DRUG TESTING AT STATE NAIROBJ/DAR ES SALAAM VIETNAM SHADOWS

CARIBBEAN POLICY: DOWN THE DRAIN How a Vital Region Dropped Off the Map Affordable Luxury If you are relocating, a business traveler or need temporary housing, we ojfer furnished apartments with all of the comforts of home.

AVALON CORPORATE APARTMENT HOMES ARE A MORE SENSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO A HOTEL ROOM.

• Located minutes from • 2 miles from NFATC Pentagon, Washington, DC and National Airport. • Controlled access entry throughout building. • Luxurious one and two bedroom apartments • Our amenity package completely furnished and includes: outdoor pool, accessorized with fully and spacious Nautilus equipped gourmet fitness center. kitchens and washers and dryers. • Minutes from Ballston Metro. • Free cable TV. • Free underground parking. • Within walking distance of department stores, • Cats welcome. specialty shops and Washington Towers restaurants. • 5p.m. check-in time.

• Washington Towers is • 30-day minimum stay. adjacent to bike/jogging trail.

Avalon at Ballston No matter which Avalon location you choose, you will be impressed.'

Washington Towers 4650 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201 703-527-4409 or Fax 703-516-4369

Quincy Towers 1001 North Randolph St., Arlington, VA 22201 703-528-4600 or Fax 703-527-2356

Vermont Towers 1001 North Vermont St., Arlington, VA 22201 703-522-5550 or Fax 703-527-8731 Are you hearing an old cliche from your local insurance company? By purchasing insurance from foreign companies you probably think that your claims will be settled faster or your premiums will cost less. The reality is that these companies often find any excuse to delay a claim — and we've heard them all!

Clements is an American company with 50 years experience insuring the Foreign Service at home and abroad. In plain CLEMENTS & COMPANY English, our reputation was built on providing outstanding Insurance Worldwide. insurance programs with unexcelled service at very competitive 1660 L Street, NW, 9th Floor prices. So one thing you'll never hear from us is "L' assegno e Washington, DC 20036 TELEPHONE 202-872-0060 or stato inviato per posta." 800-872-0067

FACSIMILE 202-466-9064 Translation... Clements covers you! E-MAIL [email protected] WEBSITE http://www.clements.com If Having A Choice Is Important To You Choose the Foreign Service Benefit Plan

Rated highly in customer service in the OPM Customer Satisfaction Survey for four years in a row

Excellent Hi-Option benefits

Comprehensive worldwide coverage

>5^ Over 50 years experience in handling health claims from overseas and stateside

This Open Season — make the right choice! The Foreign Service Benefit Plan — meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s Foreign Service

Sponsored by the American Foreign Service Protective Association AMERICAN FOREIGN 1716 N Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036-2902 S ERVICE PROTECTIVE MllTUilL'7()milHil Phone: (202) 833-4910 E-mail: [email protected] ASSOCIATION Companies Underwritten by Fax (202) 833-4918 Web site: www.afspa.org Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company CONTENTS

October 1998 I Vol. 75, No. 10

COVER COLUMNS

Focus ON TILE CARIBBEAN PRESIDENT’S VIEWS / 4 Preventing More Needless Deaths 18 / FROM COMMUNISM TO COCAINE Drug trafficking has replaced insurgency By Dan Geisler as Washington s major Caribbean concern. WE REMEMBER / 5 Bi/ George Gedda and Ellen James Martin Those Who Died in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam

24 / UNMAKING CUBA POLICY — THE CLINTON YEARS SPEAKING OUT / 15 I knew Cuba was the “third rail” of Wasted Effort: Drug Testing at State U.S. foreign policy. But I had to try my hand. By David Jones By Richard A. Nuccio POSTCARD FROM ABROAD / 56 36 / POLICY PATHOLOGY IN HONDURAS A Deal Looms in Lusaka When the Reagan administration took office, By Kelly Midura Central America policy-making went haywire. This ambassador saw it all. Focus By Jack R. Binns

Page 18

DEPARTMENTS

LETTERS/7 FEATURE CLIPPINGS /12 42 / VIETNAM REVISITED During the Tet Offensive in the Year of the BOOKS / 47 Monkey, a young FSO faces the carnage of war. IN MEMORY / 48 By Susan Scharfman INDEX TO ADVERTISERS / 55

Cover and inside illustrations by Chet Phillips

THE MAGAZINE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROFESSIONALS FOREIGNOEIMCE Foreign Service Journal (ISSN 0015-7279), 2101 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-2990 is published _1_J oi it \ \ i monthly by the American Foreign Service Association, a private, non-profit organization. Material appearing Editor Editorial Board herein represents the opinions of the writers and does not necessarily represent the views of the Journal, the Bon GULDIN EDW ARD MARKS, Chairman Managing Editor Editorial Board or AFSA. Writer queries are invited .Journal subscription: AFSA Members - $9.50 included in ELIZABETH SPIRO CIARK KATHLEEN CURRIE annual dues; others - $40. For foreign surface mail, add $18 per year; foreign airmail. $36 per year. Periodical Assistant Editor MITCHELL A. COHN postage paid at Manchester, N.H., and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Foreign EVA-LOTTA JANSSON THEODORE CRAIG Service Journal, 2101 E Street N.W.. Washington, D.C. 20037-2990. Indexed by Public Affairs Information Ad. 6 Circulation Manager AURELIUS FERNANDEZ Service (PAIS). The Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos or illustrations. Advertising ED MILTENBERCER KATHERINE INEZ LEE inquiries are invited. The appearance of advertisements herein does not imply the endorsement of the services AFSA NEWS Editor MARY LEWELLEN WESLEY ANN GODARD or goods offered. FAX: (202) 338-8244 or (202) 338-6820. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEB: www.afsa.org. TELE¬ ROBERTA MAHONEY Editorial Intern PHONE: (202) 338-4045. © American Foreign Service Association, 1998. Printed in the U.S.A. Send address DERWINN GREEN MARK MATTHEWS Advertising Intern CAROLINE MEIRS changes to AFSA Membership, 2101 E Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-2990. A Standard A enclosure NATHAN VAN DUSEN ARNOLD SCIIIFFERDECKER is being mailed under permit 1926 at Manchester, N.H. 03103.

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 3 PRESIDENT’S VIEWS Preventing More Needless Deaths

BY DAN GEISLER

At Washington area Metro sta¬ today. The administration must increase tions, they now play an airport- its planned future allocation for security. style announcement asking Our central The federal budget guidelines OMB passengers not to leave bags or parcels now has nr place make no provision for unattended, due to “recent interna¬ message is upkeep of new security' investments. If tional incidents.” It is another striking these guidelines don’t change, in a few example of how events abroad affect “Never Again. years, we will face the same painful the daily lives of Americans at home. choice we’ve had over the past several In the Foreign Service, our mission is years: Cut back on security, or cut back to shape and manage those events. We on our core diplomatic programs. cannot achieve our mission unless we America spent substantial treasure in Congress should act now to keep can work in safety. order to do good not just for us, but for America from facing drat choice again. In the aftermath of the tragic the world. In doing so, we short¬ In addition to increased out-year fund¬ embassy bombings in Nairobi and Dar changed our security program. One ing, congressional leaders should erect Es Salaam, AFSA has been working to recent example: Last March, the a national security firewall around the bring this message to tire administra¬ administration took $5 million of the international affairs (Function 150) tion, tire Congress and the American $23.7 million appropriated for embassy account, which now consumes only people. Our central theme is: Never security upgrades in fiscal 1998 and one penny of every' federal tax dollar. Again. Many of us remember how shifted it to telecommunications. Within drat account, they should erect much more attention we gave security Secretary Albright announced that a budgetary firewall around security issues following the 1983 embassy tire Clinton administration will ask spending. This will protect drose funds bombings in Beirut. Those murders Congress for tire security' funds we as memories of Nairobi and Dar Es taught us ftiat you lose the struggle for should have spent, but did not, over the Salaam fade in dre coming years. peace if you can’t protect your diplo¬ past decade. Although it is too late to AFSA has one final message on matic troops. save those who needlessly perished in impending security upgrades: focus on As memories of Beirut faded, inter¬ Africa, it is not too late to prevent more people. We need to invest fir human est in security waned. So did funding. deaths. As this issue of the Foreign capital also. That means providing ade¬ Federal spending caps forced us to Service Journal goes to press, we are quate training for our employees so forgo security so we could respond to awaiting the administrations funding that drey are better prepared to deal other urgent needs. Foreign affairs dol¬ request. Congress should act immedi¬ widr security matters. Training must lars were needed to respond to world ately to approve those funds dming the include not just our professionals in events that affected Americas vital few days remaining in this legislative Diplomatic Security, but our odrer interests. The Iron Curtain fell, the session. But more important, the employees as well. Supervisors must Soviet Union collapsed, Yugoslavia administration and the Congress should factor the need for trailring into their descended into a cycle of violence, act now to ensure that we don’t fail our staffing calculations. Asian economies faltered. Mexico. diplomatic Loops again. This Congress and the Clinton Somalia. Haiti. North Korea. In these That requires more than an emer¬ administration cannot allow their and numerous other trouble spots, gency supplemental appropriation. It successors to hollow out the protec¬ also requires air assurance of long-term tion our people deserve, the protec¬ Dan Geisler is president of the funding to maintain tire investment in tion we need to carry out our mis¬ American Foreign Service Association. security we are preparing to make sion. ■

4 FOREIGN SERVICE J OU RN AL/OCT O B ER 1998 We Remember

The American Foreign Service Association extends its sincerest sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the bombings of the U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Dar E.s Salaam on August 7. Below are the names of the members of the embassy communities who were killed in the bombings. Included in this list are U.S. government employees, other persons working in the two embassies, and dependents.

"I have come to Nairobi today, to this sorrowful and now sacred location, to deliver in person a message from the American people. That message begins with sadness and grief. As a result of the cowardly act committed here, more than 250 people are dead. Five thousand were injured. Almost eveiy family in eveiy part of Kenya has been touched by this tragedy. So many, so well loved, have been lost. Our pain is deep. In America, in Tanzania, and most of all here in Kenya. ... Together, we mourn the friends and loved ones we have lost. Together, we pray for the swift and complete recovery of those who have been injured. Together, we pledge to bring to justice the mur¬ derers of our loved ones, colleagues and friends.” —from the statement of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the site of the bombing in Nairobi, August 20,1998

U.S. Citizens - Nairobi Mavaka, Lydia M. (GSO/Shipment Clerk) Aliganga, Nathan (MSG Detachment/Sgt.) Mukeithi, Catherine (Citibank Employee) Bartley, Julian (Consul General) Namayi, Moses (FCS/Driver) Bartley, fay (Son of Julian Bartley/Summer Intern) Ndungu, Francis Mbugua (GSO/Driver) Dalizu, Jean (Military Assistance Program/ Nganga, Kimeu Nzioka (GSO/Janitor) Liaison Officer) Njunge, Francis Mbogo (GSO/Janitor Supervisor) Hardy, Molly Iluckaby (Administrative Employee) Nyoike, Vincent (GSO/Shipment Assistant) Hobson, Kenneth (Defense Attache Office/Army Sgt.) Ochilo,Francis Olewe (Economics Specialist) Kavaler, Prabhi Guptara (General Services Officer) Okaeh, Maurice (GSO/Driver) Kirk, Arlene (Military Assistance Program/Air Force Omori, Edwin A.O. (Political Assistant) Fiscal Officer) Onono, Lucy G. (Personnel Assistant) Martin, Louise (Centers for Disease Control Onsongo, Evans K. (FCS/Agrieultural Specialist) and Prevention/Epidemiologist) Onyango, Eric (FMC/Voucher Examiner) O’Connor, Michelle (General Services Officer) Opati, Sellah Caroline (GSO/Janitor) Olds, Sherry (Military Assistance Program/Air Force Owuor, Josiah Odero (Centers for Disease Senior Master Sgt.) Control and Prevention) Shah, Uttamlal “Tom” (Political Officer) Pussy, Rachel M. (USIS/Secretary) Sheikh, Farhat Mahmood (FMC/Cashier) Foreign Service Nationals - Nairobi Vrontamitis, Phaedra (Personnel Specialist) Bonyo, Chrispin W. (RFMC/Budget Analyst Supervisor) Wamai, Adams T. (FCS/Commercial Assistant) Gitau, Lawrence A. (FMC/Voucher Examiner) Yafes, Frederick M. (RFMC/Budget Analyst) Idi, Hindu O. (Personnel Assistant) Irungu,Tony (GSO/Motor Pool Supervisor) Foreign Service Nationals - Dar Es Salaam Kalio, Geoffrey (GSO/Shipment Assistant) Mohamed, Abdalla (Domestic Management/Cleaner) Kamau, G. joel (FMC/Financial Specialist) Mwila, Abbas William (Dispatcher) Karigi, Lucy N. (Consular Assistant) Ndange, Yusuf Shamte (GSO/Driver) Kibe, Francis M. (IMO/Driver) Nyumhu, Bakari (Security Guard) Kiongo, Joe (GSO/Warehouse/Shipment Supervisor) Rajabu, Mtendeje (Security Guard) Kiongo, Tesia Warimu (Daughter of Joe Kiongo) Ramadani, Mohamed Mahundi (Security Guard) Kithuva, Dominic (GSO/Shipment Clerk) Ramadhani, Doto Lukua (Gardener) Macharia, Peter K. (FMC/Voucher Examiner) Maina, Francis W. (GSO/Shipment Clerk) Missing Mamboleo, Cecilia A. (Personnel Assistant) Saidi, Rogath (GSOAVarehouseman)

OCTOBER 1908/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 5 WORLDWIDE INSURANCE FOR FOREIGN SERVICE PERSONNEL

PERSONAL PROPERTY ■ AUTO MARINE ■ MARINE TRIP

Administered by UNIRISC 1120 20th Street, N.W. ■ Suite 720 Washington, D.C. 20036 Telephone (202) 728-4100 Toll Free 1 (800) 424-9500 Facsimile (202) 479-4471

COMPETITIVE RATES ■ Broad BLANKET coverage now available ■ Automatic replacement cost Underwritten by London Insurers ■ Automatic coverage up to 10% of total insured value for new acquisitions Join the ranks of our satisfied customers. ■ Foreign comprehensive personal liability Call toll free from anywhere in the United States or write for more information. E-mail us at [email protected]

AS PREVIOUSLY INSURED THROUGH HTB INSURANCE

“A wise, learned, and graceful work that constitutes a superb introduction to the origin and logic of the principal areas of transaction among political collectives—defense, trade, espionage, and diplomacy. ” —Foreign Affairs NEIGHBORS AND STRANGERS The Fundamentals of Foreign Affairs WILLIAM R. POLK Cloth $24.95

“William Polk has compressed a lifetime of scholarship, diplomacy, travel and inspired writing into this thoughtful, sometimes whimsical, but never boring account of how human beings have behaved toward each other from Neanderthal times to the nuclear age.” —John Cooley, The International Herald Tribune

“In an age of ethnic cleansing, civil wars and increased racist attacks on foreigners, a book analysing how people throughout the ages attempted to live in harmony with foreigners is welcome. William R. Polk ... is uniquely qualified to deal with this chal¬ lenging task. . . . Throughout this highly learned and very readable book the author shows clearly that foreign and domestic affairs cannot justifiably be regarded as sepa¬ rate but rather as interconnected.” —Klaus Larres, Times Higher Education Supplement

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS 5801 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago 1L 60637 www.press.uchicago.edu

6 FOREIGN SERVICE J O U RN Ah/O C, TO B E R 1998 LETTERS

Through Terrorists’ Eyes by ties of neighborhood, family and difficult for our carefully screened On Friday, Aug. 7, President religion, are not easily penetrated by diplomatic and security professionals Clinton vowed to hunt down those our intelligence agencies. Nor should to apprehend, really to imagine, responsible for the bombings of our we underestimate terrorists’ ability to threats from sources so w'eird, so dis¬ embassies in Nairobi and Dar Es pick out the weak points in our tant from dieir intellectual and social Salaam. “No matter what or how long defenses. coordinates? it takes,” he said. But can we Second, w'e should gather more Second, by all means let us Americans — and especially the rela¬ information, but never presume that improve our humint capabilities and tives of those who died in the attacks information-gathering itself offers the our regional expertise. Official — hope that tins time we will respond answers that we need. Many occa¬ Americans who are fluent in the local more effectively than before? More sions — involving terror and other¬ language, who know the culture, and effectively, that is, than we did to the wise — come to mind where the are comfortable in a third-world murders of Ambassador Cleo Noel information was there, but no one milieu will be better able to protect and DCM Curt Moore in Khartoum acted, e.g., Pearl Harbor. themselves and others than those who in 1973, or to the bombings of the Meanwhile, we’ve had the three are holed up in bunkers. U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in bombings of U.S. facilities in Beirut Third, keep terrorist activity in 1983 that killed 241, or to the two (the third with the gates to the new perspective. For all their horror, ter¬ bombings of the U.S. embassy in embassy not yet in place!), followed rorist attacks will not usually deflect Beirut, or to the blowing up of Pan by the al-Khobar bombings of June policies that are understood to be nec¬ Am Flight 103 in 1988 that killed 271? 1996. How could the vulnerability of essary and in the public interest. This The list could go on — but to the best these targets again and again have is why terror has not influenced of my knowledge, our efforts to iden¬ been observed by terrorists, and yet tify and punish the perpetrators of overlooked by U.S. security? these (and other crimes) have yielded So what should we do? Names can fade over time little or nothing. First, we should use our imagina¬ for tomorrow brings new How could this happen? tion. Put ourselves in the shoes of victims and villains. First, we should recognize that for those who want to hurt and humiliate Yet we will never forget the all of our resources, the initiative in us. In Beirut and al-Khobar, the impact made through terror attacks against the USA lies threats and dangers w'ere visibly pre¬ your service. with the enemy. Terrorist organiza¬ sent. Our view'ers, however, were The tears of a shocked nation tions, doubly and triply knit together unable really to see them. So it’s not shed in honor to you — just more information that we need, Our precious sacrifice to a 7 The Foreign Service Journal welcomes but rather the ability to look at it cowardly aggressor. you r signed letters to the editor. Please afresh, to place our data in a new May God embrace you as you mail letters to the Journal, 2101 E St., series of relationships, to undergo a return home with the NW, Washington, D.C., 20037; fax to transposition of the mind. Our eyes prayers of a grateful nation. (202) 338-8244; or send via e-mail to might be looking at the future, but [email protected]. Letters, which are our minds — distracted by fatigue, — Daniel Fowler subject to editing should include full deadlines, and perhaps a glut of infor¬ AFSA Associate Member name, title and post, address and day¬ mation — see only the present. And I Old Orchard Beach, Maine. time telephone number. wonder: might it even be especially

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 7 LETTERS

American policies in the Middle East offices and motor pool across the street the name of security, subject all official or U.S. friendship with Israel. guarded by one Jordanian soldier were Americans to the same constraints and Finally and most important, we not touched. Their vehicles and office restrictions. Doing so does not increase must begin to show terrorists that if space were later offered to the anybody’s security and surely will make they hurt us, we will hurt diem back. embassy. The US IS library and offices many jobs impossible. We all recognize Such a policy will require a robust con¬ were also destroyed. USAID was that some risks and insecurity are a nec¬ science, a willingness to be approxi¬ spared because it was not die symbol of essary part of a foreign affairs career. mately right, even to be somewhat arbi¬ disliked actions or policies, its purpose They come witii the job. trary. It may even require a change in being to assist the host country. Arthur M. Handhj the law. Our leaders must be prepared Islamabad, Pakistan, November Retired FSO, USAID for the criticism that acting upon such a 1979: Ambassador Hummel and his Port Kent, N.Y. policy would certainly provoke. But as a staff took up my offer of facilities in die minimal first step, as an earnest of our USAID offices after two Americans lost policy, we should snatch or execute die their lives in the burning of the Rivkin Award Origins Libyan agents who blew up Pan Am embassy. USAID was not the symbolic For 30 years, die friends and family 103 ten years ago. Until then, our target and our offices were sandwiched of William R. Rivkin have proudly sup¬ empty threats and cries of pain only between U.N. offices and dius spared. ported and attended die AFSA Awards, please die enemy and depress the rest In Dar Es Salaam, 1981-83, USAID which continue to be a credit to the ol us. Victims’ families deserve better. and the embassy were in different facil¬ Foreign Service. We take deep pride in Hume Horan ities appropriate to their different roles the fact that former Rivkin Award win¬ Retired ambassador and responsibilities. ners, such as Thomas D. Boyatt, Washington, D C. In Cairo, there were periodic sug¬ Kenneth Quinn and Anthony Quainton gestions from State and the ambassador — honored for their demonstrated that die offices for the largest USAID intellectual courage and independence USAID and terrorism program in die world should be housed — have gone on to distinguished The Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam in the embassy. Our over 3,000 busi¬ careers in the Senior Foreign Service. attacks have taken their terrible human ness visits a week won the day. The Bill Rivkin’s widow, siblings and chil¬ toll. Programs and actions are proposed USAID offices remained in an office dren remain committed to the Foreign by all — State Department, FBI, building tiiat housed a variety of ten¬ Service and the Rivkin Award, and will White House, Congress. ants including the Japanese embassy, continue to provide our strong support. Still, it seems like die cowardly and die Gulf Arab Bank and numerous However, while I applaud your con¬ inhuman attackers have stripped com¬ other organizations. Our security was in sistent coverage of the awards and their mon sense from diose who should have not standing out or alone, in spite of our winners, I feel constrained to correct learned from similar terrible tragedies massive aid program which covered some misimpressions about the origins of the past: Jordan 1969-70, Pakistan almost every Milage in the country. of the AFSA awards that readers may 1979, Beirut 1981, etc. Reportedly, the We could do tiiis because our role, have gleaned from the “President’s embassy in Cairo is closing the separate objectives and actions are different and Views” page of your June issue. That USAID office and moving it into the separate from the embassy’s. USAID’s piece suggested that the turmoil of the embassy. This will result in improved greatest loss of life occurred in Beirut, Vietnam era led to the creation of security? For whom? where the AID office was housed in die awards for FSO dissent. While this is In 1970, in Amman, Jordan, I went same facility as the embassy. surely correct in a broad sense, the next door to the ambassadors staff The veiy nature of USAID’s work direct impetus for the three original meeting and spent the next 48 hours a (as well as some embassy tasks) cannot AFSA awards came from my mother, virtual prisoner as die embassy was be conducted from a secure fortress Enid Long (the former Mrs. William attacked — vehicles and other proper¬ and to attempt to do so will hobble the Rivkin). ty destroyed — as those who found our agency. During his service as ambassador in Middle East actions contrary to their The ambassador and the embassy Luxembourg and Senegal, my father interests took out their frustration on are die symbols of our nation overseas frequently praised and sought out those the symbol of our country. The USAID and need to be protected. But don’t, in FSOs who were not afraid to speak

8 FOREIGN SERVICE J OU RN AL! O C T O B ER 1998 LETTERS

their minds, believing as President would be different from those for a sec¬ Kennedy did that U.S. policy was best retary, as would hiring levels, salaries served by open and vigorous debate. At and promotional possibilities. Mercedes-Benz the same time, Bill Rivldn decried the Since most FSOs now prepare their emergence of “yes men” who cautiously own telegrams on computers and often measured their analysis and advice for make their own appointments, it may fear of rocking the boat. make better sense to strengthen die After his death, my fathers friends administrative skills of junior officers, Diplomacy spontaneously gave thousands of dollars rather than to keep open a job category to be used in remembrance of his that is no longer needed. remarkable vibrancy and love of country. Judy Chidester has its It was my mother who conceived the Retired FSO idea, convinced AFSA, and provided the Las Cruces, N.M. collected funds to establish an award for rewards. Foreign Service officers who displayed the qualities my father most admired. Secretaries: the Sequel At American Service Center, your She established the criteria of “creative Linda Eichblatt in her April diplomatic or official passport* dissent,” later changed to “constructive “Speaking Out” column on secretaries dissent,” that came also to apply to the presents no new arguments, but rather will allow you to purchase a new Herter and Harriman Awards. rehashes the old secretarial grievances Mercedes-Benz at dramatic In fact, it was my mother herself, and yet one more time. It is starting to look savings. Contact Erik Granholm, not a Kissinger “staff aide” as your June like the “Halloween” movies: one sequel our Diplomat and Tourist Sales issue reported, who told the secretary of after another, none of them different State at an early award ceremony that from the first. Manager. A native of Munich, the purpose of the award was to encour¬ The first issue Eichblatt raises is drat Germany, Erik has been age those who disagreed with him to of raises. She laments the fact that “... for with ASC for 32 years. continue to speak their minds. reasons unknown to me, State decided My family joins me in offering our to limit to FS-04 die highest rank to * Applies only while on official business congratulations to the 1998 award win¬ which a secretary could expect to rise or diplomatic assignment. ners, and to AFSA for nurturing and during a career.” The reason, Ms. supporting this unique and vital recogni¬ Eichblatt, is diat grades 03 and up are tion of the State Departments finest. “management” level jobs, and secre¬ Robert S. Rivkin taries, whatever else they are (and I will iencan Chicago, III. be the first to admit they are many Service Center tilings to many people), are not man¬ agers! Bringing up cases where an Mercedes. Just Mercedes. Who Needs Secretaries? ambassadors secretary' also supervised Linda Eichblatt’s article (“What Do the protocol assistant or the ambas¬ 585 N. Glebe Road, Secretaries Want?”, April FSJ) regarding sadors driver does not lend credence to the experiences of and unhappiness of die argument that secretaries should be Arlington, VA 22203 Foreign Service secretaries leads to one considered managers. Supervision is not conclusion. If traditional secretaries’ management. 703.525.2100 skills are no longer appreciated or need¬ The second issue mentioned was diat Telefax: 703.284.2482 ed in todays Foreign Service, perhaps of respect. That is a valid complaint, but personnel should no longer be hired in a vital point needs to be carefully con¬ Mobile: 703.405.4018 that category. sidered here. Increasingly, the unique An “office manager” position might skills a secretary coirld once offer are not www.americanservicectr.com be developed to replace that of secre¬ so unique. With die advent of automat¬ tary. Requirements for this position ed systems like C-LAN, officers can get

