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THE STORIES OF SUMMER Foreign Service Fiction C1-C4_FSJ_07_8_09_Covers:proof 6/18/09 3:28 PM Page C2 01-17_FSJ_07_8_09_Front:first 6/26/09 4:32 PM Page 1 01-17_FSJ_07_8_09_Front:first 6/26/09 4:32 PM Page 2 01-17_FSJ_07_8_09_Front:first 6/26/09 4:32 PM Page 3

OREIGN ERVICE FJ O U R N A L S CONTENTS July-August 2009 Volume 86, No. 7-8

F OCUS ON FS Fiction

THE ROADS ARE CLOSING / 18 An improbable liaison that didn’t fit into his master plan haunts an aging diplomat. By Patricia McArdle

IGLOO OF HAIRLESS WINOS / 23 Language barriers pose a particularly thorny problem for Chargé d’Affaires Linus Handy. By Brian Aggeler

Cover and inside illustration THE DAY THE AMERICAN EMBASSY BURNED / 28 by Janet Broxon Her father had shown her the world, but she never really saw him. And now he might be gone — forever. By Victoria Montes

ONTHEROAD TO CAPE TOWN / 34 An American hitchhiker travels through the moral darkness of apartheid. PRESIDENT’S VIEWS / 5 By Richard Sacks Past, Present and Future By John K. Naland FS HERITAGE SPEAKING OUT / 14 Regaining Relevance: Five Steps LUCIUS BATTLE: SHAPER OF THE POSTWAR FOREIGN SERVICE / 40 to Strengthen State Battle has never received the credit he deserves for helping to By William I. Bacchus transform the State Department. By Bob Rackmales REFLECTIONS / 68 “Send Money or Will Sell Body” By Virginia Young

LETTERS / 6 CYBERNOTES / 10 MARKETPLACE / 13 BOOKS / 61 INDEX TO ADVERTISERS / 66

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OREIGN ERVICE CONTENTS FJ O U R N A L S

Editor AFSA NEWS STEVEN ALAN HONLEY Senior Editor 2009 DISSENT & PERFORMANCE AWARDS / 47 SUSAN B. MAITRA Associate Editor OMMERCE ECRETARY EETS EADERS C S M AFSA L / 47 SHAWN DORMAN NEW FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL REPORT RELEASED / 47 AFSA News Editor FRANCESCA KELLY NEWS BRIEFS / 48 Ad & Circulation Manager ED MILTENBERGER HARRIS AWARD: BARRON I. ROSEN / 49 Art Director RIVKIN AWARD : JEFFREY COLLINS / 50 CARYN SUKO SMITH Editorial Intern RIVKIN AWARD: MICHAEL C. GONZALES / 51 MARK HAY

BOHLEN AWARD: ERICA KRUG / 52 EDITORIAL BOARD TED WILKINSON GUESS AWARD: LILY HIGHTOWER / 52 Chairman JOSEPH BRUNS DELAVAN AWARD: MEGAN GALLARDO / 53 STEPHEN W. B UCK JULIE GIANELLONI CONNOR POST REP OF THE YEAR: KEN KERO-MENTZ / 53 JIM DEHART 2009 AFSA MERIT AWARD WINNERS / 54 JEFF GIAUQUE GEORGE JONES MERIT AWARD “BEST ESSAY” / 56 LAURIE KASSMAN YVETTE N. MALCIOLN CLASSIFIEDS / 58 DAVID MCFARLAND AL PESSIN

QUESTIONS? Not sure whom to contact? THE MAGAZINE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROFESSIONALS Foreign Service Journal (ISSN 0146-3543), 2101 LETTERS TO MEMBERSHIP E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-2990 is For changes of address and other published monthly with a combined July-August THE EDITOR issue by the American Foreign Service Associa- Printed letters may be edited for questions about AFSA membership, tion (AFSA), a private, nonprofit organization. space. E-mail to [email protected] or e-mail [email protected]. Material appearing herein represents the opin- ions of the writers and does not necessarily rep- mail to FSJ, 2101 E Street NW, resent the views of the Journal, the Editorial Washington DC 20037. Board or AFSA. Writer queries and submissions FasTrax ADVERTISING are invited, preferably by e-mail. Journal sub- For details about placing either scription: AFSA members – $13 included in an- a display or classifed ad, nual dues; others – $40. For foreign surface mail, E-CLASSIFIEDS add $18 per year; foreign airmail, $36 per year. www.afsa.org/classifieds e-mail [email protected], Periodical postage paid at Washington, D.C., and [email protected]. at additional mailing offices. Indexed by Public Affairs Information Services (PAIS). The Journal FSJ is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos or illustrations. Advertising inquiries are COPYRIGHTS & invited. The appearance of advertisements REPRINTS herein does not imply the endorsement of the To obtain permission to reproduce services or goods offered. TELEPHONE: (202) 338-4045 FSJ material, e-mail FAX: (202) 338-8244 or (202) 338-6820 [email protected]. E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.afsa.org; www.fsjournal.org © American Foreign Service Association, 2009. ONLINE Printed in the U.S.A. Send address changes to: AFSA www.afsa.org Attn: Address Change www.fsjournal.org 2101 E Street N.W. Washington DC 20037-2990 Printed on 50-percent recycled paper, FSJ is audited by Business of Providing Au- of which 10 percent is post-consumer waste. dits, which had the largest membership of any media-auditing organization in the world.

