represent America who cannot discuss might also persuade them to return for repeat tours. As Puritanism, Mark Twain and the civil rights movement?

36 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

The Foreign Service Institute has developed many Our cultural affairs officer addressed civil rights, and new and innovative courses. Some last for only a few the political counselor spoke about religion in America. days, others for weeks or even months. But most of The economic counselor offered a lecture on American these address specific skills, such as economic report- capitalism, and the information officer gave one on ing, information work and contracting. Why not add American film. The DCM talked about the various some on American history, culture, society, music and domestic influences on American foreign policy, and film? The greater Washington area is home to 10 or so the ambassador concluded the series with a talk on fine universities. They all have professors with the America’s foreign policy since World War II. Most of experience to design and lead the courses. FSI has also us had to do some research and all of us had to prepare embarked on distance learning and now offers courses our lectures, but the results were gratifying. Not only by computer to officers serving abroad. It could easily were we able to convey something of our history and add these others to that inventory. culture, but we also had an opportunity to exchange Foreign Service officers are among our most valu- ideas with young, skeptical Greeks. able, but underused, public diplomacy assets. When I The very presence of an American officer at a uni- was in Greece, we organized a 10-part series in English versity or high school can have a salutary effect on our (alas) on American history for a university, which gave image. When we show we care about the students and academic credit to those who attended. We enlisted their opinions, when they see that American diplomats only Americans from the embassy to give the lectures. are accessible and reasonable, it makes a positive dif- The general services officer, a former high school his- ference, whether they agree with what we have to say tory teacher, talked about our founding documents. or not. The same holds true when we speak to a Rotary

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 37 F OCUS

Club, Chamber of Commerce, We build successful embassy staff in Reykjavik has city council or church group. to devote many hours to prepar- Of course, it takes time to go public diplomacy on ing an annual human rights out and meet people, especially report. Instead of repeating, in a large country. And there is sound foreign policies year after year, that the govern- always something to keep us in ment of Iceland respects in our offices — a demarche or and personal every important particular the cable or meeting or manage- liberties of its citizens, they ment issue — and success in contact. could be out talking to Icelan- these duties largely determines ders about America. the trajectory of an officer’s If public diplomacy has fail- career. When I sat on a performance-pay board in ed, as many critics now claim, it has not been due to an August 2005, I was pleased to note that many senior inability to find the secret slogan or magic message. officers mentioned their efforts in public affairs. If These things are wills-o’-the-wisp. We build successful promotion panels accorded the same importance to public diplomacy on sound foreign policies and per- contributions in this field as in others, more officers sonal contact, on taking the message, in Edward R. would get out and do it. Murrow’s ubiquitous phrase, “the last three feet.” It’s Congress could also help. It should mandate fewer time-consuming and labor-intensive. But that — not reports and make those still required shorter. It strikes dazzling special effects or catchy sound bites — makes many of us as ludicrous, for example, that our small for effective communication.

38 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS ON P UBLIC D IPLOMACY

REBUILDING AMERICA’S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

SINCE THE END OF THE COLD WAR, THE U.S. HAS UNWISELY LEFT CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL DIPLOMACY TO THE TOUGH MERCIES OF THE MARKETPLACE. . BY RICHARD T. ARNDT

urrent memory tends to diplomats and Congress, he and Secretary Hull insisted attribute the creation of formal government cultural that the division would do only 5 percent of the work, relations to counter-propaganda aimed at Nazi Germany, leaving the rest to the private and academic sector. Over FascistC Italy and Imperial Japan. In fact it originated as the six preceding years, internal grousing by Foreign outreach to Latin America, implementing FDR’s Good Service veterans had ranged from Loy Henderson and Neighbor Policy, and was designed to reverse decades of Ellis Briggs to Dean Acheson and future-participant a paternalist U.S. stance toward the Southern Hemi- George V. Allen. sphere. In the debate about the division, no subject was more In 1938, Latin Americanist Sumner Welles, deputy to controversial than the idea of outsider field representa- Secretary of State Cordell Hull, convinced the tives — cultural attachés — in embassies. Some argued Department of State and President Roosevelt to open a that American embassy cultural offices would be per- Division of Cultural Relations in State, later tagged CU ceived as cover for intelligence, tainting the idea beyond for the first two letters of “culture.” To reassure fellow repair. Speaking for the spit-and-polish traditionalists, Assistant Secretary George Messersmith insisted that the Dr. Richard T. Arndt spent 24 years with USIA and State Foreign Service already represented the best in as a cultural diplomat, with overseas postings in Lebanon, American culture, and hence needed no specialists. Sri Lanka, Iran, Italy and France. Since retirement in Posted later to Mexico, Messersmith admitted underes- 1985, he has taught at the University of Virginia and The timating the time demands a decent cultural diplomacy George Washington University and chaired the American entails. Fulbright Association of alumni, the National Peace The first field specialists, virtually all from the acade- Foundation, the citizen-support group Americans for mic world, were not deployed until 1942, when the war UNESCO and an endowment honoring FSO Lois W. took hold. The decision was carried out swiftly, at a high Roth. His book The First Resort of Kings: American level of quality. To Chungking went future Harvard Cultural Diplomacy in the Twentieth Century (Potomac, Sinologist John King Fairbank; and to Tehran, future 2005), now in paperback, is a critical and comparative Princeton Middle East scholar T. Cuyler Young. In history of U.S. cultural outreach since World War I. Lima, the nod went to Albert Giesecke, longtime Ameri-

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 39 F OCUS

can rector of the university in The creation of formal Four decades as a cultural Cuzco (and then-director of diplomat teach skepticism about Peruvian education). He joined U.S. government cultural the claims of public diplomacy the embassy in 1931, the first de practitioners, just as Americans facto U.S. cultural attaché (1931- relations originated in 1938 learn to mistrust the self-promo- 1958) after George Creel’s half- tions of advertising and PR. Most hearted experiments with his as outreach to Latin America, of the recent PD studies concur Committee on Public Infor- in nostalgia for good old USIA. mation in 1917-1918. implementing FDR’s The PD practitioners, focused on By 1943, campus-recruited answers, seem to have over- cultural officers graced every Good Neighbor Policy. looked the hard questions of U.S. embassy in Latin America function and definition. and worked in a dozen other Understandably, the meaning nations not yet overrun by war. In the rare cases where of “public diplomacy” has been opaque, even among its embassy officers, like W. Tapley Bennett in the practitioners. Only in 1967 did ex-diplomat Edmund Dominican Republic, added cultural duties to their other Gullion, dean of the Fletcher School of Law and tasks, conflicting priorities and overwork set in. The new Diplomacy at Tufts University, coin the term as a name academic cultural officers and their staffs were funded by for his new Edward R. Murrow Center. It was a polite any available source: Nelson Rockefeller as Coordinator euphemism for “propaganda,” replacing “information” — for Latin America, Elmer Davis and his Office of War which Creel had chosen for the CPI, Woodrow Wilson’s Information, William Donovan and his Office of Strategic acknowledged World War I propaganda agency. Services, State itself and local American business. The studies overlook definitions but agree that PD is indispensable. For the general public, PD at its very best The Semantics of Public Diplomacy is public relations or advertising, lightly dusted with Today, after two centuries of informal practice and Wilson’s idea of open covenants. Those nostalgic for six decades of formal U.S. cultural diplomacy, even USIA wave the PD banner in the battle to restore it. close American observers have forgotten what was PD becomes a bit clearer if analyzed as a set of func- once in place, so faded has it become. The libraries tions, distinct actions that State and USIA carried out in have been closed; fine-arts and performing-arts traffic the last half-century — an approach I have undertaken has all but ceased; direct English-teaching has been elsewhere. From that angle, it looks like an all-too- dropped; and U.S. and foreign field cultural staffs have American mix of informational and cultural diplomacy, been dismantled. With few exceptions, our cultural run by the info-prop specialists — an odd merger of the diplomacy has gone mute and deaf. To foreign audi- New York Times and Harvard, managed by a small-time ences, it seems as though the U.S., having exploited ad agency. culture for Cold War purposes, has left cultural and educational diplomacy to the tough mercies of the Culture’s Poor Cousins marketplace and to others who find it useful. While cultural officers created U.S. cultural diplo- After 9/11, Americans noticed the loss. Since that matic practice and did much of USIA’s field work, they sad date, well over 30 studies of public diplomacy have were second-class citizens within both USIA and State. been tracked by the office of Under Secretary Karen For one thing, they were overworked; for another, few Hughes, as well as quieter statements on the diploma- saw the political relevance of their work; and they had cy of cultures, attracting less attention. These studies responsibilities to other masters, like the universities. involved media experts and communications theorists; Until 1977, even after 24 years of USIA supervision, cul- if they mention culture at all, it is as a PD tool. tural affairs — including the flagship Fulbright exchanges Meanwhile, scholars like Samuel Huntington and — were administered by a separate and sometimes Joseph Nye have been warning for 15 years that the adversarial office, State’s Bureau of Educational and deep issues in today’s world are cultural in nature. Cultural Affairs. USIA hired, assigned and managed the

40 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

cultural officers, but most of the important programs the haphazard absorption of USIA by State further were funded and directed by CU. diminished education and culture, both in terms of pro- In the field, CU-funded exchanges and cultural pro- gram output and field staff. As in 1977, the long-expect- grams took up at least two-thirds of the daily labors of a ed reorganization of 1999 added up to considerably less U.S. Information Service post, depending on the coun- than the sum of its parts. try. Cultural channels provided the substance that fed the reorientation of postwar Germany and Japan; light Refilling the Reservoirs focused through cultural lenses finally ignited the Soviet After World War II, the U.S. could count on tapping implosion. “reservoirs of good will” filled over a century and a half From the outset, U.S. cultural diplomacy carried its by mythic diplomats like Benjamin Franklin and own propaganda, the less trumpeted the better. Thomas Jefferson, articulate activists like Tom Paine, Firewalls of academic integrity were put in place authors like James Fenimore Cooper and Harriet between 1938 and 1947 by Welles, Laurence Duggan, Beecher Stowe, intellectual citizen-diplomats, mission- Ben Cherrington, Archibald MacLeish, Fulbright and ary-educators, enlightened military leaders, far-seeing the U.S. universities, but they slowly eroded. merchants, philanthropists and humanitarians. Water After the birth of USIA in 1953, educational and cul- for the reservoirs came from individuals and all sorts of tural exchanges were dubbed one of USIA’s “media” by institutions: those who extended the U.S. university its theoreticians and planners. With the 1977 merger of beyond America’s shores; the wise legislators who CU into USIA, the decline of vestigial cultural indepen- allowed the U.S. to import and maintain a level of over dence accelerated and staff quality slumped. In 1999, half a million resident foreign students a year; educators

Executive Lodging Alternatives Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” [email protected] Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 41 F OCUS

reaching out through private pro- Trust depends less on feller, Ford, Fulbright, USAID, grams like the Rockefeller and the National Defense and Educa- Ford foundations; and government words than on actions, tion Act and the Peace Corps. An efforts like Fulbright, the Marshall Iraq watch group might have Plan, USAID, the Peace Corps, the carried on over time — anticipated problems, pressed for International Visitor Program and more university centers in Near others. a process diplomats East languages and area studies Today, the reservoirs have run and warned under-informed poli- dry and, clearly, they cannot be call foreign policy. cymakers — and their over- refilled overnight. Despite the informed advisers — about U.S. pleas of the PD studies, better skills deficits. The military poses a public relations can do little to fill the gap. Info-prop is special opportunity, given its impressive record in edu- no magic wand: spin, focus, staying on message and cation extending back two centuries and its cultural rebranding are feeble tactical tools. But the strategic preservation in the European and Pacific theatres in problem of sweetening a sour policy when the audience 1943-1945. Today its “cultural” dimension is fragment- has lost faith in the messenger can take decades to solve. ed, reports Thomas Ricks in Fiasco, parceled out to spe- During her initial listening tour in the Near East last cialists in psy-ops, in counter-insurgency operations and fall, and later in Afghanistan where 20 preselected in civil affairs, but enriched by the contributions of English-speaking students helped her grasp the extent of thoughtful reservists like Matthew Bogdanos (see his the damage, Under Secretary Hughes must have learned Thieves of Baghdad). A strong Iraq panel might have that rebuilding lost trust is a slow process. Trust depends persuaded DOD, at little cost, to deploy more soft less on words than on actions, carried on over time. power; e.g., in heeding the advice delivered to the White Diplomats call it foreign policy. House months before the invasion by archeologists and museum directors about minimizing damage to Iraq’s A Culture-Sensitive Foreign Policy monuments, museums, libraries and historic sites. The PD studies repeatedly admit to being stymied by At the base, a permanent advisory panel might have policy, explaining that it falls outside their mandate. But reminded us of the irreducible obduracy of the tribal policy is not just a factor; it is the only factor. A decent communities cobbled together by the British in the foreign policy must keep education near its core if it is to 1920s; the predictable reactions from neighbors like be sensitive to managing the irreducible cultural issues Iran, Syria and Turkey; the difficulty of drafting consti- which plague us today, when the world sees overwhelm- tutions when participants prefer independence; the ing American power as a threat. irony of U.S. forces using torture and “extraordinary ren- To confront the example of today’s thorniest cultural dition”; and the inevitable reaction to Crusader analogies problem, Iraq was a recognized diplomatic conundrum, and a campaign named Shock and Awe. A respected with a history extending back at least a century. It was advisory body would surely have underscored the the classic tough-nut case calling for a long-term cultur- unbridgable differences between Muslim and Christian; al approach. Today, having jettisoned applied wisdom, it Shia and Sunni; Wahhabi-Salafi and moderate Muslims; is no surprise that U.S. actions have triggered the very Kurd and Arab; Hashemite and Saudi; Third World and inferno promised by Saddam Hussein. First; North and South; tribal and sedentary societies; I have little doubt that a cultural approach to U.S.- and high-tech and low-tech cultures. It might even have Iraq relations begun six decades ago would have pro- sorted out the truths to be found among the stony griev- duced different results — by now, properly funded, it ances for which Arabs and their Islamic cousins have might have produced an alumni body of a thousand or blamed the U.S. for six decades. more exchangees. From that pool, we might have drawn It is time for a mature nation to ponder the meaning a discreet, self-administered, revolving panel of Iraq of the empty reservoirs. To begin refilling them will experts, mingling statesmen young and old with the require change reaching across government and the civil scholars generated by the investments of Rocke- sector. As the flagship agency, State will have to persuade

42 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

Congress to restore funding to The strategic problem core issue in 1940 and it has not permit cultural chief Dina Powell changed: the U.S. role in the world to expand exchanges, export fine of sweetening a sour of tomorrow. American citizens and performing arts, reopen lib- need to understand that, without raries and cultural centers, rebuild policy when the audience their advice or consent, govern- English teaching, foster high-quali- ment has taken on the responsibil- ty book translations, showcase fea- has lost faith in the ities of global hegemony. If ture films, nurture inter-university Americans in fact want this, then relations and enhance two-way stu- messenger can take what kind of hegemon do they dent flows. Without these time- want America to be? And is our honored building-blocks of the decades to address. citizenry prepared, in accepting U.S. cultural presence, today’s that role, to bear the visible and world has come to see the U.S. invisible costs of empire. doing precisely what the Wahhabi-Salafis and their terror- Only public and private intellectual and executive ist friends want us to do: leave culture and education to leadership can help Americans deal with these ques- them. tions. Thoughtful guidance can help Americans under- For a cultural diplomat, the PD debate thus far falls stand how government and civil society might work well short of relevance. The real issues lie beyond alter- together to create a true American public diplomacy native PD rhetoric, “telling America’s story to the world,” — and, surely more important, a decent, affordable or better spin and focus. Welles and MacLeish saw one and effective U.S. cultural diplomacy.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 43 F OCUS ON P UBLIC D IPLOMACY

HOW DOES PUBLIC DIPLOMACY MEASURE UP?

HERE’S A LOOK AT WHAT POLICY IMPERATIVES AND TECHNOLOGY TRENDS MEAN FOR PROGRAMS IN THE FIELD.

BY JOE JOHNSON

n a typical day, former diplomacy should be expected to deliver for the taxpay- FSO John Brown’s blog from the University of Southern ers who fund it, it is tempting to rely on measures of pub- California’s Center on Public Diplomacy summarizing lic opinion as the standard. But opinion polls by them- commentO about the United States’ global image contains selves set a standard that cannot be met, because those more than 50 articles, many of them decrying a “failed” numbers go up and down for all kinds of reasons. U.S. public diplomacy effort. Public diplomacy, which And that is a problem for the practitioners. If you used to attract little media attention, has in recent years cannot define success, you’ll never succeed. As a former been the subject of scores of blue-ribbon studies — a public diplomacy officer, I know exactly how my col- sure sign that it’s the Sick Man of U.S. statecraft. leagues in the field are advancing American interests, The blogs, op-ed pieces and articles on Brown’s com- often working under very difficult conditions. Concrete pendium offer no consensus on what’s wrong (see examples of progress abound, and PD officers deserve http://www.uscpublicdiplomacy.com/index/php/news credit for their accomplishments. That’s why measure- room/). U.S. and European observers, Arab commenta- ment and evaluation of results in terms of a coherent tors, Israelis and Indians and other pundits all take shots strategy is the single most important element in success- at U.S. policies using public diplomacy as a foil. Advo- ful public diplomacy. Yet to date, the PD community has cates of broadcasting or the arts urge more funding for not been able to offer its own independent benchmarks their favorite PD activity. of effectiveness, or even a fully accepted strategy. Because there is no agreement about what public This is a point that the Government Accountability Office has made in several analyses of the public diplo- Joe B. Johnson worked in every major public diploma- macy apparatus over the past few years. GAO’s most cy and public affairs function during a 33-year career recent report, issued on May 3, focused on resources, in the Foreign Service. He now works as a consultant programs and strategy for the Muslim world — an arc of for the Computer Sciences Corporation, which hosts 58 countries with a population of 680 million. The the Voice of America’s Web site. His office works with report (GAO-06-535) found posts in the region were public diplomacy and other sectors of the State operating without guidance on how to implement the Department. strategic framework established this past year by Under

44 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public public communication harder, not easier. The Internet Affairs Karen Hughes. spreads rumors faster than authorities can set the record The Office of Management and Budget is more blunt. straight. This is a major worry, for example, for those who Evaluating eight informational, cultural and foreign are planning to respond to an avian influenza pandemic. broadcasting programs, it rates public diplomacy field Media reports of hospital admissions will appear weeks operations as “not performing — results not demonstrat- before epidemiological evidence confirms that a virus is ed” (www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore). OMB spreading. Using information to control rumors will be a stresses that the programs have had difficulty measuring major issue. their impact, if they have been evaluated at all; that few Moreover, individuals are taking over a slice of news of the State Department PD programs link budget to and commentary. Bloggers uninhibited by professional performance; and that there is no broad overarching U.S. news ethics can now frame an issue for the public. The government public diplomacy strategy. Cultural widespread riots and demonstrations earlier this year exchange programs and foreign broadcasting programs over Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad spread get “effective” or “moderately effective” ratings from over the Internet before authorities could react, causing OMB, with cautionary notes about the lack of a master notable damage to East-West dialogue. Under Secretary strategy. It finds that the exchange and broadcasting pro- Hughes’ rapid reaction team and associated public affairs grams have measurable indicators of success. improvements and the Bureau of International Infor- Strategy and management get short shrift in some cor- mation Programs’ modest “misinformation” Web page ners of the State Department, but they are fundamental have not reported major success in countering such to any communication program. In commercial public developments. relations, practitioners are obsessed with proving “return I recently had occasion to review Washington’s major on investment,” fearful that unless they demonstrate sources of public information for foreign audiences: the their utility they will lose their jobs. Web sites of the State Department’s Public Affairs and Under Secretary Hughes appears to get the message. International Information Programs bureaus, the U.S. The GAO acknowledges the “strategic framework” for Agency for International Development, and the foreign public diplomacy that she laid out in a May 10 speech to broadcasting organizations under the Broadcasting the Council on Foreign Relations (see http://www.state. Board of Governors. Nearly all use up-to-date Web tech- gov/r/us/66098.htm). There she identified three broad nology to disseminate information; a few offer promising objectives and spoke of “fundamentally changing the way interactive programs as well. we do business” in six specific areas. PA and IIP both offer moderated online discussions In her written response to the GAO study, Hughes and Really Simple Syndication feeds. IIP’s Web site promised an “integrated strategic communication plan,” (http://usinfo.state.gov), which is meant for use by for- including tools for individual embassies such as model eign audiences only, contains broader content and is country-level planning formats and a “best practices” much more easily searchable than the Public Affairs Web site to improve tradecraft. Web site. PA’s site, www.state.gov, has blossomed with But even if the PD community is now heading in the photos, features and online discussions in recent years. right direction, it will not be easy to build a coherent Both sites offer Web chats with U.S. officials and global program. Technology and changing communica- experts. A list of “Major Public Diplomacy Accomplish- tion patterns around the world pose both opportunities ments,” distributed by Hughes’ office, describes some and challenges. Let’s look at their implications for infor- of the new Web-based information tools as “an en- mation diplomacy, cultural and educational exchanges, hanced technology initiative.” international broadcasting and, finally, for embassy field But information media habits are the most rapidly operations themselves — where it all comes together. changing part of the global dialogue. Few people read Web sites in the same way as a newspaper or magazine. Information Diplomacy: New media — Web broadcasters, social networking sites Technology Makes It Harder and computer games — link millions worldwide in dia- On balance, technology is making public affairs and logue and collaboration. People are connecting to each