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 9 LETTERS

their own traffic in the morning, scheme of firings, are paid at the bot¬ cept; most FSOs have probably answer their own e-mail and phones, tom of the scale. served at one or more posts where and draft their own cables. There is Lastly, Eichblatt raises the issue of such arrangements were in place and voice mail as well now. That leaves the opportunities. Contrary to her asser¬ worked well. professional secretaiy offering skills tion, the State Department does an In my view, underutilization of FSS which are less in demand than they excellent job of providing opportuni¬ talents is less a systemic problem than were even 10 years ago, and for a high¬ ties for those who are ambitious and a failure by individual FSO supervi¬ er salary and benefits package than talented. I should know. I was an infor¬ sors, sometimes because of insensitiv¬ that which is given to spouses or mation management specialist who ity but more often simply due to a less- interns. took advantage of die Functional than-optimally-managed workload. Where Eichblatt really goes off Specialization Program and became a Most junior and mid-level officers track, however, is when she begins to personnel officer. I took the initiative would welcome a secretary’s assis¬ compare the secretarial group with the and pursued die opportunities avail¬ tance witii routine matters, if die FSS information managers. That is com¬ able to me. is in fact interested in performing such paring apples to racing cars. It is obfus¬ My feeling is this: If you want to be tasks. Of course, concurrence by the cation of the worst sort to point out the treated like a Foreign Service officer, section chief or the front office is a predominant sex of the incumbents of take the Foreign Service Exam and prerequisite. these positions, stating furthermore become an FSO. If secretaries want With regard to “competjing] for that “only someone with traditional to be treated like information man¬ jobs in the consular and administra¬ sexist attitudes would argue that secre¬ agement specialists, they should study tive sections,” some caution is in tarial skills are worth less than other computer science and apply to order. If she means assisting with specialists’ skills.” I am not sexist, but I become information management seasonal overloads in an informal cannot agree that secretarial skills are specialists. I can complain about how capacity, absolutely yes. However, worth as much to dre organization as unfair it all is, but complaining will consular and admin work also entail those of information managers. not change a thing. The Department a wide range of legal obligations that Information management special¬ of State doesn’t owe me anything only a sworn FSO can fulfill. If a ists are generally highly-trained profes¬ besides a fair wage and good working secretary really wants to perform sionals, with considerable background conditions. these duties, then that person should in computer science and/or experience AW Michael follow Eichblatt’s example and in the computer industry. They are not Regional Personnel become an officer. chosen by virtue of their sex. They are Officer Finally, I want to take issue with paid according to their value, and die U. S. Embassy Gaborone the author’s advice that FSOs “use IM professionals who are promoted voice mail or answering machines,” beyond die 04 level are always in posi¬ so as to release secretaries from tions of management. Secretaries, Not Voice mail desk-bound situations. Modern Secretaries possess skills which are After reading Linda Eichblatt’s technology can be wonderful, but not as highly in demand as are those in thoughtful article, “What Do talking to a machine is not progress. the information technology field, and Secretaries Want?”, I would unre¬ During and since my Foreign they usually come widi less of an edu¬ servedly endorse her basic thesis that Sendee career, one of the genuine cational background. Supply and Foreign Service secretaries are deserv¬ pleasures of the business day has demand is not only the chief principle ing of botir more respect and more been talking by phone to a human of capitalism, but of the workplace as responsibility as FS professionals. being who knew what she/he was well. Eichblatt pointed out that secre¬ doing and could provide a straight We have a hard time recruiting and taries are qualified to perform “non- answer or appropriate reference. retaining qualified computer profes¬ traditional” duties, such as preparing Please, please, lets not sacrifice this sionals here in Africa, and those that routine demarches, compiling eco¬ vital diplomatic asset! we do hire are paid at the top of the nomic and biographic data, and con¬ Lee Nesbit local wage scale. Conversely, drivers, tributing to memoranda and report¬ Retired FSO who are no less important in the ing cables. This is not a novel con¬ Arlington, Va. ■

10 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 1998 Personalized Service in Spacious Apartment-Sized Suites.

Amenities include: • Fully Equipped Kitchens • Pining Area • Living Rooms w/ Queen Sleep Sofa • Master Sedroom • Healthclub w/ Sauna Seasonal Pool (Art/Aiax.) • Free Parking & Shuttle Service • Jacuzzi • No Extra Cost We are a participating FARA Housing Property Per Person • We accept pets Rosslyn Arlington Alexandria (refundable deposit (703) 525-2582 (703)522-2582 (703) 739-2582 &:Cleanup fee.)

How To Buy Auto Insurance Overseas

1 here's really only one woy. Select the agent who offers broad experience and a high level of repeat business. Experience that helps you ovoid the pitfalls of a highly complex business. Repeat business that results from providing what's best for the customer not the agent nor the insurance company.

Since 1969, Horry M. Jannette International has provided dependable coverage with U.S. carriers with a financial rating of A+ or higher to thousands of Foreign Service personnel worldwide. Thus you gain the broadest U.S. terms and conditions and flexible value limits often not available from other insurance carriers. • WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft, comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts. • U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short term on home leave change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an "Embassy Plan" policy. • OCEAN/AIR CARGO COVERAGE Transit available from U.S. to post, post to post, and post to U.S. • FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact your post for compliance with local laws. Excess Liability limits are available over local liability coverage. • PERSONAL COVERAGE Household Goods and Transit, Valuable Articles, Personal Liability, Life Insurance • EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Including Directors and Officers MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: SEE OUR WEBSITE APPLICATIONS WHILE IN THE WASHINGTONI, D.C AREA, PLEASE CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-256-5141 Harry M. Jannette International ’ A Wood-Wilson Company 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite #585 Dallas,Texas 75251-1334 • Telephone (972) 783-4915 FAX (972) 783-0545 Call (800) 256-5141 • [email protected] • www.jannetteintl.com

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 11 CLIPPINGS

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE 15 that the administration last March took $5 million out of the $23.7 million that FOR EMBASSY SECURHY? Congress appropriated in fiscal 1998 for In the wake of the embassy bombings embassy security upgrades and spent it in East Africa Aug. 7, many journalists have instead on upgrading telephone systems to been asking why those buildings, especial¬ avoid a year 2000 computer problem. ly the Nairobi embassy, were so vulnerable. As of FSJ press time, Congress and the CNN revealed Aug. 13 that U.S. administration were discussing a possible Ambassador to Kenya Prudence Bushnell $1 billion to $3 billion in additional funding had warned the State Department in for embassy security. It was unclear how cables sent in December 1997 and April or much would be spent for bricks and mor¬ “When two May 1998 that embassy security in Nairobi tar building improvements, and how much needed to be upgraded. for other security measures such as more bombs ripped One of BushneU’s cables said, ‘The guards, more armored cars and additional location is problematic, always has been. employee training. Also under discussion: apart two U.S. It’s in one of the busiest streets in Nairobi, How much will be designated emergency tire intersection of two major streets.” In supplemental funding, which avoids the embassies last December, Bushnell told Washington she need to find offsetting reductions in other needed a new embassy. spending. week, the CNN reports that a team from CQ Weekly quoted one unnamed Diplomatic Security visited die Nairobi House Appropriations Committee aide losses were embassy last year and agreed its location who was skeptical about spending very was far from ideal. But on June 1, Bushnell much on new construction: “The notion of not limited got a written reply from Under Secretary $1 billion strikes us as stupid if not useless. for Management Bonnie Cohen. CNN The administration does not have the to people reports diat Cohen wrote, “In light of die capacity to manage surge construction” of current direat level and comparative many projects at the same time. r and property . recent construction of the building, a new building was ranked low in relative priority A way of life to the needs of other embassies.” THE WORLD OF The Washington Post reported Aug. 30 disappeared diat aides to Secretary of State Madeleine OSAMA BIN LADEN Albright were concerned that news of how “Our trusted leaders, our ulema, have too. ” State handled Bushnells appeals might given us a fatwa that we must drive out the reflect badly on their boss. Consequendy. Americans,” Osama bin Laden told British the Po.st wrote, “They made die information journalist Robert Fisk in an interview last public in a briefing designed to deflect year. Bin Laden, of course, is the Saudi responsibility away from Albright and onto Arabian Muslim militant believed to have

— D u m MARCUS OF short-sighted congressional budget cutters.” organized tire Aug. 7 U.S. embassy bomb¬ Under Secretary of State Thomas ings in Nairobi and Dai' Es Salaam. THE BOSTON GLOBE, Pickering commented Aug. 9 on CNN, “I Fisk, in the Sept. 21 Nation magazine, AUGUST 13, 1998 wish I could say that we had only to ask and says he met with Bin Laden three times we would receive.” between 1993 and 1997. Fisk describes However, CQ Weekly pointed out Aug. Bin Laden as “a man whose simple view of

12 FOREIGN SERVICE J OU RN AL! OCT OB ER 1998 CLIPPINGS

the world is as politically naive as it is dan¬ the difference between how die West and gerous.” die United Nations see violence against Bin Laden told Fisk that his experience Muslims versus violence against fighting the Soviet occupation of Westerners and Israelis. ‘When 60 Jews Afghanistan had been crucial in his devel¬ are killed inside Palestine, all the world opment. “What I lived in two years there, I gathers ... to criticize the action, while die could not have lived in 100 years anywhere deaths of 600,000 Iraqi children [because else.” of sanctions] did not receive die same reac¬ YEARS AGO Bin Liiden described a serene peace tion,” bin Laden said. that came over him when he was in close Bin Laden told Fisk that die stationing “The Secretary of State combat with the Soviets. One one occa¬ of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia (after recently received a letter sion, he told Fisk, “I was under bombard¬ Saddam Hussein s invasion of Kuwait) was which read as follows: ment, but I was so peaceful in my heart a key factor in turning him into a sworn ‘Dear General Marshall: I that I fell asleep.” enemy of botii the United States and the am a sophomore in high It was after die victory in Afghanistan, Saudi government. The embassy bomb¬ school. Our school is having when he was living in Sudan, that “bin ings of Aug. 7, Fisk notes, took place “on a debate. The subject is Laden decided that if he could drive die die eighth anniversary, to the very day, of atomic energy. I am on die Russians out of Afghanistan, he could drive the arrival of the first U.S. troops in Saudi negative side. Please send the Americans out of the Middle East.” Arabia in 1990.” me any help you can.' The militant expressed bitterness about Despite bin Ladens fierce hostility to “While we do not know die precise wording of the proposition of which this youngster was to uphold die NO ^VlEAT-- negative side, all of us can BE. EXTCA THANKS TO CON6RESSIONAU CN*£FDUGN Youfe. PUNOIN^X UMZ PLENTY Cfc agree that diere is an affir¬ MPimATK. PROTECTION...THiS GjCMEfeNKENT- mative and negative side to MISSI6M, issoe RABBIT'S FOOT, FOUR.-LEAF atomic energy. The affirma¬ bEAS^( CLOVER, VtaRSE&UOE ,ANt> tive opens up vistas ol more abundant life for mankind. LUCKtf BOVJUNKx BALL. The negative threatens mankinds existence on earth,” wrote FSO Edmund Gullion in the October 1948 Journal. “We are faced with an atomic armaments race. And die record of over two years' debate and 240 meet¬ ings in the United Nations Atomic Energy Commis¬ r sion affords little hope that such a competition can be avoided. "

BY CHAN LOWE, ©TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, AUG. 12, 1998. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED WITH PERMISSION.

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 13 CLIPPINGS

the U.S., Fisk questioned the wisdom of “If we can overcome the inertia of the branding the militant “Americas Public Congress, he’ll be our U.N. ambassador Enemy Number One,” as President soon,” said Clinton. Clinton did after the embassy bombings. But it is the administration that is “Only he is Fisk noted that similar condemnations of holding up the process, said a capable of other leaders in earlier years — including spokesperson for the Senate Committee Mi lam mar Qaddafi and Saddam Hussein on Foreign Relations. Holbrooke is exercising:O — have tended to raise their stature with¬ under investigation by both the State leadership over in anti-American Arab and Muslim circles. Departments Office of the Inspector General and the Justice Department. others who is Those departments are looking into capable of some HOLBROOKE ON HOLD: “certain of his prior activities,” accord¬ ing to a Sept. 11 statement by Secretary real degree of THE BLAMING GAME of State Madeleine Albright. mastery over During a speech before the Council of Although Clinton in June Foreign Relations in New York Sept. 14, announced his intention to nominate himself ’" President Clinton recognized Richard Holbrooke to the position, he never Holbrooke in die audience and said he’d did. In fact, the president, in a state¬ like Holbrooke to be the next U.S. ambas¬ ment issued Sept. 10, said he is with¬ — GEORGE F. sador to the United Nations but that holding the nomination pending the KI WAX 1954 Congress was holding up die process. investigations. ■

Iff CONVENIENCE LOCATION iC-. ♦ 2 Swimming Pools ♦ 25 Steps to Metro ♦ 2 Lighted Tennis Courts -MB ii ♦ Just Minutes to NIH, Navy ♦ Workout Facility ..I m t Hospital, Pentagon, World ♦ Business Center SP- Bank and Embassy Row. : 4- Fully Furnished Eff., 1, 2 and 3 is? ♦ Steps Away to 2 Grocery Stores, Bedroom Apartments it over 135 Restaurants, Banks 4 Cable TV and Shopping. 4 Phone OTHER ITEMS 4 Valet Diy Cleaning ♦ Crib, Desk and Chair 4 Garage Parking TL'r rv. \cr \T RI ♦ Housekeeping 4 Washer/Dryer in each Apartment NORIK ♦ Roll-a-way bed ♦ Vacuum Cleaner

Affordable Hotel Living with the Advantages of a Home If you are looking for comfort and convenience, the choice is easy. The Chase at Bethesda offers two twin towers in the heart of Bethesda and only 25 steps to the Metro. THE CHASE AT BETHESDA 7500 WOODMONT AVE. • BETHESDA, MD. 208M • (301) 654-0694 • FAX (301) 654-0697 Daily rent,i Marling' from $61.63 iMinimum 50-day occupancy

AVALON PROPERTIES — A COMPANY THAT CARES ABOUT OUR RESIDENTS

14 FOREIGN SERVICE J OU RN AL/O C TO B ER 1998 SPEAKING OUT States Wasteful, Useless Drag Testing policy

BY DAVID JONES

The shoe that was in mid-air for a can give a positive result? Ultimately, long time has now fallen. sensitive positions were defined as Although many employees The State those occupied by personnel holding don't know about it, or have forgotten Secret clearances. Anyone with such a that it exists, random drug testing is Department spent clearance was open to random drug installed at the State Department. A testing because of their “diminished steady stream of State employees have $71,707from April right to privacy.” This approach was already been tested and everyone is upheld in the Washington, D.C., subject to testing. Although the policy to September 1995 Court of Appeals. Substances that is sheathed in verbal velvet, it is might test positive, but were legal, Draconian. on 176 random drag such as coca tea and poppy seed rolls, The State Departments policy for a were defined as acceptable. “Drug-Free Workplace Plan,” as tests with only one The Department of State continues detailed in 38 pages of the Foreign to struggle with the problem of testing Affairs Manual, is another shot in the positive result, and die thousands of employees assigned generation-long battle the U.S. has outside the U.S. The difficulties are been fighting against illegal drug use. $96,696from obvious, as postings range from single Required by Executive Order 12564 individuals to massive embassies, with and reinforced by congressional legis¬ October 1995 to drastic differences in die available lation in 1987, the State Department technical support. How can such created a plan which was certified as September 1996 on employees be tested randomly without acceptable by the Department of extended warning time, but with confi¬ Health and Human Services in May 740 random drug- dence any samples will be taken accu¬ 1988. Subsequently, in March 1989, rately and securely delivered for test¬ State outlined the plan, but did not tests with only two ing without excessive costs? Arrange take action for five more years. Indeed, contracts with laboratories in large it was not until August 1994 that the positive results. first-world capitals? Descend on ran¬ department lurched into action, circu¬ domly-selected small embassies with lating instructions for briefing person¬ minimal notice and test all employees? nel about the program and formally As yet, there is no answer, although notifying the roughly 12,400 State some State Department officials sug¬ Department officials worldwide with gest diat overseas testing could begin Secret-level clearances. After that, wrestling. Which personnel occupied within six to 12 months. Despite there was a hiatus until mid-1995, “sensitive positions” and thus were requirements that overseas testing when the program slipped into gear. required under the executive order to begin within a year of testing in the Between 1989 and 1994, the only be tested? How did the executive U.S., employees in heavy drag produc¬ activity was bureaucratic mud order and legislation stand up against ing and manufacturing countries have charges that they violated Fourth yet to be tested, while personnel in the David Jones is a retired FSO and a Amendment privacy rights? What already intensely scrutinized frequent contributor to the Foreign about legal substances — for example, Washington facilides have been tested. Service Journal. coca tea in the Andean regions — that Despite such disparities, State’s

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 15 SPEAKING OUT

drug testing policy is in effect and for illness, vacation or a temporary State Department personnel official legal. How does it work and is it worth duty assignment, but then his or her said that a positive drug test would the effort? name goes back into the general pool most likely lead to a recommendation Over the years, FSOs have been for testing. Refusal to take the test or of dismissal. An employee who refus¬ informed, counseled, educated, failure to show up after being notified, es to accept counseling or rehabilita¬ instructed and otherwise introduced is equivalent to failing the test and tion through the State Departments to the banter of the program: It is jus¬ could result in disciplinary action or Employee Assistance Program can tified for protecting national security, dismissal. Samples are collected, also be dismissed, but acceptance of increasing workplace productivity and sealed and shipped to a laboratory in counseling would probably reverse the eliminating risks to die health, welfare California, where they are tested for decision. and safety of the public and State marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP and Department employees. State is set¬ amphetamines. No Recourse ting a good example to other govern¬ An employee is notified if a sample ments and responding to unspecified Truth and Consequences tests positive for drugs. Any medical charges that the U.S. “cannot preach The FAM also states that drug use explanation and prescriptions are then to other governments what it does not can also be concluded from “direct supplied by the employee for evalua¬ practice at home.” observation,” an undefined term tion by a medical review officer. If the which holds potential for abuse. For MRO believes the positive test is “jus¬ Who is Tested? example, during an extended foreign tified” for medical reasons or because Most drug testing is done either for trip or negotiation, a malicious super¬ of legal drug prescriptions, the “reasonable suspicion” or at random. visor or delegation head could state employee is off the hook. If not, the Foreign Sen-ice applicants may also that he observed a subordinate taking decision is final. The FAM offers no be tested and denied admission for a drugs and inform senior officials or appeals process or provision for retest¬ positive drug test. States Medical Office through its pri¬ ing either at the employees or the Although hunches are not consid¬ vacy channel. While there would be State Department’s expense. ered sufficient, certainty of use is not no opportunity for a drug test while Essentially, the State Department required. An employee can be overseas, upon returning to the does not accept the concept of the required to take a drug test based on United States the employees supervi¬ “false positive.” Officials contend that symptoms associated widi drug use, sor could insist that he observed safeguards — such as testing laborato¬ such as erratic behavior or abnormal abuse. FAM regulations state that the ries regularly for proficiency — pre¬ conduct. Likewise, information sup¬ employee shall be immediately clude such errors. Short of being fired plied by “reliable and credible removed from any position requiring from the State Department, a positive sources” can be the basis for a demand access to classified information. drug test leads to a counseling and that an employee submit to testing. Officials in States Medical Office, rehabilitation program. States pro¬ FAM regulations say the State however, claim that this type of hypo¬ gram also includes alcohol abuse Department will administer a pro¬ thetical scenario would be a “he counseling. As part of counseling, gram to test 10 percent of employees said/she said” situation in which no employees are subject to continued each year at facilities in the action would be taken. unannounced testing for a year after Washington area. Currendy, the test¬ But that is contradictory because completing the rehabilitation pro¬ ing is running at die projected level any identification of drug use other gram. and performed monthly at State than voluntary admission requires dis¬ The sole exception to mandatory Department facilities throughout the ciplinary action. Such action ranges disciplinary action is for an employee U.S., except during summer transfer from a written reprimand placed in a who admits to having a drug problem. season. Individuals, including senior personnel file for a year to various lev¬ Such an employee is permitted to employees, are selected randomly by els of suspension, ending with removal enter a drug counseling program Social Security number and are sup¬ from the Foreign Service. There is no without disciplinary action. However, posed to be notified no more than 2 requirement that punishment start at the program is not available to anyone hours before being tested. Specimens a mild level. The FAM permits dis¬ who has already been required to pro¬ are provided in private and unob¬ missal from the Foreign Service for vide a sample through random test¬ served. An individual is excused only any identified drug use and one senior ing.

16 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL!OCTOBER 1998 S P EAKING O U T

According to an assessment from is a tribute to political correctness tine, then why is drug testing neces¬ the Federal Drug-Free Workplace rather than a cost-efficient tool for sary later on? Program, the State Department spent deterring drug use by Foreign Service — Regular medical exams provide $71,707 from April to September personnel for the following reasons: an opportunity for doctors to closely 1995 on 176 random drug tests with — There has never been a drug- scrutinize the physical condition ot only one positive result, and $96,969 related “spy” case at the State the examinee. Although standard from October 1995 to September Department, so the security argu¬ department medical exams do not 1996 on 740 random drug tests with ment is feeble. include drug testing, extended drug only two positive results. Some of — State has a high percentage of use shows in more ways than just in these positive results can be “old fogies,” regardless of age. FSOs urine samples. explained. One employee had don’t fit drug user profiles. Even Although testing indicates virtually improperly taken a spouse’s prescrip¬ employees who may have experi¬ no drug use at State, the testing con¬ tion cough medication and another mented with drugs in their youth, tinues. Isn’t it time for State to elimi¬ employee had been on an extensive, have matured and put such activity nate random testing while keeping self-prescribed herbal program. Still, aside, along with their Turkish water the option of requiring it if erratic these “positives” are counted in pipes. behavior is observed and continuing agency totals. — Foreign Service employees can to offer safe haven to employees who Program apologists will no doubt be tested when they are first hired. At want to refer themselves to a drug conclude from these few positive present, State says that drug testing is program? As State’s drug testing pro¬ results that the program works. I unnecessary because security does a gram now stands, it is an expensive would argue that State s drug program background investigation. If that is way to demean the innocent. ■

Into Something Comfortable Next Time You’re InTown

Furnished Luxury Apartments Guaranteed To Make You Feel At Home • 30-day minimum stay • Completely furnished apartments • All utilities included • Local telephone service with voicemail • Fully-equipped kitchens • 25” color TV vv/VCR, basic cable, free HBO • No security deposit • Maid service exclusively by Marriott Home Solutions

The Lansburgh The Statesman The Parc Vista Oakwood at Charter Oak The Westerly At Doumtoum 2 Blocks to State Dept Pentagon City Tysons Reston Worldgate Wash., D.C. N.W. Wash. DC Tysons Comer Herndon Columbia Crossing Corcoran House The Bennington Pentagon/Arlington Arlington Dupont Circle, Crystal City Courthouse Plaza D.C. Skyline Towers Rosslyn SMITH Gateway Place Falls Church ®nia COR ^RATE 2501 Porter Crystal City Lincoln Towers NWWash., D.C. Springfield Balls/on Water Park Station Close to NFAIA Call Toll-Free UV^ Connecticut Towers Springfield 1 -888-234-STAY (7829) Heights Crystal City The Ellipse NWWusb.. D.C The Renaissance Fairfax/Fair Oaks Fax: 703-960-0940 Tysons Corner E-Mail [email protected]

IIOM /olutions CHARLES E. SMITH RESIDENTIAL ' »Aamol1

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 17 Focus ON THE CARIBBEAN

FROM COMMUNISM TO COCAINE

DRUG TRAFFICKING HAS REPLACED INSURGENCY AS WASHINGTON’S MAJOR CARIBBEAN CONCERN

BIJ George Gedda and Ellen Janies Martin .t was September 1979, and not much was going right for the Carter administration internationally. The Caribbean was no exception. Leftist ideologues were ascendant and even among some democrats, anti-Americanism was in vogue. Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley stood before a Non- Aligned Movement summit meeting in Havana, and said, “No region of the world has suffered more from imperialist exploitation than the Caribbean.” Rebel groups seized power in Grenada in March 1979 and in Suriname 11 months later. In Central America, the western rim of the Caribbean, a pro-Cuban movement had triumphed in Nicaragua and allied insurgencies were active elsewhere on die isthmus. From his perch in die northern Caribbean, Cuban President

18 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 1998 Focus

Fidel Castro gazed down approvingly U.S. aid to the single act provoked the invasion. The on these developments. Bush administration seemed to feel Happily for Washington, the fears Caribbean is down that Panama was too important a about a coalition of anti-American country to have a leader as squalid as states taking over the region were not sharply, from Noriega running it. To critics, of borne out. Just 13 months after his ten- course, the invasion was an unseemly dentiously anti-American speech in $226 million in 1985 intervention in the internal affairs of a Havana, Manley was ousted by sovereign country. Jamaica’s voters, who elected the pro- to $22 million As for the Caribbean islands, tire free enterprise, pro-American Edward central concern of this article, tire Seaga as prime minister. Almost imme¬ in 1996. region nowadays seems almost calm diately after Reagan took office in compared with dre tumultuous 1980s. January 1981, he invited the newly Not surprisingly, with the end of the installed Seaga to the White House. Cold War and the receding of militant anti- And, of course, in Grenada the erratic leftist govern¬ Anrericanism, aid levels are down sharply, from $226 ment was deposed by an American invading force in million in 1985 to $22 million in 1996. The Agency for 1983. That action was declared to he intended to head International Development mission in the region has off a potential Iran-style hostage taking of the hundreds been closed. And, according to people inside and out¬ of Americans on the island. It also eliminated a regime side of government, dre quality of the envoys the United best known for its close ties to Cuba. States sends to the Caribbean is down as well. Within days of that invasion, the leftist government in Moreover, the Clinton administration — and the Suriname, hoping to avoid becoming the next American Congress — seem less willing to take the regions eco¬ target, expelled all Cuban representatives from tire coun¬ nomic concerns as seriously as they once did. Under try. So after several year's in ascendancy, the left found the Reagan, the Caribbean Basin Initiative helped boost pendulum swinging back tire other way, although it was trade and investment in the region. Nowadays, the U.S. not until the early 90s that the rebellions in Central has sparked resentment by undercutting the banana America were tanred, a result largely attributable to gen¬ industry in the Eastern Caribbean — a crop vital to its erous U.S. assistance to friendly forces in tire region. well-being — and also has failed to deliver on promises To many, tire decisive U.S. actions in tire Caribbean of increased access of Caribbean products to its markets. and Central America, particularly during the Reagan This reflects tire growing reluctance of Congress to go administration, helped save democracy, restore stability along with free-trade schemes, although there are cur¬ and head off a prospective security threat to tire United rently proposals in Congress for trade-enhancing legisla¬ States from the south. A less benign view is espoused by tion for tire Caribbean. Ivelaw L. Griffith, a Caribbean expert at Florida International University. He wrote that Reagans elec¬ New Threat: Narcotraffickers tion “heralded a different foreign and security policy” But wlrile in some ways, the dynamic of U.S.- that included “a willingness to use force without much Caribbean relations has changed notably since the end compunction, and an unapologetic pursuit of American of the Cold War, in other ways it has changed little. preeminence in global political, economic and military Then, as now, security remains an obsession for affairs.” Washington aldrough the components are far different. Indeed, tire 1980s ended with U.S. troops summarily The concern over tire Caribbean becoming a Soviet- ousting Panama’s Gen. Manual Antonio Noriega. No Cubarr controlled lake has been replaced by a relatively new phenomenon, one that has come to dominate tire George Gedda is a correspondent for the Associated relationship. The issue is the dramatic increase in use of Press. Ellen James Martin is executive editor of tire Caribbean islands as transit points for U.S.-bound NewsTrends ir Co., a Washington-based news service. narcotics.