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PRESIDENT’S VIEWS Past, Present and Future BY JOHN K. NALAND

This is my last column as was retired Ambassador Ryan cumbered than veteran employees. AFSA president. On July 15, Crocker, who gave an informed More senior members are more likely the 2007-2009 AFSA Govern- tour d’horizon of current for- to be married or have a life partner, to ing Board finishes its term and a eign policy issues. However, he have school-age children (some with new group of active-duty and closed with some worrisome disabilities), to face child-custody issues, retired colleagues takes over the comments about the future of to have a medical limitation (often a re- responsibility for fighting to ad- the Foreign Service. sult of previous unhealthy overseas serv- vance your interests. I urge all mem- After lauding the dedication of FS ice), to have a parent in failing health, bers to give our new board your members who have joined since 9/11, or to face other constraints resulting support. Send them your suggestions, Amb. Crocker criticized mid-level from having a life outside of work. kudos and constructive criticism. In members who, he claimed, do not “get A flippant commentator might re- doing so, we will be continuing the it” about the requirements of today’s spond that “If the State Department (or proud tradition of mutual support dat- diplomacy. In his view, they are not USAID, FCS, FAS or IBB) had wanted ing back to 1924. And the Foreign stepping up to the plate to serve in dan- you to have a family, they would have is- Service will be the better for it. gerous postings where “the real work” sued you one.” But the old military As an AFSA officer for six of the past of the Foreign Service is being done. So adage echoed in that statement is no 10 years, it has been my honor to work he looks forward to the replacement of longer used. Everyone from the Secre- in this organization that so vigilantly that older generation by the supposedly tary of Defense on down agrees that promotes the interests of the Foreign more “expeditionary” new generation. military families are dangerously stress- Service. I particularly enjoyed working There are two fallacies in this rea- ed by repeated unaccompanied tours. alongside AFSA’s talented professional soning. First, U.S. diplomacy does not Thus, it makes no sense to argue that staff. It is they who do the bulk of the begin and end with Iraq, Afghanistan, the Foreign Service (which lacks work for our members. I thank them Pakistan and a few other crisis coun- DOD’s family support structures) for their dedicated service. tries. The Foreign Service also works to should be more like the military. One of my final acts as AFSA presi- advance vital national interests in Asia, My fervent hope is that the coming dent was to participate in Foreign Af- Europe, Latin America, Africa and else- years do not see our Foreign Service fairs Day. After Secretary Clinton and I where. If promotions and senior as- morph into a diplomatic Foreign Le- fulfilled the sad duty of unveiling the signments only go to those who excel in gion. To avoid that fate, we need a new names inscribed on the AFSA Me- atypical crisis countries, then U.S. diplo- larger cohort to share rotations into ex- morial Plaques, I participated in a macy in the world’s other 250 nations treme hardship posts. And we need to luncheon hosted by the State Depart- will suffer. reverse recent trends that have made ment for its retirees. The main speaker Secondly, if there are differences in the FS less family-friendly. the degree of war-zone volunteerism If we can instead make the Foreign John K. Naland resigned the presidency between new and veteran employees, it Service a better supported and more of the American Foreign Service Asso- is because of demography, not dedica- satisfying place to spend a career and ciation in June to transfer to Iraq to lead tion. It has always been true that, on raise a family, we will be strengthening a Provincial Reconstruction Team. average, junior employees are less en- U.S. diplomacy. ■

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LETTERS

Chairs for New Hires political, economic and public affairs framework within which to address I am a born pessimist; I admit that sections are far more important than those problem. right up front. I read in the May FSJ admin staff, right? At its base, religious freedom means about all of the new positions that Ah, retirement is good! the right of every person to believe or have been requested in the Fiscal Kenneth R. Yeager not, and to enter or exit religious com- Year 2010 budget and that are to be FSO, retired munities. It also guarantees the rights contained in future budgets. I hope Grosshansdorf, Germany of religious communities — for exam- Congress comes up with the money, ple, to employ legal remedies against because there is no question the State World of Faith violent proselytizing or to engage in Department is understaffed for the Author Responds public policy debates. requirements that have been assigned I have but one major quarrel with A successful democracy nourishes to it over the past five years or so. David T. Jones’ April review of my public religious expression, while it also What I wonder about is where in book, World of Faith and Freedom: establishes broad limits that apply to all the world will all of these new people Why International Religious Liberty who enter the political realm, whether sit? Never during my 32 years in the Is Vital to American National Secu- believers or secularists. Muslims, Or- Foreign Service did I work in a mis- rity. Jones thinks I’m “close to an ab- thodox Christians, Hindus and others sion that had empty offices just wait- solutist” on religious freedom, a defi- are more likely to accept those limits if ing for someone to occupy them. And cit which leads me to downplay other they do not banish religiously formed rest assured that other agencies will critical foreign policy problems. judgments to the private domain. want to increase their staffing, too. It is an odd indictment. My book Democracies based on this kind of With the security requirement of argues that religious freedom is vital religious freedom are less likely to in- putting all employees under one roof, to stable democracy and the elimina- cubate the kind of religious violence it seems to me that there will be severe tion of religious extremism, especially and terrorism we have seen emerge overcrowding in many, if not all, of our in highly religious societies; that this from theocratic and secular autocracies missions. After all, acquiring new of- reality has been ignored by the Amer- such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt, fice space in existing buildings isn’t as ican foreign policy establishment; and or unstable democracies such as Pak- easy as hiring new people. The Office that our national security has suffered istan, Afghanistan and Russia. Even in of Overseas Buildings Operations will as a result. highly regimented societies such as certainly have its work cut out for it. Virtually every foreign policy prob- China, movement toward religious And then, what about sufficient lem of the 21st century, including all freedom (even if it is unlikely to be administrative staff? Their workload those mentioned by Mr. Jones, is in- achieved in the foreseeable future) is will increase long before they receive fluenced (for better or worse) by reli- in the interests of both citizens and the additional resources to cope with it. gious ideas and actors. Properly under- state. But then again, we all know that the stood, religious freedom provides a Unfortunately, for the past decade