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 45 F OCUS

other as much as they are connect- On balance, technology is sadors. It is surprising that we’re ing to information on the Web. not hearing more about initiatives Putting your message out there making public affairs and like those. Both are in sync with offers no guarantee that the audi- current media consumption trends ence will receive it. public communication (think of Facebook.com) and both On the other hand, Internet magnify other PD programs. search technology, blogs and syndi- harder, not easier. The spread of access to the cation have greatly simplified com- Internet is enabling distance learn- munication with people who are ing and collaborative academic receptive to your message. Religious extremists are an research, which will be a windfall for international edu- excellent example of the phenomenon. Al-Qaida exploits cation. To examine in detail what emerging technologies the Internet to market its ideology as well as to operate. may offer, it is worth consulting the New Media It is difficult to find impartial evaluation of public Consortium’s annual Horizon Report, which describes six diplomacy’s success with online media; full evaluation is areas of emerging technology that will have significant probably not possible without active data collection at the impact in higher education over the next one to five years embassy level, where IIP articles, journals and other (see www.nmc.org/pdf/2006_Horizon_Report.pdf). products are promoted and distributed to local embassy However, to exploit these trends intelligently, ECA contacts. The Web chats may be fine things to do, but will have to streamline its own bureaucracy. The they are mere tactics; they mean nothing until their effect bureau took a first step when it conducted a review of can be evaluated. USAID’s low-tech repository of foreign its information architecture two years ago. (Infor- assistance success stories (www.usaid.gov/stories/) might mation architecture describes how information is man- even claim more cost-effective results. aged within an organization and how that affects needs for computing.) ECA: Technological Advantage To understand why this is a critical issue, visit Can Threaten Bureaucracy www.exchanges.state.gov, which lists 29 separate pro- The Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau is in grams for Americans and foreigners — several of them some respects the leader in the intelligent use of tech- named after members of Congress. That complexity is nology. The bureau has developed multiple databases to matched by the numerous IT systems supporting the hold information about exchanges alumni, and it is work- programs, each tweaked to match a different set of pro- ing to integrate those databases so as to evaluate cedures. The perennial squeeze on ECA’s administrative exchange programs. The bureau has been conducting overhead places a premium on standardizing paperwork. program evaluation for more than 10 years using data Tedious though they are, tasks like business-process processing, and the results are beginning to show. The modernization can save significant resources. Office of Management and Budget describes its pro- grams as “effective,” its highest rating, explaining: “[The Broadcasting: Are They Really Listening? Bureau of] Educational and Cultural Affairs at the State Since the U.S. government began radio broadcasts to Department use performance data and tools to make foreign audiences during World War II, government-paid management decisions. They are now focused on meet- newsmen have jealously guarded their editorial freedom ing with staff regularly and have adapted tracking systems from interference by diplomats. Today, the Broadcasting to better monitor and evaluate ongoing activities.” Board of Governors oversees seven different radio and At a tactical level, the bureau has established a Web television organizations. The Secretary of State holds one site for former exchange participants at https://alumni. seat on a board of private-sector members from both state.gov/, where ex-Fulbrighters and others can network. major parties. The board’s Web site speaks of its “fire- The site is private, but its description speaks of “a global wall” function to insulate foreign broadcasters from polit- community.” The CultureConnect arts program (http:// ical interference. Yet no other element of public diplo- cultureconnect.state.gov/) aims to link aspiring artists macy experiences as much political conflict as the broad- around the globe with U.S.-sponsored artistic ambas- casting board, which often winds up on the pages of the

46 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

Washington Times and opinion magazines. At present, funded entirely by the government but accountable only only seven of the nine seats on the bipartisan board are to the BBG. The administration’s FY 07 request for the filled. Complicating matters, the board’s bylaws do not BBG comes to $672 million. That is larger than the line allow for a chief operating officer. items for either PD operations or educational and cultur- For decades, the United States has sponsored a two- al affairs. pronged approach to broadcasting: the Voice of America, In terms of measuring success, the broadcasters have giving news and information as a U.S. media outlet for an advantage over public diplomacy: clear metrics. Using the rest of the world; and “surrogate broadcasters” like Neilson and other professional rating services, they regu- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and, later, Radio-TV larly publish listener statistics. Overall, more than 100 Marti. The surrogates acted as if they were indigenous million people access U.S. international broadcasting broadcasters, focusing on news in their target regions and programs in some form every week. (You can read about employing exiles and local correspondents. these numbers as well as other performance goals in the In a reorganization act of 1998, Congress aggregated BBG’s annual report at www.bbg.gov.) On that basis, the VOA and most television assets along with RFE/RL OMB judges that the programs are demonstrating per- under the Broadcasting Board of Governors. To invigo- formance. rate programs, reach new audiences and attract younger Critics and commentators, however, offer more sub- viewers, the board added new, regionally-focused stations jective judgments about whether the listener numbers to the mix: Radio Free Asia; Radio Sawa and Alhurra are making any difference with hearts and minds. Each Television in Arabic; and Radio Farda for Iran. Like critique tends to reflect the politics of the observer. A RFE/RL, the new stations are grantee organizations review by an organizational consultant is said to exist in

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 47 F OCUS

draft form, but has been held up How long can the offers expanded options for short- by the board. The State Depart- wave listeners. Meanwhile, young ment’s Office of the Inspector individual stations continue people in the developed world are General issued a critical report on abandoning terrestrial broadcasts Aug. 13. to upgrade technology to watch and listen on satellite The administration’s current and, increasingly, on computing budget request eliminates VOA’s without consolidating their devices. Recent studies show flagship English-language broad- more than a billion Internet users. casting service for the new fiscal IT infrastructure English, Chinese and Japanese year. Alan J. Heil Jr., a former dominate the language mix. “In deputy director of VOA, attacks and services? fact, professionals in their 20s and this economy measure as a disas- 30s — the demographic that trous move that ignores the role advertisers covet — are just as of English as a world language. He cites several foreign likely to spend time in front of a computer as in front of organizations that are opening English-language services. a TV set,” said a recent report from China. In the U.S., a Moreover, RFE/RL and Radio Free Asia continue to bellwether for digital media, 19 percent of young people broadcast and publish copious amounts of news in are listening to Internet radio each week, a number English on their Web sites. The cut occurs despite which has increased 50 percent over the past year. steadily rising appropriations for broadcasting since 2001, All the U.S. government’s foreign broadcasters have a and prompts the question: could greater management Web presence, and all of them except Alhurra Television efficiency free up resources to continue VOA English? stream their programs — offering everyone the ability to When the new Middle East services were established listen and watch on a personal computer. That brings in 2003, they set up separate studio and associated tech- broadcast products to the desktop in digital form, where nical services, contracting hastily under pressing dead- they can be combined as the user sees fit. If you wish to lines. Resentful personnel in the services wing of gov- explore the possibilities, go to www.voanews.com (not ernment broadcasting — the International Bureau of .gov) and sign up for a Podcast or an RSS news feed. Broadcasting, seen as a VOA entity — were probably not As the various government-sponsored broadcasters eager to make exceptional efforts. Three years on, how- move toward complete Internet service, VOA seems to ever, the do-it-yourself approach is showing some wear. be in the lead. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty also While not challenging the concept of independent ser- hosts a lively multimedia program mix at www.rferl.org. vices focused on regions and a single Voice of America, Radio Sawa offers digital versions of its eight playlists, the Government Accountability Office challenged their each selected for a subregion of the Middle East through separate arrangements for support services in a 2004 modern audience-sampling techniques. Alhurra Tele- report (GAO-04-7111). It said: “Organizationally, the vision so far offers only snippets of streaming video on its existence of five separate broadcast entities has led to Web site, which is essentially a program guide. overlapping language services, duplication of program But the question is: how long can the individual sta- content, redundant newsgathering and support services, tions continue to upgrade technology without consolidat- and difficulties coordinating broadcast efforts.” ing their IT infrastructure and services? The second problem is that U.S. foreign broadcasts Two Strategic Challenges have rarely been plugged into embassies’ public diplo- Broadcasting faces two strategic challenges: how to macy effort, in deference to the so-called “firewall” pro- adapt to the rapidly changing global media environment; tecting them from political interference. When VOA was and how to connect to the global dialogue sponsored by part of USIA, embassies assisted occasionally in market- all the other public diplomacy efforts. ing broadcast products. That doesn’t happen very much New technology abounds. Digital television broad- any more. The newest broadcasters’ business model casting will become mandatory in a few years, posing relies on leasing local AM and FM transmitters. It high investment costs. Digital shortwave broadcasting eschews efforts to get independent local stations to carry

48 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

programs — a major dissemination tool for the VOA. overall strategic objectives, as well as to their ambas- When one considers the limited assets available for sadors. And it is here — not in the realm of dissemina- public diplomacy and the power of voice and image, one tion of information, but in the realm of internal manage- begins to question the rationale for their separation. ment and missing links at the field level — that public Surely public diplomacy can find ways to integrate and diplomacy’s real technology gap lies. magnify broadcasting while protecting independent news Using technology strategically would promote a more programs. It could start on the Web, through cross-pro- unified global effort and would enable measurement so motion links and activities outside the newscasts and as to evaluate success. The Bill and Melinda Gates news pages. As it stands, that firewall is sealing off an Foundation presents an example of how to do this. In asset costing half a billion dollars per year. addition to supporting scientific studies and experiments on HIV/AIDS, the Gates program offers grants for the Where It All Comes Together: creation of standard criteria to measure success or failure, Field Operations and for the establishment of a new secure Web site to Broadcasting, educational exchange and information share all data resulting from the research in real time. programs all come together in each embassy’s public Measurement and shared expertise are the two funda- affairs section. This is where most dialogue and persua- mentals. sion happen. This is also where accountability rests: in Today, Washington cannot quantify even the most order to make the public diplomacy apparatus account- basic outputs of its embassies. Let’s say the Africa Bureau able to Congress and the taxpayer, the 180-plus public wants to build support in key regional capitals for a multi- affairs sections must account for their contribution to the national force deployment. One public affairs objective

Get Your Finances In Line With SDFCU Online You can depend on State Department Federal Credit Union for the ultimate in security and convenience with SDFCU Online banking. This FREE service allows you to access your Credit Union accounts via the Internet anytime, from anywhere in the world. Just go to www.sdfcu.org and click the SDFCU Online logo. You can conduct the following Credit Union business:

Transfer funds between accounts Check current account balances View your account history over the last 15 months View check images View and pay your credit card bill online Pay Bills and much more!* See just how easy SDFCU Online is! Visit us at www.sdfcuonline.org and check out the easy demo! If you’re interested in becoming a member of State Department Federal Credit Union, give our Member Service Center a call at 703- 706-5000, or outside the D.C. Metro area at 800-296-8882. You can also email us at [email protected]. SDFCU Online puts us at your service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whenever you need us the most. Sign up today!

*The Bill Payer service is available at no charge for Capital Club members. Otherwise, there is a low monthly fee of $3.95 for unlimited transactions.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 49 F OCUS

might be to disseminate persua- It would not be too senior judge returned from an sive arguments for committing international visitor grant”; or, troops to key audiences in each hard to build the “The government introduced a bill potential contributing country. to protect intellectual property But it would be a major produc- RESULTS approach into after a series of American speak- tion for the bureau’s PD office ers.” director to say whom the public a full-scope system USIA developed standards to affairs sections actually contacted. sort such results by rough order of It doesn’t have to be that way. of measurement. magnitude, but that discipline As embassies move to electronic flagged after entry into State. It distribution of press releases, should not be too hard to build the event lists and information resource center packets, they “results” approach into a full-scope system of measure- generate data in digital form. Even where Internet ment. access still limits digital dissemination, embassy staff have the computer tools and broadband connectivity to State’s The Gap in Expertise networks. What they lack is a mandate and standards for Since the incorporation of USIA into State, public reporting. diplomacy personnel have experienced massive The foundation of the record-keeping has to be the turnover as senior officers retired or moved up to DCM individual foreign audience member, yet contact lists are slots and even ambassadorships. New recruits flooded presently unstructured and fragmented. A study by in under Secretary Powell’s Diplomatic Readiness State’s Office of eDiplomacy published in July 2004 Initiative. The USIA-State consolidation also allowed found that several embassies were hard-pressed even to officers from other cones to take assignments in public compose an invitation list for the annual Independence diplomacy. That is surely a good thing. The function is Day reception. The surveyed embassies used a variety of everyone’s job, and the public affairs section’s role is to tracking tools from business-quality customer relation- steer and supplement the bilateral dialogue. PD is an ship management software to the proverbial shoebox full ensemble, not a solo. of business cards. Only one or two had integrated, However, the churn in overseas staffing raises the embassywide systems. No single data standard exists. question of whether the new public affairs officers pos- Until embassies can report consistently on output and sess sufficient command of their tradecraft. The GAO’s basic audience responses (how many attended the speak- May report on public diplomacy in the Muslim world er program last night?), more significant performance found a notable all-round shortage in PD expertise: measures are not likely to stand up under scrutiny. That’s “One senior State official said that administrative duties, a problem for the Office of Policy, Planning and such as budget, personnel and internal reporting, com- Resources, established during Secretary Powell’s tenure pete with officers’ public diplomacy responsibilities. and continued under Secretary Rice. Commercial pub- Another official in Egypt told us that there was rarely lic relations experts say that most businesses spend enough time to strategize, plan or evaluate her pro- between 4 and 7 percent of their annual program budget grams.” State officials in Washington acknowledged on measuring effectiveness, utilizing relevant surveys and that “additional requirements for posts to improve tools from other parts of the enterprise where possible. strategic planning and evaluation of their public diplo- Some elements of a solution for PD are already there. macy programs would need to be accompanied by addi- The most important token of success is also the simplest tional staff with relevant expertise.” and cheapest: the anecdotes identifying significant The Foreign Service Institute rebuilt and expanded changes in the host government or society made possible PD training in 2003-2004. However, the need for pro- or abetted by public diplomacy. The department already fessional development is still daunting. Anyone who records thousands of such small victories in a database thinks training is not important should consider a few called RESULTS. Here are a couple of examples: “The qualifications that I think an ambassador has a right to local courts have liberalized their procedures after a expect of his or her PAO:

50 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 F OCUS

• Knowledge of journalism practice, writing and editing; PD workforce as the formal FSI courses. These tech- • Public affairs practice and process within the State niques will pay even greater dividends for the Foreign Department; Service Nationals who operate the public diplomacy • Knowledge of higher education institutions; sections. • Familiarity with the broad range of popular and high The “Best Practices” Web site mentioned above culture; speaks to this need, but it doesn’t go nearly far enough. • Communication and media law and ethics; Large global organizations now offer a range of options • Behavioral science principles, including communi- for their members to share knowledge, from online man- cation models; uals and approved instruction to informal messaging cen- • Research techniques including polls, media trend ters, where one member can post a question and others studies and focus groups; and, above all, who have worked the same problem can offer advice. • The ability to define a communication problem and State needs not just a Web site for “Best Practices,” but work up a plan to address it. an integrated, searchable portal inside the enterprise net- All those requirements come on top of basic abilities work. like language fluency and sensitivity to the local culture. The most critical challenge for State’s PD leadership is Improving the skill set of field officers will clearly do not to get more appropriations for new programs. It is to as much as anything to afford each ambassador sound develop a well-trained field component and to impose advice as well as to account to Washington for host- baseline standards and processes to measure results. country public diplomacy. Distance education and on- Those are the keys to building confidence in our nation’s the-job training may be as necessary to the peripatetic public diplomacy.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 51 F OCUS

A Caveat Contrary to the implication But change is inevitable, and Under Secretary Hughes has not all factors are against the the stature to set realistic expecta- of so many pundits, public United States. For example, tions for public diplomacy. But, “Billanthropy” (as The Econo- contrary to the implication of so diplomacy cannot turn mist terms the activities of the many pundits, public diplomacy expanded Bill and Melinda alone cannot turn around the around the present hostility Gates Foundation) is likely to present hostility toward the generate significant interna- United States. Our military toward the United States. tional good will over the com- presence in Iraq, the treatment ing decade. On the other side, of illegal combatants and sus- radical Islamists feed off public pected terrorists, and associated security policies affect- anger now, but they offer no positive vision and no hope ing travelers to the U.S. are going to generate negative of prosperity. Their momentum will eventually flag and polls and attitude studies regardless of the PD effort. At they will fail. a recent panel discussion, the experienced Washington At some point down the road, these and other factors correspondent for O Estado de Sao Paulo told U.S. poli- will carry the U.S. ship of state into more favorable cymakers: “Don’t spend a single cent on public diploma- waters. In the meantime, our public diplomacy needs cy as long as you’re conflicted about torture being appro- a sound strategy and smart methodology to help regen- priate.” Only major alterations to U.S. foreign policy will erate a positive dialogue between America and the change a broad perception like that. world.

52 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 2006 AFSA CONGRESSIONAL S CORECARD

KEEPING SCORE IN THE CONGRESSIONAL GAME

AFSA PROFILES HOW YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES SUPPORTED AMERICAN ENGAGEMENT IN WORLD AFFAIRS.

BY KEN NAKAMURA

ince 1996, AFSA has sought to out particularly controversial ones in order to provide as educate and inform its members about the way their nuanced and informative a scorecard as possible. In elected representativesS vote on a variety of foreign affairs addition, we have once more decided to give the “yeas issues. In this, our fifth scorecard in the Foreign Service and nays” on each vote, in order to provide clear and Journal, we have maintained a format implemented for impartial information. We hope you will find this helpful the first time in 2002. in forming your voting decisions. This year, we have assembled a set of votes — eight We are compelled to observe also that the issues from the Senate and 10 from the House of selected serve only as a glimpse of each member’s work Representatives — covering a variety of issues, from and views as they relate to foreign affairs. Each of the international organizations and trade to Iraq and human selected votes occurred on the floor of the full Senate or rights. These votes, listed beginning on p. 56, were House, when the bills in question had already passed selected from over 100 amendments and proposed bills through the fine-tuning processes of subcommittees and offered on the floor of the House or Senate. Many committees. Much of the controversial and important of those votes passed with near-unanimity (e.g., decisionmaking occurs in committee or subcommittee, H. Res. 673, urging Belarus to establish fair, transparent or before the bill is even introduced. Though any sena- and democratic electoral processes), but we have sought tor or representative may serve on a relevant committee, sponsor legislation or write a letter that significantly pro- Ken Nakamura is AFSA’s director of legislative affairs. motes or obstructs legislation important to AFSA, not all

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 53 S CORECARD

members participate in this part of the legislative process. ment to end TV broadcasting to Cuba (TV Marti). VOTE: The scorecard, then, should only serve to provide a gen- 65-35, 04/06/05 (R: 53-2; D: 12-32; I: 0-1). eral impression of an individual’s engagement and views. In addition, most votes, including many of those we 3. U.N. PEACEKEEPING have selected, are complex and subject to a variety of fac- FY06 & 07 Foreign Relations Authorization/U.N. tors. A vote against funding for contributions to interna- Peacekeeping (S. 600): Amendment to freeze for two tional organizations, for example, may be due to princi- years the level of U.S. contributions to U.N. peacekeeping pled objections to that organization, or to a desire simply missions at 27.1 percent of aggregate international contri- to reduce government spending, or even to principled butions, rather than allow it to automatically decrease to support coupled with a desire to preserve the legislative 25 percent. VOTE: 40-57, 04/06/05 (R: 0-54; D: 39-3; process by placing such funding only in annual appropria- I: 1-0). tions, rather than in an emergency supplemental. We encourage you, then, to visit your representative and sen- 4. TRADE LAWS ators’ Web sites, if possible, or write them and ask why FY06 Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations/Trade they voted a certain way and what their motivating princi- Laws (H.R. 2862): Amendment to prohibit U.S. trade ples of action truly are. Ideally, the AFSA scorecard negotiators from agreeing to any deal which would alter should be influential, but not decisive, as you determine certain U.S. trade laws that act as economic safeguards, for whom you will cast your ballot. including those which prevent foreign companies from The scorecard for the 109th Congress is the result of flooding American markets with artificially-priced goods. significant work on the part of three legislative affairs VOTE: 39-60, 09/15/05 (R: 8-47; D: 31-12; I: 0-1). interns: Laura Aylward (AFSA, spring 2006), Chris Aresu (COLEAD, summer 2006) and Andrew Rohrbach 5. STATE DEPARTMENT AND RELATED (AFSA, summer 2006). Their timely and valuable effort AGENCIES APPROPRIATION on this report is much appreciated. FY06 Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations/ In conclusion, we strongly encourage all eligible mem- Conference Report (H.R. 2862): Appropriation of bers of AFSA and their families to vote this November. approximately $9.7 billion for the Department of State. VOTE: 94-5, 11/16/05 (R: 53-2; D: 40-3; I: 1-0). AFSA’S 109TH CONGRESS VOTING PROFILE 6. HUMAN RIGHTS FY07 Budget Resolution/Human Rights (S. Con. Res. 83): Amendment to transfer $4 million to border security SENATE from support for the U.N. Human Rights Council. VOTE: 50-50, 03/16/06 (R: 48-7; D: 2-42; I: 0-1). 1. FAMILY PLANNING FY06 & 07 Foreign Relations Authorization/Family 7. FOREIGN-HELD U.S. DEBT Planning (S. 600): Amendment to overturn a regulation Debt Ceiling Increase/Foreign-Held Debt (H. J. Res. 47): preventing personnel at clinics that receive USAID fund- Amendment to require the Secretary of the Treasury to ing from discussing or providing abortions. VOTE: 52-46, study the effect of foreign entities holding U.S. debt. 04/05/05 (R: 8-46; D: 43-0; I: 1-0). VOTE: 44-55, 03/16/06 (R: 0-55; D: 43-0; I: 1-0).

2. CUBA BROADCASTING 8. IRAQ FY06 & 07 Foreign Relations Authorization/Cuba FY07 Defense Authorization/Iraq (S. 2766): Amend- Broadcasting (S. 600): Motion to table (kill) an amend- ment to require the beginning of withdrawals of U.S.