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 19 Focus

Two decades ago, the question was whether Caribbean countries or dependent territories. The agree¬ Caribbean islands, widi limited resources, would fall prey ments provide die audiority for U.S. vessels to engage in to leftist rebels. Now the question is whether they will fall patrols, boardings, searches, seizures and arrests in for¬ prey to narcotraffickers. Castro, widely perceived in the eign waters. Hot pursuit of suspect vessels and aircraft region these days as a friend, is no longer the issue — also is authorized. U.S. officials believe about one-third of cocaine trafficking is. As much as 40 per cent of U.S.- die estimated 430 tons of cocaine shipped from South bound cocaine from South America traverses the America to the United States last year was intercepted as Caribbean, a four-fold increase compared with a decade a result of die stepped up U.S. efforts. The foreign min¬ ago. ister of Trinidad and Tobago, Ramesh Maraj, said the alternative to a counter-narcotics agreement widi die It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the United States was to allow his country to be taken over by drug issue on the Caribbean, both in terms of its drag barons. In a similar vein, Jamaican Ambassador impact on local populations and on U.S. relations Richard Bernal noted that 40 determined leftists were wiflr the region. Drug use in these countries has been able to take over Grenada in 1979 and he believes narco¬ increasing, and U.S. officials describe drug-related cor¬ traffickers could perform the same feat on one of die ruption on the islands as rampant. One U.S. counterdrug many small, vulnerable islands in die region. official described his dismay when, on entering a meeting Indeed, during the heyday of die Medellin cartel, die wfth counterpart officials from a Caribbean country, he notorious Colombian drag trafficker Carlos Lehder noticed two of them wearing top-of-the-line Rolex watch¬ bought Normans Cay in the Bahamas chain and flew es, an indication they were on die take from die very peo¬ planes there laden with hundreds of kilograms of cocaine ple diey were supposed to be pursuing. Colombian traf¬ for subsequent delivery to the United States. But Ivelaw fickers are increasingly prone to making payoffs to their Griffith discounts die notion diat tins practice could collaborators on Caribbean islands in cocaine instead of become widespread. The drug traffickers, he said, “want cash, leading to sharp increases in the number of local to influence who gets into power and what they do when addicts. For example, one of the oldest and most elegant they get into power but tiiey do not want to be die top neighborhoods on Curasao, the Dutch dependency near person in power.” Venezuela, has become crack-infested. Some in die Caribbean contend that they probably Drug War by Diktat wouldn’t have a drug problem at all if the United States Cooperation on drag issues widi Caribbean countries were able to deal more effectively with its drug addiction has been inconsistent. The administration has had prob¬ problems. ‘The illicit drug trade is demand-driven,” lems obtaining the extradition of suspected drag crimi¬ Prime Minister Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts and Nevis nals from the Dominican Republic. In St. Kitts and said. “How can we truly expect small, poor countries such Nevis, a businessman wanted in the United States on as mine to defeat the wealthy drag lords if die rich coun¬ drag trafficking charges has successfully avoided extradi¬ tries, with their weakh of resources, are unsuccessful in tion for nearly two years; U.S. officials say he is helped by limiting the demand?” close ties to local officials. Of course, for St. Kitts and the dozens of other Generally, administration officials say cooperation is Caribbean islands, having a large powerful neighbor can increasing. Britain, France and the Nedierlands, all of also have its advantages as well. The tens of thousands of which have strong interests in the region, have joined Americans who visit die region each year have brought it hands with the United States in die drag war. And offi¬ a measure of prosperity. Another bonus is the tens of mil¬ cials expect at some point to have interdiction agree¬ lions of dollars in remittances sent back home by ments with almost all Caribbean countries — the excep¬ Caribbean emigres who have settled in the United States. tion, of course, being Cuba, with which die United States The Chnton administration is attempting to combat refuses to negotiate such issues. U.S. officials have given the drag traffickers through maritime drag interdiction Cuba high marks for keeping traffickers at bay in recent agreements that have been negotiated with about 20 years. Lately, however, Drug Enforcement Administra-

20 FOREIGN SERVICE J OU RN AL/O C T O B ER 1998 Focus

tion officials say drug-bearing canoes As much as 40 percent U.S. process whereby drug-problem that originate in Jamaica have been countries are evaluated on their coop¬ transiting Cuban waters while en of U.S.-bound cocaine eration with U.S. anti-drug efforts. route to the Bahamas. Those found not to be fully cooperat¬ from South America ing can be subjected to economic r I Ihere is little doubt that the penalties. “You are tried, convicted and intense pursuit by the United traverses the sentenced without any right to appeal,” 1 States of the maritime agree¬ says Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. ments, known informally as “shiprider Caribbean. Patterson. “That process is not accord¬ agreements,” has generated resent¬ ed the most notorious drug trafficker, ment in the Caribbean. (Among other who must have his day in court.” provisions, these agreements allow host country law Discussing the maritime agreements, U.S. officials enforcement officers to ride on U.S. counter-narcotics ves¬ acknowledge that Caribbean concerns over loss of sover¬ sels while they are in that country’s territorial waters. eignty and other issues have been valid. But they say that, Hence the term "shiprider.”) generally speaking, these concerns seem to diminish if Gillian Gunn Clissold, of Georgetown University, the United States is perceived as playing fair, is willing to writes that the Caribbean countries wanted to negotiate offer reciprocity and provides genuine assistance. They these agreements on a regionwide basis, but were forced point out that the United States is providing advice on to bow to American insistence on a bilateral approach. In curbing money-laundering, training of customs person¬ these unequal negotiations, the powerful U.S. generally nel and firearms training, and also is helping to create was able to get its way. Clissold also notes that the shiprid¬ regional witness protection programs. er agreements were presented to each state as a finished In an upbeat cable last April, Donald Holm, the document, on a take-it-or-leave it basis. “No effort was deputy chief of mission in Barbados wrote that regional made to tailor each agreement to the specific concerns of criticism of U.S. counter-narcotics policy seemed to be each state,” Clissold says. She also heard complaints from fading. “Countries in the region are increasingly coming the Caribbean that U.S. officials threatened to publicly to recognize the importance of cooperation in combat¬ identify tire corrupt officials in countries that were reluc¬ ting a threat that is beyond national capabilities,” Holm tant to sign these agreements. Officials in Barbados told wrote. He noted that countries which once resisted mar¬ Clissold they found it telling that the Federal Aviation itime agreements — Jamaica, Barbados and Colombia — Administration issued a warning about unsafe conditions “are voicing strong support for cooperative maritime at the country’s airport at a time when Barbados was interdiction efforts.” resisting American pressures to sign a shiprider agree¬ Also, to help counter the notion that Caribbean com¬ ment. To the Barbadians, the U.S. message was clear: plaints go unheard in Washington, high-level contacts Sign the agreement or we’ll wreck your tourism industry have been more frequent. In May 1997, President by telling the world your airport is unsafe. Clinton became the first U.S. president to attend a sum¬ Louis Tull, a former Barbados foreign minister, was mit meeting with Caribbean leaders. Secretary of State quoted in the Los Angeles Times as saying, “During tire Madeleine Albright has promised to meet with her Cold War, tire United States seemed to be more con¬ Caribbean colleagues annually. In April 1998, such a cerned about the feelings of countries in this part of the meeting was held on the island of Tobago. world. When there was a Soviet alternative, the United States had to operate widr a lot of finesse. Now, there’s Outside NAFTA, Looking In only one superpower so they don’t have to worry about Still, Caribbean countries are rankled by the slow that any more. There has been a certain heavy-handed¬ progress toward a hemisphere-wide free trade agree¬ ness by the United States toward its friends in the ment. Hemispheric nations agreed in 1994 to negotiate Caribbean.” such an agreement by 2005 but the administration has Another sore point for the Caribbean is the annual been hamstrung by congressional refusal to give it the

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 21 Focus

authority to negotiate. At the summit Since Mexico joined to put the Caribbean on an equal foot¬ meeting in Barbados in May 1997, ing with NAFTA member Mexico fell Clinton spoke optimistically about the NAFTA in 1994, more victim in the Congress last fall to the prospects for congressional approval widespread perception that free trade of so-called NAFTA parity legislation than 100,000 textile- means loss of U.S. jobs to lower-wage that would put the Caribbean on an countries. Many in the Congressional even footing with Mexico in terms of manufacturing jobs Black Caucus, presumably a natural access to U.S. markets. But five ally of the Caribbean, heeded the months later, the legislation was have been lost in advice of the AFL-CIO and voted defeated in the House by 52 votes. against NAFTA parity. Mexico’s accession to NAFTA in the Caribbean. 1994 has hindered Caribbean devel¬ While the Caribbean countries opment. In 1993, the Caribbean, have been disappointed through the Reagan-era Caribbean Basin Initiative, about the absence of enjoyed preferential access for many products although NAFTA parity, they have been downright resentful about some politically sensitive items, such as petroleum, die U.S. banana policy in the Caribbean. In 1996, the sugar, textiles and footwear, were excluded. Under a administration decided to challenge the system under compromise that allowed the Caribbean countries to put which European countries offered preferential treatment the finishing touches on apparel partly assembled in the to die banana imports of their former colonies, including United States, Caribbean apparel exports to the United those in the Caribbean. The administration, joined by sev¬ States increased by 94 per cent between 1989 and 1994, eral Lafin American countries, took its case to the World almost double the worldwide increase in such items. Trade Organization, which ruled in favor of die American Things changed when Mexico joined NAFTA in complainants in early 1997. 1994. Apparel-producing firms found they could set up The decision to take the case to the WTO was favored shop in Mexico and ship duty-free to the United States, by die office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which avoiding the 19 percent value added tax the U.S. argued that the European Union’s licensing system was charged (and still does) on apparel finished in the unfairly punishing big American firms, such as United Caribbean. The result was predictable: apparel imports Brands International and Dole Food Co. The Latin from Mexico grew three times as fast as those from the American countries which joined the suit made a similar Caribbean since 1994. And according to the Caribbean argument. Some in the State Department had argued Textile and Apparel Institute, from 1995 to 1997, more against the United States taking the lead in the case, than 150 apparel plants closed in the Caribbean and mindful diat a U.S. victory would strike a blow at banana- 123,000 jobs were lost. dependent Caribbean countries which are poor to begin Georgetown’s Clissold notes that some in Washington with. They also predicted, correctly, that the United say this trend is partially attributable to an unfavorable States would take a hit politically. business climate in the Caribbean; there are frequent “The U.S. continues to be reckless in its efforts to delays in the issuance of permits and licenses. Some of undermine the viability of the banana industry in these the lower-wage Caribbean countries, such as the islands,” says Kenny Andiony, St. Lucias prime minister Dominican Republic, have been less affected by the and head of die Caribbean Community trade bloc. “We Mexican advantage under NAFTA than the English- had thought that die U.S. had caused sufficient diplomat¬ speaking countries. Indeed, official figures show the ic and economic damage to die region, especially die Dominican Republic and Costa Rica have accounted for Windward Islands, that they would have taken die oppor¬ more than half of overall annual U.S. imports from tunity provided by their victory at the WTO to seek to Caribbean Basin countries since 1989. repair some of diat damage.” (The Windwards are in the The anti-free trade backlash in the United States also southeastern Caribbean and include Grenada, St. Lucia, has adversely affected Caribbean interests. Legislation St. Vincent and Martinique.) Edison James, prime minis-

22 FOREIGN SERVICE J O U R N A U O C T O B E R 199S Focus

ter of Dominica, told the U.N. General Assembly in Less ominous than tire drug traffickers but nonetheless October of 1997: "Our main means of livelihood, bananas, annoying to U.S. officials is the way Castro has been able has been placed on the shakiest of grounds by this [WTO] to transform himself in the Caribbean from regional decision. Such uncertainty brings about instability and can predator to elder statesman. Castro received warm wel¬ threaten peace.” Many in the Caribbean feel the U.S. comes in August during Iris travels to Jamaica, Barbados, action in the WTO was a political payoff to Carl Lindner, Grenada and tire Dominican Republic. No longer viewed chairman of Chiquita Banana and a major contributor to as a threat, Castro pleased his hosts by attacking U.S. poli¬ the Democratic Party. cies toward the region. In turn, he won strong support for Iris demand for an end to the U.S. trade embargo against To help promote crop diversification in banana- Cuba. dependent countries, principally Dominica, St. The most poignant stop on the trip was Grenada, the Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, Jamaica and Belize, only country where, during almost 40 years of rivaliy, Albright told Caribbean leaders in Tobago last April that Cubans and Americans engaged in armed combat. Most $4.7 million was being earmarked for that goal. She also Grenadans backed tire U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983 said the United States will help Caribbean countries and President Reagan received a hero’s welcome there obtain $300 million from the Caribbean Development three years later. The reception for Castro on Aug. 2 was Bank and other international lending institutions. Many less effusive but still warm. The hug he received from Caribbean leaders say it is in the United States’ own Prime Minister Keith Mitchell on his arrival made it clear interests to do more, pointing out that drug kingpins that the hard feelings of the past have been overcome — will find an economically thriving Caribbean less hos¬ and that the era of Cold War competition in the Caribbean pitable to their malevolent designs. has really receded into the past. ■ ms )akwood Corporate Housing has 20 Years Of 3ecome the largest and most trusted provider of temporary housing in the Experience. country for two important reasons. We take care of all the details. And we’re completely concerned with the comfort 3.000 of our clients. This degree of customer focus, which includes the industry’s first Satisfaction Guarantee, has earned us the Professionals. business of most of the Fortune 500. We ensure the comfort of more than 100.000 75,000 families each year and find them exactly what they’re looking for. So call Oakwood Corporate Housing Apartments. today and let us find you the accommodations you need. It All Adds Up To OakwoocL The Most Trusted Name in Corporate Housing “

1-703-212-2600

t=r www.oakwood.com 1-800-832-8329

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 23 Focus ON THE CARIBBEAN

UNMAKING CUBA POLICY THE CLINTON YEARS

FRIENDS WARNED ME NOT TO TAKE THE WHITE HOUSE CUBA POST. Now I KNOW WHY.

By Richard A. Nuccio

hris Marquis, the Washington correspondent for the Miami Herald, and I had planned a dinner to catch up on various matters personal and professional and now we had our chance. Chris was in Miami for his annual review with his bosses; I for the latest of my many trips to “Havana North” — the Cuban-American exile community in Miami. Perhaps because his mind was on his own career that day, his first comment to me was that my appointment on May 25, 1995 as special adviser to the president and the secretary of State for Cuba had baffled my friends. “Your career’s been on the fast track for the last few years. Why do you want to destroy it with this job?”

24 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 1998 Focus

I smiled and made light of the I knew that for thought when I became a State comment: “Don’t you think I know Department political appointee in that the solution to most problems in decades Cuba had July 1993 that my work on the CDA U.S. Cuba policy is to take the lead would serve as a shield to protect person on Cuba to the roof of the been a “third rail” me from the most vicious kinds of State Department and throw him personal attacks. off?” for foreign policy I suppose that what I meant by this lex Watson’s confirmation as phrase, which I often repeated in an professionals. assistant secretary in June attempt at gallows humor, was that A 1993 and my appointment a forewarned is forearmed. As a stu¬ month later as his senior policy dent of the making of Cuba policy, I was aware that adviser appeared to many to have resolved the direc¬ the twists and turns of U.S.-Cuba relations had affect¬ tion of Cuba policy in the new administration. Experts ed the careers of many Foreign Service officers. From on the region, such as Peter Hakim of the Inter- the Carter administration opening in the late 1970s American Dialogue, bemoaned publicly the lack of through the 1990s, Cuba continued to be a “third rail” debate about Cuba within the new administration. for foreign policy professionals. Indeed, one of the Inside, however, the first of several policy fights over first acts of the Clinton administration on Latin Cuba was erupting. During the summer and fall of America was to abandon its first candidate for assis¬ 1993, dueling memos from within the Inter-American tant secretary of State for inter-American affairs, Affairs Bureau went to Watson arguing for an aggres¬ Mario Baeza, when he was attacked by the Cuban- sive reassessment of the economic embargo. The “lib¬ American lobby. After several months, the administra¬ erals” in this debate were not friends of the Cuban tion then nominated Alexander F. Watson, a relative¬ regime. They believed that greater openness and flex¬ ly uncontroversial FSO, for the assistant secretary ibility in U.S. policy would hasten rather than retard a slot. As a staffer to one of the congressmen involved in transition in Cuba. Defenders of the status quo on torpedoing Baeza’s nomination, I thought I had Cuba did not necessarily disagree with specific policy learned something about the politics of Cuba policy. measures advocated by the “liberals,” but argued that Cuba policy had to conform to the wishes of the pow¬ ‘Managed from the right’ erful Cuban-American lobby if it were to avoid politi¬ Also contributing to my hubris about surviving cal attack. Watson embraced the “liberals’ ” argu¬ Washington’s “Cuba wars” was the reputation I ments intellectually, but deferred to the judgment of brought into the administration. From 1991 to 1993,1 those career officials with Cuba experience in the was the “point person” for Rep. Robert G. Torricelli bureau that Cuba should be “managed from the (D-N.J.) on his controversial legislation, the Cuban right.” Democracy Act. Although the legislation was nuanced Silencing the push for a more proactive Cuba poli¬ and had both “hard” and “soft” elements, its support¬ cy within State, however, did not end debate about ers and detractors described it as stridently anti- Cuba policy within the administration. Rather, the Castro. For my work on behalf of the legislation I was debate shifted to an internal struggle between State applauded by the Cuban-American community in and the National Security Council. NSC senior direc¬ Miami, at least by the 85 percent who endorsed the tor for Latin America Richard Feinberg had early on embargo. Although I rejected their offers to help me abandoned his own efforts to influence Cuba policy. obtain an appointment in the administration, I That placed Morton Halperin, a veteran Washington insider, in a position to contest the State Richard A. Nuccio is a visiting scholar at Harvard Department’s “management from the right.” University, working on Cuba and post-Cold War Migration proved to be the “wedge” issue with which foreign policy issues.

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 25 THE REMINGTON 2 BLOCKS FROM STATE

Remington Short-Term Housing, offering convenience, elegance and comfort in prestigious Foggy Bottom within walking distance of the Kennedy Center and Georgetown. That Persona/ Touch, Your Home Autay from Hamel Featuring: • Spacious One-bedroom Condominiums —fully furnished w/balconies • In-Unit Washer/Dryer • Fully equipped kitchens/microwave • Unlimited local telephone service w/ans machine • Extended Cable TV/HBO and Showtime Contact: Rosemary Jarvis or Antoinette Wilson 601 24th Street, NW Suitel02 Washington, DC 20037 Pent by the day, Meek or month; (800) 225-3847; (202) 223^512 Small Pets Accepted FAX: (202) 452-9541

The Simple Truth...

Factory wholesale pricing on all Chrysler, Ford and General Motors products through Diplomatic Automobile Sales. (For overseas or stateside delivery) mmm

For more information, visit our website: www.diplosales.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (516) 496-1806 Fax: (516) 677-3701

i is the authorized distributor for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors to the Diplomatic Community.

26 FOREIGN SERVICE J O U RN AL/OCT O B ER 199S Focus

he could separate the White House Clinton’s measures to of the August restrictions in March from States handling of Cuba. As a 1998 as a response to the Pope’s wave of Cuban rafters built over the “punish” Cuba appeal to “open up to Cuba.” summer of 1994, the State Department prepared to implement inconvenienced Castro, n die months after the August a long-standing plan to respond to a 1994 decisions, the White Cuban migration crisis by bringing but undermined U.S. I House worked feverishly to calm tens of thousands of Cubans to the the troubled waters in Miami’s United States and stationing them at policy goals. Cuban-Ameriean community. The military facilities around the country. president would be joining 33 other No one at State foresaw that this hemispheric heads of state in plan would seem hauntinglv familiar to President December 1994 for the first Summit of the Americas. Clinton. Clinton lost his first bid for reelection as gov¬ White House aides were apprehensive that protests in ernor when his opponent successfully blamed Clinton the Cuban-Ameriean community would embarrass the for “riots” bv Cuban refugees interned in Arkansas by president. On one of their political rescue missions to President Carter. Clinton was not about to repeat that Miami, I substituted for Dennis Hays, State’s Cuban “mistake.” The president chose instead to apply to affairs coordinator, and was “discovered.” Here was a Cuba a plan first developed for Haitian boatpeople: political appointee who spoke Spanish and had worked intercepting Cuban rafters at sea and placing them in for Bob Torricelli, the one Democrat beloved by the detention camps in the Guantanamo Naval Base. exile community! Between September and December 1994 I traveled weekly to Miami and several times to Bringing Peace to Miami Guantanamo Bay as the “White House Liaison to the Those on the NSC who recommended this policy to Cuban-Ameriean Community,” taking the temperature the president assessed correctly the national political of Cuban exiles and making policy and political recom¬ appeal of preventing waves of illegal immigrants from mendations that I thought would increase the adminis¬ entering the United States. They underestimated, how¬ tration’s standing in Miami. For my efforts, State gave ever, the outrage with which Cuban-Americans would me a Superior Honor Award in March 1995. The first react to “punishing the victims” of Castro’s tyranny. draft of the citation was a little too honest and referred Many exiles’ identity was defined by their flight to free¬ to Miami as a town that might have been burned to the dom in the United States. Clinton was forced to inter¬ ground by rabid exiles but for my endeavors. The final rupt his birthday celebration on August 12, 1994, the wording of the award was much more diplomatic, “For day after his announcement of the new migration mea¬ enabling through superior diplomatic and political sures, to meet with Florida Governor Lawton Chiles skills, the Summit of the Americas ... to take place in a and others flown to Washington on Cuban-Ameriean climate of harmony and full support from the Miami National Foundation president Jorge Mas Canosa’s pri¬ community.” vate plane. Having punished the victims, Clinton was The policy “fix” of stockpiling rafters worked until now persuaded to “punish” the perpetrator by cutting the next summer when, facing the prospect of riots off the flow of Cuban exile travel to Cuba and the send¬ among the 15,000 Cuban rafters still detained in ing of remittances to families on the island. The restric¬ Guantanamo, Clinton chose on May 2, 1995 from a tions inconvenienced the Castro regime, but did far menu of Cuba options presented to him by the NSC: more damage to the president’s own policy of promot¬ From Column A the president chose to permit all ing peaceful change on the island through contact and detainees in Guantanamo to enter the United States exchange with the outside world. The administration legally; from Column B, to return all future rafters to confirmed the short-sightedness of these panicked Cuba. In the August 1994 migration decisions the reactions to Cuban-Ameriean protest by revoking most administration established a pattern of taking bold steps

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 27 Focus

in the national interest only when it Cuban-American vate battle between State and the did not understand the political NSC broke into the open. Dennis implications of the actions. protesters blocked a Hays, an advocate of “management In its May 1995 decisions, the from the right” who represented the White House had once again made a highway and staged State Department in migration talks defensible policy choice that infuri¬ in New York that April discovered ated the Cuban-American communi¬ hunger strikes. that a secret agreement had been ty. Senior White House aides negotiated behind his back. He asked seemed to believe that the exile to be transferred from the Cuba desk. community would be compensated for the end of 35 Those like Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) who had rec¬ years of honoring those who fled Cuba as heroes by the ommended that some solution to the fate of the rafters acceptance of the remaining drafters in Guantanamo in Guantanamo be found were shocked by the inept¬ into the United States. The White House was wrong. ness of the administration’s “rollout” of the migration Angry exiles staged hunger strikes at the doors of the decision. Graham called for the appointment of a Cuba Miami Herald, men and women shut down the high¬ “czar” to manage a Cuba policy diat seemed in chaos. way to Miami’s busy airport for a time, and protests Halperin’s liberal credentials and association with the streamed into the White House. Once again the White May 2 accord made him the target of the exiles’ anger. House was poised like a deer in the headlamps. It When the dust cleared, on May 25, 1995,1 was named appeared close to reversing the migration decision it special adviser to the president and the secretary of had paid such a heavy political price to take. The pri¬ State for Cuba.