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our policy has focused on denouncing how these influence and govern their ety that accommodated believers of religious persecution, rather than fa- political actions. many different faiths. Yet even there, cilitating the habits and institutions of When I was a young, Farsi-speak- religious persecution sometimes religious freedom. Contrary to what ing cultural affairs officer with the boiled over in horrible crimes against Mr. Jones asserts, I do not believe re- U.S. Information Service in Iran, I minority communities. But we tend- ligious freedom is superior to other was ill-prepared to grasp the nuances ed to search for the immediate politi- fundamental rights, but is inextricably of parochialism among the people I cal triggers for such acts rather than linked with them. Indeed, religious met regarding religious tolerance. understanding the deeper, older sub- freedom is part of a “bundled com- There was almost no discussion or strata of religious values. modity” of fundamental freedoms focus on this in the daily cable traffic Certainly everyone should be free (e.g., freedom of speech and associa- from Embassy Tehran. How would from persecution for her or his own tion, equality under the law) without policymakers in Washington have convictions, whatever they may be. which no democracy can endure. known of the convictions of religious Yet for many people around the Advancing religious freedom is leaders opposed to the shah? We world, the practical consequences of necessary for justice and for protect- weren’t reporting about them. professing one’s faith are discrimina- ing fundamental American interests. Today, FSOs would benefit from tion and even death. It is exactly in This isn’t absolutism, but realism. It more training in analysis of cultural this area that Foreign Service officers requires us to understand the way the and religious values in other societies, need to expand their knowledge of world is, rather than the way we because these often drive political de- the interplay between religion and would wish it to be. cision-making. Had my colleagues politics. Thomas F. Farr and I spent more time learning about Perhaps this is already under way, FSO, retired Iranian religious history and analyzing as is evident in the actions of U.S. Senior Fellow, the statements of various religious diplomats in China and other coun- Berkley Center for leaders who opposed the shah’s poli- tries where religious minorities are Religion, Peace and cies and actions, we might have been persecuted. This effort should be ex- World Affairs able to exert more influence on our panded and additional training of- Washington, D.C. leaders in Washington. And they, in fered in understanding Islam and turn, might have better understood other faiths in their many manifesta- Understanding Religion the emotional forces that drove so tions in specific cultures. David Jones’ critique of Thomas many Iranians to embrace Ayatollah In shaping a new diplomatic policy Farr’s new book about international Khomeini and the revolution, wheth- supporting greater religious liberty, religious liberty raises an important er they liked his politics or not. we might start by analyzing what free- point about professional training for The liberty that millions of them dom of religion has meant in shaping Foreign Service officers. Tradition- were seeking at that time was one of a our own pluralistic society. And then ally, FSOs have not been trained to national identity free from Iran’s rela- we might look at our own history of look directly at religious traditions and tionship with the United States and religious and cultural intolerance as a convictions in foreign cultures. We from the shah’s narrow, secular au- guide to analyzing that phenomenon operate in a secular professional cul- thoritarianism. The shah had perse- in other societies. ture that places greater weight on the cuted, jailed and even executed religi- Bruce K. Byers political, economic and social aspects ous dissidents who, he claimed, threat- FSO, retired of foreign governments and leaders. ened his regime. At the same time, he Reston, Va. While Farr focuses on promoting periodically allowed the predomi- religious freedom through govern- nantly Shia Muslim population to vent Commercial Diplomacy ment advocacy under the aegis of by persecuting certain religious mi- Matters human rights, this is different in sub- norities. Speaking as someone who joined stance from understanding other peo- In the years I served in India, I the United States & Foreign Com- ple’s cultural and religious values and came to see a generally tolerant soci- mercial Service at its inception in 1981,