54 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S CORECARD

forces from Iraq in 2006, and to require that the president funding for the War on Terror and Hurricane Katrina submit a plan by the end of 2006 estimating a timetable recovery), with roughly $4 billion earmarked for the for full withdrawal. VOTE: 39-60, 06/22/06 (R: 1-54; D: State Department and related agencies, above the 37-6; I: 1-0). request. VOTE: 348-71, 03/16/06 (R: 204-19; D: 143- 52; I: 1-0). HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 6. EGYPT 1. SAUDI ARABIA FY07 Foreign Operations Appropriations/Egypt (H.R. FY05 Supplemental Appropriation/Saudi Arabia (H.R. 5522): Amendment to add $50 million for refugees in 1268): Amendment to prohibit money from the FY05 Darfur and $50 million for HIV/AIDS assistance, taken supplemental from being used for assistance to Saudi specifically from the account for assistance to Egypt. Arabia. VOTE: 196-231, 03/15/05 (R: 39-187; D: 156-44; VOTE: 198-225, 06/08/06 (R: 45-179; D: 152-46; I: 1-0). I: 1-0). 7. SPENDING CUT 2. U.N. POPULATION FUND FY07 Foreign Operations Appropriations/Spending Cut FY06 Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations/U.N. (H.R. 5522): Amendment to cut 1 percent from all dis- Population Fund (H.R. 2862): Amendment to overturn cretionary appropriations in the bill. VOTE: 107-300, any provisions of law that prohibit funding for the U.N. 06/09/06 (R: 99-116; D: 8-183; I: 0-1). Population Fund, despite any involvement it may have in China and/or regarding abortions. VOTE: 192-233, 8. ASSISTANCE PRIORITIES 06/16/05 (R: 19-209; D: 172-24; I: 1-0). FY07 Foreign Operations Appropriations/Assistance Priorities (H.R. 5522): Amendment to shift $250 million 3. U.N. REFORM from the Foreign Military Financing Program to the Henry J. Hyde U.N. Reform Act (H.R. 2745): Act which, Development Assistance Account, for clean drinking among other things, preserves a cap of 22 percent of bud- water and anti-poverty programs. VOTE: 184-224, get for U.S. contributions to the U.N.; declares U.S. sup- 06/09/06 (R: 23-191; D: 158-33; I: 1-0). port for weighted voting for all budgetary questions and against the addition of vetoes to the Security Council; and 9. IRAQ outlines several dozen other reforms which, if not met, Iraq Resolution (H. Res. 861): Debated without possibili- will trigger a 50-percent withholding of U.S. dues. VOTE: ty of amendment, the resolution states: “The House of 221-184, 06/17/05 (R: 213-7; D: 8-176; I: 0-1). Representatives ... declares that it is not in the national security interest of the United States to set an arbitrary 4. DARFUR date for the withdrawal or redeployment of United States FY06 Supplemental Appropriation/Darfur (H.R. 4939): Armed Forces from Iraq.” VOTE: 256-153, 06/16/06 Amendment to increase by $50 million the appropriation (R: 214-3, D: 42-149; I: 0-1). for the African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur. (Opponents thought increasing funding for the A.U. force 10. DOMESTIC vs. INTERNATIONAL PRIORITIES would contradict U.S. support for a U.N. force.) VOTE: FY07 Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations/ 213-208, 03/16/06 (R: 25-210; D: 187-7; I: 1-0). Priorities (H.R. 5672): Amendment to transfer $500,000 from the International Organizations Contributions 5. SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION Account (targeting in intent the U.N. Human Rights FY06 Supplemental Appropriation (H.R. 4939): Emer- Council) to the federal prison system. VOTE: 163-257, gency supplemental appropriation for FY06 (including 06/27/06 (R: 124-99; D: 39-157; I: 0-1).

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 55 S CORECARD

U.S. Senate State Senator Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

AK Lisa Murkowski RYYNNYYNN AK Ted Stevens RYYNNYYNN AL Jeff Sessions RNYNNYYNN AL Richard Shelby RNYNYYYNN AR Blanche Lincoln DYNYNYNYY AR Mark Pryor DYNYYYNYN AZ John McCain RNYNNYYNN AZ Jon Kyl RNYNNYYNN CA Barbara Boxer DYNYYYNYY CA Diane Feinstein DYNYNYNYY CO Ken Salazar DYYYYYNYY CO Wayne Allard R N/V Y N N Y Y N N CT Christopher J. Dodd DYNYYYNYY CT Joseph Lieberman DYYYNYNYN DE Joseph Biden Jr. D Y Y Y Y Y N N/V Y DE Thomas Carper DYNYNYNYY FL Bill Nelson DYYYYYYYN FL Mel Martinez RNYNNYYNN GA Johnny Isakson RNYNNYYNN GA Saxby Chambliss RNYNYYYNN HI Daniel Akaka DYNYYYNYY HI Daniel Inouye DYNYYYNYY IA Charles Grassley RNYNNYYNN IA Tom Harkin DYNYYYNYY ID Larry Craig RNYNYYYNN ID Mike Crapo R N Y N/V N Y Y N N IL Barack Obama DYNYNYNYY IL Richard Durbin DYNYYYNYY IN Evan Bayh DYYYYYNYY IN Richard Lugar RNYNNYNNN KS Pat Roberts RNYNNYYNN KS Sam Brownback RNYNNYYNN KY Jim Bunning RNYNNYYNN KY Mitch McConnell RNYNNYYNN LA David Vitter RNYNNYYNN LA Mary Landrieu DYNYYYNYN MA Edward Kennedy D N/V N Y Y Y N Y Y MA John Kerry DYYYYYNYY MD Barbara Mikulski DYNYYYNYY

56 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S CORECARD

Senate State Senator Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

MD Paul Sarbanes DYYYYYNYY ME Olympia Snowe RYYNYYNNN ME Susan Collins RYYNYYNNN MI Carl Levin DYNYYYNYY MI Debbie Stabenow DYNYYYNYY MN Mark Dayton D Y N N/V Y N N Y N MN Norm Coleman RNYNNYYNN MO Christopher Bond RNYNNYYNN MO James Talent RNYNNYYNN MS Thad Cochran RNYNNYNNN MS Trent Lott RNYNNYYNN MT Conrad Burns RNYNNYYNN MT Max Baucus DYNNNNNYY NC Elizabeth Dole RNYNNYYNN NC Richard Burr RNYNNYYNN ND Byron Dorgan DYNYYYNYY ND Kent Conrad DYNYYNNYY NE Ben Nelson DYYNNYYYN NE Chuck Hagel RNYNNYNNN NH John Sununu RNNNNYYNN NH Judd Gregg RNYNNYYNN NJ Frank Lautenberg DYYYYYNYY NJ Jon Corzine D Y N Y N/V N/V * * * NJ Robert Menendez D*****NYY NM Jeff Bingaman DYNYYYNYY NM Pete Domenici RNYNNYYNN NV Harry Reid DYYYYYNYY NV John Ensign RNYNNYYNN NY Charles Schumer DYYYNYNYY NY Hillary Rodham Clinton DYYYYYNYY OH George Voinovich RNYNNYNNN OH Mike DeWine RNYNNYYNN OK James Inhofe RNYNNYYNN OK Tom Coburn RNYNYNYNN OR Gordon Smith RYYNNYYNN OR Ron Wyden DYNYNYNYY PA Arlen Specter RYYNYYNNN

Y - Yea, N - Nay, N/V - Not Voting *Sen. Corzine became governor of New Jersey in 2006, and he appointed Rep. Menendez as his replacement.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 57 S CORECARD

Senate State Senator Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

PA Rick Santorum RNYNNYYNN RI Jack Reed DYNYNYNYY RI Lincoln Chafee RYYNNYNNY SC Lindsey Graham RNYNYYYNN SC Jim DeMint RNYNNYYNN SD John Thune RNYNNYYNN SD Tim Johnson DYNYYYNYY TN Bill Frist RNYNNYYNN TN Lamar Alexander RNYNNYYNN TX John Cornyn RNYNNYYNN TX Kay Bailey Hutchinson RNYNNYYNN UT Orrin Hatch RNYNNYYNN UT Robert Bennett RNYNNYYNN VA George Allen RNYNNYYNN VA John Warner RYYNNYYNN VT James Jeffords IYNYNYNYY VT Patrick Leahy DYNYYYNYY WA Marie Cantwell DYNYNYNYY WA Patty Murray DYNYNYNYY WI Herb Kohl DYNYYYNYY WI Russell Feingold DYNYYYNYY WV John Rockefeller IV D Y N N/V Y Y N Y N/V WV Robert Byrd DYNNYYNYY WY Craig Thomas RNYNNNYNN WY Michael Enzi RNNNNYYNN

U.S. House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

AK Don Young At Large R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y AL Jo Bonner 1 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y AL Terry Everett 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y AL Mike Rogers 3 R YNYNYYNNYY AL Robert Aderholt 4 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N AL Robert E. “Bud” Cramer 5 D Y Y N Y N/V N N N Y N

Y - Yea, N - Nay, N/V - Not Voting, P - Present *In August 2005, Rep. Cox resigned his seat to become SEC commissioner. Rep. Campbell was elected to fill his seat. ** In June 2006, Rep. Bilbray filled the vacated seat of Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, who had resigned earlier. *** Except in special cases, Rep. Hastert, as the Speaker of the House, does not cast a vote. # In August 2005, Rep. Schmidt filled the vacant seat of Rep. Rob Portman, who was appointed as the U.S. Trade Representative. ## In June 2006, Rep. Delay resigned.

58 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

AL Spencer Bachus 6 R N/V N Y N Y N Y N N/V Y AL Artur Davis 7 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N AR Marion Berry 1 D YNNYYYNYYY AR Vic Snyder 2 D N Y N Y Y Y N N Y N AR John Boozman 3 R N N Y N/V Y N N N Y Y AR Mike Ross 4 D YNNYYYNNYY AZ Rick Renzi 1 R N N Y Y Y Y N N Y Y AZ Trent Franks 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y AZ John Shadegg 3 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y AZ Ed Pastor 4 D N Y N Y Y N N Y N N AZ J.D. Hayworth 5 R YNYNYYYNYY AZ Jeff Flake 6 R N N Y N N N Y N Y N AZ Raul Grijalva 7 D YYNYNYNYNN AZ Jim Kolbe 8 R N Y Y N Y N N N Y N CA Mike Thompson 1 D YYNYNYNYNN CA Wally Herger 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y N/V CA Daniel E. Lungren 3 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y CA John Doolittle 4 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N CA Doris O. Matsui 5 D YYNYYNNYNN CA Lynn Woolsey 6 D YYNYNYNYNN CA George Miller 7 D YYNYNYNYNN CA Nancy Pelosi 8 D Y Y N/V Y Y Y N Y N N CA Barbara Lee 9 D YYNYNYNYNN CA Ellen Tauscher 10 D Y Y N Y Y Y N N N N CA Richard Pombo 11 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y CA Tom Lantos 12 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N CA Fortney Pete Stark 13 D N Y N/V Y N Y N Y N N CA Anna G. Eshoo 14 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N CA Mike Honda 15 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N CA Zoe Lofgren 16 D Y Y N Y Y N N Y N N CA Sam Farr 17 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N CA Dennis Cardoza 18 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y CA George P. Radanovich 19 R N N Y Y N/V N N N Y N/V CA Jim Costa 20 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y CA Devin Nunes 21 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y CA Bill Thomas 22 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N CA Lois Capps 23 D Y Y N Y N N N Y N N CA Elton Gallegly 24 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y CA Buck McKeon 25 R N N Y N Y N N/V N/V Y N CA David Dreier 26 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 59 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CA Brad Sherman 27 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y P Y CA Howard Berman 28 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y N CA Adam Schiff 29 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N CA Henry Waxman 30 D Y Y N/V Y N Y N Y N/V N CA Xavier Becerra 31 D Y Y N Y Y Y N/V N/V N N CA Hilda Solis 32 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N CA Diane E. Watson 33 D Y Y N Y N Y N/V N/V N N CA Lucille Roybal-Allard 34 D N Y N Y Y Y N N N N CA Maxine Waters 35 D N/V Y N Y N N N Y N N CA Jane Harman 36 D Y Y N Y Y Y N N N N CA Juanita Millender-McDonald 37 D Y Y N/V Y Y Y N Y N N CA Grace Napolitano 38 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N CA Linda Sánchez 39 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N CA Ed Royce 40 R Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y CA Jerry Lewis 41 R N N Y N Y N N N N/V N CA Gary Miller 42 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y CA Joe Baca 43 D Y Y N Y Y Y N/V N/V N N CA Ken Calvert 44 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N CA Mary Bono 45 R N N/V N/V N Y N/V N/V N/V Y N CA Dana Rohrabacher 46 R Y N Y N Y N Y N Y Y CA Loretta Sanchez 47 D Y Y N Y Y N N Y N N CA John Campbell 48 R * * * N N N Y N Y N CA Christopher Cox 48 R Y N Y * * * * * * * CA Darrell Issa 49 R N N N/V N Y N Y N Y N CA Randy “Duke” Cunningham 50 R N N Y ** ** ** ** ** ** ** CA Brian P. Bilbray 50 R ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** Y Y CA Bob Filner 51 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N CA Duncan Hunter 52 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y CA Susan Davis 53 D Y Y N N/V N/V Y N Y N N CO Diana DeGette 1 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N CO Mark Udall 2 D YYNYYYNYNN CO John T. Salazar 3 D YYNYYYNYYY CO Marilyn Musgrave 4 R N N Y N Y Y N N Y Y CO Joel Hefley 5 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y CO Tom Tancredo 6 R YNYYNYYNYY CO Bob Beauprez 7 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y CT John B. Larson 1 D YYNYYYYYNN CT Rob Simmons 2 R Y Y N/V N Y Y N Y Y N CT Rosa L. DeLauro 3 D Y Y N Y N/V Y N Y N N CT Christopher Shays 4 R N Y N Y Y N N Y Y N

60 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CT Nancy L. Johnson 5 R N Y Y N Y N N N Y N DE Michael N. Castle At Large R N Y N N Y N N N Y N FL Jeff Miller 1 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y FL Allen Boyd 2 D YYNNYYNYPY FL Corrine Brown 3 D Y Y N/V Y Y N N Y N N FL Ander Crenshaw 4 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N FL Virginia Brown-Waite 5 R Y N Y N Y N Y N Y Y FL Cliff Stearns 6 R YNYNYYYYYY FL John Mica 7 R N N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y FL Ric Keller 8 R N N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y FL Michael Bilirakis 9 R YNYNYNYNYY FL C.W. Bill Young 10 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y FL Jim Davis 11 D Y Y N Y Y N/V N/V N/V N N FL Adam Putnam 12 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N FL Katherine Harris 13 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y FL Connie Mack 14 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y FL Dave Weldon 15 R Y N Y N Y N N N Y N FL Mark Foley 16 R N Y Y Y Y N N N Y Y FL Kendrick Meek 17 D Y Y N Y Y Y N N N N FL Ileana Ros-Lehtinen 18 R N N Y N Y Y N N Y N FL Robert Wexler 19 D Y Y N Y Y Y N N N N FL Debbie Wasserman Schultz 20 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N FL Lincoln Diaz-Balart 21 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N FL E. Clay Shaw Jr. 22 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y FL Alcee L. Hastings 23 D Y Y N N/V N/V Y N N N N FL Tom Feeney 24 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y FL Mario Diaz-Balart 25 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y GA Jack Kingston 1 R N N Y N Y N/V N/V N/V Y Y GA Sanford D. Bishop Jr. 2 D N Y N/V Y Y N N N Y N GA Jim Marshall 3 D YNYNYNNNYY GA Cynthia McKinney 4 D N Y N Y N N N Y N Y GA John Lewis 5 D YYNYNYNYNN GA Tom Price 6 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y GA John Linder 7 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y GA Lynn A. Westmoreland 8 R N N Y N N N Y N Y Y GA Charlie Norwood 9 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y GA Nathan Deal 10 R N N Y N N N Y N Y Y GA Phil Gingrey 11 R N N N/V N Y N N N Y N GA John Barrow 12 D Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y GA David Scott 13 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 61 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

HI Neil Abercrombie 1 D N Y N Y N Y N Y N N HI Ed Case 2 D N Y N Y Y N N N Y N IA Jim Nussle 1 R N N Y N Y N/V N/V N/V N/V N IA Jim Leach 2 R N/V Y N N Y Y N Y N N IA Leonard Boswell 3 D YYNYYYNYYN IA Tom Latham 4 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N IA Steve King 5 R N N Y N N N Y N Y Y ID Butch Otter 1 R YNYNYNYNYY ID Mike Simpson 2 R N N Y N Y Y N N Y N IL Bobby L. Rush 1 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N IL Jesse L Jackson Jr. 2 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N IL Daniel Lipinski 3 D YNNYYNNYYN IL Luis Gutierrez 4 D Y Y N Y N Y N/V N/V N/V N IL Rahm Emanuel 5 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N IL Henry Hyde 6 R N N Y N Y Y N N Y N/V IL Danny K. Davis 7 D Y Y N N/V N/V Y N Y N N IL Melissa L. Bean 8 D YYNYYYYYYY IL Jan Schakowsky 9 D YYNYNYNYNY IL Mark Kirk 10 R N Y Y Y Y N N N Y N IL Jerry Weller 11 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N IL Jerry Costello 12 D N N Y Y N Y N/V N/V Y N IL Judy Biggert 13 R N Y Y N Y N N N Y N IL Denny Hastert 14 R *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Y *** IL Timothy V. Johnson 15 R Y N Y N Y Y N N Y N IL Donald Manzullo 16 R N N Y N Y N/V N/V N/V Y N IL Lane Evans 17 D Y Y N N/V N/V N/V N/V N/V N/V N/V IL Ray Lahood 18 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N IL John Shimkus 19 R N N Y N N/V N Y N Y Y IN Peter Visclosky 1 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N IN Chris Chocola 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y IN Mark E. Souder 3 R YNYNYYNNYY IN Steve Buyer 4 R N N Y N Y N Y N/V Y Y IN Dan Burton 5 R Y N Y N Y N Y N N/V Y IN Mike Pence 6 R YNYNNNYNYN IN Julia Carson 7 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N/V IN John N. Hostettler 8 R YNYNYYYNYY IN Michael E. Sodrel 9 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y KS Jerry Moran 1 R YNYNYYYYYY KS Jim Ryun 2 R YNYNYNYNYY KS Dennis Moore 3 D YYNYYYNYYN

62 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

KS Todd Tiahrt 4 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N KY Ed Whitfield 1 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N/V KY Ron Lewis 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y KY Anne Northup 3 R N N Y N Y Y N N Y N KY Geoff Davis 4 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y KY Harold Rogers 5 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y KY Ben Chandler 6 D YYNYYNNNYY LA Bobby Jindal 1 R N N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y LA William J. Jefferson 2 D YYNYYYNYNN LA Charlie Melancon 3 D YNNYYYNYYY LA Jim McCrery 4 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N LA Rodney Alexander 5 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N LA Richard Baker 6 R N N Y N Y N N/V N/V Y N LA Charles W. Boustany Jr. 7 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N MA John Olver 1 D YYNYNYNYNN MA Richard E. Neal 2 D YYNYNYNYNN MA James McGovern 3 D YYNYNYNYNN MA Barney Frank 4 D YYNYNYNYNN MA Marty Meehan 5 D YYNYNYNYNN MA John Tierney 6 D YYNYNYNYNN MA Ed Markey 7 D YYNYNYNYNY MA Michael E. Capuano 8 D YYNYYYNYNN MA Stephen F. Lynch 9 D YYNYYNNNYN MA William Delahunt 10 D Y N/V N Y Y Y N Y N N MD Wayne Gilchrest 1 R N Y Y N Y N N N Y N MD Dutch Ruppersberger 2 D N Y N Y Y N N Y N N MD Benjamin L. Cardin 3 D YYNYYYNYNN MD Albert Wynn 4 D YYNYYYNYNN MD Steny H. Hoyer 5 D YYNYYYNYNN MD Roscoe Bartlett 6 R N N Y N Y N Y Y Y Y MD Elijah Cummings 7 D YYNYYYNYNN MD Chris Van Hollen 8 D YYNYYYNYNN ME Tom Allen 1 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N ME Michael Michaud 2 D YYNYNYNYNN MI Bart Stupak 1 D YNNYYYNYNY MI Pete Hoekstra 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y N MI Vernon J. Ehlers 3 R N N Y N Y N N Y Y N MI Dave Camp 4 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y MI Dale Kildee 5 D N N N Y Y Y N Y N N MI Fred Upton 6 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 63 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MI John J.H. “Joe” Schwarz 7 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N MI Mike Rogers 8 R YNYNYNYNYY MI Joseph Knollenberg 9 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N MI Candice Miller 10 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y MI Thaddeus McCotter 11 R Y N Y Y Y N Y N P Y MI Sander Levin 12 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N MI Carolyn Kilpatrick 13 D N Y N Y Y N N Y N/V N MI John Conyers Jr. 14 D Y N/V N Y N Y N Y N N MI John Dingell 15 D N Y N Y Y N N N N/V N MN Gil Gutknecht 1 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y MN John Kline 2 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N MN Jim Ramstad 3 R YYYNYYNYYN MN Betty McCollum 4 D YYNYNYNYNN MN Martin Olav Sabo 5 D YYNYYYNYNN MN Mark Kennedy 6 R YNYNYYNNYY MN Collin C. Peterson 7 D YNNNYNNNYY MN James L. Oberstar 8 D Y N/V N Y Y Y N Y N Y MO William “Lacy” Clay Jr. 1 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N MO Todd Akin 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y MO Russ Carnahan 3 D YYNYYYNYNN MO Ike Skelton 4 D N N N/V Y Y N N N N N MO Emanuel Cleaver 5 D Y Y N Y Y N N Y N/V N MO Sam Graves 6 R Y N N/V N Y N Y N Y Y MO Roy Blunt 7 R N N Y N Y N N/V N/V Y N MO Jo Ann Emerson 8 R N N Y N N/V N N N Y N MO Kenny Hulshof 9 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y MS Roger Wicker 1 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N MS Bennie G. Thompson 2 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N MS Charles W. “Chip” Pickering 3 R N N Y N N/V N N N Y N MS Gene Taylor 4 D N N Y Y Y N Y N Y Y MT Dennis Rehberg At Large R N N Y N Y N N N Y N NC G.K. Butterfield 1 D YYNYYYNYNN NC Bob Etheridge 2 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y N NC Walter B. Jones 3 R YNYYYNYYPY NC David Price 4 D N Y N Y Y N N Y N N NC Virginia Foxx 5 R N N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y NC Howard Coble 6 R N N Y N N N Y N Y Y NC Mike McIntyre 7 D YNYYYYNYYY NC Robin Hayes 8 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y N NC Sue Myrick 9 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y