TYTesttown School, founded in 1799, W is a Quaker co-ed day> and hoarding school with 600 students from 25 states and 17 countries located in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

ww

85% of the faculty reside on the 600-acre campus . which includes a science center, art center, field house and 24-meter swimming pool.

WESTTOWN SCHOOL • WESTTOWN , PA

610-399-7900

28 FOREIGN SERVICE J OU RN AL/OCT O B E R 1998 American Foreign Service Association

THE SELLING OF AMBASSADORSHIPS

by Willard DePree of routinely sending unknown political Retiree Representative appointees as an insult. Finally, appointing Governing Board President: Daniel F. Geisler large numbers of unqualified non-career State Vice President: vacant ith campaign finance abuse under ambassadors seriously undermines the morale USAID Vice President: Frank Miller O USIA Vice President: J. Riley Sever scrutiny in the Congress, AFSA is of the career Foreign Service. CS Vice President: Charles Kestenbaum determined to promote its opposi¬ AFSA takes its concerns to Congress FAS Vice President: Maggie Dowling Retiree Vice President: Edward Dillery tion to the selling of ambassadorships to AFSA's goals are two-fold: to halt the selling Secretary: Aurelius Fernandez unqualified appointees. Both Democrats and of ambassadorships by encouraging administra¬ Treasurer: Thomas Boyatt State Representatives: Natalie Brown, Republicans have engaged in the practice of tions to focus on the qualifications of their Marilyn Bruno, Michael Corbett, rewarding ambassadorships for party loyalty ambassadorial nominees and to open up more Christopher Sandrolini, Greg Stanton USAID Representative: vacant or largess to the detriment of our national opportunities for career Foreign Service officers USIA Representative: Susan Crais Hovanec interest and professional service. Last winter, to use their professional experience and exper¬ Retiree Representatives: Garber Davidson, Willard DePree, William Harrop, Clyde Taylor interested AFSA members formed an Ad Hoc tise at the pinnacle of their careers. FAS Representative: Dave Salmon Working Group to push for reform in the The Ad Hoc Working Group urged AFSA CS Representative: vacant Staff ambassadorial nomination process. AFSA is to seek to testify before the campaign finance Executive Director: Susan Reardon not dogmatically opposed to all political hearings detailing past abuses and potential Business Department Controller: David McEvoy appointees — many are well qualified. Our reforms concerning ambassadorial nomina¬ Accounting Assistant: Jenifer O'Neal concern is with those who are not. tions. As a first step, the group recommended Labor Management General Counsel: Sharon Papp Buying and selling ambassadorships is ille¬ that AFSA ask friends in the administration Staff Attorney: Colleen Fallon gal and has a corrupting influence on and on the Hill for the best approach to attain Coordinators: Richard C. Scissors Specialist: James Vorke American politics. Unprofessional diplomatic our goals. The group proposed four alterna¬ USIA Labor Relations Specialist: Carol Lutz behavior by political appointees has at times tives for reform to present during congression¬ Labor Management Attorneys: Suzanne Brennan, Tanisha Cole seriously hindered effective implementation al consultations: Grievance Attorneys: Henry Sizer, and understanding of qur policies and, on (1) seek a sense of the Congress resolution urg¬ Zlatana Badrich Law Clerk: Peter Hutchinson occasion, has proved embarrassing to the ing administrations to vet prospective nominees Office Manager: Rita Cohen United States. Some countries view the practice Member Services Continued on page 5 Director: Janet Hedrick Represenfaf/ve.Yolanda Odunsi Administrative Assistant: Thomasina Johnson • AFSA Dateline • Retiree Liaison: Ward Thompson •AFSA's 75th Anniversary committee, •Eugene Peters and D. Sharon Matts of Professional Programs Professional Issues Coordinator: headed by Honorary Chair Madeleine Burwell, Peters & Houston contributed Richard S. Thompson Albright and Chairman Brandon Grove, is $1,000.00 to the Walter "Rick" F. Weiss Congressional Affairs Director: Ken Nakamura Communications Coordinator: Kristina Kreamer pleased to announce that all four former Memorial Scholarship. Rick Weiss, a Scholarship Administrator: Lori Dec U.S. presidents and all eight former secre¬ retired FSO and lobbyist for AFSA, died Corporate Relations: Mark Lore taries of State have agreed to serve as suddenly in February 1998. With this con¬ Internet Addresses: honorary members of the committee. tribution, AFSA was able to award this [email protected] (Association) scholarship under AFSA's Financial Aid [email protected] (President) [email protected] (FSJ) •The family of Prabhi Kavaler, an FSO Program to Ian Johnson in the amount of $2,500.00. This program provides financial AFSA Headquarters: (202) 3384045 who died on August 7 in the embassy FAX: (202| 338-6820 bombing in Nairobi, has established a assistance to needy Foreign Service students State Department Office:(202] 647-8160 scholarship fund in her name to help to help defray college expenses. FAX: (202) 647-0265 USAID Office: (202) 712-1941 Foreign Service children pay for college FAX: (202) 2163710 costs. If you wish to contribute to this fund, •AFSA welcomes four new staff members. USIA Office: (202)401-6405 FAX: (202) 401-6410 please contact Lori Dec, at (202) 944- Zlatana Badrich is a grievance attorney in AFSA News Editor: Wesley Ann Godard 5504 or [email protected]. Continued on page 3

AFSA NEWS • OCTOBER 1998 I Protect Your RETIREES Rights: AFSA V.P. VOICE Issues New • BY EDWARD DILIERY • Guidance Dispatches from the Past by Sharon Papp, General Counsel for the 75th Anniversary The AFSA labor management staff has taken advantage of the sum¬ With next year's 75th anniver¬ informing the public about the Foreign mer lull in grievance filings to sary of the Foreign Service in Service, its history and people. I recom¬ update its grievance and Equal mind, I included Emperor mend it as a particularly appropriate Employment Opportunity (EEO) guide¬ Dead — and Other Historic American read — and loan to friends — as we lines. Each year, AFSA's grievance Diplomatic Dispatches in my summer move toward the events surrounding the staff assist about 1 50 active and beach reading. The book was edited celebration of the 75th Anniversary of retired members from State, AID, by FSO Peter Eicher and the Rogers Act and the USIA, FCS, and FAS with grievances published in 1 996 by the founding of the current involving performance evaluations, Congressional Quarterly "This would be Foreign Service. denial of promotion or tenure, selec¬ with cooperation from Plans for the anniver¬ tion out, allowances, discrimination, DACOR and the an ideal book sary celebration are mov¬ overtime compensation, and discipli¬ Association for Diplomatic to suggest to ing ahead. AFSA, mark¬ nary actions. AFSA's new grievance Studies and Training ing its own 75th birthday guidelines provide an overview of the (ASDT). As Edward Killham people outside at the same time, is tak¬ Foreign Service grievance system and said in an August 1 997 the Foreign ing the lead with the describe the mechanics of filing and review in the Foreign strong cooperation of the processing a grievance. Service Journal, "This meaty Service." State Department. AFSA guidance and assistance is also survey of diplomatic report¬ Secretary Madeleine available to members who believe they ing from the birth of the Albright is serving as hon¬ have been discriminated against on the republic to 1964 ... is a orary chair of the anniver¬ basis of age, sex, color, race, religion, valuable history of the modern world sary committee, whose honorary mem¬ sexual orientation, or disabling condition through the penned dispatches of hun¬ bers include former secretaries of and those who have been contacted as dreds of American diplomats." State and presidents. Chairman witnesses in EEO complaints. The book's 471 pages include Brandon Grove is overseeing celebra¬ Since 1991, Foreign Service reports on everything from political tion plans aimed at making 1999 a employees have been able to choose issues to consular cases and adminis¬ year of public focus on the Foreign whether they wish to pursue their EEO trative problems. The collection blends Service, past and future. Activities will claim through the agency's EEO office important dispatches from distin¬ include media events, a nation-wide or through the Foreign Service guished Americans (some of whom high school essay contest, business Grievance System. went on to become president) with community involvement, exhibits, a AFSA's EEO guidance describes the dispatches chosen because they are gala celebration, a special Foreign two processes, explains when an elec¬ beautifully written or simply amusing. Service Day (of course) and our local tion of forums (EEO versus grievance) Eicher begins with a wonderful speakers program with the key partici¬ must be made, and compares the reme¬ introduction to the history of the pation of retirees in outreach to the dial relief available in each forum. A Foreign Service, the clearest and public. Many materials, including spe¬ new section has been added to the guid¬ most concise that I have ever seen. cial issues of the Journal and State ance that describes the procedures and He also puts each dispatch in context Magazine, will be available to sup¬ remedies for employees who believe with a short introduction. The result is port these activities. The Eicher book they have been discriminated against on a book that gives an authentic sense is among the best of these. the basis of sexual orientation. of the Foreign Service. Reading it will (NOTE: To order copies of AFSA has also issued guidance to make you proud to have been a part Emperor Dead — and Other Historic AFSA post representatives describing of this great institution. American Diplomatic Dispatches from the steps they should take to assist This would be an ideal book to the publisher, write Congressional members who are under investigation suggest to people outside the Quarterly at 1414 22nd St. NW, by the Office of the Inspector General Foreign Service who are interested Washington, D.C. 20037. I should (OIG) or Diplomatic Security (DS) or in what we have done. Wide circula¬ warn you that the book is a bit expen¬ who are contacted as witnesses by tion of the book could be a great sive at $90, but very worthwhile. these offices. AFSA's labor manage¬ outreach idea like AFSA's Elderhostel ADST has a few copies available at a ment staff has accompanied dozens of program which is so successful in discount to its members.) members to OIG and DS investigations Continued on page 6

2 AFSA NEWS • OCTOBER 1998 Sinclaire Award Winners Announced V.P. VOICE • BY RILEY SEVER • AFSA has announced the 1998 recipi¬ ents of the AFSA Matilda W. Sinclaire Awards for achievement in the study of Going Home hard languages and their associated cul¬ tures. Each winner receives $ 1000. As the flag-draped caskets of the cials, solicitous comments from mem¬ American staff killed in the bers of Congress and heart-rending Lisa M. Carle Arabic embassy bombings in Africa photographs and headlines in the Frank Collins III Finnish were carried from the Air Force newspapers. Everyone was shocked Thomas F. Daughton Greek plane, a military band played the and alarmed by the deaths of 1 2 Gregory Elftmann (USIA) Latvian "Going Home" theme by Dvorak. embassy staff. But those of us who Patrick J. Freeman Bengali The music seemed especially appro¬ have worked in embassies overseas Robert R. Gabor Nepali priate since these col¬ were not surprised. Patricia M. Haslach Indonesian leagues were going home The past 20 years have John Brady Kiesling Armenian for the last time. Along with seen a dramatic increase Gregory M. Marchese Dari hundreds of others, I had 'First provide in the threats to U.S. Brian H. Phipps Urdu come not only to mourn, protection for the embassy personnel. Evans J. R. Revere Korean but also to show how Nearly all of us have at Donald R. Shemanski Greek proud I was of those col¬ Foreign Service least one experience Martina A. Tkadlec Polish leagues who had given people who imple¬ where either we or our Matthew C. Victor Polish their lives for our country. families have been While standing in that ment America's exposed to personal dan¬ Dateline crowd, I thought how little foreign policy." ger. The threats aren't new Continued from page 1 those watching this event and they aren't likely to the labor management office. She grad¬ on television knew about lessen. In 1986 the uated in 1997 from the Catholic what we in the Foreign Advisory Panel on University School of Law and was previ¬ Service do, much less the professional Overseas Security chaired by Admiral ously a law clerk with the Federal Labor challenges and physical dangers we Bobby Inman issued a report describ¬ Relations Authority. She is also fluent in encounter during our careers. Few ing a need for about $4.4 billion to Serbo-Croatian. positive images in the popular con¬ provide adequate security at our facil¬ James Yorke is a labor management sciousness come to mind. We are usu¬ ities overseas. The various administra¬ specialist assisting members with ally portrayed as over-paid, cookie¬ tions and Congresses since then have inquiries about allowances, travel and pushing, striped-pants diplomats living provided barely a third of that figure. per diem. He is retired from the British in luxury overseas. Our work is little While the U.S. military retaliation a Royal Navy and a Foreign Service understood and therefore distrusted week after the bombings was justified spouse. He is actually returning to by both political parties, each of and satisfying, it also increased the AFSA after a tour in Colombia. which sees us in league with the threat against our overseas facilities. It Derwinn Green joins the staff as the other. Yet both parties will agree that is time for this administration to com¬ Foreign Service Journal's editorial intern we are responsible for every per¬ mit itself to providing the funds for for the fall. He is a native of Buford, ceived foreign policy blunder. adequate security to all U.S facilities S.C. and a senior at Howard University We are an easy target because we overseas. It is time for Congress to where he is studying journalism, French have no broad American constituency. support that effort and it is time for the and Spanish. There is AFSA and there are our fami¬ State Department to use those funds Nathan Van Dusen is the new advertis¬ lies and friends to speak up for us. As promptly. Dividing our overseas posts ing intern for the Foreign Service Journal. retired FSO David T. Jones wrote in a into greater and lesser threat cate¬ A native of Burlington, Vt., he is a senior letter printed on the editorial page of gories is an excuse for not committing at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. the Washington Post on August 15, adequate funds to make them all majoring in government. 1 998, "It is bitterly amusing that the secure. That is no longer acceptable. only time Foreign Service personnel All of our facilities and personnel, are noticed by the American public both American and foreign, are current¬ AAFSW ROUND TABLE ON EIDER CARE and Congress is when we are mur¬ ly at risk. First we must provide protec¬ TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3,1998 dered or held hostage." tion for the Foreign Service people who DEFT, OF STATE - ROOM 1912 During the initial days after the are serving on the front lines to imple¬ 9:30 AM TO 1:00 PM bombings in Africa, there were many ment America's foreign policy. Then, I (FOR FS AND CS EMPLOYEES AND FAMILY) polished speeches by government offi¬ will be ready to listen to speeches.

AFSA NEWS • OCTOBER 1998 3 THE AFSA USAID MEMORIAL PLAQUE V.P. VOICE by Richard Thompson, Professional Issues Coordinator • BY FRANK MILLER • The tragic embassy bombings in Africa A Grateful Nation Mourns Its Dead have sparked a spate of inquiries about the memorial plaques, and men¬ On Thursday, August 13, President for which they lived. Nothing can bring tion of them in public comments and news Clinton led over a thousand mourners — them back, but nothing can erase the stories. Two common misunderstandings members of the Cabinet, the Congress, the lives they led, the difference they made, are that only Foreign Service officers are diplomatic community and the armed the joy they brought. Each of them rel¬ listed on the plaques, and that they include forces; friends and colleagues from ished the chance to see the world and all FSOs who die while serving abroad in America's foreign affairs to make it better." whatever circumstances. agencies; and family mem¬ Secretary of State The first memorial plaque, now at the bers - in a tearful tribute to Madeleine Albright said, west end of the diplomatic entrance of the 1 2 American victims of "Many of those "Terror can turn life to the Department of State, was unveiled on the terrorist bombings in FSNs who died death, laughter to tears and March 3, 1 933 by Secretary of State Kenya and Tanzania. shared hope to sorrowful Henry Stimson at the entrance of what is As your AFSA represen¬ were the sole memory, but it cannot now the Old Executive Office Building, tative and as a friend of the supporters of change America's determi¬ standing next to the White House, which Kirk family, I had the honor nation to lead or to strive then housed the State, War and Navy of attending this solemn cer¬ large extended with others to build a world Departments. The inscription on this emony. While waiting at families." where there is more prosper¬ plaque states: "Erected by members of Andrews Air Force Base for ity, freedom and peace." the American Foreign Service the C-l 7 carrying the cas¬ President Clinton and Association in honor of diplomatic and kets of our fallen friends, my Secretary Albright also hon¬ consular officers of the United States mind drifted back to earlier days in Cairo ored the Foreign Service National employ¬ who while on active duty lost their lives when I first met Arlene Kirk, one of the vic¬ ees who perished protecting American under heroic or tragic circumstances." tims, at an embassy function for newcom¬ interests in Kenya and Tanzania, as well The establishment of this plaque grew ers. Arlene had come to Cairo with her as private citizens of both countries who out of efforts in the late '20s and early three children and husband, Bob Kirk, were killed. '30s to establish a "Roll of Honor" nam¬ who worked for USAID. Arlene was a After the ceremony, William Harrop, ing those who had died by violence or gregarious, enthusiastic young woman an AFSA board member and a former other causes related to service abroad who quickly became a key member of the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, stated that such as tropical diseases. The first name embassy community. She was the first to everyone there, whether they were part is that of William Palfrey, chosen by the volunteer to sponsor new families in Cairo, of the foreign affairs agencies or not, Continental Congress as Consul General teaching them local customs and where to felt a loss. He noted that more people to France, who set sail in 1 790 and was shop. Arlene opened up her home for var¬ now understand that diplomacy is a never heard from again. Travel by sea ious events during Black History Month in high-risk profession. was dangerous and often fatal in the Cairo and served the best soul food imag¬ The Department of State sent a early years of our country, and tropical inable. The Kirk family was no stranger to cable to all diplomatic and consular diseases also frequently struck down adversity; while in Cairo, a young daugh¬ posts requesting donations to support 19th century American representatives. ter became ill and died. Arlene's strength our Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) The first plaque was originally limited and love sustained the family during that who suffered in the bombings. FSNs to officers, but after World War II the difficult period. Her sense of friendship are an essential part of our foreign plaque became open to Foreign Service and her love is what we will remember policy team, often risking their person¬ personnel of all ranks. The second about her. al safety to promote America over¬ plaque, erected in 1 972 during the Emotions overflowed at the ceremony. seas. Many of those FSNs who died Vietnam War, carried a new inscription: President Clinton called the murdered were the sole supporters of large "Erected by the American Foreign Americans patriots. "We came to honor extended families. These families do Service Association in honor of those 12 proud sons and daughters who per¬ not have the survivor benefits avail¬ Americans who have lost their lives ished half a world away, but never left able to American victims. abroad under heroic or other inspira¬ America behind, who carried with them Contributions qualify as a charitable tional circumstances while serving the the love of their families, the respect of deduction for federal income tax purpos¬ country abroad in foreign affairs." Death their countrymen, and above all, the ideals es. Checks can be sent to: FSN from disease has generally not been con¬ for which America stands. We must honor Emergency Fund, c/o Donna Bordley, sidered a basis for consideration since the memory of those we mourn today by FMP, Room 7427, Dept of State, World War II. Terrorism has become the pressing the cause of freedom and justice Washington, D.C. 20520. chief cause for inscription. Following the continued on page 5

4 AFSA NEWS • OCTOBER 1998 Selling Ambassadorships have access to Office of the Inspector AFSA 1998/99 Continued from page 1 General and FBI files to do the vetting. Some staffers suggested that the Financial Aid Awards through an outside independent body as department could improve its own selec¬ By Lori Dec, the American Bar Association does for tion of ambassadors and that some non¬ Scholarship Administrator federal judges and as the American career nominees are clearly equally, if not Academy of Diplomacy did for ambas¬ better qualified than competing career ver $ 123,000 in AFSA Financial sadorial nominees from 1 977 to 1980 O officers. Many felt that AFSA could Aid Awards has been given to 61 during the Carter administration; improve its position and avoid charges of Foreign Service students to help (2) seek congressional action recommend- | being self-serving by publicly opposing meet their college expenses for the ing that the Senate Foreign Relations nominations of all unqualified persons. 1998/99 school year. This is an increase Committee (SFRC) ask a non-partisan or Regrettably, the important personal of over $ 1 8,000 from last year's total and bipartisan independent body to vet the role an ambassador can play is not wide¬ is largely due to the bull stock market in qualifications of all ambassadorial nomi¬ ly understood on the Hill. Many doubted early 1998. The average award this year nees, career and non-career; that our foreign policy interests are seri¬ is $2,025. (3) seek congressional action recommend¬ ously damaged by the traditional proce¬ This is a need-based program that ing that the SFRC ask for comments from an dures for naming ambassadors. One takes into consideration the student's and independent body on those nominees who asked, "Does it really matter that year family's financial situation; no repayment report contributions of more than $50,000 after year we send political ambassadors, of these grants is required. The program is to a political campaign to curtail the all-too- say to a country like Sweden?" They said funded through AFSA Annual and common practice of awarding ambassador¬ that the poorly qualified ambassadors are Perpetual Scholarships established by ships to big financial contributors; or not given important or tough assignments those associated with the Foreign Service (4) seek a sense of the Congress resolu¬ and can be surrounded with good staff. and through financial assistance from the tion urging all administrations to voluntari¬ Republican staffers were generally Association of American Foreign Service ly place a 25 percent cap on ambas¬ more favorable than Democrats to reform¬ Women (AAFSW) and Diplomatic and sadorial nominations from outside the ing the nomination process, which could Consular Officers, Retired (DACOR). career Foreign Service. reflect the current political balance. Some Applications for the 1999/2000 The AFSA Governing Board agreed Democrats told us that our efforts could school year will be available on Nov. 1. that the Ad Hoc Working Group should alienate our friends on the Hill and in the The program is open to Foreign Service explore reaction to these options on the White House and expose them to criticism. dependents (children) who attend a two- Hill, but should make clear that AFSA's Staffers on both sides of the aisle believe or four-year college as an undergraduate. objective is to enhance the qualifica¬ that campaign finance reform will come Maintaining a 2.0 ("C") grade point aver¬ tions of both career and non-career up again next year and that AFSA should age and taking 12 credit hours per semes¬ nominees and not just eliminate political try again to testify. In that case, they rec¬ ter are also required. appointee positions. ommended that AFSA come prepared For an application, please contact Reactions on the Hill with legislation that could be introduced Lori Dec at. (202) 944-5504 or Almost everyone AFSA talked to on the by friendly representatives. Legislators [email protected]. Hill acknowledged that the way the U.S. could then react to a specific bill. selects ambassadors is flawed and that prior The Ad Hoc Working Group recom¬ vetting of nominees in the White House mended to the Governing Board that AFSA Memorial Plaques continued from page 4 could be helpful. However, many ques¬ continue its efforts to testify before upcoming tioned the value of a congressional resolu¬ hearings on campaign finance reform; that terrorist assassination of a U.S. military tion, arguing that the White House would AFSA bring the issue of selling ambassador¬ attache, in Paris in 1982, eligibility was interpret it as politically motivated. They ships to the American public through the extended to include U.S. government urged AFSA to have the secretary of State media and AFSA members' contacts and employees of other agencies serving [ and senior department officials pursue this that AFSA aggressively oppose ambassado¬ under the authority of an ambassador, matter directly with the White House. rial nominees who are patently unqualified. including military personnel. There was great reluctance on the Hill, How Can AFSA Members Help? There are 81 names on the West especially in the House, to tell the SFRC AFSA members are encouraged to send Plaque and 97 on the East Plaque, for a how to manage the nomination and confir¬ in examples of unqualified ambassadors total of 1 78 as of July 15, 1998. It mation process. SFRC staffers felt that vet¬ whose behavior damaged American inter¬ should be remembered that the names ting nominees was their job and were cool ests or embarrassed the U.S., to share on these plaques represent only some of to suggestions for an outside vetting body. your ideas for ending the selling of the Americans, including Foreign Service They noted that the Foreign Service Act of ambassadorships, to let us know of oppor¬ employees, who die of various causes 1980, which requires the president to pro¬ tunities to place this issue in the media, while serving their country overseas. vide the committee with a report on the and to join in the Ad Hoc Working AFSA maintains the plaques, selects demonstrated competence of nominees to Group's activities. Call Kristina Kreamer names for inscription, and organizes perform the duties of ambassador, is car¬ at (202) 944-5506 or e-mail her at unveiling ceremonies in cooperation with ried out perfunctorily. Everyone is deemed [email protected] to express your interest. the Department of State. New names are qualified. They were also concerned (Aurelius Fernandez, AFSA Secretary, also added once a year, on Foreign Service because an independent body would not contributed to this article.) Day in early May.