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working there until I retired in 2002, I quite well. However, whether they Defending the Docs read the May article by Shawn Zeller are fighting wars, countering terror- Terese White-Henry’s letter in the (“Hoping for a Break: Foreign Trade ism, promoting democracy, alleviating May FSJ, “On-the-Job Training for FS Agencies Under Pressure”) about the poverty, dealing with hostile regimes Doctors?”, deserves a rebuttal. I sus- Foreign Commercial Service and the or worrying about environmental ne- pect the author had an unfortunate ex- Foreign Agricultural Service with great gotiations, many ambassadors — and perience. This, however, does not interest. But while Zeller provides a State’s core political team — are over- justify suggesting that doctors are “un- useful overview, he does understate a whelmed with competing priorities. ethical” when accepting a post at which few points. Or else they are just not interested or there might be conditions for which For instance, he describes the con- knowledgeable about business and they do not have specialized training. flict between USFCS and the polyglot trade. Although the Office of Medical of Civil Service domestic elements In such situations, it is easy to toss Services is far from perfect, it does not, that make up the Commerce Depart- the ball to the commercial officer and to my knowledge, hire doctors, nurse ment (which is much more diverse say, “Here, you deal with it.” But by practitioners or physician’s assistants than Agriculture, by the way). But I doing so, the chief of mission denies who have just graduated. Rather, would add that USFCS has fought a U.S. business interests access to the based on my wife’s application process, mostly losing battle against its parent host government’s senior-level deci- MED requires a minimum of four organization, the International Trade sion-makers, to whom only ambassa- years’ work experience in a family Administration, under which the FCS dors have access. Whether or not it practice or an emergency room. budget and personnel fall. It really is would hinder commercial programs The new hires are given training in a zero-sum game, one in which to put them back into the State bu- a variety of specialties, including trop- USFCS is almost powerless to fight or reaucracy, where they were until ical medicine, and all health providers defend itself. 1980, doing so would at least integrate attend at least one weeklong specialty Nor does the article give sufficient U.S. economic interests and put the area training session each year (one re- weight to the deeply rooted and struc- commercial agenda back into the am- cent session was devoted to tropical tural conflict at overseas posts. This bassador’s portfolio. medicine). is not a conflict between commercial Congress has a lot of influence The State Department health and economic officers; rather, it arises over funding for USFCS, of course, provider community is relatively small, in the management of the Interna- but the hierarchy of the Commerce and those taking on a post typically re- tional Cooperative Administrative Department prevents FCS from ef- ceive a heads-up from the current oc- Support Services agreement that gov- fectively or independently making its cupant. On arrival at post, these erns budget, finance and general serv- case and promoting its services. At personnel typically visit local hospitals ices functions at overseas posts. Most one time, we compiled a database of and interview local specialists to find USFCS officers will admit privately exporters that had been helped by those competent to treat U.S. person- that ICASS is the biggest obstacle to the Foreign Commercial Service — nel. And when all else fails, the post doing their job. In this turf battle for organized by congressional district — practitioner can call upon all of MED’s resources, the commercial officer is showing how many jobs had been resources, up to and including the almost invariably the loser. created in every state and district. If Centers for Disease Control. Almost all our competitor em- Congress had such data today, it State’s medical providers are essen- bassies overseas are export machines would surely expand USFCS fund- tially the same as U.S. family practi- led by their ambassadors, whose first ing. tioners, and are qualified to decide priority and highest mission is trade, Charles Kestenbaum which conditions can be treated on site exports and economic security. U.S. Senior Commercial Service and which ought to be referred to an ambassadors have been exhorted to Officer, retired outside specialist. think of themselves as the Most Sen- President, B&K Finally, let me offer a counterexam- ior Commercial Officer, and a few International ple: Is it “unethical” for a first-tour gen- manage to carry out that function Vienna, Va. eralist to accept on-the-job training

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while interviewing 100 visa applicants Appreciation for 10 Years per day to determine which may be a It was great for the FSJ to recognize threat to U.S. security? I would rather Steve Honley for his 10 years of service rely on a State Department health to the Journal as editor (April AFSA provider for my safety and well being. News). Steve was our desk officer Bruce McKay when I was deputy chief of mission in FS Family Member Cameroon, during an especially turbu- Brasilia lent period when our reporting was ea- gerly awaited and digested by Wash- Don’t Encourage Them! ington users. He provided outstanding I read with astonishment FSO support, guidance and, yes, editing for Steven Giegerich’s lengthy Speaking our submissions to make them more Out column in the May FSJ calling for concise, readable and useful to princi- economic, career and quality-of-life pals. improvements for gay and lesbian For- When I heard Steve was going to eign Service employees. the Journal, I knew AFSA would be Is it really true (as he asserts) that gaining a first-rate editor, not only his plea has “important implications for highly capable on the writing side, but a significant segment of the Foreign also eminently fair — not just willing Service corps”? but eager to present all sides of an If so, and if their numbers are “sig- issue. During his tenure, the Journal nificant” now, without the called-for has improved exponentially in scope, improvements, the enactment of Mr. content and balance. Giegerich’s sweeping shopping list will More recently, we invited Steve to produce greater numbers of those talk to a number of our mass commu- whose habits are unacceptable to most nication and honors classes at Texas American taxpayers and, perhaps more Tech University. The students and significantly, to the religions and cul- faculty were delighted to interact with tures of most countries where we op- this talented and knowledgeable pro- erate. Accordingly, I would oppose the fessional. I sincerely hope Steve stays writer’s proposals. for many more years overseeing our In my view, the issue is not one of FSJ! equality and fairness. The issue turns Tibor Nagy Jr. on what is fair for the Foreign Service, Ambassador, retired what best enables it to accomplish its Ransom Canyon, Texas mission. And that depends, in large (Note: Too modest to agree to part, upon building relationships and publication of this letter, Steve was projecting values. overruled by Editorial Board Chair- The apparent vision of the author of man Ted Wilkinson, who requested this article — that of a Foreign Service that we run it.) ■ whose members project controversial views on family, marriage and sex — CORRECTION could only serve to undermine our In the June obituary for Edwin work abroad. Melville Adams Jr., the deceased’s Richard W. Hoover name was misprinted in the two penultimate paragraphs. We regret FSO, retired the error. Front Royal, Va.

JULY-AUGUST 2009/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 9 01-17_FSJ_07_8_09_Front:first 6/26/09 4:32 PM Page 10