64 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NC Patrick T. McHenry 10 R N N Y N N Y Y N Y Y NC Charles H. Taylor 11 R N N N N Y N N N Y N NC Mel Watt 12 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N NC Brad Miller 13 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y P N ND Earl Pomeroy At Large D N Y N Y Y N N Y N N NE Jeff Fortenberry 1 R N N Y N/V Y N N N Y N NE Lee Terry 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y NE Tom Osborne 3 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N NH Jeb Bradley 1 R N Y Y Y Y Y N N Y N NH Charles Bass 2 R N Y Y Y Y N Y N Y N NJ Robert E. Andrews 1 D Y Y N/V Y Y Y N N N N NJ Frank LoBiondo 2 R N N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y NJ Jim Saxton 3 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y NJ Chris Smith 4 R N N Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y NJ Scott Garrett 5 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y NJ Frank Pallone Jr. 6 D YYNYNYNNNN NJ Michael Ferguson 7 R YNYYYYNNYN NJ Bill Pascrell Jr. 8 D YYNYYYNYNY NJ Steven Rothman 9 D YYNYNYNYNN NJ Donald M. Payne 10 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N NJ Rodney Frelinghuysen 11 R N Y Y N Y N N N Y N NJ Rush Holt 12 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N NJ Bob Menendez 13th – R Y Y N **** **** **** **** **** **** **** Vacancy NM Heather Wilson 1 R N N Y Y Y N N N N/V N NM Steve Pearce 2 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N NM Tom Udall 3 D YYNYYYNYNN NV Shelley Berkley 1 D Y Y Y Y N/V Y N N N Y NV Jim Gibbons 2 R N N Y N Y N/V N/V N/V Y Y NV Jon Porter 3 R YNYYYNNNYY NY Timothy Bishop 1 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N/V N NY Steve Israel 2 D YYNYYYNNNN NY Pete King 3 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y NY Carolyn McCarthy 4 D YYNYYYNYYN NY Gary Ackerman 5 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N NY Gregory W. Meeks 6 D YYNYYYNYNN NY Joseph Crowley 7 D YYNYYYNYNN NY Jerrold Nadler 8 D YYNYNYNYNN NY Anthony D. Weiner 9 D YYNYNYNNNY NY Edolphus Towns 10 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 65 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NY Major Owens 11 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N NY Nydia M. Velázquez 12 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N NY Vito Fossella 13 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y NY Carolyn Maloney 14 D Y Y N Y N Y N N N Y NY Charles B. Rangel 15 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N NY José E. Serrano 16 R Y Y N Y N N N Y N N NY Eliot Engel 17 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N NY Nita Lowey 18 D Y Y N Y Y Y N N N N NY Sue Kelly 19 R N Y Y N Y N N N Y Y NY John E. Sweeney 20 R N/V N Y N/V N/V N N N Y N NY Michael R. McNulty 21 D Y Y N Y N Y N Y N N NY Maurice Hinchey 22 D Y N/V N Y N N N Y N N NY John M. McHugh 23 R N N Y N Y N N/V N/V Y N NY Sherwood L. Boehlert 24 R N Y N N Y N N/V N/V Y N NY Jim Walsh 25 R N/V N N/V N Y N N/V N/V Y N NY Thomas M. Reynolds 26 R N N Y Y Y N N N Y N NY Brian Higgins 27 D Y Y N Y Y Y N N Y N NY Louise Slaughter 28 D Y Y N/V Y Y Y N Y N N NY John R. “Randy” Kuhl Jr. 29 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N OH Steve Chabot 1 R YNYNYNYNYY OH Jean Schmidt 2 R ###NYNYNYY OH Michael Turner 3 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N OH Michael G. Oxley 4 R N N Y N Y N N/V N/V Y N OH Paul Gillmor 5 R N N N/V N Y N N N Y Y OH Ted Strickland 6 D Y Y N N/V Y Y N Y N N/V OH David Hobson 7 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N OH John A. Boehner 8 R N N N/V N Y N N N Y N OH Marcy Kaptur 9 D N N N Y Y N N/V N/V N N OH Dennis J. Kucinich 10 D N Y N Y N N N Y N N OH Stephanie Tubbs Jones 11 D Y Y N N/V Y N N Y N N OH Pat Tiberi 12 R N N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y OH Sherrod Brown 13 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N OH Steven C. LaTourette 14 R N N Y Y Y Y N N Y N OH Deborah Pryce 15 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N OH Ralph Regula 16 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N OH Tim Ryan 17 D Y N N Y Y Y N Y N Y OH Robert W. Ney 18 R N N Y Y Y N N N Y N OK John Sullivan 1 R YNYNYNYNYY OK Dan Boren 2 D Y N N N/V N/V N N N Y Y

66 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

OK Frank Lucas 3 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y OK Tom Cole 4 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N OK Ernest J. Istook Jr. 5 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y OR David Wu 1 D YYNYNNNYNN OR Greg Walden 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y N OR Earl Blumenauer 3 D Y Y N/V Y N Y N Y N N OR Peter DeFazio 4 D YYNYYYNYNN OR Darlene Hooley 5 D Y Y N/V Y Y Y N Y N N PA Robert Brady 1 D Y Y N Y Y Y N/V N/V N N/V PA Chaka Fattah 2 D YYNYYYNYNN PA Phil English 3 R N N Y Y Y N N N Y N PA Melissa Hart 4 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y N PA John E. Peterson 5 R N N Y N Y N/V N/V N/V Y Y PA Jim Gerlach 6 R N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y PA Curt Weldon 7 R N N Y N Y N Y Y Y N PA Michael G. Fitzpatrick 8 R N N Y Y Y Y N Y Y N PA Bill Shuster 9 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y PA Don Sherwood 10 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N PA Paul E. Kanjorski 11 D N N N Y Y N N Y N Y PA John Murtha 12 D N N N Y Y N N Y N Y PA Allyson Y. Schwartz 13 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N PA Mike Doyle 14 D N N N Y Y Y N Y N N PA Charles W. Dent 15 R Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y PA Joseph R. Pitts 16 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y N PA Tim Holden 17 D Y N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y PA Tim Murphy 18 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y PA Todd Platts 19 R Y N Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y RI Patrick Kennedy 1 D Y Y N/V Y Y Y N N N N RI Jim Langevin 2 D YYNYYYNNNN SC Henry Brown 1 R YNYNYNNNYN SC Joe Wilson 2 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y SC J. Gresham Barrett 3 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y SC Bob Inglis 4 R N N Y N Y N Y Y Y N SC John Spratt 5 D YYNYYYNYYN SC James E. Clyburn 6 D YYNYYYNYNN SD Stephanie Herseth At Large D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y TN William L. Jenkins 1 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y TN John J. Duncan Jr. 2 R N N Y N/V N/V Y Y Y N Y TN Zach Wamp 3 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 67 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TN Lincoln Davis 4 D YNNYYYYYYY TN Jim Cooper 5 D YYNNNYYYYN TN Bart Gordon 6 D YYNYYYNYYN TN Marsha Blackburn 7 R N N Y N N N Y N Y Y TN John Tanner 8 D N Y N/V Y Y Y Y N N Y TN Harold Ford 9 D YYNYYYYYNY TX Louie Gohmert 1 R N N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y TX Ted Poe 2 R N N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y TX Sam Johnson 3 R N N Y N N N Y N N/V N/V TX Ralph M. Hall 4 R YNYNYYNYYY TX Jeb Hensarling 5 R N N Y N N N Y N Y N TX Joe Barton 6 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y TX John Culberson 7 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N/V TX Kevin Brady 8 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y TX Al Green 9 D YYNYYYNYNN TX Michael T. McCaul 10 R N N Y N Y Y N N Y N TX K. Michael Conaway 11 R N N Y N Y N N/V N/V Y Y TX Kay Granger 12 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N TX Mac Thornberry 13 R N/V N Y N Y N N N Y Y TX Ron Paul 14 R Y N N N N Y Y Y N Y TX Rubén Hinojosa 15 D N Y N N Y Y N Y N N TX Silvestre Reyes 16 D Y Y N/V Y Y N/V N/V N/V N N TX Chet Edwards 17 D Y Y N Y Y Y N N Y N TX Sheila Jackson-Lee 18 D N N/V N Y N N N Y N N TX Randy Neugebauer 19 R N N Y N N N Y N Y Y TX Charlie A. Gonzalez 20 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N TX Lamar Smith 21 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N TX Henry Bonilla 23 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N TX Kenny Marchant 24 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N TX Lloyd Doggett 25 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N TX Michael Burgess 26 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y TX Solomon P. Ortiz 27 D Y N N Y Y N N N N N/V TX Henry Cuellar 28 D N N/V N/V Y Y N N N Y Y TX Gene Green 29 D Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y TX Eddie Bernice Johnson 30 D Y Y N/V Y Y N N Y N N TX John Carter 31 R N N Y N Y N N N N/V N TX Pete Sessions 32 D N N/V N/V N Y N Y N N/V Y TX Tom DeLay 22nd – R N N Y N Y N N N ## ## Vacancy UT Rob Bishop 1 R N N Y N Y N N N N/V Y

68 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 S CORECARD

House of Representatives State Representative District Party 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

UT Jim Matheson 2 D YYNYYYNYYY UT Chris Cannon 3 R N N Y N N N N/V N/V N/V N/V VA Jo Ann S. Davis 1 R YNYNYNYNYY VA Thelma D. Drake 2 R N N Y N Y N N N Y Y VA Robert C. “Bobby” Scott 3 D Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N VA J. Randy Forbes 4 R N N Y Y Y N Y N Y Y VA Virgil H Goode Jr. 5 R YNNNYNYNYY VA Bob Goodlatte 6 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y Y VA Eric Cantor 7 R N N Y N Y Y N N Y Y VA Jim Moran 8 D N Y N Y Y Y N Y N N VA Rick Boucher 9 D N Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y VA Frank Wolf 10 R N N Y N Y Y N N Y N VA Tom Davis 11 R N N N/V N Y N N N Y N VT Bernie Sanders At Large I Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N WA Jay Inslee 1 D YYNYNNNYNN WA Rick Larsen 2 D YYNYYYNYYN WA Brian Baird 3 D Y Y N/V Y Y N N Y N N WA Doc Hastings 4 R N N Y N Y N N N Y N WA Cathy McMorris 5 R N N Y N N/V N Y N Y Y WA Norman D. Dicks 6 D YYNYYNNYNN WA Jim McDermott 7 D Y Y N/V Y N N N Y N N WA David G. Reichert 8 R N N N Y Y Y N N N/V N WA Adam Smith 9 D N/V Y N Y Y N N Y Y N WI Paul Ryan 1 R N N Y N Y N Y N Y N WI Tammy Baldwin 2 D N Y N Y N Y N Y N N WI Ron Kind 3 D YYNYYYNYYY WI Gwen Moore 4 D YYNYNNNYNN WI F. James Sensenbrenner 5 R Y N Y N N Y Y Y N/V Y WI Thomas Petri 6 R YNYNNNYYYY WI David R. Obey 7 D N N N Y Y Y N Y N N WI Mark Green 8 R YNYNYYNNYY WV Alan B. Mollohan 1 D N N Y N Y N N Y N N WV Shelley Moore Capito 2 R N Y Y N Y N N N Y N WV Nick Rahall 3 D N N N Y Y N Y Y N Y WY Barbara Cubin At Large R N N Y N N N Y N n/ Y

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 69

AFSAAmerican Foreign ServiceNEWS Association • October 2006

WALKING THE TIGHTROPE Inside AFSA Offers Qualified Support for This Issue: Assignment System Changes VP STATE: THE ELEPHANT BY SHAWN DORMAN IN THE ROOM...... 73 VP USAID: TO MTB OR NOT TO MTB...... 74 he summer months at Foggy Staffing Unaccompanied Positions RETIREE Q&A: ANNUITIES ...... 78 Bottom brought many changes Recent efforts by the State Department FS ELDERHOSTEL...... 79 to the Foreign Service assign- to encourage bids on unaccompanied posi- ment system. They apply to the tions, especially for staffing of the Iraq T AFSA APPLAUDS DECISION current bidding season that began in Provincial Reconstruction Teams, include August. The State Department is under the expanded incentives for Iraq PRT ser- IN SUPPORT OF CONSUL GENERAL tremendous pressure to fill up to 800 unac- vice (State 088092, sent May 31, detailed companied positions each summer, and in AFSA News July/August, p. 80), followed The CG Is on Duty changes were proposed and implemented by the time-in-class extension for people by management to facilitate staffing these at certain designated hardship posts and a 24/7: Court Agrees positions. AFSA understands the depart- new ban on fourth-year extensions (State BY SHARON PAPP, ment’s need to fill the positions, and is 121681, sent July 25, posted at www.afsa. AFSA GENERAL COUNSEL working with management to ensure the org/State121681.cfm). best possible outcome. In an Aug. 15 message titled “Foreign FSA is extremely pleased to inform Both AFSA and State Department Service Assignments: The Future Is Now” our members that on Aug. 10, the management share a strong desire to main- (State 133247), the director general laid out AU.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th tain the present system of staffing all posi- additional far-reaching changes, including Circuit ruled in favor of Foreign Service offi- tions for tenured personnel on a voluntary the following: a proposal to restructure the cer Douglas Kent, who was sued in his indi- basis. AFSA recognizes the Secretary’s various “seasons” of the assignment cycle vidual capacity in the United States as a authority to move to directed assignments to include a “pre-season” to facilitate early result of a 1998 car accident that occurred if she chooses. Employees obviously pre- assignments to unaccompanied posts; a pro- while he was the consul general in fer to have a say in where they serve, and posal to tighten up and limit the use of Vladivostok. Kent was represented by attor- AFSA believes the Service benefits from hav- “handshakes” (the system by which bureaus ney J. Michael Hannon. The accident, in ing people in positions they choose rather offer positions to selected bidders prior to which the Russian driver of the second vehi- than those to which they may be directed. the official paneling of the candidate to the cle was injured, occurred while Kent was AFSA believes the best course is to work job); a proposal to strengthen the role of driving home from work, after stopping at closely and constructively with the depart- career development officers; a proposal to the gym, in his personal vehicle. The ment to support its assignment objectives, require fair-share bids to be for posts with Department of Justice, with State while preserving an assignment system that a 15-percent or greater differential and a pro- Department concurrence, refused to cer- lives up to the department’s publicly posal to scale back the 6/8 rule to 5/6 (rep- tify that Kent was acting within the scope articulated priorities of being employee- and resenting the maximum number of years of his employment when the accident family-friendly. It was with this in mind an employee can serve in Washington, D.C. occurred. that AFSA agreed to most of the depart- without/with a waiver). The DG request- The district court in California, Kent’s ment’s proposed changes to the assignment ed feedback from employees, but the state of domicile, accepted the DOJ’s system announced in mid-August. Continued on page 76 Continued on page 75

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 71 A F S A N AFSANEWSBRIEFS E W Concerns about Credit Union Services always imposed this fee; now, following several court deci- S n July, responding to members’ inquiries and concerns about sions, the companies have been mandated to show this fee new fees and other issues, AFSA met with two officials from I separately. She added that some banks pass on an addi- the State Department Credit Union, Chair of the Board Marlene tional fee to the customer, but the SDFCU does not. Schwartz and CEO Jan Roche. Some members had reported difficulties trying to use AFSA asked for clarification of what appeared to be a new SDFCU credit cards overseas recently. Schwartz and Roche “International Service Assessment” fee being charged when explained that many companies require telephone approval a member uses bank cards and credit cards overseas. when an overseas charge is processed. Credit card compa- Roche explained that, in fact, credit card companies have nies monitor card activity and react when it departs from a member’s previous spending patterns and when approval requests arrive from areas of the world where there is high Life in the Foreign Service fraud activity. This can lead to a rejection of the card. BY BRIAN AGGELER You can avoid most problems by contacting the SDFCU before you travel. Call 1 (800) 296-8882 or (703) 706- 5000 to speak to a credit union representative, or fax a request to SDFCU Card Services at least 24 hours before your departure. The fax number is (703) 706-5117. Include the destination(s), time frames for travel and your signature. If an overseas transaction is blocked, you can get help by calling the 24-hour assistance line at 1 (800) 266-9569 or (703) 706-5000. Another concern AFSA raised with SDFCU manage- ment was reported problems using the credit union Web site overseas. They assured us that the SDFCU site (www.sdfcu.org) allows any properly authenticated visitor, in the U.S. or outside, access to all online services. There are, however, many factors that can make online banking activities difficult overseas. Local Internet service providers may not have up-to-date systems, bandwidth may be insuf- ficient or high-speed access may not be available. More information is at www.sdfcu.org/news/ overseastrip.html.

AFSA HEADQUARTERS: Staff: Governing Board: (202) 338-4045; Fax: (202) 338-6820 Executive Director Susan Reardon: [email protected] Business Department STATE DEPARTMENT AFSA OFFICE: PRESIDENT: J. Anthony Holmes (202) 647-8160; Fax: (202) 647-0265 Controller Steven Tipton: [email protected] Accounting Assistant Jon Reed: [email protected] STATE VICE PRESIDENT: Steven Kashkett USAID AFSA OFFICE: (202) 712-1941; Fax: (202) 216-3710 Labor Management USAID VICE PRESIDENT: Francisco Zamora General Counsel Sharon Papp: [email protected] FCS VICE PRESIDENT: Donald Businger FCS AFSA OFFICE: Labor Management Attorney Zlatana Badrich: [email protected] (202) 482-9088; Fax: (202) 482-9087 Labor Management Specialist James Yorke: [email protected] FAS VICE PRESIDENT: Vacant Grievance Attorneys Neera Parikh: [email protected] and RETIREE VICE PRESIDENT: David Reuther AFSA WEB SITE: www.afsa.org Charles Garten: [email protected] SECRETARY: Tex Harris AFSA E-MAIL: [email protected] Office Manager Christine Warren: [email protected] FSJ: [email protected] USAID Senior Labor Management Adviser Douglas Broome: [email protected] TREASURER: Andrew Winter PRESIDENT: [email protected] USAID Office Manager Asgeir Sigfusson: [email protected] STATE REPRESENTATIVES: Bradford Bell, STATE VP: [email protected] Member Services Hugh Neighbour, Alan Misenheimer, Director Janet Hedrick: [email protected] RETIREE VP: [email protected] Joyce Namde, Randy Steen, Daphne Titus USAID VP: [email protected] Representative Cory Nishi: [email protected] Web-site & Database Associate Sheng Zhao: [email protected] and Andrew Young FCS VP: [email protected] Administrative Assistant Ana Lopez: [email protected] USAID REPRESENTATIVE: Mike Henning Outreach Programs FCS REPRESENTATIVE: William Center AFSA News Retiree Liaison Bonnie Brown: [email protected] Editor Shawn Dorman: [email protected] Director of Communications Thomas Switzer: [email protected] FAS REPRESENTATIVE: Robert Curtis (202) 338-4045 x 503; Fax: (202) 338-8244 Congressional Affairs Director Ian Houston: [email protected] IBB REPRESENTATIVE: Vacant Executive Assistant to the President Austin Tracy: [email protected] On the Web: www.afsa.org/news Scholarship Director Lori Dec: [email protected] RETIREE REPRESENTATIVES: Leonard J. How to Contact Us: to Contact How Professional Issues Coordinator Barbara Berger: [email protected] Baldyga, Roger Dankert, Larry Lesser and Retiree Recruitment Coordinator Norma Reyes: [email protected] Gilbert Sheinbaum Elderhostel Coordinator Janice Bay: [email protected]

72 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 A F V.P. VOICE: STATE BY STEVE KASHKETT S A The Elephant in the Room N he Foreign Service is struggling to adapt to the new world have been bandied about in the corri- E of increasingly dangerous conditions and unaccompanied dors of State and overseas: W T postings. The Secretary wants us to concentrate on “trans- Fair-share candidates: Identifying S formational” diplomacy in difficult places and hot spots. The employees who have not served in a director general has implemented a series of far-reaching mea- hardship post in recent years would pri- sures to refocus our assignment system on hardship service over- marily target people whose personal sit- seas. We have all participated in endless discussions, debates and uations make them least suited for the negotiations over these changes. But there is a reluctance to talk most dangerous, extreme hardship duty, and it would in no way openly about what is looming behind all this: the threat of direct- guarantee that people with any particular qualifications for Iraq ed assignments. would be chosen. Of course, we all joined the Foreign Service on the assump- Arabic speakers: Concentrating on Foreign Service mem- tion of “worldwide availability,” and we all understand that the bers who possess Arabic language and regional experience would department has the power, in theory, to order us to take any assign- put pressure on the very segment of the Foreign Service that has ment anywhere. But, in practice, this is a solution of last resort already served in Iraq in the greatest proportion. As we have heard that the State Department has very from many of these people, that would rarely had to employ. In the more than There is no escaping the conclusion strain the staffing at many of our other 30 years since the end of the Vietnam vitally important posts in the Middle War, the combination of incentives, that encouraging volunteers — by East. career development requirements and Employees without families: any means necessary — is far better a deeply ingrained sense of duty among Taking family situations into account FS members have produced candidates than directing people to serve when making assignments to a war for even the most unpleasant assign- zone would be unfair to unmarried ments. While some people may have unarmed in war zones. employees, discriminatory, and quite needed a bit of extra encouragement or possibly illegal. arm-twisting, our voluntary bidding system has always worked. Random lottery: Selecting those for directed assignments based The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the growing terrorist threats on a purely random process would ignore all of the above crite- in places like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the deepening hos- ria and would be the least sensible approach to getting our most tility toward Americans at many other posts have changed that. qualified members to serve in Iraq. In just a few short years, we have gone from a few dozen unac- Moreover, any directed assignment scheme would inevitably companied positions worldwide to nearly 800, almost half of lead to the “Why Me?” phenomenon among the targeted employ- which are in the two active war zones. For a Foreign Service of ees, resulting in bitterness, a sense of unfairness and an endless about 11,000, it is a challenge to produce a new crop of 800 vol- series of formal grievances. Those who end up serving against unteers to go unarmed to dangerous postings away from their their will are more likely to do so with a less healthy attitude and families every summer. lower morale and personal motivation than someone who made The department is now starting to acknowledge the elephant a choice to volunteer. Many senior managers in the Foreign Service in the room. The director general and other senior officials are have confided to AFSA that the last thing they would want at our openly warning that directed assignments might be on the hori- most difficult, most dangerous, most stressful posts is an employ- zon, particularly for the Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Iraq. ee who was ordered to go. If the department decides it needs to I disagree with those who think this could be good for the Foreign take the exteme step of directing people into assignments in dan- Service, making us more like the military. We are not the mili- gerous places, we at AFSA look forward to being consulted and tary either by background, temperament, training or skill sets — involved in a process of developing fair, objective and transpar- nor is any other country’s diplomatic corps. Directing people ent criteria by which the targeted employees will be identified. against their will into assignments in war zones would be disas- There is no escaping the conclusion that encouraging volun- trous for the Foreign Service. teers — by any means necessary — is far better than directing Any system for determining which Foreign Service members people to serve unarmed in war zones. Ultimately, this is the lens get tapped for ordered assignments to Iraq would have serious through which we should all view the many proposed new incen- drawbacks, particularly if the objective is to get our best, most tives, career development requirements and changes to our assign- qualified people to serve there. Here are some of the choices that ment system.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 73 A F S V.P. VOICE: USAID BY FRANCISCO ZAMORA A N To MTB or Not to MTB — E That Is the Question! W S ome of you are experts on the Manage-to-Budget concept, the mission director would have to have known as MTB. Some of you have heard of MTB and know the authority to hire and fire. Congress Sthe basics, while others may know nothing about it. would have to approve that. Fortunately, Wherever you fall on this scale, MTB is likely to affect your life at this point, there are no immediate in one way or another, for it is our new administrator’s solution plans to decentralize financial and per- to improve our agency. sonnel management to the mission level. Coming from a private sector position as chairman and chief But why change the system at all? FSOs are actually only pass- executive officer of the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, Ambassador ing through a mission for a few years, much like military per- Randall Tobias is serious about reforming our agency. During sonnel. MTB makes more sense under a Civil Service system at his five-year tenure in that position, the mar- headquarters, where positions are intend- ket value of Eli Lilly jumped from $14 bil- ed to be stationary and long-term. While lion to well over $70 billion. Quite an In the public sector, our profit salary control is only one aspect of a real accomplishment, for sure. So, now, is it MTB system, another major component is USAID’s turn? But wait: USAID doesn’t is the knowledge that we have an incentive system to entice managers to generate revenue or sell products or services. done something good for be more efficient. As of this writing, the lat- Well, the next best thing is to become a ter system, which is separate from our nor- more efficient, mean and lean development our country and the world. mal awards procedures, was still being machine. No one can be against that, right? designed and under discussion. Again, the Let’s look at this more carefully. The concept is simple — but like many other main idea behind the MTB process is to look for efficiencies by proposals, the devil is in the details. reducing waste through an incentive system. To do that, author- Given enough incentives, some managers may elect to nego- ities and budget control have to devolve to the lowest operational tiate cheaper and less desirable housing for their staff, cut down unit possible; in our case, the USAID mission. The theory is that on necessary travel expenses, reduce training opportunities, dilute if managers have the ability to plan and design their workforce benefits, eliminate staff and choose FSOs with the fewest num- composition and other operational expense items based on a given ber of dependents. The rewards for doing this could be substan- budget, there will be a more efficient use of budget resources. The tial and quite tempting. There is even a suggestion to give man- missions already manage a large part of their operating expens- agers a percentage of the savings as personal or “corporate” rewards. es budget for such things as FSN salaries, maintenance, rents, sup- That sounds dangerous to me, and full of opportunities for abuse, plies, travel, motor pool, IT costs and local contracting. One bud- not to mention morale problems. get item they do not yet manage is U.S. direct-hire salaries. The Does MTB work? Of course it does — in the private sector, idea behind the MTB, ultimately, would be to give missions this where the bottom line is the profit-and-loss statement and sub- authority. stantial raises are a possibility. No one should be against saving Here is where good intentions go bad. In the private sector, money or being more efficient. But in the public sector, our prof- an operating unit, such as the field office of a large pharmaceu- it is the knowledge that we have done something good for our tical company, can determine its staffing requirements. If a posi- country and the world. tion or employee is not needed, the next logical step is to elim- The real issue is that we are not in the private sector. We don’t inate the job and use the “savings” to increase profitability by either have total control of our budget due to congressional earmarks not filling it or downgrading it with a lower-cost employee. Under and tight budgets. We have even had to resort to using program our current system, Washington manages FSO salaries directly, funds to subsidize operational expenses. International develop- in addition to hiring and firing personnel. While a mission direc- ment is not a profit-making venture. We don’t need to pretend tor may decide that an FSO position is not needed, he or she does that our missions are business franchises because we are not sell- not have the authority to remove the FSO from the Service or ing widgets or drugs. We are providing an essential public ser- hire a replacement. So, even if the mission director eliminates vice. USAID staff are already dutifully working beyond their paid the position, there will be no “savings” for him or her to use for 40 hours a week here and in many inhospitable parts of the world. other purposes. The FSO simply goes on to another assignment They deserve better treatment than this. elsewhere. For MTB to make sense and be truly implemented, MTB should be called GMB (as in, Give Me a Break).