AFSA NEWS • OCTOBER 1998 5 Protect Your Rights retired members: (202) 647-8160; Agency Know of a colleague who for International Development and Foreign Continued from page 2 Agricultural Service members: (202) 712- would be interested in join¬ in Washington and has assisted members 1941; United States Information Agency ing AFSA? posted abroad (via phone, fax, and e- members: (202) 401-6405. Have him or her fill out the mail) with OIG and DS investigations. information request form AFSA continues to encourage members below. to get in touch with AFSA Washington if they are contacted by the OIG or DS. AFSA I am interested in the following Flowever, if members are unable to reach membership: AFSA due to differing time zones or other is working for Active (Current FS employee) circumstances, AFSA post reps should you — know the basic rights and responsibilities Retired (Former FS employee) of employees in OIG and DS investiga¬ providing critcal Associate (Non FS) tions. information and Name: Copies of all of AFSA's guidance are protecting your available in our labor management Address: offices in Washington and on AFSA's rights. web site (www.afsa.org). In addition, copies will be mailed in the near future Please sign me up for weekly AFSA to all AFSA post representatives. We Support AFSA. cannot emphasize enough how impor¬ e-mail bulletins. My e-mail address is: tant it is for employees to know their Vote in favor of rights, especially in the area of OIG and security investigations. the Dues Mail to Membership, Members who need assistance with American Foreign Service Association, grievances, EEO cases, or OIG/securi- Restructuring 2101 E Street N.W. ty investigations should call the follow¬ Washington, D.C. 20037 ing numbers. State Department, Referendum. or e-mail requests to Foreign Commercial Service, and [email protected].

ATTORNEY, FORMER FOREIGN SER¬ finance. Never a charge to AFSA members for TWENTY-FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE in VICE OFFICER: Extensive experience w/ tax telephone guidance. Bob Dussell at tax work employment and personnel law before problems peculiar to the Foreign Service. both within and without IRS since ’37. Now MSPB, FLRA and EEOC. Specializing in Available for consultation, tax planning, and solely in practice to assist FS employees and Federal employee grievances concerning preparation of returns: their families. Bob Dussell (703) 841-0158; fax performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, M. Bruce Hirshorn, Boring & Pilger (703) 522-5726. Office 100’ from Virginia involuntary removal, sexual harassment and Suite D, 307 Maple Ave, West discrimination based on handicap (including Vienna, VA 22180 (703) 281-2161 Square Metro station at 3601 Fairfax Drive, alcohol and drug abuse). Free Initial Fax: (703)281-9464 e-mail [email protected] Arlington, VA 22201. Consultation. FREE TAX CONSULTATION: For over¬ ROLAND S. HEARD. CPA Sam Horn, Tel. and Fax (301) 933-9723. seas personnel. We process returns as 1091 Chaddwyck Dr., Athens, GA 30606 received, without delay. Preparation and rep¬ WILL/ESTATE PLANNING by attorney resentation by Enrolled Agents. Federal and Tel/Fax (706) 769-8976 who is a former FSO. Have your will reviewed all states prepared. Includes “TAX TRAX” E-mail: [email protected] and updated, or new one prepared: No unique mini-financial planning review with rec¬ • U.S. income tax services charge for initial consultation. M. Bruce ommendations. Full planning available. Get • Many FS & contractor clients Hirshorn, Boring & Pilger, Suite D, 307 the most from your financial dollar! Financial • Practiced before the IRS Maple Ave. W, Vienna, VA 22180 (703)281- Forecasts Inc., Barry B. De Marr, CFP, EA • Financial planning 2161, Fax (703) 281-9464 e-mail 1001 N. Highland St. #301 Arlington, Va • American Institute of CPAs, Member [email protected] 22201, Clarendon Metro, (703) 841-1040, FIRST CONSULTATION FREE FAX (703) 841-5865. FORMER FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER NOW PRACTICING LAW IN DC/MD. General ATTORNEY, MASTER’S IN TAX: Ten COMPLETE TAX & ACCOUNTING SER¬ practice; estate planning: wills, trusts, living years experience preparing tax returns and VICE: Specialize in Foreign Service and over¬ wills, powers of attorney; probate administra¬ advising clients. Author of THE EX-PAT’S seas contractor situations. Virginia M. Test, tion; domestic relations; FS grievances. GUIDE TO U.S. TAXES. Clients overseas CPA 2595 Chandler Ave. # 18, Las Vegas, Gregory V. Powell; Furey, Doolan & Abell, welcome. JANE BRUNO, 4809 N. 25th St., NV 89120, (702) 795-3648, FAX (702) 433- Arlington, VA 22207 Tel (703) 525-8106 FAX: LLP; 8401 Conn Ave., #1100, Chevy Chase, 9191, e-mail [email protected] (703) 525-3327 e-mail: [email protected] MD 20815 (301) 652-6880 fax (301) 652-8972.

6 AFSA NEWS • OCTOBER 1998 ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY ).: Complete FAHEY & ASSOCIATES: Do you professional dedication to the manage¬ want professional and caring property WILLS, TRUSTS AND Powers of ment of residential property in Northern management for your select Northern Attorney, building blocks for transfer Virginia. Our professionals will provide Virginia property? Expertise and person¬ and preservation of wealth prepared by personal attention to your home, careful 1 al attention to detail are the hallmarks of former Trust officer, frequent guest tenant screening, and video inspections our established firm. Call Gerry Romberg speaker on estate planning topics. For of your property. We are equipped to for exceptional service. 6842 Elm Street, consultation and information call handle all of your property management Suite 303, McLean, VA 22101 (703) 691- Matthew W. Lucas, Esquire, 8027 Lees¬ needs. We work 7 days a week! Over 19 2006, Fax (703) 448-9652, E-mail: burg Pike, Suite 207, Vienna, VA 22182. years real estate experience and Foreign [email protected] Tel. (703) 821-5522. E-mail: Service overseas living experience. lucas@ids_2idsonline.com Ask about JOANN PIEKNEY, 301 Maple Ave. W„ MANOR SERVICES: FORMER fed¬ our Foreign Service Discount. 4-C, Vienna, VA 22180. Tel. (703) 938- eral law enforcement officer, offers BEST 0909 Fax (703) 281-9782 E-mail: tenant screening. Frequent inspections,. GRIEVANCES: MANDATORY [email protected] Mortgages paid. Repairs. Close PER: SONAL attention. We’re small, but VERY RETIREMENT OR effective. FS and Mil. refs. Our rates are REALTY GROUP, INC. lower than anyone on this page. And our SEPARATION? DEFECTIVE EER? SPECIALIZING IN D.C. SERVICE is better, too. Compare -- ATTORNEY WITH 19 years success¬ Property Management & Sales you’ll see. We don’t sell, we do “HANDS- ful experience SPECIALIZING IN FS Credit Checks • Repair Forecasting ON” management only. TERSH NOR¬ GRIEVANCES will represent you to pro¬ Quarterly Inspection • Monthly Statements TON Box 42429, Washington, D.C. tect vital interests in these or other References Available 20015 Tel. (202) 363-2990, Fax career matters including non-promotion, AMY FISHER: (202) 544-8762 (202)363-4736E-mail: selection out, non-tenuring, disciplinary DON TORRILLO: (202) 547-4602 [email protected] actions at State, AID, USIA, and Com¬ Fax:(202) 543-7630 AGS REALTY - PROPERTY Man¬ merce. Call Bridget R. Mugane at (202) E-mail: [email protected] 387-4383 (Farragut Square), or (301) agement. Saying the right thing is easy, 596-0175. Free initial consultation. but doing the right thing is what we are all FOCUSED ON QUALITY about: • Management, leasing, and sales ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN areas WJD Management is competitively • Serving Virginia, Maryland and D.C. of Foreign Service Grievances at State • 31 years experience • We save you and Commerce Depts. and AID, or USIA; priced, of course. However, if you are considering hiring a property manage¬ money & keep tenants happy • With us and Employment Discrimination actions you'll never look elsewhere • Efficient under Title VII and the Rehabilitation Act, ment firm, don’t forget the old saying “You get what you pay for.” Property Service with personal attention • Refer¬ will write and file your claims, appeals ences? Talk with any of our clients. You'll and complaints, represent you at hear¬ management is essentially an informa¬ tion management business. There is def¬ be sure you have made the right choice ings, and counsel you in challenging when you work with us. adverse employment decisions. Offices initely a proper and an improper way to manage this information. Without the Call Caroline Hilliard Tel: (202) 333- in VA (4040 N.Fairfax Drive, Ste 120, 1540 Fax: (202) 333-1652 E-mail: Arlington, VA 22203) and DC (Indiana right staff, the right software, and in par¬ ticular the right attitude, the manage¬ [email protected] AGS REALTY, Ave.). Call George N. Elfter at (202) 2121 Wisconsin Ave. NW #320, Wash., 637-1325 Fax (703)354-1291. ment of your home can easily become problematic for everyone involved. All of D.C. 20007. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT us at WJD have worked for other proper¬ ty management firms in the past, and we SHORT - TERM RENTALS PEAKE MANAGEMENT, INC- Exclu¬ have learned what to do and more impor¬ FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATES sively property management and leasing tantly what not to do from our experi¬ can provide fully furnished apartments at since 1982. FS family owned and operat¬ ences at these companies. We invite River Place just 5 minutes from the new ed. you to explore our web site at NFATC facility and one block from SA- Accepting a limited number of new www.wjdpm.com for more information, 15. We have efficiencies, 1 bedrooms, clients with Northern Virgina properties or call us at (703) 684-0800. and some 2 bedrooms, usually within renting at $1,400 and above. your per diem. Apts, are fully furnished Effective marketing, exceptional ten¬ DIPLOMAT PROPERTIES, INC. kitchens, cable TV, telephone, linens, ant screening, thorough inspections, We’re proud to provide excellence in and all utilities included. Write: Foreign experienced, detail oriented and easy to property management during your Service Associates, P.O. Box 12855, work with. Call for our unique “Landlord assignment abroad. Serving No. Va. Arlington, VA 22209 or call (800) 993- Reference Manual” describing the rental only. (Owned and operated by a former 6997, Fax (703) 527-0279, E-mail: and property management process Foreign Service family). We offer the fol¬ FSAssocI @ aol.com step-by-step. We specialize in taking lowing: highly experienced management, ELEGANT APARTMENTS AT good care of your home. quality tenants, superior maintenance, Call Lindsey Peake: Tel. (703) 448- strong communication, effective adver¬ RIVER PLACE. Arlington, VA; Efficien¬ 0212, Fax (703) 448-9652, E-mail: post¬ tising at no extra cost, 24 hour emer¬ cies one, two- bedrooms, two blocks master® peake.com 6842 Elm Street, gency service. Get to know us, a compa¬ from metro, FSI. Bike or Metro to Penta¬ McLean, VA 22101. ny that cares. For management services gon. Superior furnishings, immediate phone and CATV, microwave, linens and WASHINGTON MANAGEMENT SER-, information, contact: Robin Gomez, Tel. (703) 522-5900, Fax (703) 525-4713. E- many amenities. Site has spa, rates with¬ VICES: Residential property management is in your per diem. Call (301) 279-0392 mail: [email protected] 3900 N. our only business. Call or write: 2015 Q St. Fax Sojourner Housing at (301) 762- NW, Wash, D.C. 20009. (202) 462-7212, E- Fairfax Drive, Suite 204, Arlington, VA 22203. 7692 for brochure or reservations, E- mail: [email protected] mail: [email protected]

AFSA NEWS • OCTOBER I998 7 TEMPORARY HOUSING FLORIDA ART WASHINGTON DC or NFATC TOUR? ORIGINAL DAVID ROBERTS Litho¬ EXECUTIVE HOUSING CONSULTANTS graphs The Holy Land and Egypt (ca. offers Metropolitan Washington D.C.’s 1846) Antique engravings of Cather- finest portfolio of short-term, fully-fur¬ wood, Redoute, Bartlett, Audubon, nished and equipped apartments, town- Gould. Bible/Koran leaves, etc. Master- homes and single family residences in Card/VISA Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. PETRA FINE ART, P.O. Box 16321 In Virginia: “River Place’s Finest” is Baltimore, MD 21210 Tel. (410) 235- steps to Rosslyn Metro and Georgetown 1696 website: and 15 minutes on Metro bus or State http://www.attach.net/infocentral/petra Department shuttle to NFATC. For more info, please call us at (301) 951- 4111 or visit our website: BOOKS www.executivehousing.com ANY U.S. BOOK in print. Send check when books arrive. Salmagundi Books 66 Main St, Cold Spring, NY 10516. E-mail: FULLY FURNISHED, BEAUTIFUL 2 [email protected] BR, 2 bathroom, house in quiet Cleve¬ land Park neighborhood one block from BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS. We have Conn. Ave. NW. 2 blocks from Van Ness thousands in stock, do special orders Metro and shopping. All modern utilities CONDO FOR SALE: Good Invest¬ daily, search for out-of-print books, large and conveniences for short term rentals selection of CD's and cassettes; Jazz a at $125/night, rates negotiable for long ment! Falls Church garden condo, 2 BR specialty. Visa or Mastercard. THE VER¬ term lease. Call or Fax (202) 237-8058. 2 BA FP, Deck w/ lake view. Excellent access to schools, Metro, shopping, MONT BOOK SHOP 38 Main Street, Middlebury, VT 05753. REAL ESTATE $112,900. Tel/Fax (334)887-2375. A win-win Situation! Low interest rates and stable home prices provide an NORTHWEST ISLAND PROPERTY: 110-220 VOLT STORE opportune time to buy. DO YOU WANT Spectacular views, mild climate, safe TO KNOW HOW MUCH HOUSE YOU community, boating, fishing, hiking, MULTI-SYSTEM ELECTRONICS CAN BUY...AND WOULD YOU LIKE TO between Seattle & Vancouver, B.C. Con¬ BE LIVING THERE IN 30 DAYS? tact former FSO Jan Zehner, Coldwell PA-SECAM-NTSC TVs, VCRs, AUDIO, CAMCORDER, ADAPTOR, Having provided exclusive represen¬ Banker Orcas Island, (800) 552-7072; TRANSFORMERS, KITCHEN APPLI¬ tation as a buyer agent to Foreign Ser¬ Fax (360) 376-5095, P.O. Box 127, ANCES vice personnell over the past ten years, Eastsound, WA 98245, E-mail: we can focus quickly and efficiently on janz @ rockisland.com EXPORTS ELECTRONICS, INC. your special housing requirements. Dis¬ 1719 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Wash¬ cover How Much You Can Buy... And RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ington, D.C. 20009, near Dupont Circle. How To Get It Now. Contact Marilyn CONDO for sale. One Bedroom, livin- Between R & S Streets. Tel. (202) 232- Cantrell, CRS, GRI, Assoc. Broker, at groom/dining area, sun room, off golf 2244 Fax (202) 265-2435, McEnearney Assoc.iates, 1320 Old course. Transportation, club activities, lnternet:http://www.erols.com/aval Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA (703) 790- congenial atmosphere. Phyllis Gain, c/o E-mail: [email protected] 9090 Fax (703) 734-9460 e-mail mcem- Century 21, Sunrise, Florida, Tel (954) Price quotations for PVOs, NGOs, [email protected] 749-8100, Fax (954) 749-8905. USG, FS. Discounts for Diplomats.

VIRGINIA LOOKING FOR YOUR LAST JOB? NEW AFSA WEBPAGE LICENSED REAL ESTATE Broker in STOP TRADING HOURS for dollars! THE CLASSIFIEDS: VA and MD, certified by National Trust for Use your consulting expertise to lever¬ http://www.afsa.org Historic Preservation, and certified Buyer age time and build a retirement income agent. 15 years abroad as career FS and to grow for generations. Young interna¬ as World Bank spouse provide experi¬ tional public R&D company with cutting- Classifieds complete with ence for international or domestic reloca¬ edge nutritional technology offers a hyperlinks direct to your most tions. Marghi (Barone) Fauss, Associate proven system for optimal health and needed services: real estate, Broker, McEnearney & Associates (800) financial independence. Share this gift property management, attorney, 548-9080 ext. 243, Fax (703) 370-1410, with those you love and together live etc. E-mail: [email protected] your dreams. Foreign Service spouse Cynthia Olson, (703) 768-6179; E-mail: FAX OR E-MAIL your classified ad w/ [email protected] DEADLINES: SPACE RESERVA¬ name, address, daytime phone and Visa TION 25th of the month for publication 5 (^Mastercard no.along with exp. date. BUY MUSIC THROUGH: AFSA store weeks later. Please submit written text (http://www.afsa.org), Click on Ama¬ by fax, e-mail or letter. No phone orders Vienna, VA. Large townhouse for zon.com and assist AFSA at no cost to accepted. (10-word minimum words) rent in Dec. Short walk to Metro. Abuts you for all CDs and tapes you decide to Phone number, zip code, all permitted parkland. 3/4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, deck, purchase. Check our book reviews on¬ abreviations. Total word count tabulated garage. Contact: M. Karra, (202) 712- line. by computer. 5934. E-mail:[email protected]

8 AFSA NEWS • OCTOBER I998 Focus

MY CIA-GUATEMALA CONNECTION The Cuban governments shootdown of two Torricelli was outraged by the information I brought Cuban exile planes on February 24, 1996 to him. He decided to denounce die agency publicly. A gave the CIA the opportunity it had almost major scandal ensued, resulting in a presidential report certainly been seeking, to permanently end my tirat led to the dismissal of two former Guatemala CIA career in government. station chiefs. Agency operatives were furious. What had I done to earn tire ire of dre CIA? Before Torricelli had violated die code; assets were burned, being named Clintons Cuba adviser, I had represented careers mined. Someone must pay. Since it could not die State Department in negotiations to end be Torricelli, it would be his former tmsted aide. Guatemala’s decades-old civil war. My decision to inform the Congress about the CIA’s At first, my political enemies on Guatemala were illegal activities affected my position as special adviser left-wing human rights activists, whose most effective on Cuba, beginning shortly after I arrived at the White spokesperson was Jennifer Harbury, a Harvard-trained House. In December 1995, Rep. Larry Combest lawyer. In die 1980s, she met and fell in love with an (R-Tex.), the chairman of the House Select indigenous guerrilla commander named Efrarn Intelligence Committee, wrote to the president, argu¬ Bamaca. Bamaca disappeared after an encounter wfth ing diat I could not be trusted to protect national secu¬ die Guatemalan army in 1992. The Guatemalan army rity secrets from the Cuban government since I had insisted that Bamaca was dead, but Harbury believed revealed tiiem to a member of his committee. otherwise. My State Department colleagues told me The State Department and die FBI had both inves¬ that we knew nodiing more about Bamaca than what tigated my conduct and concluded that it was an “error we heard from Guatemala’s government. As States in judgment” for me to tell die truth to Congress. point person on Guatemala, I dutifully passed along However, they did not question my access to classified that information. information. As Harbuiys case began to attract international Witiiin days of die presidents signature of die publicity, I asked for a diorough search of State Helms/Burton Act, the CIA informed die White House Department files. On October 19, 1994, the that if I were not removed, die agency would revoke my Guatemala desk officer brought to me an intelligence access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI), report which showed that die U.S. government did effectively ending my ability to work at a senior level. have information on Bamaca. On April 4,1996, Sandy Berger informed me that die It became clear to me diat the CIA was trying to White House would comply with die CIAs decision. cover up a connection between one of its assets, the I did not go quietiy. After President Clintons reelec¬ Bamaca case, and die murder of an American citizen tion in November 1996 I publicly criticized die CIA’s by the Guatemalan army. After months of struggle with vendetta against me. The result was a segment on 60 my conscience and on the advice of a deputy assistant Minutes, three New York Times editorials, and abun¬ secretary in die Bureau of Legislative Affairs, I felt that dant news coverage nationwide. Twenty-two members I had to tell someone in die Congress that die CIA had of Congress appealed my case directly to the president, misled me, odier senior officials at State and die NSC, but President Clinton decided not to interfere in an and the Congress. My old boss, Rep. Robert Torricelli “internal” CIA matter. (D-N.J.), was a member of the Intelligence And that’s how repercussions from my Guatemala Committee, and he was fully cleared to discuss highly whistie-blowing helped to end my brief career as spe¬ classified information. cial adviser on Cuba. ■ — Richard A. Nuccio

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 29 Focus

Although my family and friends like Chris Marquis With the end of Soviet subsidies, Cuba’s trade with advised me against taking a position that they believed market economies now comprised 85 percent of its would destroy me professionally and perhaps personal¬ much-reduced trade activity. The U.S. embargo was, ly, I was in fact eager to implement the ideas about therefore, more than a nuisance to Cuba’s leaders. It Cuba policy on which 1 had been working behind the was blocking Cuba’s efforts to conduct a economic scenes for more than three years. Over the next sever¬ opening on its own terms. Maintenance of the embar¬ al months, I moved to refocus U.S. policy on what I go was a powerful “stick;” offers to remove it in called the three “fronts” of an initiative to advance the response to “positive developments” in Cuba could be cause of a peaceful, democratic transition in Cuba. I an equally significant “carrot.” outlined my political and diplomatic strategy in several A second “front” for U.S. policy was inside Cuba. long memos addressed to my immediate superiors at Cuba’s economic crisis had forced the regime to permit the White House: Alexis Herman, director of the small cracks in its hold on citizens’ lives. Individual ini¬ Office of Public Liaison, and Sandy Berger, deputy tiative was sometimes the only thing putting food on director of the National Security Council. (Berger and many Cubans’ tables. The Catholic church was being Peter Tamoff, under secretary for political affairs at permitted for the first time since Castro’s triumph to State, were the two senior administration officials who minister to the material and spiritual needs of the pop¬ dealt directly with Cuba policy.) ulation. The Cuban government had little alternative On the international “front,” the United States but to turn a blind eye to certain kinds of entrepre¬ would try to take advantage of the changed circum¬ neurship, and to permit the church and other inde¬ stances of Cuba’s relations with the outside world. pendent organizations to help the sick, the young and

a taste of paradise

MONEY CONCEPTS INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING NETWORK Key Fiery EVERARD S. TAYLOR, CFP GEORGE A. GRIEVE, CFP RETIRED FOREION SERVICE OFFICER RETIRED CIVIL SERVICE OFFICER Offers J)6J 91ft ideas ef Het Stuff from the Junior Officer Special - includes Tahiti Joe’s Garlic Hot Sauce, MONEY CONCEPTS is AN INDEPENDENT Liquid Summer Datil Pepper Hot Sauce, Gator Hammock Gator Sauce, Hog’s Breath Xtra Hot Sauce, Old Key West Key Lime Bar- FINANCIAL PLANNING ORGANIZATION WITH CENTRES B-Que Sauce S24.95 + $5.95 S&H IN THE U.S. AND OVERSEAS. WE WILL PROVIDE The Country Team - includes Bustelo’s Very Hot Pepper Sauce, PERSONAL, COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING Jump Up and Kiss Me with Passion, Inner Beauty Original Real GEARED TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL GOALS. WE Hot Sauce, Pyromania, Kiss of Fire $37.95 + $8.95 S&H SPECIALIZE IN HELPING ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL Chief of Mission - includes Ring of Fire Xtra Hot Sauce, EMPLOYEES. Craig’s Chipotle Hot Sauce, Pete’s Heat FOR INFORMATION OR AN APPOINTMENT: Professional Strength Hot Sauce, Orange Krush, JC’s Midnight Hot 405 ONONDIO CIRCLE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Salsa, Texas Sweet & Hot VIENNA, VA 22180-5927 INCLUDE: Jalapehos $49.95 TEL: (703) 560-2230 ASSET ALLOCATION + $10.95 S&H FAX: (703)560-7718 MUTUAL FUNDS* EMAIL: [email protected] To Order: LIFE INSURANCE Please send your Name, Address, STOCKS AND BONDS* [email protected] any Gift Information, along with VARIABLE ANNUITIES* credit card number and expiration date (VISA, MasterCard, American LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS* Express, and Discover/Novus), or PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING check or money order to: FINANCIAL SEMINARS Key West Fiery Foods •All Securities through Money Concepts Coital Corp., Member NASED/SPIC 1208 U.S. Highway One, North Palm Beach, Florida 33408 Tel: (561) 627-0700 P.O. Box 290, Key West, FL 33041

30 FOREIGN SERVICE ] OU RN AL! O CT OB ER 1998 Focus

The administration the old who were the most affected island while Castro still lived. This by the economic downturn. Through took bold steps only domestic “front” also included its policy of “support for the Cuban efforts to broaden the base of the people,” the United States could seek when it didn’t administration’s Cuba policy. By to amplify the links between our own accepting the need to maintain the civil society' and these emerging sec¬ understand the core elements of the embargo while tors in Cuba and strengthen them. conducting selective openings in it, political implications. the administration’s policy alienated he third dimension of Cuba both the extreme left and right, the policy was in the United States. More Cuban- two principal “constituencies” for Americans were becoming disillusioned with Cuba policy. It was, therefore, imperative that the the results of 30 years of exile militancy. A younger administration reach out to our domestic civil society exile generation, raised entirely in the United States, — including the business community — to begin to was open to new ideas about how to produce change in build a more moderate constituency to support the Cuba. Arguments that efforts to strengthen civil soci¬ “third way” we were pursuing on Cuba. ety on the island were a valid way to promote change resonated with many who had no bitter memories of A few foreign policy experts correctly perceived betrayal and no revenge to exact. They wanted to dis¬ that this combination of “hard” and “soft” poli¬ cover a Cuba they had heard about but never seen, and cies was “a careful but major change in govern¬ were prepared to violate the taboo on travel to the ment policy.” [David Reiff, “Cuba Refrozen,” Foreign A VOLVO Hotel Suites 420 North Van Dorn Street Factory-Set Discounts To Diplomats Alexandria, Virginia 22304 (703) 370-1000 (800) 368-3339 Posted Stateside and Abroad (703) 751-1467 FAX E-mail: [email protected] U.S., U.K., European, or Overseas Specs Overseas and Domestic Deliveries RENT OUR $95.93 SUITES AND GET FREE: JERRY GRIFFIN DIPLOMATIC SALES SPECIALIST Alamo Rental Car 18 YEARS WITH VOLVO PC Modem In All Rooms 1231 W. Broad Street Continental Breakfast Falls Church, VA 22046 USA TODAY Newspaper Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Fully Equipped Kitchens Exercise Room/Pool ( ) Happy Hour 703 237-5000 Fax: (703) 237-5028

ALL OF THE ABOVE FOR LESS THAN Web Site http://www.dbvolvo.com/beyer THE GSA LODGING PER DIEM DAILY ALLOWANCE FOR WDC! dbDon Beyer Volvo

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 31 Focus

Affairs (July/August 1996)] The The major “October Measures,” was devel¬ United States would maintain a hard oped over several months and line on relations with the Cuban gov¬ constituencies for extensively briefed to key members ernment: without clear signs of move¬ of Congress. The package restored ment toward democratic values, the Cuba policy were items dropped from the original U.S. economic embargo would remain Cuban Democracy Act, such as in place. But, we would also try to sep¬ on the extreme licensing of news bureaus in Cuba, arate this “hard” policy toward the and expanded dramatically the pos¬ government from a “soft” approach of right and left. sibilities for NGO work in Cuba by support for a nascent Cuban civil soci¬ establishing a new license category ety: selective openings in the embargo called, “Support for the Cuban would be made to encourage greater communication People.” Aside from the successful transfer of 32,000 and contact between the Cuban people and the outside Cuban rafters to the United States, I consider the world. October measures the most important achievement of A crucial element necessary to support this strate¬ my year as Cuba adviser. gy was put in place on October 6, 1995, when President Clinton announced a series of measures Castro Shoots Down Change during a speech at Freedom House to expand com¬ However, with each successful attempt to move munication and contact with Cuba. This package of Cuba policy in a more constructive direction, my polit¬ initiatives, known within the administration as the ical situation deteriorated. I was using up my own

MBE of McLean D & M AUTO PARTS Making Business Easier, Worldwide! 145 WEST JOHN ST. HICKSVILLE, NY 11801 USA (NEW LOCATION) 13 50 Beverly Rd., Ste 115 Phone: 703 -448-8044 (Ashby Building) Fax: 703-448-8332 THE PARTS PROFESSIONALS McLean, VA 22101 [email protected] ■ Serving the Diplomatic community www.washingtonpost.com/yp/mbemclean since 1972 ■ Identifying the correct parts and supplying Consistent mail delivery is always a challenge. At them when you need them is something MBE of McLean, we lift the burden from your best left to a professional shoulders. Here are some of our services: ■ D & M is a family owned business solely committed to the parts business and dedi¬ * Uninterrupted mail service, wherever you are. cated to providing the service you deserve ■ We accept all Government PO’s as well as * Receive/send: USPS, UPS, FedEx and DFDL. personal orders and pay special attention to those urgently needed items. * Avoid delays in paying bills (you send us ■ We are here to help so don’t hesitate your bills, we’ll forward them). to ask!!