CYBERNOTES

A Boost for Public Diplomacy “Go Green” theme involving Earth The ingenuity and success of pub- emocracy promotion has no Day and supported by National Geo- lic diplomacy officers worldwide in Dparty. If anyone here thinks graphic that focused attention on the “telling America’s story” and promot- that democracy promotion is the environmental challenges ahead. ing foreign policy objectives — despite property of Republicans or of The PDAA also saluted three PD acute shortages in personnel and re- Democrats, that it rises and falls officers in Washington’s International sources — was celebrated by the Pub- with the polls and fades in and Information Program Bureau who pro- lic Diplomacy Alumni Association on out from administration to ad- duced the engaging worldwide video May 3 (www.publicdiplomacy.org). ministration, I am here to disa- contest, “Democracy’s Video Challen- The association announced this year’s buse them. Democracy ge.” Outreach Coordinator Lori Brut- promotion is not the policy of recipients of its Award for Achieve- ten, Director of Publications George President Bush or President ment in Public Diplomacy, naming Clack and Director of Current Issues Obama — it is the policy of the three individuals and a State Depart- David Shelby planned and executed United States of America. ment team for special recognition. this creative program to involve foreign Embassy Skopje Public Affairs Of- — House Majority Leader Rep. audiences, especially youth, in a global ficer Ryan Rowland and Assistant PAO Steny Hoyer, D-Md., address- dialogue about democracy. Partici- Amy Storrow earned top honors for ing the board of the Interna- pants began their two-minute videos reaching youth and emerging leaders tional Foundation for Electoral with the phrase “Democracy is…” in a challenging, multi-ethnic society. Systems on June 2, Ninety PD posts joined the “Chal- www.ifes.org Macedonian-speaker Rowland and Al- lenge.” Nearly 900 videos were re- banian-speaker Storrow created a sys- ceived — including 70 from Iran, tematic outreach to the younger Tristram Perry, assistant informa- along with many from China, Russia, generation in this fledgling democracy, tion officer for broadcast media in Cuba and Burma. Entrants posted where ethnicity shapes virtually all as- Jakarta, scored high for his initiative their videos on YouTube. Jurors se- pects of life. Albanians, Serbs, Turks, and professionalism. He master- lected from NGO partners will name Bulgars, Bosnians and others comprise minded the outstanding media expo- the finalists, and the winners will be a society requiring remarkable ingenu- sure of Secretary Clinton during her chosen by public voting on YouTube. ity for PD outreach to be successful. February visit to Indonesia, which ad- Meanwhile, on May 21, the U.S. Highlights of their effort include vanced her “smart power” approach. Senate unanimously approved Judith youth camps for more than 1,100 young Her appearance on a trend-setting TV McHale as the under secretary of State people, an expanded Fulbright program youth show, “Awesome,” triggered a for public diplomacy. The former and a creative writing program. A day- wildly enthusiastic reaction. Perry also president and chief executive officer of break fest around the U.S. election arranged for a popular Indonesian Discovery Communications, McHale hosted by Ambassador Philip Reeker journalist to join Clinton’s traveling is the daughter of an FSO. She was drew more than 500 guests, including press team to produce major “inside” born in New York City and grew up in students and professionals. stories. And he organized a yearlong Britain and apartheid-era South Africa.

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Historically, PD under secretaries have participation to minimize mirror imag- Interest in change is being ex- stayed no more than a year at the job; ing and policy or cultural bias,” says pressed on many fronts — from grass- but in welcoming her confirmation, Clinical Associate Professor Michael roots movements in Miami, Fla., to Senator Richard Lugar, R-Ind., stated Oppenheimer, who leads the initiative. politicians like Representatives Frank he was hopeful Ms. McHale would The workshops and reports are Wolf, R-Va., and Chris Smith, R-N.J., “buck this trend” (http://lugar.sen built around a pressing issue or pivotal and Senator Richard Lugar, R-Ind. ate.gov/sfrc/diplomacy.html). country that combines great impor- In deciding the breadth and depth In related developments, the Sen- tance to U.S. interests with high vari- of actions to be taken, however, the ate also unanimously passed Sen. ability and uncertainty. The 10 to 15 U.S. faces a series of delicate consider- Lugar’s resolution, S. Res. 49, which invited participants discuss three or ations. Our lack of communication calls for the Secretary of State to look four possible scenarios that could arise with, and understanding of the situa- into the re-establishment of publicly within the area of focus. The group tion of, Cubans begs the question: Will accessible American Centers around then builds out each of them, explor- opening the doors with Havana bolster the world. And on May 27, the Gov- ing relevant political, economic, cul- the oppressive regime, or will it show ernment Accountability Office issued tural and global forces at play; critical, the power of open dialogue to spread a report, “U.S. Public Diplomacy: Key game-changing events; and possible democratic values? Issues for Congressional Oversight,” to responses by state and non-state actors. At the very least, American citizens highlight concerns that need to be ad- In 2007, the center imagined the agree with numerous commentators dressed in a new comprehensive com- future of Iraq after a substantial draw- on one point: the U.S. sanctions have munication strategy (www.gao.gov). down of U.S. forces in 2010, and in failed, and the policy must change. A — Susan Brady Maitra, 2008 it examined the future of Iran recent joint poll by YouGovPollimetrix Senior Editor and its relationship with other Middle and The Economist revealed that 45 East actors. These reports are available percent of Americans favor re-estab- Carnegie Grant for online at www.scps.nyu.edu/cga. lishing diplomatic ties with Havana, Scenarios Initiative — Susan Brady Maitra, with 23 percent opposing. The Scenarios Initiative at the New Senior Editor Even Cuban-Americans, more heav- York University School of Continuing ily invested in democratic outcomes in and Professional Studies’ Center for Changing Tides for Cuba Cuba, seem to approve of moves to- Global Affairs received a $250,000 Even before news broke in early ward greater diplomatic ties. Accord- grant from the Carnegie Corporation June of the arrest of former State De- ing to a Bendixen & Associates poll, 64 foundation to support the program’s partment employee Walter Kendall percent of Cuban-Americans approve mediated workshop series testing al- Myers, who allegedly spied for Cuba of Pres. Obama’s decision to loosen ternative U.S. policies on China, Rus- for three decades, a flurry of activity restrictions on travel to the island” sia, Turkey and the Ukraine (www. pointed to a full-blown sea change in (www.economist.com/). scps.nyu.edu/about-scps/news U.S.-Cuban diplomatic relations (www. Certainly most reporting coming room/news/2009/05/carnegie- reuters.com/article/companyNews from Cuba, often in the pages of the grant-to-cga-scenarios-initiative. AndPR/idUSN0952878320090409). party newspaper, Granma, suggests html). These countries are expected In April and May, President Barack that Raúl Castro’s reforms are fleeting, to be critical to U.S. interests over the Obama eased remittance and travel re- petty and covertly repressive (www. next 10 years, either as rivals, collabo- strictions for Cubans in America and granma.cu/). Leader-turned-blogger rators or potential vectors of conflict. reopened talks on migration. And in Fidel Castro, writing on his brother’s The Scenarios Initiative is “de- June, the Organization of American seemingly conciliatory gestures, insists signed to engage foreign policymakers States repealed the 1962 resolution in his blog (Reflections of Comrade directly in the scenario-building and that had barred Cuba from its ranks Fidel) that, “when the president of policy-testing process, thus adding real and established a path for reintegration Cuba said he was ready to discuss any value to policy deliberations. Our pro- (www.thedialogue.org/page.cfm? topic with the U.S. president, he gram also involves global and expert pageID=32&pubID=1976). meant he was not afraid of addressing