74 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 A F CG on Duty • Continued from page 71 his employment, it is proper to inquire answer why the Department of State and S interpretation and concluded that Kent was whether he was at the time engaged in the United States Attorney spent their pre- A not acting within the scope of his job. AFSA serving his master.” The court ruled in cious and scarce resources opposing this had repeatedly and unsuccessfully urged the Kent’s favor because it found that he was petition for certification ... we do answer the Department of State to support Kent’s inter- 1) engaged in a business act (the FAM legal questions involved. Applying District N pretation of governing law and regulation authorized him to use a government vehi- of Columbia law, we conclude that Kent E conveying that employees and, in partic- cle and driver 24/7); 2) under the control was acting within the scope of employ- W ular, chiefs of missions and principal offi- of the Department of State; 3) acting in fur- ment.” The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals S cers, are on duty 24/7 while stationed over- therance of the Department of State’s inter- decision can be found at http://caselaw. seas. Had Kent been certified as acting with- est (by driving himself to save money for lp.findlaw.com/data2/circs/9th/0456703p. in the “scope of employment,” he would the government); and 4) subjectively pdf. have been dismissed from the lawsuit and, believed he was acting within the scope of The government may request that the because the federal government generally his employment. 9th Circuit review the case en banc or peti- cannot be sued for torts that occurred over- tion the Supreme Court for certiorari; i.e., seas, the case would have been dismissed the government can decide to appeal this in its entirety. “We conclude that Kent decision. AFSA joins the court in its sin- Kent appealed to the 9th Circuit. was acting within the scope cere hope that the government will stop Because AFSA viewed this case as establish- spending “its precious and scarce resources” ing an important precedent to the extreme of employment.” fighting against a loyal employee. We also jeopardy of our members, the Governing hope that the Department of State and the — The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Board voted unanimously to provide U.S. Attorney’s Office will recognize the $5,000 toward Kent’s legal defense. (See unique nature of the Foreign Service and take Foreign Service Journal, “FS Know-How,” In a conclusion that was particularly these factors into consideration in determin- January 2005). We submitted a declara- revealing of the judges’ opinion of the gov- ing future scope-of-employment issues. tion in support of Kent at the district court ernment’s position, the court stated: “Now All that said, AFSA reiterates the depart- level and filed an amicus brief. that Kent has been sued in the United States, ment’s warning that all employees overseas AFSA repeatedly implored the depart- the Department of State has not only need to ensure that they have adequate per- ment to request that the U.S. Attorney’s stopped fighting for a consul general — sonal/automobile liability insurance cover- Office reconsider its position that Kent was who has served the Department of State in age. In many instances this will require sig- not acting within the scope of his job, in places such as Panama, Albania, Kosovo, nificantly more coverage than the mini- light of the unique circumstances of Tajikistan and Liberia — but it has joined mum required by regulation or post pol- employment for Foreign Service employ- the other team and is litigating for the ben- icy. No one should have to experience what ees and its implications for all department efit of the plaintiff. Although we cannot Doug Kent has gone through. personnel overseas. This case’s implications in the context of a “more expeditionary” Foreign Service are clear. In reversing the District Court’s failure AFSANEWSBRIEFS to certify Kent, the 9th Circuit applied District of Columbia law and found that Tribute to Victims of 1998 East Africa Bombings On Aug. 7, the eighth anniversary of the East Africa embassy bombings, AFSA President under the circumstances of the case Kent Tony Holmes attended a memorial ceremony at the State Department. Holmes was acting within the scope of his employ- spoke during the ceremony, as did Under Secretary of State for Management Henrietta ment when the car accident occurred. The Fore, Under Secretary of State for court stated that “Although the determi- Political Affairs Nicholas Burns and nation of scope of employment is depen- Ambassadors Prudence Bushnell and dent upon the facts and circumstances of John Lange. each case ... the District of Columbia Court The Aug. 7 attack killed 224 people, of Appeals has announced a general rule: including 12 American employees of (W)hatever is done by the employee in Embassy Nairobi, and injured more virtue of his employment and in further- than 5,000. In his remarks, Holmes ance of its ends is deemed by the law to be highlighted and paid tribute to the an act done within the scope of his employ- critical role played by local employees ment, and ... in determining whether the in Kenya and Tanzania, as well as all

servant’s conduct was within the scope of other U.S. embassies worldwide. AUSTIN TRACY

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 75 A F S Assignment Changes • Continued from page 71 als. AFSA has tried to ensure that manage- 7th floor or in the front offices of geograph- A short (10-day) turnaround time to go from ment considers all the implications of these ic bureaus. proposals to policies indicated that decisions changes and that unintended conse- At the same time, there is also a wide- were intended to be final when the propos- quences are minimized. AFSA also spread concern that longstanding assign- N als went out to the field. The proposals were encouraged Foreign Service members to ment rules and practices are being hastily E incorporated into the “Instructions on send input to AFSA and to the director gen- jettisoned in order to address the short-term W Bidding and Assignments” for the 2007 eral. Hundreds did so. staffing needs of the most difficult places, S open assignments cycle, posted on Aug. 28. On Aug. 31, AFSA sent out the follow- such as the Iraq PRTs. Members worldwide AFSA offered support for the general ing message to membership to clarify its have repeatedly raised questions about the thrust of the proposed changes aimed at position on the new assignment rules: size of the U.S. embassy in Iraq and the prac- improving the overall fairness and trans- tical ability of FS personnel to perform their parency of the assignment system. AFSA AFSANET MESSAGE TO assigned duties given the security constraints. reluctantly agreed to the department’s THE MEMBERSHIP Members feel as if the excellent work per- changes to the rules relating to extensions. formed by the Foreign Service in many But AFSA believes that the department Straight Talk on the important but less difficult posts is no longer needs to show some flexibility and consid- New Assignment Rules valued or rewarded. Most importantly, eration of personal circumstances, partic- As previewed in the Director General’s while most Foreign Service employees are ularly as they relate to family and educa- “The Future Is Now” cable and AFSA’s tough, adaptable people who are fully pre- tional issues, and to implement some tran- companion piece (State 133427), the 2007 pared to volunteer for their share of hard- sition rules that will permit exceptions for Bidding Instructions have now been pub- ship postings, many fear they are losing the such family and educational issues for those lished with a number of changes over last flexibility to structure their careers in ways who were assigned to posts under the old year’s version. No one can doubt the intent that accommodate their personal and extension rules. AFSA believes that the of these changes, which were designed to family needs. AFSA has vigorously rein- department should modify this new poli- increase the incentives and pressure on forced these points in our discussions with cy to exempt all hard-language-designat- Foreign Service members to bid on the department management. ed positions. growing number of extreme-hardship, dan- The association accepted the proposed ger-pay and unaccompanied positions The 2007 Bidding Instructions new requirement that “handshakes” not be that now need to be filled every summer. AFSA urges all members to carefully registered by Human Resources until the This shift in emphasis from non-hardship read the new bidding instructions, posted start of the applicable assignment season to hardship posts is a reality of the more at http://hrweb.hr.state.gov/prd/hrweb/ (with special arrangements made for those challenging and sometimes more hostile cda/Bidding_Instructions.html. The coming out of Iraq PRTs who have been world in which many of our embassies and instructions spell out the new sequence of guaranteed one of their top five onward consulates must operate, but it is also an the four “seasons” for assignment panels, assignments); and the strengthening of the inescapable byproduct of the Secretary’s which will focus on filling unaccompanied role of HR/CDA in the assignment process. transformational diplomacy agenda. positions earlier in the cycle. AFSA views AFSA had questions about the proposed Hundreds of AFSA members have sent this new sequencing as an experiment for changes to the “fair share” bidding require- us feedback in response to these two cables. this assignment cycle, the results of which ment, which would restrict fair-share bids This extensive feedback illustrates the we hope to review for fairness with the to those at 15-percent-or-greater hardship diverse, multifaceted and often contradic- director general before any decisions are posts, but after consultations with manage- tory range of opinions that exist among our taken for next year. The instructions also ment, accepted this proposal, as well. AFSA worldwide membership. Most respondents set forth the strengthened requirements for rejected the proposal to change the 6/8-year clearly understand the imperative to staff fair-share bidders, who must now bid on rule to 5/6, because it would effectively limit our most difficult posts and support a tight- three posts at 15-percent or greater differ- Foreign Service members to two regular ening up of the fair-share bidding rules. A ential. We would note that there has been domestic assignments in a row, even for strong majority heartily endorse a crack- a gradual shift in the classification of many those who have just completed multiple down on the backroom “handshake” sys- hardship posts from lesser to greater dif- overseas hardship postings or have person- tem that has often allowed bureaus to cut ferentials. So the list of posts now classi- al reasons to stay longer in Washington. special deals for their insiders. Foreign fied at differentials of 15, 20, 25 or higher The department was not able to substan- Service members across the board approve percent is considerably longer than it was tiate its claim that this change would make of any measures to clamp down on even five years ago. Members should it easier to fill its priority jobs. “needs of the Service” exceptions that ben- understand that these rules are forward- AFSA met several times with depart- efit certain senior officers and a select few looking, not retroactive, so anyone who has ment management to discuss the propos- others who have good connections on the served at a hardship post of any differen-

76 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 A F tial in the past eight years has fulfilled his/her tem, albeit an evolution toward greater AFSANEWSBRIEFS S fair-share requirements. hardship service. A Member feedback revealed clearly that AFSA calls on the department to a tremendous number of our colleagues enforce the new rules evenhandedly, mak- AFSA Staff Notes Ian Houston joined the AFSA staff as oppose limiting domestic service to two ing exceptions only for employees with gen- N director of legislative affairs in September. consecutive assignments. Many FS uinely extenuating personal circumstances. E Prior positions include legislative director employees with families seek out multiple In this regard, we advise members to take W and foreign policy advisor for overseas assignments — often hardship note of the various standard operating pro- S Representative George Radanovich, R- postings — during years when their kids cedures that govern HR’s decisionmaking Calif., and director of legislative affairs and are young, but then want the flexibility to processes for handling assignments, waivers public policy for InterAction. He has held serve four, five or six years in Washington and other special issues. These SOPs can several positions with USAID develop- at some point in order to have time to put be found on the HR Intranet Web site at: ment groups including TechnoServe, a couple of kids through high school in a http://hrweb.hr.state.gov/prd/hrweb/cda/ stable American environment. A small sops.html. FINCA and America’s Development number of people find that they need to AFSA — and the Foreign Service as a Foundation. Houston has a master’s stay in Washington for a particular peri- whole — has a fine line to walk at this piv- degree in international relations from the od of time due to other compelling per- otal moment in time. Staffing nearly 800 University of Kent, Canterbury, England, sonal reasons, such as sick parents or other unaccompanied positions every summer and a B.A. from Brigham Young relatives, child custody issues or spousal presents a challenge that the Foreign University. career concerns. This does not make them Service cannot ignore. We all want a fam- Andrew Kidd joined the Foreign Service any less committed to the “foreign” aspect ily-friendly Service that gives our members Journal staff as business manager in of the Foreign Service. In fact, many only wide latitude to plan their own careers, that September. Kidd came to AFSA from a try to do their six-year domestic stint after enables them to determine the places position as a copy editor with Circle having spent far longer overseas, and most where they serve, and that recognizes excel- Solutions, Inc. He has a B.A. in English, return to overseas service afterwards. lent work regardless of where it is per- with a concentration in technical writing, AFSA did not concur with the DG’s pro- formed. But we must also ensure that the from Virginia Tech. posal to scale back the 6/8 year rule, which most difficult overseas positions, which the will therefore remain in force for the time administration has defined as high prior- being. ity, are filled. If we cannot accomplish this Support AFSA through AFSA urges all Foreign Service employ- objective through the traditional voluntary CFC Donations ees to read carefully through these bidding bidding process, the alternative will be Don’t forget to make your Combined instructions in order to understand the directed assignments. AFSA continues to Federal Campaign pledge to support areas in which the rules have been modi- believe that directing people into assign- AFSA! Designate: fied. While some of our members had ments, particularly to those located in war #2422 – The AFSA Scholarship Fund feared that the changes would be Draconian zones, would be detrimental to the (providing scholarships to and would disadvantage large numbers of Foreign Service on many different levels. Foreign Service kids) people, we believe that a dispassionate Avoiding this eventuality will require us #2460 – The Fund for American Diplomacy (supporting pub- analysis of the actual rule changes institut- all to make some concessions and accept lic education programs that ed by the DG reflects a somewhat more some changes that we might not otherwise promote U.S. diplomacy) gradual evolution in our assignment sys- prefer. For more information, contact AFSA at 1 (800) 704-2372, ext. 504, or [email protected]. FOR REFERENCE, Key Reads: In case you missed any of the pieces of the new staffing procedure puzzle, be sure to take a look at State 121681, sent July 25 (“Requests for Extensions at Four-Year Posts”); Stay in the Loop with State 133247, sent Aug. 15 (“Foreign Service Assignments: The Future Is Now”); Aug. AFSAnet 15 AFSAnet message (“State Department Proposals to Reengineer the Foreign Service AFSAnet is a free service of the Open Assignments System”); State 147530, sent Sept. 7 (“Foreign Service Assignments: American Foreign Service Association, Questions and Answers”) and finally, the “Instructions on Bidding and Assignments” providing e-mail updates on items of for the 2007 open assignments cycle posted on Aug. 28 (available on the Human Resources interest to the foreign affairs communi- Intranet Web site at: http://hrweb.hr.state.gov/prd/hrweb/cda/Bidding_Instructions. ty. If you’d like to receive AFSAnets, html). please sign up at www.afsa.org/forms/ maillist.cfm.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 77 A F S A than the exempt amount of earnings (the minimum level of earn- ings) in the preceding year, the supplement is reduced by $1 for every $2 of earnings over a set level ($12,000 in 2005). The income N limitation does not apply until after the first calendar year in which E Q&A one receives an annuity supplement. Earnings include income W from employment but do not include annuity income, Social S Security benefits or investment income. Retiree Issues Q: How is the income limitation applied after the first year of The FSPS Annuity retirement? At the end of each calendar year, the department asks Supplement A: FSPS annuitants to submit a statement (Form DS-5026) BY BONNIE BROWN, declaring earned income for that year in order to show contin- RETIREE COORDINATOR uing eligibility for the annuity supplement. The department then determines whether the annuity supplement should be reduced or terminated. If an annuitant receives excess funds before a reduc- Q: What is the annuity supplement? tion or termination goes into effect the following year, the depart- The annuity supplement is a benefit paid until age 62 ment will ask for repayment of this overpayment. A: to Foreign Service Pension System employees who retire before age 62 and who are entitled to an immediate annuity. The Q: Is there any way to avoid overpayments? annuity supplement approximates the value of their FSPS ser- Yes. If an annuitant submits a statement of entitle- vice in calculating their Social Security benefits, and is calculat- A: ment to an annuity supplement by Jan. 10, the depart- ed as if they were entitled to receive SSA benefits on the day of ment will make every effort to assure that no overpayment is actual retirement. (The supplement usually totals between $35 included in the February annuity payment. This early submis- and $40 a month for each full year of FSPS service.) The pur- sion should avoid overpayment since the February payment is pose of the supplement is to provide a level of income before age for the month of January. (The deadline for submitting the state- 62 similar to that one would receive at age 62 from Social Security. ment is Feb. 15.)

Q: Who is eligible for an annuity supplement? Q: Are annuity supplements for retirees increased by cost-of-liv- Employees who have at least one year of FSPS service, ing adjustments? A: and who voluntarily or involuntarily retire with enti- No, the supplement is not increased by COLAs. The tlement to an immediate annuity, are eligible. This does not A: COLA does apply to the supplements of survivors, how- include employees who retire at the minimum retirement age with ever. at least 10 years of service or employees who retire on disability or deferred retirement. The annuity supplement is payable from the date of retirement until the month prior to the month in which the annuitant reaches age 62. AFSANEWSBRIEFS Q: How is the value of an FSPS supplement calculated? The supplement is computed as if an employee were State Tax Incentives for Long-Term A: age 62 and fully eligible for Social Security benefits when Care Insurance the supplement begins. The department first estimates what the Over 20 states, including Virginia and Maryland, offer long-term full Social Security benefits for the employee would be. Then it care tax incentives to reduce the cost of long-term care premiums. calculates the amount of service under the FSPS and reduces the Retirees with 1099 income may be eligible to deduct all or part of estimated full Social Security benefits accordingly. For instance, if an estimated Social Security benefit at age 62 is $20,000 and the premiums as a health expense on IRS Form 1040. For more the number of years under the FSPS is 20 years, the formula would tax information, please seek the advice of your tax adviser. be $20,000 divided by 40 times 20, or $10,000. AFSA offers long-term care insurance through the Hirshorn Company. Contact Carl Shaifer at 1 (800) 242-8221, or e-mail Q: Is there an income limitation? Yes. Like Social Security benefits, the annuity supple- [email protected]. More information on the AFSA long-term A: ment is subject to an earnings test. If one earns more care program is at www.hirshorn.com/AFSA2LTC_Home.html.