* Personal or group/office mail services. CONTACT: GARY VLAHOV PHONE: 516-882-6662 FAX: 882-5020 * Sign-up from anywhere in the world. INTERNET: [email protected] 1NAPA1 See your CLO for information packets! Visa Mastercard American Express

32 FOREIGN SERVICE j O U RN A L / O C T O B E R 1998 Focus SEVEN MINUTES TO STATE DEPARTMENT

credibility with the exile community to sell administration policy; eventually, I COLUMBIA PLAZA would exhaust my political capital. APARTMENTS Another presidential election Capital Living approached and the congressional With Comfort and Convenience bazaar on Cuba policy was reopening. 1 and J2 lied/monui- As Torricellis staffer, I had played the jrolitics of Cuba policy against the Bush Utilities Included 24 Horn- Front Desk administration in 1992. In 1996, it Complimentary Voice Mail Garage Parking Available would be the Republicans’ turn. New Courtyard Style Plaza Shopping on Site Cuba legislation, the Libertad or Polished Hardwood Floors Cardkey Entry/Access Helms/Burton bill, was the latest legisla¬ Private Balconies River Views tive vehicle to promise an “end to Huge Walk-In Closets Minutes to Fine Dining Castro.” Walk to the Kennedy Center and Georgetown My personal interest lay in reaching a Minutes to Foggy Bottom Metro compromise on the legislation. If the “intellectual author” of the Torricelli bill (202) 293-2000 could also take credit for Helms/Burton, 2400 Virginia Ave., N.W. I would be a hero in Miami and New Washington, D.C., 20037 Managed by Shannon & Jlucbii- Jersey. But, as the administrations point person on Cuba, it was my job to lead the fight against the legislation. In December 1995, I mobilized adminis¬ tration support for a filibuster by Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) to pre¬ vent the legislation from coming to the Senate floor. If I successfully pushed for a com¬ promise with Helms, I could recoup the credibility I had lost with the Cuban- American community for taking such an active role in opposing the legislation. FARA “Friends” had already come forward Foreign Affairs Recreation Association telling me that some in Congress and in FARA Housing Division, the Cuban-American community were Managed by ECMC “out to get me.” If I were to take a more 610 Bashford Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314 “flexible” position on Helms/Burton, Ph: (703) 684-1825 Fax: (703) 739-9318 these “friends” would defend me and We are proud to provide the best hotel values in the Washington, DC argue against attempts to remove me metropolitan area! You can choose from properties offering studios, from the White House. Like a scene one bedroom, 2-bedroom apartments, suites & hotel rooms. from the “Godfather” movies, it was the Our locations have unique proximity to FSI, State Department, the “friend” who came to warn me who was Pentagon, NFATC, National Airport, Old Town , Alexandria, working most actively to arrange my White House and Georgetown political “death.” However, as is often the case, the For more information call for features and rates of participating FARA hotels.

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 33 Focus

principal obstacle to a more construc¬ With my stock in the to shield the White House from tive U.S. policy toward Cuba was not attack, I served a purpose. Now I the Cuban-American lobby or their exile community was attracting political opposition, supporters in Congress, but Castro not repelling it. Congressman Bob himself. On February 24, 1996, he gone, I became a Menendez (D-N.J.) had helped to ordered two U.S.-based civilian planes negotiate the administration’s sur¬ shot down. With that action, he not only political liability to render on Helms/Burton. As the ended four lives, but resuscitated the only Cuban-American Democrat Helms/Burton legislation and pushed the White House. in the Congress, he felt that if any¬ U.S. policy further in the direction of a one should have the title of special direct confrontation with Cuba than it adviser to the president for Cuba had been since the 1960s. it should be him. In a private meeting, he suggested I The shootdown also changed the politics of Cuba resign, before he was forced to call for my dismissal. policy. President Clinton performed one of his famous The White House readily accepted my “decision” to backward flips with a half twist and announced that he return to the State Department for an undisclosed and would sign Helms/Burton. My assignment was now to non-existent assignment. Nine months later, I left the negotiate a face-saving compromise with Capitol Hill. administration for good. Chris Marquis and I had both But once the compromise was reached and the bill been right: Cuba did help to end my career, but I was signed, I became a liability to the White House. When thrown off the roof of the White House, not the State my political stock in the exile community could be used Department. ■

Coming to Washington for an extended stay? Our oversized, luxurious suites put you close to the business district and historic sights, world-class dining and eclectic shops that make Georgetown so exceptional.

For reservations or information, please call our Sales Department today. Free Continental Breakfast • Fully equipped kitchens EORGETOWN Free local calls ■ 2 for 1 dining at selected restaurants Free daily maid service ‘15 Minutes From National Airport 100029th Street, Af.lU • Washington, D.C. 20007 • 202-298-7800 • 800-348-7203 • e-mail: [email protected]

34 FOREIGN SERVICE J O U RN AL/OC TO B E R 199S I A NATIONAL TEMPORARY APARTMENTS, INC. Short-Term Furnished Apartment Specialists

Comfortable Fully furnished one, two or three bedroom apartments to your specifications. All linens, towels, kitchenware and other amenities provided. Cost Effective Far less expensive than most hotels or suites. Convenient Locations all around Washington. D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland. One phone call and we do all the work. I WANT YOU (301) 495-8927 To Visit www.afsa.org (30 day minimum stay) and Read! 8737 Colesville Road, Suite 302, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Go to AFSA’s homepage at www.afsa.org on the Internet, and we will direct you to MnLWjhWdMM,where you have access to millions of great books and music. MARTENS VOLVO The Foreign Service Journal Dedicated to Diplomacy receives a referral fee on every book or music item Worldwide Delivery to Diplomats purchased, so the more you and Members of International Organizations buy, the better we can serve you as our reader.

The Foreign Service Journal gives you access to 2,500,000 books and music. Simply visit our web site!

Contact: Dana Martens, Diplomatic Sales Director VOLVOO MARTENS 202-537-3000 CARS OF WASHINGTON, INC. Fa* 202-537-1826 4800 WISCONSIN AVE. WASH , DC 20016 U.S.A.’s Largest Diplomatic Dealer

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 35 Focus ON THE CARIBBEAN

POLICY PATHOLOGY IN HONDURAS

WHEN THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION

CAME TO POWER, CENTRAL AMERICA POLICY-MAKING WENT HAYWIRE

BIJ Jack R. Binns

.he July 1979 collapse of the Anastasio Somoza regime in Nicaragua, the result of civil uprising and die Sandinista armed insurgency, struck Central America with seismic force. Before the year was out, the repressive government of Gen. Carlos Humberto Romero in El Salvador had been ousted and replaced by a reformist civilian-military junta, and in Honduras the ruling military had agreed to allow elections and turn power over to civilians after 17 years. Only in Guatemala, a charnel house, did tire iron-fisted military ignore the lessons of Nicaragua. Somozas fall rocked the hemisphere, altering the structure of the Cold War and, briefly, tire U.S. strategic world view, hr so doing, it created new stresses in our relationships with tire Soviet Union and with our allies in the hemisphere and

36 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 1998 Focus

beyond. Ultimately, it gave rise to a crisis The right wing of The Carter administration fully in American government known as the recognized die role of Cuba in die “Iran-Contra Affair.” the Republican Party overthrow of Somoza, as well as In early 1980, civil strife in Central Castro’s support for insurgents in El America was growing, although was hysterical about Salvador and Guatemala. The Cubans Honduras and Costa Rica were pockets were also known to be training dissi¬ of relative tranquility. That changed as the Communist threat dent Hondurans and Costa Ricans, events and U.S. government policies dis¬ and to be supporting die Sandinista rupted their serenity, drawing them to America’s government. The Soviet Union was more deeply into die maelstrom. clearly abetting Cuba, and in March southern flank. 1980, signed a series of economic, The Carter administrations technical and cultural agreements regional policy was based on die with Nicaragua. Yet, tiiere was no rea¬ belief tiiat the unrest was die product of an inabil¬ son to believe Central America was an important area of ity of the unjust power structures in these nations to Soviet policy interest or activity. An opportunity to harass accommodate popular pressures for change. None, the U.S., undoubtedly, but not an area of strategic or except Costa Rica, were democracies. Their traditional major interest. Unrest in this region was not seen as die political, economic and social structures were, witii some product of international Communism or die Cold War. important variations and exceptions, based on an elitist This analysis was not universally accepted. Indeed, it triad made up of an economic oligarchy, die military and was a point of almost hysterical disagreement from die the Cadiolic Church. right wing of die Republican Party, which asserted that The root problems, according to diis analysis, lay in die die United States had “never before...been in such jeop¬ structures themselves. Our overriding goal, accordingly, ardy from its exposed soudiem flank” and demanded die should be their reform and revitalization. This meant tiiat “counterprojection of American power” to deal with the the U.S. needed to craft and cany out policies tiiat would Communist threat. The GOP platfonn stated tiiat “we help, influence and, in some cases, direct the change deplore the Carter administrations aid program for die process toward constructive ends. Marxist Sandinista government in Nicaragua [and w]e will The Carter team sought to achieve these ends tiirough support die efforts of die Nicaraguan people to establish diplomatic means, including dialogue, good offices, pub¬ a free and independent government.” After die 1980 lic diplomacy and leverage based on increasing levels of election, tiiese views were fully accepted by the incoming economic and security assistance. There was a role, too, Reagan administration. for covert action, in carefully targeted situations where Accordingly, the principal threat was now seen to goals were dear and reasonably attainable, aid where the be the spread of Communism inspired by Cuba and means were consistent with law and our national values. the Soviet Union, and was best combated by covert Because die causes of upheaval in Central America paramilitary action, die projection of U.S. military were political, social aid economic, military action was power and sharply increased assistance to armies in not considered a useful tool in resolving these problems. the region. The new administration’s overriding goals Moreover, the armed forces in tiiese countries (Costa soon became the ouster of the Sandinista government Rica excepted) were part of die problem. by paramilitary force and the military defeat of the Salvadoran insurgency. Political and popular opposi¬ Jack R. Binns is a retired FSO; in 1980-81, he served tion within the United States precluded the open as ambassador to Honduras. This article is excerpted articulation of these goals, however, and the intelli¬ from Edge of the Storm: A Personal History of U.S. gence community firmly believed tiiat neidier objec¬ Policy and Operations in Honduras, 1980-81, tenta¬ tive was attainable in the foreseeable future. The tively scheduled for publication in 1999 by McFa rla nd political constraints were best, but not solely, exempli¬ 6- Co., Inc. fied by successive “Boland amendments.” These

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 37 Focus

amendments essentially prohibited Under Reagan, ing the Nixon and Carter years. This the CIA and Defense from supporting was one of the more critical of several military actions “for die purpose of the focus in dysfunctions. It was in part responsible overthrowing the government of for a lack of adequate policy coordina¬ Nicaragua.” The administration was Central America tion in the Reagan administrations forced, therefore to argue that the early years, with the attendant prolifer¬ Contra program was not designed to shifted from promoting ation of uncoordinated activities. The overthrow the Sandinistas. In practice, CIA and Defense (usually acting the administrations goals remained peaceful reform to through the Joint Chiefs of Staffs unchanged. Southern Command) carried out uni¬ In retrospect, it is ironic that both anti-Communist, lateral activities, sometimes without the tile Sandinista/Contra conflict and the knowledge of other agencies, often civil war in El Salvador were resolved armed conflict. without coordination. Individuals at the by peaceful rather than military means. NSC, too, had separate lines of com¬ Political accommodations were eventu¬ munication and acted independently, ally reached through negotiation, not and in some cases deliberately misled warfare. other agencies. The latter practice, of course, grew worse Some argue that the star-crossed Contra operation and in the mid-1980s when the NSC became an operational our nearly unconditional support for the repressive entity' in the effort to circumvent congressional restrictions Salvadoran military made political resolution possible. on the Contra operation. Perhaps. But it is at least equally arguable that diplomacy Other agencies quickly grasped tiie opportunity for could have produced similar outcomes much earlier, with¬ independent action. The CIA and Defense purposely out tiie damaging “cover” war in Nicaragua, our support ignored, deceived and sought to marginalize the embassy for the noxious Salvadoran military or our complicity in in Honduras. Some examples: the CIA’s secret dealings Plonduran human rights violations. Having served in four with Col. Gustavo Alvarez (commander of tiie Honduran of tiie five Central American countries, watched the evo¬ police and commander-designate of the armed forces) and lution from the Carter to the Reagan policy from my posi¬ provisional President Gen. Policarpo Paz Garcia; its initia¬ tion as ambassador to Honduras, and benefited from hind¬ tive to take over the Contra operation even before tiie sight and over 1,000 previously classified document per¬ presidential finding was signed; Southern Commands uni¬ taining to this period, I come down firmly in tiie latter lateral actions with regard to joint military exercises, secu¬ camp. rity assistance funding and acquisition of base rights. The NSC also got into the act: witness Gen. Robert L. U.S. policy toward Honduras in this period, part of Schweitzers dealings with Col. Alvarez and oilier senior what Roy Cut man so aptly labeled “banana diplo¬ officers. This unilateralism precluded, for example, a coor¬ macy”, was in a veiy real sense a study in foreign dinated inter-agency approach to interdiction of arms policy pathology. It was dysfunctional in the extreme, and being smuggled to tiie Salvadoran rebels. tiie fault lay primarily in Washington — with State, the National Security Council, other foreign affairs agencies Concomitantly, the CIA, Defense and the NSC and, ultimately, with the president. deliberately misled and ignored die ambassador Some of the weaknesses I describe were doubtless (and, on occasion, State) in carrying out their uni¬ unique to the Reagan administration. Still, I believe that a lateral activities. These actions were in direct violation of close look at the case of Honduras provides some useful Public Law 93-475, which provides that the ambassador lessons for diplomats in how not to conduct foreign policy. has “full responsibility for tiie direction, coordination, and Consider the following. supervision of all United States government officers and The Reagan administration came to office determined employees” in his country. To an extent, State was a witting to weaken the NSC, which it saw as a divisive element dur¬ collaborator in this dysfunction, in that some officials were

38 FOREIGN SERVICE J O U RN A L/O C T O B E R 1998 Focus

aware of the plans of these agencies and made no effort to dysfunctions made the conduct of a coherent foreign pol¬ advise me. icy virtually impossible. The most striking example of this Similarly, the State Department failed to provide type of self-inflicted wound was die failure to advise the clear, timely policy guidance in response to repeated embassy or me of the direction in which the administra¬ embassy requests. This problem was especially notice¬ tion was moving with regard to Nicaragua and the role able during die last two months of the Carter administra¬ envisaged for Honduras. tion and the first six months of Reagan, when a virtual In the crucial years 1980-81, State and otiier agencies policy vacuum existed. As a result, important issues were were unwilling to address real and potential conflicts in neglected: escalating Honduran human rights abuses; our various bilateral policy objectives. For instance, our problems related to Salvadoran and Nicaraguan refugees; efforts to persuade die Hondurans to do more to control die deteriorating Honduran economy; and, most impor¬ dieir frontier with El Salvador and to support Contra tant, the emerging conflicts in our uncoordinated bilater¬ operations led to increased terrorism and subversion in al policies in the region. Honduras, which threatened the transition to, and stabil¬ State also kept the embassy out of the loop on key ity of, democratic government. It also led to a surge in events, actions and decisions fiiat affected Honduras. human rights abuses, frustrating our goal of maintaining Consequently, there arose a policy disconnect between social stability. The proliferation of voices — official, con¬ Washington and the field, leading to the emergence of gressional and private — purporting to represent die new parallel lines of communication and divergent messages. administration and describing varying versions of our pol¬ Ultimately, the embassy became marginalized. These icy was another cause of dysfunction. This cacophony

Rates per minute, 24 hours a day, t Please add the rate of your country ti $ Country 4bu 0.11 B» *~ Albania 0 13 Nigeria Call Back Service Algarla 8:1S §Sr 0 66 Niue Is. Am. Samoa 0.57 0.46 Norfolk Is. Andorra 0 36 0.40 Norway 0.13 Angola 0.62 0 46 Oman 1.13 Used by Embassies & Diplomats in over 140 countries Anguilla 061 Grenada 0 71 Pacific Oc 6.72 Anf-Casay 042 Guadelope 0 54 Pakistan Ant.-Scon 0.42 Guam 0 18 Palau Antigua 0.56 Guantanamo 0.63 Panama 0.71 Argentina 0.69 Guatemala 0.39 New Ginea 0.61 Armenia 0 69 Guinea 0.74 Paraguay 0.81 0.43 G Bissau 1.33 Peru 0.65 Atl Oc East 8.72 Guyana 0.96 Phllllppines 0.49 Ad Oc West 8.72 Haiti 0.72 Poland Australia 0.11 Hawaii 0.11 Portugal Austria 0.23 Honduras 0 63 Puerto Rico Azerbaijan 0 59 Hong Kong 0.23 Qatar Bahamas 0.23 Hungary 0.30 Reunion Is. 0.78 0.49 Save up to 75% Bahrain 0.95 Iceland 0.33 Romania Bangladesh 1.21 India 0.92 Russia 0.51 Barbados 0.68 Indian Oc. 8.72 Rwanda 1.02 Belarus 0 54 Indonesia 0.72 Saipan 0.56 0.16 Iran 1 08 San Merino 0 54 On International Phone Calls 0 88 Iraq 1 23 San Tome 1.47 HrBenin 0.69 Ireland 0.16 Saudi Arabia 0.94 Bermuda 0 27 Israel 0.22 Senegal Bhutan 0.91 Italy 0.19 Seychelles Bolivia 0.76 Ivory Coast 1.18 Sierra Leone 1.03 0.50 Jamaica 0.72 Singapore 0.34 Botswana 0.57 Japan 0 24 Slovakia 0.37 Brazil 0 54 Jordan 0.86 Slovenia 026 B. Virgin Is 0.40 Kazakhstan 0.74 Solomon Is Brunei 0.58 Kenya 0 90 Somalia For immediate service, fax to: Bulgar 0 42 Kiribati 1.15 South Africa 0.54 Burkin. i Faso 0.85 N. Korea 0.95 Spain 0.25 Burundi 0 68 S. Korea 0.31 Sri Lanka 1.15 Cambodia 1.01 Kuwait 0.98 St. Helena Cameroon 0.82 Kyrgyzstan 0 66 St. Kitts 1 703883 3932 Canada 0.10 Laos 1.03 St. Lucia Cap# Verdi 0.70 Latvia 0.45 St Pierre 0.36 Cayman Is 0 40 Lebanon 0.90 St. Vincent 0.76 Name: C. Afr. Rep 1.13 Lesotho 0.55 Sudan 0.61 Chad 134 Liberia 0.67 Suriname 1.00 Chile 0.28 Libya 0.47 Swaziland 0 39 Address: _ China 0.60 Liechtenstein 0.24 Sweden 0.10 Xmas Is. 0 99 Lithuania 0.49 Switzerland 0.17 Cocos Is. 0.99 Luxembourg 0 20 Syria 0.86 Colombia 0.51 Macao 0.45 Comoro Is. 0.88 Macedonia 0.66 Congo 0.97 Madagascar 1.02 Tanzania 082 Cook Is 1.38 Maiawl 0.58 Thailand 0.72 HomeTeL Costa Rica 0.48 Malaysia 0.29 Togo Rep 1.01 Croada 0.42 Maldives 0.93 Tonga 1.23 World Wide Cuba 0.77 Mall 1.09 Trinidad 0.77 Cyprus 0.41 Malta 0.33 Tunisia 054 WorkTel: Czech Rep 0.32 Mariana Is. 0.56 Turkey 0.48 Denmark 0.15 Marshall Is 0.57 Turks-Caicos 0 63 TELECOM Diego Garcia 0 90 Martinique 0.63 Tuvalu 1.13 Djibouti 0.99 Mauritania 0.77 U.A.E 0 66 Fax: Dominica 0.64 Mauritius 0 97 Uganda 0.66 Dominican Rep 0.31 Mayotte Is 0.60 UK 0.10 Suite 510 Easter Is 1.08 Mexico 0.42 Ukraine Email: 049 Micronesia 095 Uruguay 8230 Old Courthouse Road 0 86 Moldova 0.65 US Virgin Is. PEL 048 Monaco 0.19 USA Eq Guinea 1.34 Mongolia 1.22 Uzbekistan 0.75 Vienna, Virginia 22182 U.S.A. Please charge my telephone bills to my credit card: Eritrea 1.42 Montserrat 0.82 Vanuatu 1.02 Estonia 0.36 Morocco 0.54 Vatican City 0 24 Telephone: 1-703*883«3933 Ethopla 1.22 Mozambique 0.76 Venezuela 0.41 Card No.: Faeroe Is 0.36 Mynamar 1.35 Vietnam 1.26 Facsimile: 1 *703-883*3932 Falkland Is 0.77 Namibia 0.53 Wallis-Futuna 0.45 Flgi Is 1.00 Nauru 108 W Samoa 086 Finland 0 15 Nepal 1.16 Yemen A Rep 1.08 E-mail: [email protected] Expiration Date: _ France 0.15 Ne&rertand 0.14 Yemen P. Rep 1.10 Fr Antilles 0.54 Neth Ant. 0.40 Yugoslavia 0.55 http://www.wwtelecom.com Fr. Guiana 0.52 Nevis Is 0.61 Zaire 0.81 Signature: FrPolynesia m HeSM 8:18 Mw. All T«m> and Condition! Subject to Chongo wmmmmm

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 39 Focus

came largely from various U.S. agencies acting indepen¬ and was undoubtedly die single most critical problem. dently, but Jesse Helms’ staff and other self-appointed Congress, too, played a role in diis mess — though spokesmen added to the problem. It forced the embassy largely by its absence. While a number of senators and rep¬ to offer a nearly constant stream of policy clarifications resentatives sought to persuade their colleagues to exercise and restatements. And it was a factor in the Honduran more effective oversight of the activities of the CIA and the military’s aborted October 1981 decision to stage a coup. U.S. military in Central America, apart from Rep. Edward Senior officials — Secretary of State Alexander Haig, Roland (D-Mass.) they were largely unsuccessful until late CIA Director William Casey, Deputy Secretary William in the game. The administration, including tire foreign Clark, Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, U.N. affairs agencies, strove mightily to frustrate such review, Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick, special representative employing a variety of tactics, including perjury. Gen. Vernon Walters and, indeed, tire president himself Career Foreign Service officers, including ambas¬ — shared an ideological outlook that caused them to dis¬ sadors, must provide dieir best advice on proposed poli¬ regard factual data and analyses or recommendations that cy direction without fear of political retribution. Once did not conform with their perceptions. One indication of decisions are taken by lawful authority, tiiese same pro¬ this extreme bias: National Security Adviser Robert fessional must carry out their resulting instructions McFarlane observed later that if he had expressed his scrupulously. doubts about our Nicaragua policy, he would have been I tried to follow my instructions and guidance (when I branded a communist and removed. This dysfunction had them), though at times I pursued goals that had been was clearly visible during my tenure, but grew worse later changed without my knowledge. An example was