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any issue. That shows his courage and led to an unsuccessful attempt by the state may be losing some of its powers confidence in the principles of the rev- government in May to block Cuban ac- of repression. Indeed, as Ray Walser, a olution” (www.radiohc.cu/viejo/ing cess to the Internet. Sánchez observes: senior policy analyst at the Heritage les/portada-ref.htm). “I think that if we had not raised a Foundation, puts it: no matter how Despite this bravado, rumblings of ruckus in recent days — denouncing strong a regime may make itself ap- dissent have reached American shores such apartheid — we would have been pear, it can still quickly disappear “once from the Cuban underground. Since deprived of the ability to connect. Yes, a dissenter like Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet gaining access to the Internet in 2007, they cede when you push back; they walks out of prison, when blogger a Cuban citizen, Yoani Sánchez, has have to amend the plan when we citi- Yoani Sanchez is free to write and overcome government suppression to zens raise our voices and the interna- travel without hindrance, and when a found and foster a pro-democratic tional media hears the echo” (desde humble Afro-Cuban cane-cutter like community of bloggers. Sánchez’s ex- cuba.com/generationy/). Jorge Luis Garcia Pérez Antúnez is posés of the hardships of life in Cuba Thus it appears that the Cuban able to speak his mind without fear of retribution and imprisonment” (www. heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ Site of the Month: Gapminder.com ed052709a.cfm). Officially, Ola Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund and Hans Rosling’s mission state- A February analysis by the Brook- ment for Gapminder.com offers the site as a tool for “promoting sustainable global ings Institute reflects this approach: development and achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals “The goal of U.S. policy toward Cuba by increased use and understanding of statistics and other information about so- should be to support the emergence of cial, economic and environmental development at local, national and global levels.” a state where the Cuban people deter- Yet that description does not capture the beauty of this site. Much more than a mine the political and economic future tool, it is an engaging means to transform statistics into participatory art. of their country through democratic The main feature of the site is the Gapminder World graph. Upon loading that means. A great lesson of democracy is page, one may change either of the axes so as to compare any of the 350-plus vari- that it cannot be imposed; it must ables (dealing with demographics, economics, health, environment, and more) to come from within. Our policy should each other. Once the user selects the variables, the dots on the graph (each repre- encompass the political, economic and senting a nation and proportionate in size to their relative populations) fly about, set- diplomatic tools that are needed to tling into different patterns roughly revealing the relationships (or lack thereof) help the Cuban people find the politi- between, say, “Annual freshwater withdrawals, total (percent of internal resources)” cal space that is essential to engage in

and “C02 emissions (tons per person).” and direct the politics of their country” Once the graph has been created to match conditions in the last year data was (www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files collected for both variables, one may, if the data goes far enough back, be able to /rc/reports/2009/02_cuba_roadma rewind time and recreate the graph to show conditions as far back as 1800. There- p/02_cuba_roadmap.pdf). after, the graph may be played like a film, showing trends evolving over as many as — Mark Hay, Editorial Intern 200 years within seconds. Variants allow one to view segments of larger areas — for example, regions of China, India and the U.S. set against each other, specific re- Are Governments Prolonging gions of the world or all other nations. Given the amount of data made available and the Global Food Crisis? the variety of ways it may be ordered (the permutations are almost infinite and ever- Days before the first-ever meeting increasing), one can easily induce a Rip van Winkle effect. of Group of Eight agriculture ministers Whether one shares the Swedish trio’s ideals or not, their system offers almost to address the world food crisis, held limitless potential — for proving theories, finding unexpected trends of interest to on April 18-20 in Italy, a study co-pub- investigate or just indulging a fascination for statistics and graphs. Whatever the lished by the International Policy Net- use, Gapminder.com delivers on its tagline: “Unveiling the beauty of statistics for a work and more than 20 research fact-based world view.” institutes around the world claimed — Mark Hay, Editorial Intern that governments themselves were its primary cause (www.policynetwork.