78 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 A F AFSA ELDERHOSTEL the foreign policy issues of the Pacific Rim, presented in the heart of S San Francisco. A Raising Awareness Among Our one-day programs, so-called “Days of Discovery,” have also turned out to be a huge hit. We have so far offered four different top- a Vocal Group ics — all immediate sellouts — and in 2007 we will add three new N E BY ASGEIR SIGFUSSON, AFSA/ELDERHOSTEL PROGRAM ASSOCIATE topics to that roster, including programs on Latin America and China. We have also designed two new courses for our weeklong programs W he AFSA Elderhostel program is developing and expanding every in Washington, D.C.: One features China and East Asia, while the S season. The basic mission remains the same: To educate and other focuses on Latin America and Africa. Tinform the American public about the work and importance We have also been lucky to have a deep pool of talent to pull from of the Foreign Service. The audiences — retired Americans from all as far as speakers are concerned. This fall, we were able to bring such over the United States — have been highly receptive to the idea that highly-regarded experts as Ambassadors Marc Grossman, Beth Jones, diplomacy is an important tool of foreign policy, and they often vow W. Robert Pearson, David Newton, John W. Limbert and Thomas to go home and advocate on behalf of the Foreign Service. This is a Hubbard to speak at our Washington-based programs. We encour- key benefit of the program, as our participants are typically highly edu- age interested retirees to contact us if they wish to contribute time and cated people of significant influence in their communities. We have knowledge to our efforts. also been pleased to see many people return to our weeklong pro- Finally, we look forward to welcoming our hostellers in a brand- grams multiple times, often bringing along friends. new Washington location next spring: the Savoy Suites in Georgetown. In order to use retired Foreign Service personnel as our featured We are glad to be able to offer such excellent accommodations in the speakers, we have organized our programs in locations with a healthy heart of the nation’s capital. concentration of such retirees. In addition to Washington, D.C., our If you have an interest in participating in our programs, please visit locations include St. Petersburg, Atlanta, Chautauqua and Tucson. www.afsa.org/elderhostel or contact AFSA Elderhostel Program In the spring of 2007, our newest location will offer its first course, Coordinator Janice Bay at [email protected]. CLASSIFIEDS

TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEY, FORMER FOREIGN SER- PROFESSIONAL TAX RETURN PREPA- VIRGINIA M. TEST, CPA: Tax service spe- VICE OFFICER: Extensive experience w/ tax RATION: Thirty years in public tax practice. cializing in Foreign Service/overseas contrac- problems unique to the Foreign Service. Arthur A. Granberg, EA, ATA, ATP. Our tors. Contact info: Tel: (804) 695-2939. Available for consultation, tax planning, and charges are $75 per hour. Most FS returns Fax: (804) 695-2958. E-mail: vtest@aol.com preparation of returns: take 3 to 4 hours. Our office is 100 feet from M. Bruce Hirshorn, Boring & Pilger, P.C. Virginia Square Metro Station, Tax Matters LEGAL SERVICES 307 Maple Ave. W, Suite D, Vienna, VA 22180. Associates PC, 3601 North Fairfax Dr., Tel: (703) 281-2161. Fax: (703) 281-9464. ATTORNEY WITH 26 years’ successful Arlington, VA 22201. Tel: (703) 522-3828. E-mail: [email protected] experience SPECIALIZING FULL-TIME IN FS Fax: (703) 522-5726. GRIEVANCES will more than double your E-mail: [email protected] FREE TAX CONSULTATION: For over- chance of winning: 30% of grievants win seas personnel. We process returns as before the Grievance Board; 85% of my ROLAND S. HEARD, CPA received, without delay. Preparation and rep- clients win. Only a private attorney can ade- 1091 Chaddwyck Dr. resentation by Enrolled Agents. Federal and quately develop and present your case, Athens, GA 30606 all states prepared. Includes “TAX TRAX” including necessary regs, arcane legal doc- Tel/Fax: (706) 769-8976 unique mini-financial planning review with rec- trines, precedents and rules. Call Bridget R. E-mail: [email protected] ommendations. Full planning available. Get the Mugane at Tel: (202) 387-4383, or (301) 596- • U.S. income tax services most from your financial dollar! Financial 0175. E-mail: [email protected] • Practiced before the IRS Forecasts Inc., Barry B. De Marr, CFP, EA, Free initial consultation. FIRST CONSULTATION FREE 3918 Prosperity Ave. #230, Fairfax, VA 22031 WWW.ROLANDSHEARDCPA.COM Tel: (703) 289-1167. Fax: (703) 289-1178. E-mail: [email protected] WILLS/ESTATE PLANNING by attorney who is a former FSO. Have your will reviewed FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS: JACOB FORBAI, CPA/MS: Affordable and updated, or new one prepared: No charge Kirkpatrick and Eisen Group, RBC Dain for initial consultation. Rauscher, Washington, D.C. For information, expatriate tax solutions, compliance, planning, please contact team member and retired FSO preparation for U.S. citizens & aliens world- M. Bruce Hirshorn, Boring & Pilger, P.C. Stephen Thompson at (202) 408-4563, or wide. 22+ years experience. 307 Maple Ave. W, Suite D, Vienna, VA 22180. [email protected], RBC Dain Tel: (301) 608-2248. Tel: (703) 281-2161. Fax: (703) 281-94644. E- Rauscher, Member NYSE/SIPC. E-mail: [email protected] mail: [email protected]

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 79 A F S A CLASSIFIEDS N E W LEGAL SERVICES TEMPORARY HOUSING TEMPORARY HOUSING S BETH S. SLAVET has joined the law firm of Beins, Axelrod, Gleason & Gibson, P.C. and CAPITOL HILL, FURNISHED housing: $1,960 PARTIALLY FURNISHED 2- is again handling Foreign Service cases. Ms. 1-3 blocks to Capitol. Nice places, great loca- BEDROOM, 2.5 baths west Alexandria. Slavet was formerly Chairman, Vice Chairman, tion. Well below per diem. Short term ok. Comes with living-room electronic center, 26" Tel: (202) 544-4419. and Member of the U.S. Merit Systems TV, some shelving, dresser, several walk-in Web site: www.capitolhillstay.com closets. Full balcony. All amenities including Protection Board (1995-2003) and labor washer-dryer, fully-equipped kitchen, gor- counsel to the U.S. Senate and Labor and geous uncrowded pool, indoor parking. Human Resources Committee. Prior to that, MOVING BACK TO D.C. area? FSO Staffed 24/7 front desk. 100 yards to she represented Foreign and Civil service HOME FOR RENT IN Cheverly, MD: Nice yard Metrobus. Prefer commitment of one year or employees for many years before the and 20 min. walk to Cheverly Metro, 2 min- longer. John at Tel: Grievance Board and in federal court. As utes by bus, 10 minutes to downtown DC. (703) 850-9245, e-mail: [email protected] counsel to the American Federation of Easy commute to State or USAID. 4 bed- Government Employees Local 1812 (1980- rooms, 1.5 baths, yard, detached garage, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 1984), she drafted and litigated many regu- screened porch and office space. lations implementing the Foreign Service Act E-mail: [email protected] of 1980. She can be reached at Beins, WJD MANAGEMENT IS competitively priced, of course. However, if you are con- Axelrod, Gleason & Gibson, P.C., 1625 sidering hiring a property management firm, Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 500, SHORT-TERM RENTALS don’t forget the old saying, “You get what you Washington, D.C. 20036, Tel: (202) 328-7222, pay for.” All of us at WJD have worked for TEMPORARY HOUSING E-mail: [email protected]. other property management firms in the past, and we have learned what to do and, more EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS REPRE- WASHINGTON, D.C. or NFATC importantly, what not to do, from our expe- TOUR? EXECUTIVE HOUSING CON- SENTING FS officers in grievances, perfor- riences at these companies. We invite you to SULTANTS offers Metropolitan Washington, mance, promotion and tenure, financial explore our Web site at www.wjdpm.com for D.C.’s finest portfolio of short-term, fully-fur- claims, discrimination and disciplinary actions. more information, or call us at (703) 385-3600. We represent FS officers at all stages of the nished and equipped apartments, town- homes and single-family residences in proceedings from an investigation, issuance Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. of proposed discipline, or the initiation of a REAL ESTATE In Virginia: “River Place’s Finest” is steps grievance, through to a hearing before the to Rosslyn Metro and Georgetown, and 15 JOANN PIEKNEY/RE/MAX REAL- FSGB. We provide experienced, timely and minutes on Metro bus or State Department TORS: Complete professional dedication to knowledgeable advice to employees from shuttle to NFATC. For more info, please call residential sales in Northern Virginia. I pro- junior untenured officers through the Senior (301) 951-4111, or visit our Web site: vide you with personal attention. Over 24 FS, and often work closely with AFSA. www.executivehousing.com Kalijarvi, Chuzi & Newman. years’ real estate experience and Foreign Tel: (202) 331-9260. Service overseas living experience. JOANN PIEKNEY. Tel: (703) 624-1594. Fax: (703) Email: [email protected]. FURNISHED LUXURY APARTMENTS: Short/long-term. Best locations: Dupont 757-9137. E-mail: [email protected] TEMPORARY HOUSING Circle, Georgetown. Utilities included. All price Web site: www.movetonorthernvirginia.com ranges/sizes. Parking available. CORPORATE APARTMENT SPECIALISTS Tel: (202) 296-4989. Abundant experience working with Foreign E-mail: [email protected] PROFITABLE TURN-KEY BED AND Service professionals and the locations to best BREAKFAST FOR SALE: Two minutes from serve you: Foggy Bottom, Woodley Park, Michigan’s world-famous Interlochen Center Cleveland Park, Chevy Chase, Rosslyn, Ballston, FULLY-FURNISHED APARTMENTS: for the Arts. Retired Foreign Service couple Pentagon City. Our office is a short walk from Arlington, Va. Two blocks to Rosslyn Metro. NFATC. One-month minimum. All furnishings, Short/long-term rental. Everything included. innkeepers for 12 fun-filled years. Seven bed- housewares, utilities, telephone and cable $1,700 Studio, $2,000 1 BR. Includes all util- rooms, 60' indoor, heated lap pool, beautiful included. Tel: (703) 979-2830 or (800) 914-2802. ities and a parking space. Please contact library, five gas long-burning fireplaces/AC Fax: (703) 979-2813. Theodore at Tel: (703) 973-9551, or throughout. On two acres of mature woods E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] between two large spring-fed lakes. Perfect Web site: www.corporateapartments.com for energetic couple. E-mail: [email protected] PIED-A-TERRE PROPERTIES, LTD: BASEMENT FOR RENT with separate Select from our unique inventory of fully-fur- entrance in quiet single-family house in Ft. nished & tastefully-decorated apartments & Washington, MD. For one professional, non- WASHINGTON STATE ISLANDS: townhouses all located in D.C.’s best in-town smoker, no pets. Monthly rent is $650, plus Spectacular views, wonderful community, cli- neighborhoods: Dupont, Georgetown, Foggy security deposit, all utilities included. 1.5 bath, mate, boating, hiking. Access to Seattle & Bottom & the West End. Two-month mini- kitchen, washer-dryer, cable, back yard, street Vancouver, B.C. Former FSO Jan Zehner, mum. Mother-Daughter Owned and Operated. parking, half-mile from 495, 4 blocks from Windermere Real Estate/Orcas Island. Tel: (800) Tel: (202) 462-0200. Fax: (202) 332-1406. Metro, fenced-in yard in quiet residential area. 842-5770. E-mail: [email protected] Call (202) 327-3641. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.piedaterredc.com E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.orcashomes.net

80 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 A F S CLASSIFIEDS A N E REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE VACATION W ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS PROFITABLE TURN-KEY BED AND NORMANDY, FRANCE: Large, comfort- S Native Washingtonian & FSO Spouse BREAKFAST FOR SALE: Two minutes from able farmhouse near D-Day Beaches for will give you individual attention to find the Michigan’s world-famous Interlochen Center weekly rental. E-mail: [email protected] home that fits your needs for the Arts. Retired Foreign Service couple Web site: www.laporterouge.net or sell your current home. innkeepers for 12 fun-filled years. Seven bed- Fay Finver - WC&AN Miller Real Estate rooms, 60' indoor, heated lap pool, beautiful MODERN COMPLETELY RENOVATED Tel: (240) 338-5692 library, five gas long-burning fireplaces/AC furnished one-bedroom apartment in Buenos or e-mail me: [email protected] throughout. On two acres of mature woods Aires for rent. $600/week, discounts month between two large spring-fed lakes. Perfect stays or longer. Located in Palermo district for energetic couple. at the edge of Palermo Soho. For more infor- RETIRING SOON? Become an innkeep- E-mail: [email protected] mation, pictures and availability, contact er. We did, and five years have flown by! Our [email protected] four-guest-room inn on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is two hours from D.C. We seek new CATHLEEN BALDWIN TUPMAN/ owners to energize and build on the interna- KELLER WILLIAMS REALITY: Are you mov- HOME LEAVE ON SANIBEL: Former tional theme, which has put Sinclair House ing to the Tampa area and looking for some- FSO offers 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo on B&B Inn on the map. one familiar with properties in Hillsborough/ Sanibel Island, Florida. Steps from famous Check out www.sinclairhouse.biz and give Pasco/Pinellas counties and experienced in seashells and pristine beach of this vacation us a call at (888) 859-2147. We will train. Foreign Service relocations? Contact Cathleen paradise. Available on monthly and weekly Or book a room to see us in action. Tupman. Tel: (813) 361-0447. basis. Check http://www.vrbo.com/92653 for availability and rates, or e-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (813) 865-0440. [email protected]

HOME & LAND FLORIDA WEST COAST Real Estate! CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS Perfect homes for vacation, investment, $850/week. Four-room 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath CUSTOM-BUILT CAPE COD home, 40 relocation. For information and referral to out- ranch, sleeps six. 4/10 mile to private beach miles west of Washington in beautiful standing realty specialist, contact: in West Yarmouth. Contact Mort. Fauquier County, with 4 bedrooms 3 full bath- [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] rooms, swimming pool, 2 fireplaces, and a Tel: (508) 775-6880, ext. 10. spacious one-bedroom apartment with its own entrance. Located on 10+ fenced acres, SPLIT-FOYER HOME, MANASSAS: 1- this property includes a one-acre pond and acre quiet wooded lot. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bath. RENT A 300-year-old stone house in a a 40' x 32' barn with 4 stalls, running water, Almost everything upgraded during past four medieval village in the south of France full loft and 2 tack/feed rooms. List price is (Languedoc-Roussillon)! years. Mid 400K. Current details posted on $975,000. Contact by telephone: (540) 341- E-mail: [email protected] http://www.c21newmillennium.com; search 8607, by fax: (540) 341-8608. Or call Anne Hall for MLS number PW5560331. Contact: C21 (Long and Foster): (800) 523-8846. Virtual tour CAPE SOUTH AFRICA. Sunny, secure 2- at www.longandfoster.com for listing Realtor Chris Carlson at (703) 797-2348; bedroom home in wine country. Near Cape FQ6103973. [email protected], or Rudy at [email protected] Town and beaches. For photos and reser- vations, e-mail: [email protected] FLORIDA MORTGAGE NEW HAMPSHIRE RETREAT: 1780 SARASOTA, FLORIDA. PAUL BYRNES, BUYING OR REFINANCING A HOME? farmhouse w/ fall foliage on 100 acres above FSO, ret., is a referral associate with Coldwell Jeff Stoddard specializes in working with the Crescent Lake, Acworth. Five bedrooms, three Banker. More than 16 years experience Foreign Service community overseas and in baths, fireplace, country kitchen, screen assisting Foreign Service clients, always with the U.S. Authorized lender in all 50 states and porch, deck, swimming pond; canoes, row- a superior level of service. Contact Paul at can provide access to local Multiple Listing boat, x-country from front door; 20 minutes (941)-377-8181. E-mail: [email protected] Services in all 50 states. Cell: (703) 725-2455. from Mt. Sunapee and golf in Newport. Toll free: (866) 312-1700 $1,200/wk or $600/weekend-up to 8 people. E-mail: [email protected] Ideal for children. Long term, Home Leave MIAMI REAL ESTATE. Exploring to live negotiable. Tel: (603) 863-3817. or invest in this exciting city? Tired of long win- E-mail: [email protected] ters and looking for sun, beaches and a cos- WASHINGTON MUTUAL HOME LOANS' mopolitan community? Contact Tirza Rivera- Bill Starrels, Senior Loan Consultant & PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: $1.25/word Cira, former Foreign Service spouse who has President’s Club member, can help with your (10-word min.) First 3 words bolded free, helped other diplomatic families to find purchase or refinance on your primary, invest- add’l bold text $.75/word, header, box, shad- homes here. I am bilingual, know Miami very ment, or vacation home; loan amounts to ing $10 ea. Deadline: 20th of the month for well and am ready to work for you. Contact: $7,000,000. Office: (703) 299-8625, Cellular: publication 5 weeks later. Tirza Rivera-Cira at EWMRealtors. Tel: (786) (703) 625-7355. Ad Mgr: Tel: (202) 944-5507. 205-8581. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (202) 338-6820. Web site: www.TirzaRivera.com Web: www.wamuloans.com/william.starrels E-mail: [email protected]

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 81 A F S A CLASSIFIEDS N E W TRANSPORTATION SHOPPING BUSINESS CARDS PET MOVING MADE EASY. Club Pet 110 - 220 VOLT STORE BUSINESS CARDS PRINTED to State S Department specifications. 500 cards for as International, is a full-service animal shipper MULTI-SYSTEM ELECTRONICS little as $37.00! Herron Printing & Graphics. specializing in domestic and international trips. PAL-SECAM-NTSC TVs, Tel: (301) 990-3100. Club Pet is the ultimate pet-care boarding VCRs, AUDIO, CAMCORDER, E-mail: [email protected] facility in the Washington Metropolitan area. ADAPTOR, TRANSFORMERS, Tel: (703) 471-7818 or (800) 871-2535. SERVICES KITCHEN APPLIANCES E-mail: [email protected] GMS WORLD WIDE PHONES EMBASSYVILLAGE.COM An online Web site: www.clubpet.com EPORT WORLD ELECTRONICS community for Foreign Service families. 1719 Connecticut Ave. NW Discussion Forum, Classifieds, Shopping, PET SHIPPING WORLDWIDE : Over 25 (Dupont Circle Metro. Btwn. R & S Sts.) Career and Education links, and much more! yrs. experience, free estimates, no deposits TEL: (202) 232-2244 or (800) 513-3907. Join the village today at EmbassyVillage.com required, military veteran, 24-hr. availability. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (304) 274-6859, (888) 234-5028. URL: www.eportworld.com TRAVEL SERVICES E-mail: [email protected] DOWNTOWN LOCATION CUSTOM WINE TOURS in Italy for pri- www.actionpetexpress.com 1030 19TH ST. NW (between K & L Sts.) vate groups (2-8 people) led by certified som- Washington, D.C. 20036 melier, daughter of retired FSOs. Visit winer- SHIPPING TEL: (202) 464-7600. ies, stay in hand-selected accommodations INQUIRE ABOUT OUR PROMOTIONS and enjoy Italy’s finest regional cuisine with PLANNING TO MOVE OVERSEAS? Government & Diplomat discounts your private guide and driver. Tuscany, Cinque Need a rate to ship your car, household Terre, Aosta, Piedmonte and more! We also goods, or other cargo going abroad? Contact: CRAVING GROCERIES FROM HOME? provide detailed custom itinerary planning for Joseph T. Quinn at SEFCO-Export Visit www.lowesfoodstogo.com. We ship self-guided travelers including hotel reserva- Management Company for rates and advice. non-perishable groceries to you via the Dulles tions, detailed driving directions, restaurant Tel: (718) 268-6233. Fax: (718) 268-0505. mail-sorting facility, or your choice of ship- recommendations and suggestions for spe- Visit our Web site at www.sefco-export.com ping facility. For more information e-mail: cial activities in each region. Visit our Web [email protected] site at www.divinotours.com, or e-mail BOOKS [email protected].

JAMES HUNTLEY’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY, ROSA MARIA DUENAS-RIOS. ATA An Architect of Democracy: Building a Mosaic Certified Translator from English, French into of Peace (New Academia Publishing, Wash- Spanish. Fields: Marketing, Health, ington D.C., June 2006) is being issued in the Environment, Current Social Issues. Mexico Memoirs and Occasional Papers series of the City. Tel: (52-55) 5280-5402. Association for Diplomatic Studies and E-mail: [email protected] Training (ADST). Mr. Huntley is a former EXPATRIATE LIFE COACHING. Live Foreign Service officer (1952-60). Copies may your international experience to the fullest. be ordered from ADST, 2814 N. Underwood Overcome challenges of an overseas post- St, Arlington VA 22213, Tel: (703) 302-6990, ing. Visit www.GlobalCoachCenter.com and e-mail: [email protected]; from the publisher; or sign up for a free newsletter! from online booksellers. $30 + S&H. HOME IMPROVEMENT: Painting, car- pentry, flooring, renovations, small jobs wel- BOOKFAIR 2006, sponsored by come. Some plumbing and electrical work. Associates of the American Foreign Service Licensed and insured. Call Tel: (703) 250-0868 Worldwide (AAFSW), will take place the week- or E-mail: [email protected] ends of October 14-15 and 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Department of State. THE GLOBAL ADVENTURE OF XANGO Thousands of used books, art objects, col- Looking for a path toward financial indepen- lectibles, stamps and coins will be available. dence? Experience the power of network Proceeds from BOOKFAIR support scholar- marketing. G. Alfred Kennedy, Sr. Foreign ships and other AAFSW projects. Admission Service Officer, ret., Marana, AZ 85653. is free. For information call (202) 223-5796. Website: www.MyMangosteen.com/HealthyOptions. OVER 50,000 COPIES SOLD! E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 520-579-7102. Inside a U.S. Embassy, published by AFSA SHOPPING/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES and updated for 2005, takes readers inside FS retiree offers complete line of skin- RETIRING? Don’t forget to transition your embassies in over 50 countries, providing care, anti-aging, cosmetic and nutritional automatic deduction for AFSA membership by detailed descriptions of Foreign Service jobs filing form SF-1187A for annuitant deduction products. Guaranteed pure, safe and ben- so we keep you on our rolls. and first-hand accounts of diplomacy in eficial. Wholesale accounts and business action. Quantity discounts available. For a For a copy of SF-1187A, call AFSA at (800) opportunities available. To order, visit: 704-2372 or (202) 338-4045, or go to complimentary, outreach or review copy, e- www.marylafleur.myarbonne.com www.afsa.org/mbr/SF1187A.cfm mail [email protected]. To order, go to: For assistance, e-mail: You can fax the form to (202) 338-6820 or www.afsa.org/inside or call (847) 364-1222. [email protected] mail it to AFSA. Don’t forget to sign it!