No matter where you call home, Just call a Representative at And, no matter where you are, State Department Federal Credit 703-739-3092 (or 800-296-8882 if you own a residence in Virginia, Union can help with your home¬ ext. 3092) for your mortgage or Maryland, or the District of buying and home-lending needs. refinancing needs. Columbia, you can use the equity in your home to borrow money If you’re looking to return to the Plus with SmartMove™, our for a car, home improvements, States, we offer a number of nationwide real estate sen/ice, or other expenses. Ask about our mortgage loan options at you can earn cash rebates each home equity loans today. convenient terms and competitive time you buy or sell your home rates for your home-buying in the U.S. Call SmartMove at needs. Our Mortgage Loan 703-359-1831 (or 800-645-6560) Department is ready to to speak to a Representative. *UTTLE So II State Department ^ Federal Credit Union FROW* ** A tradition of service forfor over 60 years. , AH I 1630 King Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 703-706-5000 • 800-296-8882 703-684-1613 (fax) www.sdfcu.org (Internet) If you are overseas, call 703-706-5000 and let our operators know so we can give you top priority. NCUA

40 FOREIGN SERVICE J O U RN AL/O C TO B E R 1998 Focus The Mtoble Assistant Secretary Thomas O. Institute Enders’ request that I discontin¬ ue reporting human rights viola¬ 1761 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-2882 tions in official channels. It was improper, if not unlawful. He was concerned that the leak of Please consider the Middle East Institute when allocating your these abuses would complicate donations to the Combined Federal Campaign. For over fifty years, the conduct of our policy. So was the Middle East Institute has been dedicated to increasing American I, and I had been reporting diem understanding of the Middle East, through our programs, in the NODIS channel. I did not, publications, language classes, and library. however, agree to his request that I confine these reports in the CIA “back channel” so they Chairman of the Board - Dick Murphy would not appear on the official President - Rocky Suddarth record. He would not put diis in Vice President - David Mack writing, hence I was summoned Scholar-in-Residence - Dick Parker to Washington. My unwilling¬ ness to cooperate led to my loss of access to intelligence on Our CFC designation number is 7569 Honduran abuses and fed the * mistrust. The tendency to identify career officers who served in Starting at senior positions in the previous Perfect Location, administration with the opposi¬ Perfect Comfort, tion did not begin with the $58 Reagan administration. But it Based on a 30 day Perfect Price. minimum stay surely grew during that time. Although the Bush and Clinton Not only are we just minutes from terms were less ideological, National Airport, the National they did not reverse the trend. Foreign Affairs Training Center, Increased politicization of most government buildings, and Metro-we'll surprise you with just the Foreign Service and our how much you get for so little. foreign relations are serious ♦ Spacious suites with problems. The former, if full kitchens unchecked, will destroy profes¬ ♦ Pool, sundeck, saunas and sionalism, opening the system exercise facilities to a host of abuses. The latter, ♦ Free Cable TV with HBO over time, means growing poli¬ ♦ Free on-site parking cy polarization as we lose ♦ Free local phone calls expertise and stifle objective ♦ Complimentary Continental 1500 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209 analysis. Discontinuities will Breakfast on weekdays 703-522-9600 • 800-275-2866 multiply rapidly. These are ♦ Free shuttle to NFATC Fax 703-525-4462 hardly preconditions for the weekdays at 7:30am, E-mail: [email protected] World Wide Web: wrvw.virginiaasuites.com successful conduct of our for¬ returning at 4:30pm eign relations. ■

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 41 VIETNAM REVISITED

During the Tet Offensive in the Year of the Monkey, A young FSO Faces the Carnage of War

BY SUSAN SCHARFMAN

uly 1967 — When I arrive in business ignoring the bloody battles being Saigon, the war is escalating, but waged outside its limits. Here, you can get any¬ J to me it seems distant, located in thing you want for a price. the jungles and the rice paddies. American GIs buy sex. The Vietnamese buy On weekends, I tour the exotic time. Asian city long infused with Despite sporadic mortar attacks, I go to French culture. I ride in open air work each day in the USAID personnel office, pedicabs, taking in a city of tree- where it is my numbing job to keep track of lined streets, savoring the cafes where staff are located. I study Vietnamese, which serve French and continental fare and cope with the debilitating humidity and attend restaurants that float in the Sai Gon River. a counter-insurgency course where I’m sup¬ Each day, though, the “Paris of the Orient” posed to learn self-protection against the Viet becomes home to more tattered refugees and Cong who are constantly infiltrating the city. slick drug dealers, more young soldiers whose Secretly, I know I am not prepared for any of faces have aged and more seasoned prostitutes this. whose faces have not yet had a chance to age. Along the crowded sidewalks black marke¬ I join the Saigon Sports Club, where I meet teers sit hunched with elbows locked around an American whom I’ll call Hal Collins, their knees chanting their mantra: “Oh, for though that is not his real name. Fluent in you, American, I sell special. For you, cheap, Vietnamese, he has access to parts of the coun¬ cheap.” try I might never see because of travel restric¬ Most of their goods are stolen from river tions. On days off I go with him into these docks in dead of night or from the American areas. Hal insists that we speak nothing but commissary in broad daylight. No one cares. Vietnamese for one hour out of every two. So Teeming with Vietnamese, Chinese, Europeans I’m captive in a jeep, cursing both the humidi¬ and Americans, the bustling city goes about its ty and the unrelenting language drilling. On one of these trips I ask Hal why the A freelance journalist, Susan Scharfman is a United States is fighting a land war in Asia, retired FSO who served for 27 years with State where we have no business. and USAID in the Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, He fires back: “I thought we were fighting a Kenya, Ethiopia, Vietnam and Morocco.

42 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 1998 Communist takeover of the South. We’re the have never seen war, and now I’m in the mid¬ good guys, remember?” dle of the carnage. It continues for two days as “Then why are so many young Vietnamese I remain confined to my hotel room. Rockets men sitting in cafes while Americans fight the and mortars explode in the market place, on war?” I ask. schools and private dwellings. Bodies are left Hal retreats into silence. His hazel eyes where they fall. A good informal grapevine is close to slits. I change the subject. established to bring us news of what is happen¬ ing in the city. My television December 1967 U.S. Ambassador still works and I can tune to the Ellsworth Bunker gives his traditional Armed Forces Radio and Christmas party with champagne served on sil¬ Television Service. I hear that The enraged South ver trays and popular American pianist Peter the American embassy has Nero at the piano. The furniture has been been attacked by Viet Cong Vietnamese force the cleared from a large reception room in who blew a hole in the wall and Bunker’s elegant residence from the French killed five American GIs before hoy and girl to their colonial period, but ceiling fans are whirring being killed themselves. knees and shoot them overhead. It is a welcome oasis from my sparse February 3, 1968 Day hotel room. Ambassador Bunker’s wife, Carol in the back of their Laise, who is U.S. ambassador to Nepal, visits Three. The Viet Cong cannot Saigon for the occasion. Together, they seem sustain their attack and fighting heads. / retreat to my like diplomats from a vanished era. I remind subsides. Alone on the hotel myself that the killing fields are not far from roof, I watch billowing black room just in time to our celebration. This is bizarre, I think, but smoke as fires erupt around the then remind myself that nothing about life in city. The occasional crackle of throw up. Vietnam is normal. small-arms fire still echoes in the deserted streets. I hear January 31, 1968. Two a.m. It is the begin¬ screaming behind me. Three ning of the Tet Offensive, the Vietnamese lunar South Vietnamese soldiers drag two teenage New Year, the Year of the Monkey. I hear a Viet Cong — a boy and a beautiful girl with noise outside my hotel room and assume it is long, silky black hair — from their hiding from firecrackers being set off to celebrate. I place on the roof of the building next to mine. look out my hotel window and see men in black They have been caught smuggling grenades pajamas blowing open the gates of the into the city in cookie containers. Independence Palace, home of Nguyen Van “Go ahead and kill us,” screams the girl. Thieu, president of the Republic of South “We’re going to beat you. We’re going to win.” Vietnam. A Jeep full of American soldiers The boy spits at the soldiers. The enraged roars down the street. A young GI loses his hel¬ South Vietnamese force the boy and girl to met. His blond head flashes by as he shouts, their knees and shoot them in the back of their “They’re VC, VC!” heads. I retreat to my room just in time to One of the Viet Cong tosses a grenade into throw up. the Jeep. There are screams as bodies explode in pieces. I’m on the floor in my room at the February 4, 1968. Day Four. The hotel, Park Hotel with minor scratches, my heart short on food, is serving rice over rice. Hal, pounding. My room is splattered with glass and who had been on a mission but who has blood. There are bullet holes in the walls. I returned to the hotel, decides to check out the

OCTOBER 1938/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 43 nearby American Officer’s Mess. astronomy buffs since childhood. her fiance, an ARVN officer killed Tired of rice, I decide to join him. It’s quiet as the earth’s shadow in the battle of Hue during Tet. Hal is an enigma; he’s often gone creeps across the tropical moon, We hug and say goodbye for the for long periods and because his revealing the constellations and last time. She places her delicate job is covert, I don’t ask what he turning off the war. Then, thun¬ hands together in front of her face, does. I hear talk of jungle sorties dering out of the black, hovering bows slightly to me, pulls the gold and an operation his friends refer over us, a ferocious green monster and jade ring she always wears to as “Phoenix.”1 don’t want to spits fire, blasts the street with from her finger and places it in my know about Hal’s secret war. tracer bullets that light up the sky. hand. “Don’t forget us,” she says. Exit moon. Enter Apocalypse. As we slip into the street, noth¬ December 1968. Hal is tem¬ ing is moving. It is silent as we porarily assigned to the step over the smoldering rubble, Mekong Delta town of Can Tho. our throats dry, our eyes burning He assures me it’s safe to visit and from smoke, our noses full of the secures me space on an Air smell of death. Suddenly, we see a Thundering out of the America plane. I sit across from Viet Cong guerrilla lying on the two battered VC prisoners and black, hovering over us, sidewalk, frozen in death like the their guards, my legs propped up citizens of Pompeii caught in the a ferocious green on crates I later learn are filled eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. His with grenades. brains are splayed on concrete. monster spits fire, Relieved to be getting out of His face glares at me as he reach¬ Saigon for a while, I don’t know es for the sky with a clenched fist. blasts the street with that at night the town belongs to I open my mouth to scream, but the Viet Cong. Flying at dusk into say only, “Jeezus.” tracer bullets that light Can Tho, a provincial capital on “It’s okay. He’s dead,” Hal whis¬ the Mekong Delta, I savor the set¬ pers, pulling me away. When we up the sky. Exit moon. ting red-orange sun reflecting off finally make it to the officers’ Enter Apocalypse. a river and the exquisite design of mess, I can’t eat. I see the dead symmetrically planted rice fields. I man’s face and hear the girl with watch farmers riding home in slow the silky black hair. We’re going to motion on water buffalo, repeating win. the same pastoral mosaic they I don’t feel safe unless Hal is August 1968. Monsoons wash have created for centuries. around. The embassy security peo¬ through the hot, steamy city. The Upbeat and happy, Hal meets ple tell me to vary my route to Chinese section of Cholon is off me at the small airport and we go work to avoid Viet Cong on motor limits because the Viet Cong are directly to a party in progress at bikes throwing grenades. Since heavily secreted there. But my his house. The place is jumping Tet, strict nighttime curfews are in friend Kim Ba is dear to me, so I with officers and military nurses in J effect, so the hotel rooftop risk visiting her. We savor Madame fatigues trying their best to be becomes my world. I watch as Ba’s Dim Sum, drink beer and play merry. A giant Texan wearing cap¬ American planes drop a misty with Kim’s younger brother and tain’s bars and holding a beer in spray around the outskirts of sister and three giggling cousins. one hand and a bottle of Jack Saigon. We are not told officially Kim’s uncle, Ly Tong, gives Daniels in the other welcomes us. what the spray is, but Hal tells me Vietnamese historvJ lessons and “This is the best of the South’s it is Agent Orange, a defoliant to talks of teaching in America and hospitality, Ma’am,” he says with a help keep Viet Cong from hiding “dining” at McDonald’s.“Mc¬ grin. “South Nam, that is.” and firing rockets unseen from the Donald’s! McDonald’s!” echo the After two hours we hear explo¬ brush. children. sions coming from the airport. I join Hal to watch a lunar Kim’s Buddhism helps her deal Someone calls from the nearby eclipse. We have both been with the grief from the death of American base to alert us that

44 FOREIGN SERVICE J O U RN AL/O C T O B E R 1998 squads of Viet Cong have blown At sunrise our attackers disap¬ up the airport and are headed our pear into idyllic green rice fields. way. The party sobers up. The men Epilogue: Two months later break open crates of grenades, / watch as American Hal disappeared into a Cambodian jungle. Later, I remembered that guns and ammunition. They tell us planes drop a misty to go on the roof and throw the he told me how the Phoenix paci¬ grenades when we see Viet Cong spray annual the fication program got its name. “In cross the small foot bridge that Vietnamese mythology, Phung leads to our street. Texas hands me outskirts of Saigon, lie Hoang (Phoenix) is the bird of the revolver from a holster at his peace and prosperity,” he said, waist and orders: “If they get this are not told officially certain he was on the side of good. far and into the house, use this. Ya Developed by the CIA to capture, hear me, ma’am? Shoot the bas¬ what the spray is. hat cause to defect or kill the Viet tards.” Cong, it was a grisly, ugly opera¬ llal tells me it is Agent tion. The weapon is cold and clam¬ Orange, a defoliant to my, like my hands. Texas Until mid-1969, I served in shows me how to hold the gun, help keep Viet Cong from Saigon, a young American in how to aim it and how to pull the Vietnam at the wrong time. After trigger. I come out of my body hiding and firing rockets the frantic evacuation of Saigon in and watch myself. Numb and April 1975, I tried to locate Kim Ba light-headed, I move in slow unseen from the brash. and her family in the temporary motion, even though everything refugee camps that were set up around me is moving quickly. I throughout the United States, but I feel that I am witnessing a night¬ never saw them again. mare, not participating in it. The Shortly after leaving Saigon, I five nurses, all poised with M-16 “Listen. Do exactly as I say. started having anxiety attacks with rifles, seem composed. How many Keep your head down, follow me chest pains, hyperventilation and times have they done this? I and don’t stop for anything. Our nausea. Sometimes the attacks admire them. guys will cover us. Don’t worry. were triggered by images that As we await the attack, I’m We’ll make it.” Maureen is a heavy seemed unconnected to anything. scared and wonder if I will survive. smoker and I hear her breathing They continued, uncontrolled, for I am also angry with Hal. He told hard between her prayers as we years, once at a hairdresser’s in me that it would be safe. He lives race down the steps. Hail Mary, Rabat and once in the middle of with danger all the time; thrives on full of grace (gasp). Hail Mary, full the Geneva airport. Doctors pre¬ it. This is insane. My eyes search of grace (gasp). scribed Valium, but I hate medica¬ for him, but he is crouching by the tion. At home in the United States edge of the roof. His mind is We scramble into the waiting in 1980, I discovered a drug-free already locked into fighting mode, vehicles and flee to the near¬ regimen that revitalized my life: his attention focused on killing. by base. I never see our enemies in one hour of daily meditation, five Shouting and gunfire in the the dark, moonless night, but I hear months of hypnotherapy and regu¬ street catapult me back to reality. them. Sometimes they scream at us. lar doses of tennis. Mi raeulously, it’s our own soldiers The fighting lasts all night with Ten years after leaving Viet¬ come to fetch us with Jeeps and flashing mortar batteries, machine- nam, I was diagnosed with breast trucks. I can’t believe the “cavalry” gun fire and explosions a constant cancer. Since there’s no history of has come to our rescue. This is soundtrack. 1 am huddled in a breast cancer in my family, I’ll not, after all, a John Ford western. bunker with Hal. “I’m proud of how never know whether my exposure This is my life. Maureen, a triage brave you are,” he tells me. Burying to Agent Orange caused the dis¬ nurse, grabs me by the shoulders, my face on his chest, I reply, “I’m ease. shakes me and gets into my face not brave. I’m scared to death and (Although these events are real, with her wide violet eyes. good at hiding it.” some names have been changed.) ■

OCTOBER 1998/FOREICN SERVICE JOURNAL 45 ALL THE comforts Need Auto Parts NOW?

HOME. State-Side Auto Supply is your world-wide professional supplier of auto parts and accessories for all makes and While you’re here in models of automobiles manufactured for the U.S. market. rWH Washington, you can enjoy • We will get you the correct part FAST- usually in less than 7 days. the best furnishings money can rent. Residential • If you are not sure of the exact parts, hardware or or home office furniture, accessories, plants and accessories you need, call us for assistance and we even artwork. All from one source. All with one will help you place your order. • We accept all Government PO’s as well as personal phone call. And all in orders, and we give priority attention to urgently place by the time you CORT needed items. FURNITURE RENTAL arrive. Welcome home. • No order is too large or too small!

America’s National Furniture Rental Company” For a free brochure or the showroom nearest you, | Slate-Side call 1-800-962-CORT. Visit our web site at http://wunv.cort l.com or find us at http://unvw.relocationcentral.com Auto Supply ALEXANDRIA,VA: 703-379-8846 • CHANTILLY,VA: 703-818-2660 211 Southwest Rd., Canterbury, NH USA 03224 • E-mail: [email protected] TYSONS CORNER,VA: 703-790-8338 • WASHINGTON, DC: 202-223-9241 ROCKVILLE, MD: 301-881-7388 • BALTIMORE, MD: 410-625-2755 PHONE: 603-783-9361 • FAX: 603-783-0257 Order forms sent on request We accept VISA and MasterCard Call Bob Chisholm today PHONE OR FAX YOUR ORDER 24 HRS A DAY. 7 DAYS A WEEK

Carey Coulter Retired Sr. Foreign Service Officer asks.,. MCG FINANCIAL A CAR? PLANNING "Our unique ONE PRICE BUYING Former State Department Employee means you get the lowest possible Stationed Overseas Understands Unique '> price from the very start... Financial Situation of Foreign Service NO HAGGLING. NO NEGOTIATING. With over 500 new Oldsmobiles Services Include: an^ Podges in stock, we have quickly become the 1st stop...and Retirement Planning last stop... for a growing number Tax Preparation and Strategies ofFSO's. Analysis: Insurance and Investments Lump Sum Retirement Options If you're serious about saving your time, and your money, you need to see me!" MARY GORNELLA GINN 4550 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 442N TEMPLETON Bethesda, Maryland 20814 mggJgfelWMsISMafc Phone: (301) 961-8500 The Regional OoiSge/Oldsmoliile Superstore Fax: (703) 938-2278 3593 Leesburg Pike Just 2 miles West of 495 SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH NATHAN & LEWIS SECURITIES, INC., (703) 393-5100 • OPEN SUNDAYS MEMBER NASD & SIPC

46 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 1998 BOOKS

POLITICAL CHANGE Italian national politics since the end of Semantics and political biases aside, ITALIAN STYLE World War II. What makes dre situation Burnett and Mantovani painstakingly different titan in most democracies is document then case against tiie magis¬ The Italian Guillotine: Operation that tiie judiciary intruded into politics trates in detail. The authors’ close atten¬ Clean Hands and the Overthrow and ultimately caused major national tion to and documentation of tiie role of of Italy’s First Republic political changes. tiie media in tiie operation is also a Stanton H. Burnett and Luca The authors argue a controversial major strength of tiie book. They claim Mantovani, Roman i? Littlefield point of view persuasively. They claim tliat die media manipulated tiie magis¬ Publishers, Inc., hardback; $62.00; that tire magistrates — also known as trates. This manipulation included paperback; $22.95, 332 pages. “tiie pool” — held no higher motives attempts to suppress unfavorable than did tire people whom they investi¬ reporting by bringing lawsuits against BY PATRICIA H. KUSHLIS gated, and used methods previously media considered “unfriendly.” Still, reserved only for prosecuting tiie Mafia. while they skirt the issue, Burnett and The Italian Guillotine is one of few These included illegal leaks of unproved Mantovani never really address bdoks in English on post-Cold War “crimes” to sympathetic, biased media whether freedom of tiie press was vio¬ Italian polities. This is surprising, partic¬ and inhumane Fascist-era detention lated. ularly given tire country’s recent political procedures. In tiie process, tiie authors The Italian Guillotines complex sen¬ turbulence and its continuing interna¬ say, the pool destroyed tiie careers and tence structure and La Scala-size cast of tional economic and strategic impor¬ sometimes tiie lives of major Italian characters make reading sometimes dif¬ tance. Italy remains a major player in non-Communist politicians and busi¬ ficult. Frequent restatement of tiie the New Europe as the European ness executives. At tiie same time, they authors’ dieses help, as do excellent Unions fourth-largest member and a intentionally ignored equally tainted chronological and biographical appen¬ major NATO ally, whose parliamentary Communist Party leaders and their dices. Its strength is tiie insights it pro¬ fragility almost derailed the NATO industrialist supporters, such as Cesare vides into tire motives and style of actors enlargement rote last spring. Yet only Romiti, CEO of FIAT from 1976 to in contemporary Italian politics and four other books on Italian politics after 1996. media. The magistrates’ accusations 1991 are currently in print in English. By mid-1994, say tiie authors, tiie continue today, their primary target Stanton H. Burnett, former coun¬ pool of magistrates had launched over now being Silvio Berlusconi, leader of selor for public affairs at the U.S. 2,000 investigations, questionably tiie parliamentary opposition. Though embassy in Rome and now senior advis¬ detained more than 350 individuals and Italy retains a democratic government, er at the Center for Strategic and caused nearly 30 suicides. As a result of die pool’s manipulations caused the International Studies, and Luca “Operation Clean Hands,” tiie leftist- demise of long-standing, powerful rul¬ Mantovani, an Italian journalist, con¬ dominated Olive Branch Coalition ing political parties and brought centrate on the abuse of investigative gained control of the Italian parliament reformed Communists to power as a powers exercised by a small group of and government in the April 1996 major government party. That history mostly leftist magistrates from 1991 to national elections. Burnett and makes this book worth reading. the present in Milan. The magistrates Mantovani call tiie election a coup de set up “Operation Clean Hands” to etat. Other Western media and scholars Patricia H. Kushlis is a retired USIA expose vast political corruption. Their have claimed die election was a revolu¬ Foreign Service officer who served in efforts led to tire collapse of the five tion. It was certainly a sea change in Manila, Helsinki, Athens, Moscow, political parties that had governed Italian politics. Bangkok and Washington, D.C. ■

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 47 IN MEMORY

Note: The first eight people in this Molly Huckaby Hardy, 51, a of an FSO, died on August 7. month’s obituaries are members of the State Department administrative Mrs. Kirk was a native of South Foreign Service community who died employee at the U.S. embassy in Bend, Ind. and studied business at in the August 7 bombing of the U.S. Nairobi, died on August 7. the University of Indiana, where she embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Due to A native of Valdosta, Ga., Ms. met her husband Robert Kirk. They the circumstances of these deaths, the Hardy attended Valdosta State began their traveling life in the 1970s Foreign Sen-ice Journal did not have College. She received her associate with an assignment in southern Africa access to complete information on degree in business administration with the Peace Coips. They later each individual and apologizes for from Northern Virginia Community worked with USAID in Botswana and any omissions. College. She joined State in 1972 as a Egypt and in 1995, they were trans¬ budget and fiscal officer. Her career ferred to Kenya. Mrs. Kirk was work¬ Julian L. Bartley, 55, an FSO, spanned 25 years and included for¬ ing as a fiscal officer for the military died August 7 in Nairobi, Kenya. eign postings in Rio de Janeiro and assistance office in Nairobi at the Mr. Bartley was bom in Florida in Brasilia before her tour in Nairobi. time of her death. 1944. He graduated from Tennessee She is survived by her mother; her Survivors include her husband, State University and received his daughter, Brandi Plant of McLean, Robert Kirk; her daughter, Maisha; masters degree from Syracuse Va.; and a grandson. her son, Robert Kirk, Jr.; her parents, University. In 1971, he joined the Art and Mary Bradley of South Bend, Foreign Service and his overseas Prabhi Guptara Kavaler, 46, an Ind.; two sisters and three brothers. assignments included Medellin, Ma¬ FSO, died August 7 in Nairobi, Kenya. drid, Tel Aviv, and Seoul. He was Bom in Amristar, India in 1952, Mary' Louise Martin, 45, an consul general in Nairobi when he Ms. Kavaler attended Delhi employee of the Centers for Disease died. University, where she earned her Control and Prevention (CDC) Survivors include his wife, bachelors, masters and doctoral detailed to USAID in Nairobi, died Susan Bartley; his daughter, Edith degrees. She met her husband, FSO on August 7. Bartley; and his mother, Gladys Howard Kavaler, in New Delhi dur¬ Ms. Martin was bom in Baton Baldwin. ing his first overseas tour. They mar¬ Rouge, La., in 1952. She studied at ried in 1982 and she joined the Louisiana State University where she Julian “Jay” Bartley, Jr., 20, son Foreign Service in 1990. Her foreign received her bachelors degree, her of FSO Julian L. Bartley, died August posts included Islamabad, Jerusalem, masters degree in genetics and her 7 in Nairobi, Kenya. Manila, Nairobi (in 1990), and Paris. doctorate in veterinary medicine. In A sophomore at the U.S. She and her family had recently 1985, she began training as an epi¬ International University in Nairobi, returned to Nairobi, where she was a demiologist at die CDC and spent the younger Mr. Bartley hoped to fol¬ general services officer. eight years in research on birth low his father into the diplomatic ser¬ Survivors include her husband, defects. In 1989, she married Dr. vice. He was working in the U.S. Howard Kavaler; two daughters, Tara Douglas Klauke, a colleague at the embassy as a summer intern. and Maya; her mother; and two CDC. In 1995, she accompanied her Survivors include his mother, brothers. husband to Kenya. She did volunteer Susan Bartley; his sister, Edith veterinary work in an African animal Bartley; and his grandmother, Gladys Arlene Kirk, 50, an employee at orphanage. She had also been a mem¬ Baldwin. the U.S. embassy in Nairobi and wife ber of a World Health Organizations