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50 Years Ago... t is my belief that they [the State Department] are still Idominated by the feeling of the Foreign Service. … They still view themselves as emissaries from one government to another. And in this day and age, the problem has gone far beyond that. They must be ministers and, in a sense, missionaries to the people, even though they defend the interests of this nation at the same time. — Senator Paul H. Douglas, D-Ill., on the use of counterpart funds during congressional discussion on the foreign aid bill in July 1959; cited in “Washington Letter,” FSJ, August 1959.

net/uploaded/pdf/feedtheworld_ sponsored by the Program on Interna- southgate_april2009.pdf). tional Political Attitudes at the Uni- In “Feed the World: The Challenge versity of Maryland, found that the of Agricultural Development,” Ohio American public, even in farm states, State University Prof. Douglas South- favors eliminating most subsidies gate argues that governments’ re- (www.worldpublicopinion.org). sponses — “such as bans on food — Susan Brady Maitra, exports in emerging economies, cod- Senior Editor dling of biofuels development and needless restrictions on agricultural No More Reports? biotechnology” — were the primary At an event marking the release of cause of the crisis that began in 2007 the Center for U.S. Global Engage- and certainly prolonged it. ment’s report, “Putting Smart Power to “If governments are serious about Work,” former Secretary of State Colin solving the food crisis,” he writes, “they Powell said: “When I became Secretary should eliminate the barriers to food of State, I had 20 reports waiting for me. production and distribution that they And my staff said, let’s have a summary have created.” Southgate recom- of the reports. I said, no, we’re not mends scrapping agricultural subsi- going to do any more reports, we’re not dies; scrapping import and export going to summarize anything; we’re restrictions on farm goods as well as in- going to go up to Congress and fight like puts such as fertilizer, pesticides and dogs to get money. … We could have a new crop varieties; improving protec- lovely chat here about all of this stuff, tion of property rights; eliminating but I’m telling you, it comes down to subsidies and trade protection for bio- trench warfare with the Congress.” fuel development; and taking full ad- The report and a transcript of vantage of biotechnology. the lively, high-level discussion of de- These, of course, are hot-button is- velopment and diplomacy imperatives sues for farm lobbies everywhere, not are available online (www.usglobal least here in the U.S. But though the engagement.org/Events/Putting Obama administration ran into strong SmartPowertoWork/tabid/3636/ resistance to its effort to cut farm sub- Default.aspx). ■ sidies in next year’s budget, a recent — Susan Brady Maitra, poll by WorldPublicOpinion.org, Senior Editor

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SPEAKING OUT Regaining Relevance: Five Steps to Strengthen State

BY WILLIAM I. BACCHUS

he strength and capability of sonnel, compared to the FY 2008 Con- the State Department as an in- Secretary Clinton gressional Budget Office Baseline. Tstitution usually receive less at- must not let pressing This is not the best time to obtain addi- tention than the more visible power policy matters limit tional funding for foreign affairs, but game among the key players in foreign her personal efforts the needs are modest compared to policy — the secretaries of State and to obtain needed other expenditures, and would provide Defense, the national security adviser important improvements out of pro- in the White House, and sometimes resources. portion to the cost. the vice president and other depart-  As Defense Secretary Robert Gates ment heads. These figures constantly noted in testimony before the Senate vie for the ear of the president, a con- Appropriations Committee on April 30, test that often makes for high drama. hensive recent study, “A Foreign Affairs 2009: “I believe that the challenges Although the Secretary of State is Budget for the Future: Fixing the Cri- confronting our nation cannot be dealt limited in defining this equation, which sis in Diplomatic Readiness,” issued by with by military means alone. They in- is heavily dependent on personalities the American Academy of Diplomacy stead require whole-of-government ap- and relationships, he or she has a great and the Stimson Center in October proaches — but that can only be done deal of control over the department’s 2008, concluded (conservatively) that if the State Department is given re- institutional effectiveness. State’s peo- by Fiscal Year 2014, 4,735 additional sources befitting the scope of its mis- ple and overseas establishment should people and an extra $3.3 billion will be sion across the globe.” be a major source of strength, not — as needed just to carry out core diplomatic Initial executive branch and con- too often happens — a dead weight functions, training, public diplomacy, gressional reactions allow for cautious dragging down its leaders’ efforts. foreign assistance (for USAID) and the optimism. For FY 2009, State and Here are five steps Secretary of reconstruction/stabilization of failed or USAID sources conclude that the re- State Hillary Rodham Clinton should failing states. Not included in that fig- cently passed Omnibus Appropriations take to improve State’s capabilities as an ure are administrative and manage- Act provides for up to 1,267 new posi- organization, and an assessment of ment needs, which State believes can tions for State, up to 487 of them For- progress to date on each. be met through increased efficiency eign Service officers, and around 300 and internal reprogramming, and the new FSOs for USAID. 1. Rebuild State’s Competence work of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Moreover, the Obama administra- There is widespread agreement that almost entirely funded from fees rather tion’s initial budget document (“A New State is currently badly understaffed than appropriations and thus excluded Era of Responsibility,” Feb. 26) states and underfunded for its traditional re- from the study. that “The 2010 budget includes fund- sponsibilities, and in even worse shape These figures represent a 46-per- ing for the first year of a multiyear ef- for new ones required by the broader cent increase in U.S. direct-hire per- fort to significantly increase the size of emphasis on diplomacy and develop- sonnel in the included categories, and the Foreign Service at both the De- ment that is the stated goal of the about a 21-percent increase in funding, partment of State and the U.S. Agency Obama administration. One compre- including both program costs and per- for International Development.”