82 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 BOOKS

Look Who’s Telling credible, something very difficult to Our Story… Hess helps us do from 12 time zones away. In the see how foreign post-9/11 world, it is crucial to better understand the vantage point of this Through Their Eyes: correspondents influential group, one that tries to Foreign Correspondents explain for their explain for their audience of billions in the United States audience of billions what makes the United States tick. Stephen Hess, Brookings Institution Hess also provides a brief history Press, 2005, $18.95, paperback, what makes the of foreign journalists, examines their 195 pages. United States tick. changing demographics (now less dominated by European men), and REVIEWED BY CHRISTOPHER L. TEAL focuses on their issues (long hours, odd deadlines and the struggle for Through Their Eyes: Foreign access being perennial concerns). As Correspondents in the United States he notes, their numbers only continue addresses a topic I was interested in glimpse into their minds, expectations to grow. From just over 200 regis- well before I began working at the and work. tered in the aftermath of the Second Foreign Press Center in Washington Not surprisingly, Hess’ research World War, to over 10 times that this summer. The center is an excel- confirms what we’ve known all along: today, they constitute a resource too lent resource that countless foreign the U.S. media often set the agenda important for the American public reporters have used over the past six internationally. Whether a correspon- and government to miss in shaping decades. By describing its workings, dent picks up what The New York foreign public opinion. Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Times, Washington Post or the major Hess and his research team do a Stephen Hess continues his decades- wire services have already run, or tremendous job of gathering and long project to lay out how the gov- their editors overseas read those same presenting the data on this unique ernment and media interact, begin- articles online, it exponentially ex- breed. For a wider audience, this ning with his seminal earlier works: tends the axiom that foreign reporters book may lack the kind of easy flow The Washington Reporters (1981) and are “only as good as the local press.” that his earlier works exemplified. The Government/Press Connection In fact, in the age of instant access But for practitioners of public diplo- (1984). This latest installment in that across the globe via television and the macy, Through Their Eyes will cer- series centers on a crucial but over- Internet, foreign editors who were tainly be a resource to turn to again looked actor in this interplay: the for- once much more dependent on their and again. eign press based in the U.S. eyes and ears in America are now not Hess prepared questionnaires for so reliant. Now that reporters no Christopher Teal, an FSO since 1999, the more than 2,000 foreign journal- longer file their stories by mail, their has served in Santo Domingo, Lima ists residing here. Almost a quarter of expertise can seem diminished by the and the European Bureau; he now them responded, and he conducted constant needs and biases of the works in the Foreign Press Center in over 100 supplemental interviews to “home office.” However, the advan- Washington, D.C. He has been a add more detail. What he gives us is tage a reporter in the U.S. offers is member of the FSJ Editorial Board a snapshot of the reporters who help context, not simply immediate re- since 2004. The opinions expressed feed the information machine, pro- packaging. U.S.-based journalists can herein are his own, not those of the viding a unique and enlightening sort out which stories or sources are Journal or the State Department.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 83 B OOKS

Lessons from rorist networks in Algiers were identi- fied and destroyed. The human toll 50 Years Ago They say that everyone was gruesome, to be sure: of over 24,000 suspects transferred to military My Battle of Algiers is a hero in his own custody rather than the courts, more Ted Morgan, Smithsonian Books, than 3,000 “disappeared” — that is, 2005, $24.95, hardcover, 284 pages. autobiography, but they were murdered during or follow- ing torture. Still, on the evidence REVIEWED BY DAVID T. JONES Morgan tries hard to Morgan presents here, critics of what- ever U.S. forces have or may have Almost 50 years ago, the nexus gainsay that adage. done in the five years since the 9/11 between East and West; colonialism attacks to fight our enemies are and liberation; and communism and arguing for humanitarian principles NATO lay in Algeria, where the French against practical realities. struggled to suppress terrorism. But perhaps the chief place to The era and the struggle spawned My Battle of Algiers describes apply the lessons of Algeria is not in serious history (Paul Henissart’s Morgan’s experiences as a young army Iraq, but in the Middle East’s Occu- Wolves in the City), muscular fiction officer who returned home in 1956 to pied Territories (stemming from the (Jean Larteguy’s The Praetorians), perform his obligatory military ser- 1967 Six Days War). The French and memorable cinema (“The Battle vice. Like many other French sol- experience in Algeria suggests that no of Algiers”). In the subsequent half- diers, he was assigned to a yearlong matter the depth or historical value of century, an almost endless line of tour in Algeria. There the French a people’s claim on an area, the subju- struggles from Vietnam through the army suppressed the resistance forces gation of a hostile population requires Persian Gulf War and the current through two brutal episodes of coun- full political support from the “home- conflict in Iraq, as well as various terinsurgency, fighting first in the land” and a willingness to pay whatev- insurgencies around the globe, have countryside and then within the capi- er price is required to continue the left Algeria’s French legacy in the tal. subjugation. dusty memory of aging combatants. They say that everyone is a hero in As Morgan recounts, France had Fortunately, Ted Morgan has revisited his own autobiography, but Morgan held Algeria since 1830. The colony the topic, bringing a thought-provok- tries hard to gainsay that adage. He even elected deputies to the National ing memoir into topical review. enjoys his landlady’s favors (and Assembly; Algiers, with a population Morgan, a naturalized U.S. citizen, enjoys free accommodations during over 900,000 (two-thirds French) was was born Sanche de Gramont. Son of her husband’s absence); beats to the second-largest city in France, a French diplomat killed in World death a suspect that he is questioning; behind only Paris. But, unwilling to War II, he was educated at Yale. In and helps a buddy who has deserted pay the price in blood and treasure 1969 he produced a clever, catty, the army to evade military police. As required to vanquish a determined insightful study (The French) that for the larger context, in wry, reflec- resistance movement, France cut its sliced and diced his native land and its tive prose he unflinchingly examines losses and departed after only a few citizens to the delight of Anglo- conditions in post-World War II years of fighting. From this optic, it Saxons, as well as books on espionage France and colonial Algeria — and appears as if Tel Aviv has made a com- and French history. As Ted Morgan leaves the reader the opportunity to parable decision regarding Gaza and (an anagram of “de Gramont”), he has extrapolate some conclusions from his the vast bulk of the West Bank. written many books, including biogra- experience. De Gramont/Morgan does not phies of Somerset Maugham, Win- Perhaps the most disconcerting pronounce on current-day parallels in ston Churchill and FDR, and a fine lesson Morgan offers is that torture My Battle of Algiers, but such ques- U.S. colonial-era history (Wilderness works — not every time or with every tions nonetheless hang in the air. at Dawn). A previous memoir, On individual, but frequently enough and Becoming American, discussed his rapidly enough for its use to be justi- David T. Jones, a retired Senior decision to become a U.S. citizen in fied. It is fair to say that torture was Foreign Service officer, is a frequent the mid-1970s. the principal means by which the ter- contributor to the Journal.

84 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 B OOKS

Islamism in the Context of Democracy

God Willing: The Politics of Islamism in Bangladesh Ali Riaz, Rowman and Littlefield, 2004, $28.95, paperback, 230 pages.

REVIEWED BY KAPIL GUPTA

I recommend God Willing: The Politics of Islamism in Bangladesh to readers interested in the relation- ship between political Islam and democracy. Although the author’s patchwork of writing styles — his- torical narrative, academese, poetry and thick description — sometimes compromises readability, he still succeeds in illuminating several points that may be of particular Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) interest to a general foreign-policy 1) Publication Title: Foreign Service Journal 2) Publication No. 01463543 3) Filing Date: audience. October 1, 2006 4) Issue Frequency: monthly with July/August combined 5) Number of Issues Dr. Ali Riaz, a professor at Published Annually: 11 6) Annual subscription price: $40.00 7) Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 2101 E Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037-2990 8) Complete Illinois State University, begins by Mailing Address of Headquarters of General Business Officer of Publisher: 2101 E Street NW, dismissing prevalent “theologocen- Washington, D.C. 20037-2990 9) Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, tric” cultural and religious essential- Editor and Senior Editor: Publisher: American Foreign Service Association, 2101 E Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037-2990; Editor: Steven Alan Honley, 2101 E Street NW, Washington, izations that lead to trite conclusions D.C. 20037-2990; Senior Editor: Susan B. Maitra, 2101 E Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037- about political Islam. He deplores a 2990 10) Owner: American Foreign Service Association, 2101 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., diminished sophistication in public 20037-2990 11) Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent of More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: none 12) discourse following the 9/11 attacks: For completion by non-profit organizations authorized to mail at special rates: the purpose, “The demarcation between Islam (a function and non-profit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal income tax faith), Islamism (a political ideolo- purposes: (1) has not changed during preceding 12 months 13) Publication’s Name: Foreign Service Journal 14) Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2006 15) Extent and gy), Islamic revivalism (a social Nature of Circulation: Average Number of Copies of Each Issue During Preceding 12 months: movement), and Islamic fundamen- A. Total Number of Copies: 16,000 B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation: (1) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors and Counter Sales: 0 (2) Mail Subscription: 15,175 C. talism (a transnational religio-politi- Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 15,175 D. Free Distribution by Mail (Samples, cal movement) became blurred Complimentary and Other Free): 351 E. Free Distribution Outside the Mail: 350 F. Total Free almost instantly.” Distribution: 701 G. Total Distribution: 15,876 H. Copies Not Distributed: (1) Office Use, Leftovers, Spoiled: 124 (2) Returns from News Agents: 0 I. Total: 16,000 J. Percent Paid and/or Riaz makes two key distinctions Requested Circulation: 95% Actual Number of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to to frame the discussion. First, Filing Date A. Total number of copies: 16,000 B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation: (1) Sales Islamism is inherently a political Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors and Counter Sales: 0 (2) Mail subscription: 15,175 C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 15,175 D. Free Distribution by Mail phenomenon and by no means (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free): 361 E. Free Distribution Outside the Mail: 450 F. something Islamic. A second, no Total Free Distribution: 811 G. Total Distribution: 15,986 H. Copies Not Distributed: (1) Office less important point is particularly Use, Leftovers, Spoiled: 14 (2) Returns from News Agents: 0 Total: 16,000 Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 95% relevant to the project of countering I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. (signed) Susan B. Islamism: “Islamists who have a Maitra, Senior Editor nationalist and country-specific

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 85 B OOKS

as a political ideology fills the void.” Riaz supplements his central Far from analysis of Bangladesh with a compar- ative discussion of Pakistan and rejecting democracy Indonesia. Through analysis of these Muslim states, he portrays a growing as a means to power, dichotomy between substantive and formal democracy. A substantive Islamists may seek to democracy is characterized by politi- cal freedoms, legal rights and a change the very vibrant civil society; formal democra- cy is more focused on electoral definition of the term. processes and institutions of repre- sentative government. Clearly, part of our challenge as U.S. diplomats is advancing both of these aspects of democracy. Democratic competition can unleash destructive sociopolitical agenda, as in Bangladesh, need to be forces (such as Islamism) that the seen in a different light than those state or civil society may be unwill- who have a transnational agenda.” ing or unable to mitigate. However, Instead of seeing manifestations of agents of Islamism do not always Islamism as evidence of an ineluc- oppose democracy per se. Combin- table transnational “green tide,” Riaz ing both religion and democracy as a argues for a focus on national partic- means to power, Islamists may ularities. instead seek to change the very def- He then describes how Bangla- inition of democracy. desh’s Islamist forces are inherently Relevant for those working on linked to local conditions and national any Muslim-majority country, this characteristics. “It is the specific book serves as a contextual manual dynamics of domestic politics that for understanding the inherent ten- allowed the pre-eminence of Islamic sions within our mission of creating forces in politics and their successes a more secure, democratic and pros- in the electoral process,” he writes. perous world. Two practical sugges- Citing Islamist-backed attacks on reli- tions for readers: start by reading the gious minorities, women, the press, final chapter and appendices before NGOs, artists and intellectuals there, reading the introduction. In addi- Riaz vividly illustrates how Islamism tion, the 2002 film “Matir Moina” threatens democratic liberalism and (The Clay Bird) by Tareque Masud pluralism — the very freedoms and provides a rich background for social relations that empower democ- understanding Riaz’s analysis of racy with popular vitality. Bangladesh. God Willing describes how Islam- ism can emerge “as a legitimate Prior to joining the Foreign Service political force through democratic in 2005, Kapil Gupta was a country means,” but warns: “In the event of the director for Afghanistan in the collapse of a hegemonic ideology and a Office of the Secretary of Defense. hegemonic order, if a strong secular He is currently a vice consul in alternative fails to assert itself, religion Dhaka.

86 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 IN MEMORY

Beryl B. Barraclough, 71, wife of cer William O. Boswell, died on June was posted to Cebu as a consular offi- retired FSO William Barraclough, 5 in Washington, D.C. cer in 1961. From 1963 to 1965 he died on May 23 at their home in Mrs. Boswell was born in Le Havre. served as a political and USAID offi- Hilton Head Island, S.C., after a long The daughter of a Norwegian diplo- cer in Bangui. He returned to Wash- struggle with cancer. mat, she was of French/Norwegian ington, was detailed to the University Mrs. Barraclough accompanied her descent. She joined her husband in of Maryland for systems analysis and husband on tours to Brussels, Lusaka, representing the United States on economics studies in 1966, and then Tokyo and Paris. She is survived by diplomatic assignments to Lisbon continued working in the department. her husband; her son, Keith, of (1941-1945), Naples (1945-1946), During this period, Amb. Bray Alexandria, Va.; her daughter, Jennifer Vienna (1946-1947), Paris (1947- helped launch the “Young Turks” Kessler, and granddaughter, Kayla 1950), Rome (1953-1955), Milan movement, a group of AFSA mem- Kessler, both of Hilton Head Island, (1955-1958) and Cairo (1962-1965). bers who in 1968 issued a manifesto, S.C. Mrs. Boswell was an active member “Toward a Modern Diplomacy,” call- of the French Group of what was ing for major changes in the Foreign then the Association of American Service. They were instrumental in Foreign Service Women (now bringing about AFSA’s recognition as Maxwell Kennedy Berry, 76, a Associates of the American Foreign the official representative of the retired FSO, died peacefully on June Service Worldwide). Foreign Service in 1972. Amb. Bray 11 at his home in Lacey, Wash., from Following Mr. Boswell’s retirement served as chairman of the AFSA congestive heart failure. in 1970, the couple lived in Bethesda, Governing Board in 1971. Born in Morganfield, Ky., Mr. Md., and New Florence, Pa. In 1971, Amb. Bray was named Berry earned a B.A. in English from Mrs. Boswell leaves sons Eric (a State Department press spokesman Duke University in 1952, served as a retired FSO), Steven, Philip, Peter and director of the Office of Press naval officer aboard the USS Tarawa and Christopher; daughters-in-law Relations, serving under Secretary of from 1952 to 1955, and received an Nancy Zucker Boswell, Julie Yanson State William P. Rogers until 1973. In M.A. in English from Louisiana State and Kathryn Boswell; and four grand- this capacity he handled such issues as University in 1955. He entered the children. Mr. Boswell died in 2002. U.S. sales of F-4 Phantom jets to Foreign Service in 1956 and served in Greece, opposition to French atomic Saigon, Jakarta, Adana, Izmir, Ankara, tests and censure of secret trials of Lusaka and Washington, D.C. In Jews in the Soviet Union. 1963, he was detailed to the Near East Charles W. Bray III, 73, a career Amb. Bray resigned from the area studies department at Princeton FSO, former ambassador and a co- Service in 1973 in protest over the University. Plagued by ill health, he founder of the “Young Turks” move- Nixon administration’s wiretapping retired in 1980. ment that reformed AFSA’s mission in of three Foreign Service officials. Mr. Berry is survived by his wife, the 1960s, died of pneumonia on July Loyalty “has to run in both directions,” Ann; a son, Walter Berry of Gabriola 23 at his home in Milwaukee, Wis. he said at the time. Island, British Columbia; a daughter, Ambassador Bray was born in New During the Carter administration, Helen Berry of Olympia, Wash.; and a York City and graduated from Prince- Amb. Bray was appointed deputy brother, Marion W. Berry of Morgan- ton University in 1955. He served director of the U.S. Information field, Ky. overseas in the U.S. Army from 1956 Agency and director of the National to 1958, and joined the Foreign Foreign Affairs Training Center. In Service in 1958. 1981, President Ronald Reagan After a year as an information appointed him ambassador to Senegal. Janine Werner Boswell, 91, specialist and another year in Visayan- After returning to the U.S., he led a widow of the late Foreign Service offi- language training at FSI, Amb. Bray State Department task force that iden-

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 87 I N M EMORY

tified $129 million in budget cuts Robert A. Clark Jr., 85, a retired ty volunteer rescue squad and taught made possible by closing a number of FSO, died of bladder cancer on June English as a second language. the country’s overseas missions. 19 at Westminster of Lake Ridge His first wife, Ruby Eastman Clark, In 1988, Amb. Bray became presi- Retirement Community in Wood- whom he met when she was a Foreign dent of the Johnson Foundation at bridge, Va. Service secretary in Cairo, died in Wingspread in Racine, Wis., which Born in Newark, N.J., on Aug. 20, 1975. His second wife, Eleanor Berg- holds conferences on sustainable 1920, Mr. Clark attended Davidson mann Clark, a Foreign Service officer, development, education, democracy College and Columbia University died in 2004. and families. Among other things, he before World War II broke out. He He is survived by his third wife, rescued the Frank Lloyd Wright- briefly served in the Army Air Corps Lillian Youry Clark of Lake Ridge; designed Wingspread Conference until he was medically discharged. He three daughters from his first mar- Center that had fallen into disrepair. joined the Foreign Service in 1944 as riage, Carol Lynn Arnold of Ashford, Amb. Bray retired in 1997, and a diplomatic courier, and was posted Conn., Christine Adair Rumps of thereafter devoted himself to restora- to Cairo. Anchorage, Alaska, and Janice East- tion of Ten Chimneys, the home of In 1947, Mr. Clark returned to man Clark of Manassas, Va.; two step- Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and State, where he held increasingly daughters; two sisters; six grandchil- Lynn Fontayne, in Genesee Depot, senior positions in the diplomatic dren; and two great-grandchildren. Wis. Under his leadership, the home pouch and courier operations office. was opened to the public as a museum Early in 1949 he was posted to and resource for the arts world. Bangkok to supervise the regional Amb. Bray received the President’s courier office, and later that year Kevin E. Honan, 55, an active- Distinguished Service Award in 1984 transferred to Manila. After a brief duty FSO, died on June 17 in and the State Department’s Distin- stint at State in 1951, he was sent to Washington, D.C. guished Honor Award in 1988. Paris. Two years later he was assigned Born in the Bronx, New York, Mr. Throughout his career he wrote essays to the U.S. legation in Budapest as Honan graduated from Georgetown for newspapers and journals of opin- administrative officer. University in 1973. He later earned an ion. He founded several community During the Hungarian Revolution M.A. in commodity economics there. and youth organizations in Racine, of 1956, when Soviet troops arrived in Mr. Honan joined the Foreign and served as president and chief Budapest to put down the revolt, Mr. Service in 1974, and was posted to executive of the Princeton Project 55, Clark was the convoy commander in Istanbul. After returning to State, he which arranges internships in public charge of evacuating U.S. citizens. As was sent as an economic officer to service for Princeton University grad- the legation’s administrative officer, he Kuwait and, in 1981, posted to Ankara. uates. negotiated the convoy’s progress with Between 1984 and 1988, he worked in His first wife, Eleanor Mauzé Bray, Soviet officers for two days in a the Bureaus of African and Economic died in 1993. Hungarian border town until he Affairs at State. He was then detailed Survivors include his wife of seven obtained approval for the Americans’ to the Foreign Service Institute to years, Katie Gingrass of Milwaukee; passage to Austria. learn Japanese, after which he was three children from his first marriage, Mr. Clark then returned to assigned to the trade unit of Embassy Charles Bray of Austin, Texas, Kather- Washington, working in the executive Tokyo. ine Bray-Merrell of Davidson, N.C., directorate of the Bureau of Far East In 1995 he was detailed to FSI to and David Bray of Atlanta, Ga.; five Affairs. After service as counselor for study Korean, and was posted to stepchildren, Charles Gingrass of administration in Jakarta from 1961 to Seoul in 1996, again as an economic Milwaukee, David Gingrass of Napa, 1964, he spent the remainder of his officer. In 1999 he transferred to Calif., Mary Gingrass-Stark of Nash- FS career in Washington, first in the Tokyo as counselor for economic af- ville, Tenn., Sarah Gingrass of Milwau- Bureau of Administration and then as fairs. Returning to State in 2002, he kee and Amy Gingrass of Aspen, deputy director of the Office of directed the Office of Bilateral Trade Colo.; two brothers, Richard Bray of Munitions Control in the Bureau of Affairs. In 2005 he was appointed Bethesda, Md., and Thomas Bray of Politico-Military Affairs. director of the Office of Agriculture, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and nine After retiring from the Service in Biotechnology and Textile Trade grandchildren. 1972, Mr. Clark served on a communi- Affairs.

88 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 I N M EMORY

Mr. Honan leaves his partner, Chul Duesseldorf in the unusual position of he sought in his next post, Vienna. Beom Park of Washington, D.C. a male secretary, in the mid-1950s Mr. In addition to outstanding talent at Jones was named secretary to U.S. the bridge table and fluency in several Ambassador to Switzerland Frances languages, Mr. Jones had a keen eye Willis, the first female career Foreign for art, furniture, antiques and carpets. Ray E. Jones, 84, a retired Service officer to be appointed ambas- His quarters at every post, friends Foreign Service staff officer, died on sador. recall, were often the most attractive Aug. 4 at Suburban Hospital in Unlike colleagues who chose to and elegantly furnished of any, includ- Washington, D.C., following a heart convert to general administrative ing those of the ambassador. In attack. duties and rose in rank to levels equat- Vienna, Ambassador James W. Riddle- Born in Rensselaer, Ind., Mr. Jones ed with Foreign Service officers, Mr. berger sometimes used Jones’ mid- served in the Army in World War II. Jones preferred to remain a secretary, town apartment for private conversa- Like other veterans, he ended the war and his exceptional stenographic and tions with Austrian leaders, rather in Berlin and stayed on as a civilian in office management skills made his ser- than invite them to his residence in the military government. He was later vice increasingly sought after. Follow- suburban Hietzing. integrated into the Foreign Service, ing Switzerland, he spent four years in In 1964, Mr. Jones was appointed serving in the consulates and high Khartoum where, as friends recall, he secretary to Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor, commission of the U.S. Occupa- reported that his winnings at the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of tion Administration of Germany. bridge table in the diplomatic commu- Staff, when Taylor was appointed After service at Consulate General nity enabled him to afford the lifestyle ambassador to Vietnam. After the

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 89 I N M EMORY

Saigon assignment, he was detailed to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, and South Asia, Mr. Kean was named the White House to continue as where he grew up, Mr. Kean came program officer for the Technical Taylor’s secretary in the latter’s new to Washington, D.C., at age 16. He Assistance Bureau, USAID’s central capacity as chairman of the president’s attended Wilson Teachers College in division for research and field mis- Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board the District, and graduated from sion support on development issues. and president of the Institute of The George Washington University In 1972, he joined the USAID Defense Analysis. From 1969 to 1973, in 1943. He received a master’s mission in Ghana, spending four Mr. Jones was posted to The Hague as degree in economics from GWU in years as assistant director for pro- secretary to Ambassador William 1947. grams. His last assignment, in 1976, Middendorf. Mr. Kean’s career in international was as regional development officer Mr. Jones was then scheduled to economic affairs and development for the Southern Africa region, with return to Khartoum as secretary to the spanned some 28 years with USAID primary responsibility for programs new ambassador, Cleo Noel, with and its predecessor agencies. In in Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. whom he had worked earlier. While 1950 he joined the Department of Following retirement in 1978, Mr. en route to post, however, Noel was Commerce, where he worked on the Kean settled in Bethesda, Md., assassinated by the Black September formation of the General Agreement where he lived for many years before element of the Palestine Liberation for Trade and Tariffs, on issues relat- moving to Leisure World in Silver Organization. Mr. Jones was delayed ed to access to strategic materials Spring, Md. For a decade he was in Cairo until Noel’s body arrived, and and on France and the French involved in overseas consulting with he accompanied it to the U.S., remain- Overseas Territories during the last Devres, Inc., specializing in the ing friends for years with the widowed days of the Marshall Plan. Caribbean and Middle East. He also Lucille Noel. On transfer to the State Depart- served as a volunteer with the Unexpectedly available again for ment in 1952, he was assigned to the Community Ministry of Montgom- assignment, Mr. Jones was chosen to Office of Northeast Asian Affairs ery County, and assisted in its assist veteran Ambassador David where he was concerned with the Thanksgiving hunger relief drive and Bruce in opening the embassy in rehabilitation of the Japanese econo- Friends in Action program. He was Beijing. He finished his career where my and Japan’s support during the a mentor in the Montgomery County it had begun, in Berlin, as secretary to Korean War. In 1953, Mr. Kean Interages literacy program, and vol- the chief of the U.S. mission in the late transferred to the Mutual Security unteered at the Capital Area Com- 1970s. Administration, where he served as munity Food Bank and at Shepherd’s In retirement, Mr. Jones settled in desk officer for India in the Office of Table, a Silver Spring charity for the Washington, D.C. He worked for a South Asian Affairs and, later, as desk homeless. He was also a mentor of time at the Middendorf-Lane Gallery, officer for Israel. undergraduate students at GWU, as well as with other art and antique Mr. Kean became a Foreign and taught English as a second lan- dealers. He spent his final years sur- Service officer in 1956, and was guage to adults. rounded by the art work and memen- assigned to Ankara as a program offi- Mr. Kean held several offices at tos of his life abroad. cer. After two years, he returned to Leisure World, was elected to the Mr. Jones is survived by a sister, Washington as the desk officer for board of directors and was a member Dorothy Lee of Rensselaer, Ind., and Egypt, Syria and Sudan. He subse- of the ballroom dance club. He was several nieces and nephews. quently served as assistant director a member at various times of Pres- for programs in Egypt (1961-1964), byterian, Methodist and Congrega- with intermittent assignments in tional churches in the area and Jordan and Pakistan. His assignment served as deacon, elder and director John H. Kean, 84, a retired to Afghanistan from 1966 to 1968 of missionary projects. Foreign Service officer with USAID, involved him in one of USAID’s He is survived by his wife of 59 died on May 25 at the Brooke Grove largest development programs, years, Ruth McDougald Kean of Rehabilitation and Nursing Center noted at that time for being on the Silver Spring, Md.; five children, in Sandy Spring, Md. He had suf- front lines during the Cold War. Ronald Kean, Robert Kean, Richard fered a stroke in April. After a year as special assistant to the Kean, Marla Hensley and Beverly Born to American parents in assistant administrator for Near East Smith; and nine grandchildren.