48 FOREIGN SERVICE J O U RN AL/O C TO B E R 1998 1 N M E M 0 R Y

team investigating the cause of a fever White Plains, N.Y., and attended Gaidiersburg, Md.; two sisters; three outbreak in northern Kenya. A few Haverford College in Pennsylvania, brothers; and a granddaughter. months prior to her death, she had Yale University and Columbia begun working for the Task Force for University. Weikko A. Forsten, 76, a retired Child Survival, introducing new treat¬ After joining the Foreign Service FSO, died of cancer in Boca Raton, ments for malaria. in 1963, he served overseas tours in Fla. on August 6. Survivors include her husband, Trinidad, British Guiana (Guyana), Mr. Forsten was bom in Chicago Douglas Klauke; her three children, Vietnam, Zambia, Nigeria, in 1918 and attended Colorado Russell, J.R., and Karen; her father, Cameroon, Ghana and Canada and College and De Paul University. J.D. Martin; three sisters; three was chosen to attend the National He began his Foreign Service brothers; and ten nieces and War College. He retired in 1985. career as a clerk in Caracas in 1940. nephews. Survivors include his wife, Maiy After a tour in Ankara, he sewed in Frances Bache of Annapolis; a daugh¬ the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Michelle O’Connor, 36, an FSO, ter, Joanna Bache Tobin of Rockville, Corps during World War II. He died on August 7 in Nairobi, Kenya. Md.; a son, Carl Coleman Bache of returned to the State Department in Ms. O’Connor was born in Pittsburgh, Pa.; and a brother 1946 and sewed in foreign posts Louisiana in 1961 and earned her Michael Bache (also a retired FSO) of including Glasgow, Havana, San bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Lavallette, N.J. Salvador, Panama, Puerto la Cruz, State University. She joined the Bogota, Dacca and Lima. He Foreign Service in 1987 and served in George Michael Bennsky, 74, a returned to Caracas as administrative Rridgetown, Guayaquil and retired FSO, died May 1 at Arlington counselor and retired from there in Montevideo. She was a general ser¬ Hospital in Arlington, Va. from com¬ 1978. vices officer in Nairobi. plications of Guillain-Barre syn¬ Following retirement, Mr. Forsten Survivors include her husband, drome. was self-employed as a private invest¬ Jim O’Connor; three daughters aged Born in North Carolina, Mr. ment counselor. 15, 4 and 2; her mother; her brother; Bennsky served with the Army Air Survivors include his wife, Eloise and her grandmother. Corps in the China-Burma-India the¬ Forsten of Boca Raton; a daughter, ater in World War II. He graduated Marilyn; and two grandsons. Uttamlal (Tom) Shah, 38, an from George Washington University FSO, died August 7 in Nairobi, in 1949 and received a master’s Mary Skaleeki Heyneker, 74, a Kenya. degree in economics from the former U.S. government secretary A Chicago native, Mr. Shah University of Michigan in 1950. and wife of a retired FSO, died June received his bachelor’s, master’s, and He seived in Beirut with the U.S. 28 of pancreatic cancer. doctoral degrees in music. He was a Treasuiy Department before joining From 1946 to 1949 Mrs. professional trumpet player and the Foreign Service in 1956. With Heyneker worked as a secretary at taught at Rail State University in State he was posted to India and Peru the War Department in Boston, Muncie, Ind. before entering the in addition to several tours in Mass., at the Department of State in Foreign Service in 1987. Washington. During his career, he Washington, D.C., at the U.S. He served in Cairo and Damascus attended the National War College embassy in Brussels and at the before his posting to Nairobi. He was and ffie Senior Seminar. He was sec¬ Special Mission to Belgium of the working as a political officer at the onded to die Council of Economic Cooperation Administra¬ time of his death. Environmental Quality, from which tion. She met and married her hus¬ Survivors include his wife, Linda, he retired in 1979. band, Gerrit J.W. Heyneker, in and his parents. Mr. Bennsky worked for the A.T. Brussels when they both worked at Kearney Management Consulting the embassy diere. She accompanied firm in Alexandria, Va. until 1991. him to posts in Calcutta, Guatemala Kenneth Bache, 74, a retired Survivors include his wife, Ruth City, Kinshasa and Paris. Her hus¬ FSO, died of cancer on July 22 in Bennsky of Falls Church, Va.; a son, band retired in 1973, and they lived Annapolis, Md. Matthew Bennsky of Alexandria, Va.; most recently in Pottsboro, Texas. Mr. Bache was bom in 1924 in his mother, Glaydes Bennsky of Mrs. Heyneker is survived by her

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 49 IN MEMORY

husband, Gerrit J.W. Heyneker; a of Pennsylvania. He served in four served in seven overseas postings in daughter, Rose-Margaret Heyneker campaigns in World War II as a mili¬ Latin America and Asia. He also Hayden; and three sons, Theodore J., tary intelligence staff officer, receiv¬ served as executive director of the W. van der Veer, and Jan M. ing the Legion of Merit medal and a Foi'eign Service Institute where he Heyneker, British Mention-in-Despatches for managed the planning and congres¬ his contribution to the allied war sional approval process for the new William Hoffman, a retired effort. FSI campus prior to his retirement FSO, died on July 15. After the war, Mr. Koch worked in 1985. Mr. Hoffman joined the State for the American militaiy govern¬ Mr. Ravndal’s first wife, Marilyn Department after serving a tour in ment in Vienna, as a correspondent V. Ravndal, died in 1995. He the U.S. Navy. His 30-year diplomat¬ for Radio Free Europe, for the Voice remarried in 1997, dividing his ic career took him to 10 countries on of America in Washington, D.C., for time between Jacksonville Beach, four continents. Radio in the American Sector in Fla. and Bogota, Colombia. Survivors include Ills wife, Tal-Li; Berlin and for the Voice of Freedom Survivors include his wife, Edith a daughter, Teri-Li; and a son Carl. in Saigon. Feijoo of Colombia; two daughters, In 1967, he joined USIA and Inga and Alberta; a son, Frank; a Robert S. Johnson, 84, a retired served in Wellington and Heidelberg sister, Inga; and four grandchil¬ FSO, died of cancer on May 27 at his as well as Washington, D.C., before dren. home in DeLand, Fla. retiring in 1980. He also retired from Mr. Johnson was bom in Michigan the U.S. Army Reserve as a colonel in George R. Thompson, 72, a in 1913. After graduation from high 1979. retired FSO, died in Melbourne school in 1932 in Cedar Rapids, Survivors include his wife of 47 Village, Fla., on March 13. Iowa, he moved to Lima, Peru. years, Renate Koch; Iris daughter, Before joining the Foreign He began his Foreign Service Renata Joyner both of Wellington; Service, Mr. Thompson was editor career as a clerk for die U.S. embassy and his sister, Eleanore Richardson. of the Doylestown Intelligencer in in Lima in 1934 and eventually Pennsylvania. Pie joined USIA in became assistant attache there. He Martha Moses, a retired FSO, 1957 and served in Jordan, Le¬ served as an administrative officer or died June 16 in Washington, D.C. banon, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad, general services officer in several Ms. Moses was bom in Missouri Vietnam, Sudan and Tunisia. In overseas posts including Asuncion, in 1922 and graduated from the Tunis, Mr. Thompson was editor of San Salvador, Bangkok, Monrovia, University of Missouri. Al-Majal, the USIA Arabic maga¬ Vientiane, and Calcutta. He retired She joined the State Department zine. He won the USIA Leonard from State in 1970, after 37 years in in 1945. During her 35-year career, Marks Award for creativity, and two the Foreign Service. her foreign postings included honor awards. He retired in 1978. Survivors include his wife of 58 Belgrade, Berlin, Nanking, Canton, An ardent sailor, Mr. Thompson years, Joyce A. Johnson; their daugh¬ Rangoon, Athens, Manila, Plong wrote a landmark guide to sailing in ter, Lucille Nielsen, of DeLand, Fla.; Kong and La Paz. the Mediterranean and articles for their son, Robert A. Johnson who is Survivors include two cousins, sailing publications. In later years assigned to the U.S. embassy in William R. and Peter N. Wiggins, of in Florida, he wrote columns for Jakarta; eight grandchildren; and two Dallas. USA Today and Florida Today, great-grandchildren. taught writing at Brevard Com¬ Frank Mor Ravndal, 71, a munity College, and co-hosted a Dean Koch, 79, a retired FSO, retired FSO, died in Bogota, radio opinion show. died of cancer on June 5 in Colombia on June 15 following a Survivors include his wife, Wellington, New Zealand. heart attack. Dorothy Thompson of Melbourne Mr. Koch was bom July 4,1919, in Mr. Ravndal worked as a govern¬ Village; one son, Jordan Thompson Detroit. He graduated from ment courier and briefly at of Melbourne, Fla.; four grandchil¬ Michigan State University and Colgate-Palmolive before joining dren; and one great-grandchild. received his masters degree in inter¬ the Foreign Sendee in 1956. A Another son, Glenn Thompson, national relations from the University third generation FSO, Mr. Ravndal predeceased him.

50 FOREIGN SERVICE ] O U RN AL/O CT O B ER 1998 IN MEMORY

Ruth Rensselaer Tryon, 92, a Corps during World War II and in 1940, he served in two consulates retired USIA FSO, died June 23 in St. retired in 1946 after attaining the on the Mexican border. His other Petersburg, Fla., after a lengthy home rank of captain. He joined USAID’s diplomatic posts included San Jose, confinement. predecessor agency in 1950. Working Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Ms. Tryon began her career in the with the controllers office at USAID Lisbon, Paris and Madrid. He Foreign Service in 1945 in Rome with and with the auditor general, Mr. retired from his last post as consul the Office of War Information, which Viles served tours in Germany, general in Capetown in 1971. subsequently evolved into USIS. France, Iran, Brazil, Yemen, Nepal, During his career he received After her transfer to Budapest in Turkey, Greece, and Vietnam. He diplomas from the National War 1946, she made headlines in 1951 retired in 1975. College and the NATO Defense when the Hungarian government Survivors include his first wife. Aim; College in Paris. declared her “persona non grata.” She and their three daughters, Lyn, Patrice, After retirement, Mr. Watrous later served in various capacities in and Janna, all residing in Texas. moved to Nantucket, where he was Algiers, Istanbul, Seoul, Bern, active in civic affairs. He was a direc¬ Jakarta, Madras, and Saigon, retiring Livingston Day (Pete) Watrous, tor of the Nantucket Land Council at in 1969. 82, a retired FSO, died of cancer the time of his death. September 1 at his home in Survivors include his wife, Alicia; John L. Viles, 87, a retired Siasconset, Mass. two sons, Livingston of Buffalo, USAID FSO, died May 31 of pul¬ Mr. Watrous was bom in Honolulu. N.Y. and Peter of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a monary fibrosis at his home in Dallas. He received his bachelor’s degree from daughter, Patricia of Tucson, Ariz.; A native of Vinton, Iowa, Mr. Viles Princeton University and his masters a step-son, Robert Johnson of graduated from the University of degree from Columbia University. Harrisburg, Pa.;and three grand¬ Texas. He served in the Army Air After joining the Foreign Service children. ■

Interested in: /c areers S Internships S Involvement in International Relations? http://www.colead.org Info., contacts, phone and FAX nos., and links to:

U.S. Government foreign affairs agencies Congress Foreign affairs schools International organizations Multilateral development banks Non-governmental organizations

The Coalition for American Leadership Abroad 2101 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20037; (202) 944-5519 L J

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 51 REAL ESTATE

McGrath Visit Our Home 24hrs Real Estate Services a Day 7 Days a Week “THE FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS” If you are Homepage considering moving ww.RIGHTEAM.com to the Washington Experienced, staff providing personalized Metro Area Log-on E-Mail to our new home- service in Northern Virginia. YRRLTRS® page on the World RIGHTEAM.com Wide Web\ ince 1976, McGrath With more than 30+ Lucille’s Phone Real Estate Services years as REALTORS 703-821-7908 ext.326 & a lifetime of foreign or has been successfully representing service relocating, Joan’s Phone Foreign Service Officers in every aspect we understand your 703-821-7908 ext.327 needs, can educate of residential management and sales. you on the home buying or selling Toll Free 1-800-659-0729 Call now to discuss how we can help you process, and will Fax address all your in the management or sale of your single concerns before the big move. family home, townhome, or condominium. Give us a call 425-B Carlisle Drive or E-mail us! Herndon, VA 22070 We look forward to 8100 Boone Blvd.. Suite 120 hearing from you! Vienna, VA 22182 Phone (703) 709-2264 • Fax (703) 709-5230 @Tysons Comer E-mail: [email protected] Our Home-Page That Is!

Cjxecutioe ( A Northern tSocfgtnj Virginia Homes 7!(tern attu es Property Management Division 11094-A Lee Highway, Suite 103 • Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Interim Accommodations for 703-934-8801 • Fax 703-934-8802 Corporate and Government Markets

fflpartments, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY % wn/io u.s es £ MANAGEMENT Single family Homes

“FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE’’ Visit our web site for detailed information * http://www.northernvahomes.home.ml.org Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized • Experienced • Licensed Many “Walk to Metro” locations • Professional • Insured Pet Friendly • Reliable • Competitive Rates 5105-L Backlick Road Annandale, Virginia ^ E-Mail:[email protected] Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Jj

52 FOREIGN SERVICE ] O U RN Ah! OC TO B E R 1998 est Homebuyer Magazine Ever! Because it's designed and produced by you!

.any homebuyers are reluctant to ask us r homes for sale information because they My Homebuyer n’t want to bother us. Perhaps they, the omebuyers, are not definitely sure they Magazine ant to buy a home.

HEN YOU ASK THE SIMUNEK TEAM FOR HELP, IT’S NOT A BOTHER!

stead, Rochelle and Tachiea take about 60 conds to enter your home specifications d price range into our Homebuyer Profile rogram. This is done on an extra computer our office dedicated to this one purpose, ile beautiful color pictures and detailed formation are printing, we return to helping 0 Designed and Produced by me! ur current buyers and sellers. 0 Contains all homes available in my price range! o if you are perhaps thinking of buying or elling and are worn out by trying to sort 0 Color Pictures! rough the internet maze, please give us a 0 The most detailed descriptions! all! It’s not a bother! The Simunek Team I Zorita & Richard Simunek

Rochelle Ruffin Tachiea Roland k Client Care Specialist & Listing Coordinator Licensed Agent Licensed Agent

ATTN: Simuneks ATTN: Simuneks Long & Foster LONG & Long & Foster 5101 Wisconsin Avenue, NW 4600 Lee Highway Washington, DC 20016 FOSTER Arlington, VA 22207 Direct Line: (202) 296-4304 l& REALTORS* Direct Line: (703) 284-9365 [email protected] REAL ESTATE

Sales, Leasing and Property Management WJD MANAGEMENT, Northern Virginia's premier Stuart and Maury Inc. Residential Property Management Realtors and Leasing Resource, is looking for homes />" in need of our ^ • Hands on management for over 35 years! l professional / • We’re not huge, we’re selective, we care! care! l^f • Personalized guidance for all your real estate needs! \M A\N A G E M Ej N T] • 1031 Tax deferred exchange specialists! \ • Monthly computerized statements! } 6H 4 Call Susan Bader, property management specialist, for more information

Office (301) 654-3200 Fax (301) 656-6182 Call David Norod at 703-684-0800 4833 Bethesda Ave. or visit our website Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814 at www.wjdpm.com. Excellent references upon request

Executive Housing Consultants, Inc. EXPERT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Houses and Apartments

7315 Wisconsin Avenue OPPORTUNITY Suite 603 East Bethesda, Maryland 20814 MGMB Inc. Realtors (301)951-4111 Fax: (301) 907-7329 Foxhall Square 202-362-4480 www.executivehousing.com 3301 New Mexico Ave.. N.W. Fax: 202-363-8954 Washington. D.C. 20016 E-mail: [email protected]

54 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/OCTOBER 1998 REAL ESTATE

Coming Home or Going Overseas?

JoAnn Piekney Broker-Owner

and team

Alana Clark Traci Jefferson Vanessa Hardee, Esq. Sue Malick Ron Daly, PC Stacey Griffth Property Specialists, Inc. A professional and personal service tailored Hello! to meet your needs in: As a Foreign Service Spouse of 30 years and a licensed • Property Management Realtor of 20 years, 1 know what moving is ail about! JP • Sales and Rentals Properties lists and sells houses for Foreign Service families • Tax-deferred Exchange AND provides outstanding PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • Real Estate Investment Counseling SERVICES for "worry-free" overseas assignments. Our staff includes: In addition, we provide you with legal and tax services. Vanessa Hardee, Esq. and Ron Daly, CPA are members of Gerry Addison Joann Howd Donna Courtney the JP Properties' team and have been working with the Sieve Carey Robert Howd Sally Duerbeck Foreign Service community for years. Donna Linton Let JP Properties assist you with all your housing needs. All presently or formerly associated WE CARE!!! with the Foreign Service. s CALL, FAX OR E-MAIL US TODAY!!! 4600-D Lee Highway Arlington, Virginia 22207 301 Maple Avenue West 4C, Vienna, VA 22180 (703) 525-7010 (703) 525-0006 (703) 938-0909; FAX: (703) 281-9782 e-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] ServingPc?' Virginia, Maryland and D.C.

< CS^iecict/iX6n

Automobiles Harry M. Jannette Int’1/11 Leasing Promote and market your property; American Service Center/9 Hirshorn/Chubb/C3 advertising; use of MRIS; Chrysler/Bozell/C4 Unirisc/6 quality tenants... D&M Auto Parts/32 Diplomatic Automobile/26 Miscellaneous Management Inspection; emergency and Don Beyer Volvo/31 Amazon.com/35 normal maintenance... Martens Cars of COLEAD/51 Accounting Collect rent; pay mortgage, Washington/10 Cort Furniture Rental/46 fees, taxes... Stateside Auto Supply/46 Global Phone/Polybag Templeton Oldsmobile/46 Key West Fiery Peppers/30 MailBoxes/32 Financial Middle East Institute/41 MCG Financial Planning/46 Odyssey Cruises/Polybag Money Concepts/30 University of Chicago Press/6 State Dept. Credit Union/16 Westtown School/28

EXECUTIVE ENTERPRISES Housing Avalon/C2 Real Estate Avery Hess/ 52 Chase at Bethesda/14 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Executive Housing/54 Columbia Plaza Apartments/33 Executive Lodging Alternatives/52 Executive Club Suites/11 Executive Property Management/55 10324 Summit Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895-0499 FARA/33 J.P. Properties, Ltd./55 phone: 301/564-0049 fax: 301/564-3779 Oakwood/23 Georgetown Suites/34 Long & Foster-Simunek/53 McGrath Real Estate/52 email: exepropmgt@aoi<®pm National Temporary Apartments/33 Remington/26 MGMB Realtors/54 Smith Corporate Living/17 No. Virginia Homes/Property //-Jom/ietitrAie MI Y~ojf Management/52 Insurance Property Specialist/55 .Q£> , • ■ ,Q«P C7 u/iemo r- m emuce AFSPA/11 Stuart & Maury/54 Clements & Co./l WJD Management/54

OCTOBER 1998/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 55 POSTCARD FROM ARROAD In Lusaka, Learning the Art of the Deal

BY KELLY MIDURA

Thick brown dust settled over bring social ostracism, even accusa¬ the neighborhood, with only tions of witchcraft, so a large family occasional patches of yellow can mean bankruptcy. For that rea¬ grass to indicate that it was the 1 looked through son, Zambia’s entrepreneurs are height of the dry season in sub- almost all Indian or Pakistani immi¬ Saharan Africa. The roads through the sea of blue and grants. the middle class enclave were little We sat down and proceeded to the more than ditches and there were Ogreen batiks red purpose of my visit: the purchase no street signs. The mud and con¬ of hand-made batiks. Zambian crete two- and three-room tin- stamped with women generally prefer cheap, roofed houses were surrounded by Indonesian-made fabrics for their tra¬ rusting car parts, bicycles, anything abstract designs ditional wrap skits, called chitenges. that might be useful one day. Next Esnart had taught herself the craft of to some small dwellings were even and African batik, a textile art which is done by tinier factories for making cement stamping designs with wax on fabrics blocks. The need to expand ones animals, t had at various stages of the dye process. home is constant in a country where Despite her talents, the future of her families commonly include seven or something better tiny business was in doubt, because it more children. depended entirely on a limited expa¬ Esnart Mwembe, whom I was to than money to offer triate community and a sluggish local meet in this Lusaka neighborhood, tourist trade. had warned me that I would never in exchange. I looked through the sea of blue find her home nestled among all the and green batiks stamped with others that looked just like it, so she abstract designs and African ani¬ met me at the closest bus stop. We mals. I had something better than then drove together to the small money to offer in exchange. I had dwelling she shared with her five spoken to Esnart earlier about the children and artist husband. The pletely covered with Esnarts own four-foot loom which was no longer exterior was squat and gray, like the textiles in bright, bold colors. compatible with my life as mother other structures, and there was a Overstuffed floor pillows were piled to an inquisitive toddler. She wanted makeshift shed leaning precariously on top of straw mats on the floor. the loom for her talented daughter, against one side with the remains of Modem luxuries such as a small a tall, shy girl of 14 who grinned a car parked inside. Inside the refrigerator and an electric piano when she saw it. I selected several home, however, I was met with a were also visible. batiks and we struck a deal with the riot of color. The walls were com- Zambians are careful to hide their laughter and courtesy that accompa¬ small luxuries from anyone but the nies bargaining rituals in market¬ Kelly Midura is a freelance writer immediate family for fear of attract¬ places around the world. We said and spouse of USIA FSO Christopher ing burglars or encouraging family goodbye, mutually delighted with Midura, whom she has accompanied members to assert their right to our goods. Esnart closed the door to to El Salvador, Zambia, Guatemala share in the wealth. Refusing to her fortress and I headed back out and Bolivia. share possessions with relatives can into the merciless African sun. ■

56 FOREIGN SERVICE ] O U RN A L! O C T O B E R 1998 1 r i A Israel isAzerbaijan a member or the American mreign Service Association, l Zaire mu know you can’t always d?hiki.start select the post to which you are i sb issigned. That’s why you can’t ifford a picky insurance ;ompany. And while the Claims ict has so many exceptions that the government recommends private Insurance, many of those plans are very >icky indeed. Some mn’t cover you at any of the territories listed on this >age. And other plans will :over you, but will do so for a large premium. Pakistan c -raiu.vDta. hat’s why you need coverage [ike that afforded by the AFSA Man. Designed specifically for mu, the AFSA Plan covers you 10 matter where you go - and

ilways at the same low rate. For more information and an application, return this form via mat our AFSA desk directly for immediate answers to your questions.

AFSA DESK • THE HIRSHORN COMPANY 14 EAST HIGHLAND AVENUE • PHILADELPHIA, PA 19118 PHONE: 215.242.8200 // 800.242.8221 // D.c. AREA: 202.457.0250 « |rhe AFSA Insurance Plan. k> exceptions, no excuses. The AFSA Personal Insurance Plan As a member of the Diplomatic Corps, you are eligible for special privileges when you order a vehicle through Chrysler's Diplomatic Purchase Program. They include preferred savings; fast, personalized ordering assistance; and uncompromising service with Chrysler's worry-free worldwide warranty. Perquisites appropriate to your office. Choose from the full line of 1998 Chrysler Corporation products: Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge cars and minivans, and Jeep_ and Dodge trucks. Phone for personalized service. Your Personal Advisor will order the model, color, and equipment you want and quote the official Diplomatic price, including all applicable rebates. Your Personal Advisor can also arrange delivery anywhere in the U.S. or to most overseas locations. We simply set you free of tedious details. If you prefer, just fill out and mail or telefax the card on Page 11. You will quickly receive a catalogue for the vehicle(s) of your choice. The Diplomatic Purchase Program. It is the easy, money-saving way to start enjoying Chrysler's many advantages. &CHRYSLER niPI HMATIP QAI PC IN THE U.S.. PHONE YOUR PERSONAL ADVISOR AT 1-800-877-7083 OR (516) 496-1806. LJ 11 LVJ I VIM I I OMLLO TELEFAX: (516) 677-3701 E-MAIL TO: [email protected] Jeep is a registered trademark of ChrysleChrysler Corporation.