90 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 I N M EMORY

H. Freeman Matthews Jr., 78, a Office of the Inspector General. He Nes enlisted in the U.S. Army, where retired FSO and former president of subsequently did consulting for the he rose to the rank of captain and the American Foreign Service Asso- Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and served as a Command Pack Artillery ciation, died on July 22 at Sibley represented the department on task Battery Commander in the North Memorial Hospital in Washington, forces and committees reviewing the Burma Campaign, winning a Bronze D.C., of renal failure. Iran-Contra hearings. Star, four Battle Stars and other Harrison Freeman Matthews Jr. Mr. Matthews was a resident of awards. was born in Bogota, the son of a dis- Chevy Chase, Md., for almost 50 Mr. Nes joined the Foreign Service tinguished FSO. His father, who had years. He was a member of St. John’s in 1946, and was assigned to Glasgow served as chargé to the French gov- Episcopal Church Lafayette Square in as a vice consul. From 1949 to 1952, ernment in Vichy, was the first FSO to Washington, D.C., the American For- he served in Paris with the Economic be named under secretary of State for eign Service Association, DACOR Cooperation Administration and also political affairs. He was chief of mis- (where he served as chairman of the as special assistant to Ambassador sion to three European posts during Welfare Committee), the Chevy David Bruce, before returning to and after World War II, and was Chase Club and the Metropolitan Washington to serve as assistant direc- among the first cohort of four to be Club. He also served on the board of tor of the Trieste Task Force. From promoted to career ambassador in what is now the Wildlife Trust, and 1954 to 1956, he was posted to Tripoli 1956. volunteered at Washington National as DCM. He again returned to the “Free” Matthews grew up in Cathedral and Meals on Wheels. department, first as the officer in Havana and Paris before graduating Survivors include his wife of 56 charge of Korean affairs and then as a from the Lawrenceville School in years, Nancy Henneberger Matthews politico-military adviser on African 1945 and Princeton University in of Chevy Chase, Md.; four children, affairs. In 1959 Mr. Nes was posted to 1950. He served in the U.S. Army in Luke Matthews of Houston, Texas, Rabat, where he served as DCM until both World War II and the Korean John Matthews of Lyon, France, Navy 1962, when he was detailed to the War, and joined the Foreign Service in Capt. Timothy Matthews of Jackson- Imperial Defence College in London. 1952. ville, Fla., and Elizabeth Johns of In 1964, Mr. Nes was posted to Palermo was his first posting, where Woodville, Va.; and 10 grandchildren. Saigon as DCM, with the personal he served as a refugee relief officer. He Donations in his name may be made rank of minister. According to an oral received his Foreign Service commis- to the Washington Humane Society history Mr. Nes gave at Georgetown sion later that year, and transferred to (www.washhumane.org). University, Gen William Westmore- Zurich in 1955. In 1959 he returned land arrived shortly after he did, and to State as a personnel officer. He was the two traveled together by air assigned to Madrid in 1963. throughout South Vietnam. During In 1964, Mr. Matthews was David Gulick Nes, 89, a retired that tour Mr. Nes concluded that “it appointed chief of the political section FSO, died of cancer on May 27 at his would be difficult, if not virtually in Saigon. He returned to Washington home in the Green Spring Valley of impossible” to defeat the communists in 1966 to spend four years as director Maryland. without a full-scale occupation of of the Vietnam Working Group. In Mr. Nes was born in York, Pa. He North Vietnam. the early 1970s, he was political coun- was a 1935 graduate of the Gilman “My departure from Saigon was selor at the U.S. embassy in Mexico School in Baltimore, Md., and earned sudden and unexpected,” Mr. Nes City and later served as deputy chief of a B.A. degree in history at Princeton wrote of that assignment’s end later in mission in Cairo. There he played a University in 1939. He undertook 1964, when his boss, Ambassador role in the Middle East peace negotia- graduate studies at Harvard in inter- Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., returned to tions led by President Jimmy Carter, national law and international trade the U.S. as an unexpected write-in between Egyptian President Anwar and finance, and then worked as a winner in New Hampshire’s Republi- Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister reporter for the Baltimore Sun before can presidential primary. Menachem Begin, that produced the passing the Foreign Service exam in Mr. Nes attended the Senior Camp David Peace Accords in 1978. 1941. He joined the Department of Management Seminar and undertook That same year, Mr. Matthews State in 1942 as a divisional assistant. French-language training at FSI prior retired as a senior inspector in the Taking a military leave in 1943, Mr. to being posted, in 1965, to Cairo as

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 91 I N M EMORY

DCM, with the personal rank of min- Zurich (1955-1957), Copenhagen organization. After the Vienna assign- ister. In Cairo, he served as chargé (1957-1960), Beirut (1960-1965), ment, Mr. Orloski took on specific d’affaires during the Six Days War of Tehran (1965-1969) and Tokyo (1969- field assignments for UNIDO: He June 1967, receiving the Superior 1971). headed a three-person economic mis- Honor Award for safely evacuating The late Ambassador Armin Meyer, sion to Swaziland in 1970, worked 500 Americans. Mr. Nes retired from to whom she was secretary during her with the government of Mauritius in the Foreign Service in 1968. last three postings, recently recalled 1971 and with the government of Following retirement, Mr. Nes set- Ms. Neverman’s excellent organiza- Guatemala in 1976. Later that year, tled in the town of Greenspring Valley, tion and conscientious efficiency. he returned to the U.S. following a where he built a home. He served on Upon retiring in 1971, Ms. Never- serious earthquake there. the boards of the Greater Baltimore man settled in Sarasota, Fla. Mr. Orloski and his wife, whose Medical Center and the Chesapeake She is survived by a sister, Laurie daughter Jewel was mentally disabled, Bay Maritime Museum, and wrote Cooper. were active in promoting a greater and lectured extensively on foreign awareness of the needs of people with affairs, primarily the Middle East. mental disabilities. He helped estab- He was an ardent golfer, sailor and lish the Association of Retarded skier, and a member of the Green John Albert Edward Orloski, 97, Citizens of Prince George’s County, Spring Valley Hunt Club, the Chevy a retired Foreign Service Reserve staff and served as the group’s president for Chase Club, the New York Yacht Club officer, died on Aug. 15 of a stroke at four years. A member of St. Mark’s and the West River Sailing Club. He Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Parish in Adelphi, he worked for sailed from Galesville, Md., to North- Md. Christian Assisted Living for Mentally east Harbor, Maine, each summer Born in Scranton, Pa., Mr. Orloski Retarded Adults, serving as the until 2000, and played golf until 2005. graduated from the Georgetown group’s chaplain. Mr. Nes’ beloved wife and career University School of Foreign Service in In 2002 Mr. Orloski moved to partner, Elizabeth Houghton Nes, 1934. He went to work at the Agricul- Riderwood Village in Silver Spring, predeceased him in May 2004. tural Adjustment Administration in Md., where he was active in the com- He is survived by his five daugh- 1934, moving to the Latin American munity and wrote articles for the local ters, Wendy Del Terzo of Lancaster, Division of the old Bureau of Foreign newsletter on travel and gardening. Pa., Audrey Keykendall and Margaret and Domestic Commerce in 1938. Mr. Orloski’s wife, Estelle, died in Nes of Taos, N.M., Nancy Knowlton He was posted to the U.S. embassy January. His daughter Jewel died in of Baltimore, Md., and Victoria Kirby in Cuba in 1945, first as commercial April. Survivors include a daughter, of San Francisco, Calif.; and two officer, then as assistant commercial Mary Jane Phillips of Silver Spring, grandsons, David Nes Del Terzo of attaché. He was subsequently assign- Md. Lancaster, Pa., and Nicholas Nes ed to La Paz as commercial attaché, Knowlton of Baltimore, Md. returning in 1948 to the Department of Commerce’s International Division where he was responsible for the north Talcott W. Seelye, 84, a retired and west coast areas of South America. Foreign Service officer and former Florence L. Neverman, 89, a In 1950, Mr. Orloski joined the ambassador, died of pancreatic cancer retired Foreign Service staff officer, management consulting firm of Klein on June 8 at his home in Bethesda, died on April 3 in Sarasota, Fla. & Saks, where he was a senior indus- Md. Ms. Neverman was born in La trial consultant until 1965, when he Ambassador Seelye was born in Moure, N.D. She served in the U.S. joined the consulting firm of Econo- Lebanon, where his father, Laurens Navy WAVES from 1942 to 1946, mic Associates. In 1965, he joined the Seelye, was a professor at the Ameri- retiring from the Naval Reserves in newly established Industrial Develop- can University of Beirut. He was a 1961 as a lieutenant. ment Organization of the United descendant of Captain Robert Seeley, After joining the Foreign Service Nations as senior economic adviser, who arrived from England with John in 1947, Ms. Neverman was assigned later becoming assistant to the direc- Winthrop in 1630, and a long line of as a secretary to Warsaw (1947-1949), tor of the policies and planning divi- prominent educators. His great- Baghdad (1949-1951), Geneva and sion and moving to Vienna with the grandfather, Julius Hawley Seelye, was

92 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 I N M EMORY

president of Amherst College; one Saudi Arabia, serving there as DCM established his own Middle East con- great-uncle, Laurenus Clark Seelye, and chargé d’affaires. In 1965 he sultancy, known as Talcott Seelye was the first president of Smith received a personal letter of commen- Associates. He also served as director College; another, Talcott Williams, dation from the Secretary of Defense of Middle East Research Services for was the first dean of the Pulitzer for his service in Saudi Arabia in nego- a Boston-based company from 1982 School of Journalism at Columbia tiating the first U.S.-Saudi arms agree- to 2002. In this connection, he pub- University. His great-grandmother ment. From Jeddah, he returned to lished a bimonthly newsletter for was a cousin of William and Henry Washington, where he served as direc- American firms and regularly con- James. tor of Arabian North affairs from 1968 ducted orientation trips to the Middle In 1943, Amb. Seelye interrupted to 1972. Amb. Seelye received praise East for American businessmen, college to enlist in the army as a pri- from the White House for his work in mainly oil analysts. He authored vate, attaining the rank of captain. He 1970 as head of the Jordan Task Force newspaper and magazine articles, attended Officers Candidate School at that dealt with the “Black September” appeared frequently on national and Fort Benning, Ga., was an instructor at hijacking by Palestinian terrorists of international television and radio pro- the Camp Ritchie intelligence training three passenger-laden commercial air- grams and lectured throughout the center and served in Iran with the craft that were forced to land in the country. Persian Gulf Command and in Italy Jordanian desert. Amb. Seelye served on the Board with Allied Force Headquarters. He was appointed ambassador to of Trustees of Amherst College from Amb. Seelye graduated magna Tunisia in 1972, and served there until 1982 to 1986 and received honorary cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1976. While serving in Tunisia, Amb. degrees from both Amherst and 1947 from Amherst College, where he Seelye initiated and coordinated, with Washington and Jefferson Colleges. was president of the Student Council the commander of the Sixth Fleet, the He was a member of the Cosmos and twice, head of the senior honorary rescue of hundreds of Tunisians Kenwood Clubs, the National Advi- society (Scarab), won the “First stranded in floodwaters. In 1976, dur- sory Council of Hampshire College, Citizen” of the College Award and ing the Lebanese civil war, President the Washington Institute of Foreign played varsity soccer and basketball. Ford sent him to Lebanon as a special Affairs, the Middle East Institute, the Following graduation from Am- emissary following the assassination of Phi Beta Kappa Society, Alpha Delta herst, Amb. Seelye taught at Deerfield Ambassador Francis Meloy. There he Phi fraternity, AFSA and DACOR. Academy for a year, and then entered oversaw the evacuation of American He also served on the boards of the Foreign Service in 1948. His first citizens and embassy staff by the U.S. AMIDEAST and Americans for assignment, in 1950, was in Germany Sixth Fleet. In the same year, Amb. Middle East Understanding. From as a Kreis Resident officer under the Seelye was named senior deputy assis- 1988 to 2000, he was founder and U.S. High Commission. He was com- tant Secretary for African affairs. president of the American-Tunisian missioned as an FSO in 1951. He was appointed ambassador to Association. He was an avid tennis Amb. Seelye’s first posting was to Syria in 1978, achieved the rank of player and loved to dance. Amman as a political officer from 1952 career minister in 1980 and retired Survivors include his wife of to 1954. In 1955, he was sent to the from the Foreign Service in 1981. 56 years, Joan Hazeltine of Norwich, FSI Arabic Language School in A fluent Arabic linguist, Amb. Conn.; four children: Lauren Seelye Shemlan, Lebanon. He served as con- Seelye served in six Arab countries Harris of Washington, D.C., sul in Kuwait from 1956 to 1960, and developed close ties with three Ammanda Salzman of Riverside, returning to Washington as director of prominent Arab leaders: King Faisal Conn., Talcott Seelye Jr. of New York Arabian Peninsula affairs from 1961 to of Saudi Arabia, King Hussein of City and Kate Seelye of Beirut, 1964. In 1963, Amb. Seelye accompa- Jordan and President Bourguiba of Lebanon; three grandchildren; and nied Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker Tunisia. He worked to improve two sisters. on his trip to the Middle East to nego- strained U.S.-Syrian relations with tiate the end of the Saudi-Egyptian President Hafez al-Assad. Through- Send your “In Memory” submission to: confrontation over Yemen. He was out his career and in retirement, he Foreign Service Journal, Attn: Susan Maitra, detailed to the National War College urged the U.S. to pursue a balanced 2101 E Street NW, Washington DC 20037, or e-mail it to [email protected], or fax it to for the 1964-1965 academic year. policy in the Middle East. (202) 338-8244. No photos, please. In 1965, Amb. Seelye was sent to Following retirement, Amb. Seelye

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 93 REAL ESTATE

94 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 REAL ESTATE

Leasing and Management of Exceptional properties in upper Northwest DC, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, McLean and Great Falls

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 95 REAL ESTATE

96 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 REAL ESTATE

E-mail: [email protected]

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 97 REAL ESTATE

u REGULAR INSPECTIONS u ENJOY PEACE OF MIND u u u RENT TS Who’s taking care of your home AL SER while you’re away? VICES REGULAR REPOR u

u No one takes care of your home like we do! 24 HOUR ON-C

While you’re overseas, we’ll help you manage your home without the hassles. No panicky messages, just regular reports. No unexpected surprises, just peace of mind. ALL SUPPOR YEARS EXPERIENCE

Property management is ER 24 rson G V ye rou our full time business. O e p

, T M I Let us take care u e n h c. of the details. u T EXCELLENT REFERENCES ANCE

Call us today! TE MAINTEN A (301) 657-3210

6923 Fairfax Road u Bethesda, MD 20814 COORDIN email: [email protected] u u u PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FOR FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS u

ADVERTISING INDEX When contacting one of our advertisers, kindly mention you saw their advertisement in the Foreign Service Journal.

AUTOMOBILES Executive Lodging MISCELLANEOUS Long & Foster / Simunek / 94 Aeskjaer / 25 Alternatives / 41 AFSA Legacy / 70 McEnearney Associates / 96 D&M Auto Parts Georgetown Suites / 18 AFSA Speakers Bureau / 9 McGrath Real Estate Corporation / 29 Hawthorn Suites Ltd. / 47 ASAP Africa / 31 Services / 96 Diplomatic Automobile / 17 Korman Communities / 15 Cort Furniture / 2 Meyerson Group / 98 Martens Volvo / 7 Oakwood / Inside front cover Electronic Land, Inc. / 37 Peake Management, Inc. / 95 Remington / 35 Embassy Village / 34 Property Specialists / 99 FINANCIAL, LEGAL Staybridge Suites / 89 Huntington / 51 Prudential Carruthers / 96 AND TAX SERVICES Suite America / 89 Inside a U.S. Embassy / 38 RE/MAX / Piekney / 97 MCG Financial Planning / 43 Virginian Suites / 9 Middle East Journal / 52 Stuart & Maury Inc. / 97 Merrill Lynch / Pappano / 51 Texas Tech University / 29 Washington Management Shaw, Bransford, Veilleux, INSURANCE Woodrow Wilson School / 7 Services / 99 and Roth / 31 AFSPA / 16, 21, 85, Inside W.C. & A. N. Miller / 94 State Department Federal back cover REAL ESTATE & WJD Management / 95 Credit Union / 49 Clements International / 1 PROPERTY The Hirshorn Company / MANAGEMENT HOUSING Outside back cover Attache Property Accommodations 4 U / 34 The Jannette Embassy Management LLC / 43 Attache / 43 Plan / 4 Executive Housing BridgeStreet Worldwide / 4 Consultants / 95 Corporate Apartment Hagner, Ridgway and Specialists, Inc. / 41 Jackson / 97

98 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006 REAL ESTATE

Specializing in PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Property Specialists, Inc. A professional and personal service tailored to meet your needs in: • Property Management • Sales and Rentals • Tax-deferred Exchange • Real Estate Investment Counseling Our staff includes:

Susan Alexander Sally Duerbeck Anne McClelland Joan Bready Les Glad Fabiola Moron Cynthia Dejesus Marian Hughes Colleen Sheppard Linda DeFina John Logtens Judy Smoot Donna Courtney Thomas Logtens 4600-D Lee Highway Arlington, Virginia 22207 (703) 525-7010 (703) 247-3350 E-mail: [email protected] Web address: propertyspecialistsinc.com Serving Virginia, Maryland and D.C.

OCTOBER 2006/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 99 REFLECTIONS Two Rivers Run Through It

BY SCOTT R. RIEDMANN

awoke this morning to the undu- rarely see foreigners here; it’s not a lating rhythm of the Muslim call There are two currents tourist destination. They don’t pay to prayer, summoning all those much attention to me, but go on about I flowing in Khartoum: within earshot to bow down and give their business selling — python-skin praise to God. How hypnotic it can be devotion to a religion shoes, camel-hair rugs, donkey whips, to hear a call that you don’t compre- that is peaceful and teapots and gold jewelry. hend but fully understand. Meaning loving, and resentment A gentleman comes up to me from isn’t necessary; only faith is required. of what the West inside a shop. “Come,” he says. “You The sky is pinkish-orange, creating represents, what are welcome here.” the perfect backdrop for this siren I know he is right. My instincts song. I look down from my balcony it imposes. have not alerted me that there is dan- and see some of the faithful shuffling ger. He and his friends smile and bid to the mosque. Others pray in the me good day. They are curious to street or wherever they happen to be know about me. Why do I venture to at the time. This is morning in where few of my kind come? We Khartoum. dissect this city and is as relentless as share tea and exchange pleasantries as On the way to work, I am shielded the dust that shrouds it. Their religion well as two people can with limited from the intense glare of the desert is peaceful and loving. The truly faith- capabilities in each other’s language. sun, hidden behind dark, smoky win- ful know this. He shakes my hand and wishes me dows. The faces I pass cannot see my Despite the overt religious devo- “peace.” examination of them. They only see tion, there are some whose faith is not As I leave the market a group of my large white SUV. Donkey carts so gentle, not so pure. Their hearts young men spot me and begin saying shuffle along. Tea ladies sell glasses of are not filled with peace, but with things I don’t understand. Their eyes hot liquid laden with sugar. This road- anger. They crave retribution, cruel are not kind; they are brimming with side delight helps drive out the chill of and swift, for some crime that only frustration and anger. But they don’t the desert night. they understand. Their anger melds threaten me. They just don’t want me The car takes me past the Blue into the dominant feeling; it covertly there, in their market, in their country, Nile, one of two rivers that run converges with the more peaceful in their thoughts. through Khartoum. The Blue Nile idea, blending and becoming part of Driving away I realize that, like and the White Nile converge to the larger sentiment that surges the two Niles, there are two currents become the great one. through the heart of this city and its flowing here: devotion to a religion How lost one feels in such a place, people. that is peaceful and loving, and a place filled with extreme devotion — I sit in my office, at the embassy, resentment of what the West repre- an unquenchable thirst for salvation. and the clamor begins on the street. sents, what it imposes. While I may Their faith flows like the rivers that Outside, men in white gowns and disagree with the latter’s validity, the women robed in black chant and former is all but certain. These two Scott R. Riedmann joined the Foreign scream and throw whatever they can currents come together and become Service in 2000. He is currently find at us — but not us really, just the something different, a stronger deputy consul general in Nairobi, hav- idea of us. Be gone! Get out! Just go! potion. Like the two rivers that ing also served in Quito and Merida. One morning I visit the Omdur- become one, these feelings inter- He wrote this article while on TDY in man Souk, a local market, as the ven- twine. They become lost in each Khartoum. dors are gearing up for the day. They other, forming something new.

100 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 2006