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While the 2010 figures will not be — will cut off the Secretary from ex- partments and agencies while handing final until congressional appropriations pertise in the bureaucracy. off those that do not fit. If the depart- action is completed in the fall, the pres- Or consider the newly activated po- ment is to be effective, there must be ident’s budget as sent to Congress in sition of Deputy Secretary of State for greater clarity about what it should do. April provided for comparable in- Management and Resources, created Nationbuilding activities that have creases for that year. So far, so good. by Congress a decade ago but not es- migrated to DOD as a consequence of However, the congressional budget res- tablished until this spring. This gives the Iraq War and State’s lack of re- olution (S. Con. Res. 13) agreed to at the Secretary an excuse to ignore re- sources should be returned home, as the end of April posited cuts in inter- source issues (as all recent ones except discussed in the report previously cited. national affairs funding from the ad- Shultz and Powell have done) and min- China policy must be defined more ministration’s request, leaving the size imizes the roles of the USAID Admin- broadly than as trade-related, and pri- of the FY 2010 increases in funding and istrator (who loses oversight of foreign mary responsibility for it brought back personnel in doubt. assistance resources), the under secre- to Foggy Bottom from Treasury. Cer- This raises an obvious point: the tary for management and the assistant tain operational responsibilities should Secretary must not let pressing policy secretary for resource management. be retrieved from the National Security matters limit her personal efforts to ob- Arguably, it also diminishes the impor- Council staff. And, while this will be tain needed resources. This responsi- tance of the under secretary for politi- much more difficult to accomplish, visa bility cannot be delegated. cal affairs, who has now been down- functions — shared with the Depart- graded from the department’s third- ment of Homeland Security since the 2. Simplify the ranking position to number four. panic after 9/11 — should be reunified Department’s Structure Admittedly, many support the cre- in State. Actions taken since Jan. 20 to meet ation of the second deputy position, a At the same time, some functions this goal are less promising. There has view that is heavily reliant upon the (e.g., international narcotics matters) long been a penchant for proliferating reputation of Jacob Lew, the highly re- might logically be located elsewhere. senior officials at State. Some are in the garded budget and legislative affairs And some reconstruction and stabiliza- normal chain of command: assistant professional now in the job. He is likely tion operations currently assigned to secretaries, under secretaries and, cur- to be a real asset, but at the cost of dis- State would fit more appropriately rently, even a second Deputy Secretary locations in State’s hierarchy. within USAID, since they are heavily of State. Then there are various other Once created, new offices and bu- development-related. Finally, rational- supernumeraries, such as (but not lim- reaus are very difficult to abolish, even ization of the intelligence world could ited to) special envoys, special repre- when their time of relevance has be a major help, not just to State but sentatives, ambassadors-at-large and passed. In short, the Secretary uses more generally. coordinators of all stripes. such special-purpose functionaries at Such appointments may be neces- her or his peril. This problem is exac- 4. Review Recruitment, sary to attract high-powered individu- erbated by tardiness in nominating new Training and Assignments als; it is hard to imagine George line officials who need Senate confir- Most observers agree that State and Mitchell or Richard Holbrooke accept- mation. It has apparently seemed eas- USAID have maintained high levels of ing assistant secretary positions. But ier to appoint “specials” not needing competence among the Foreign Serv- they come at a cost to the role of assis- confirmation, a trend that may cause ice personnel they recruit. However, tant secretaries in the affected geo- problems with Congress, and one that an argument can be made that, espe- graphic bureaus. They also make line makes the problems suggested here cially at State, there should be more positions less attractive to talented in- even more pressing. aggressive recruitment for specific sub- dividuals, whether career or political. ject-matter expertise, as opposed to And there is a real risk that the “spe- 3. Rationalize State’s broad academic knowledge. cials” — or, as New York Times colum- Mission and Functions How new recruits are trained and nist Thomas L. Friedman has called It is vital for Sec. Clinton to reclaim then assigned once on board is more them, “Super Sub-Secretaries of State” natural State functions from other de- questionable. Clearly, more hard-lan-

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guage instruction is needed, as are pro- nomics, only to assign him to the gram management and functional Netherlands for consular work, may be training for areas such as climate State should reclaim broadening, but it is a poor use of change and natural resources that are scarce resources. becoming more important parts of the natural functions from Greater assignment discipline policy agenda. should be accompanied by a signifi- State’s Foreign Service Institute is other departments, cant expansion of the creative use of ready to meet such needs, and the gen- incentives (e.g., serve a tour now eral skepticism about most training in while handing off those where most needed, with the promise the FS corps may be moderating. But of an assignment desired by the offi- resources must be radically increased, that do not fit. cer later) — not only to fill positions in and a thorough review of what compe- Iraq and Afghanistan, but also to pro- tences and training today’s circum- mote maximum utilization of scarce stances require is essential. On the critical skills. The current approach is Civil Service side, State has significantly broad range of assignments to prepare sometimes viewed by exasperated depleted its technical competence and personnel for senior responsibilities State managers as “letting the inmates institutional memory. So considerable and, not incidentally, to give them what run the asylum.” rebuilding is needed there, as well. they want. But this approach often Assignment reform on the Foreign comes at the expense of using specific 5. Facilitate Overall Activities Service side may be the toughest prob- expertise where it is most needed. To While Minimizing Turf Battles lem. State has always emphasized a train an officer in Japanese and eco- Many in State forget the first law of

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relevance in Washington: “What have — improvements in each of the other partment of State and the U.S. Agency you done for me lately?” Giving others four areas discussed are vital. Sufficient for International Development. He was what they most need, rather than bat- resources, a streamlined structure, a a lead staffer in development and pas- tling them for influence, would en- more coherent mission portfolio and sage of the Foreign Service Act of 1980; hance State’s role. better utilization of personnel would executive secretary and co-director of The department is well-positioned all help carry out this function. To knit the 1992-1993 task force that prepared to be a central point of information all these changes together, taking long- State 2000: A New Model for Manag- and coordination, thus being of sub- term strategic and budgetary planning ing Foreign Affairs; and executive di- stantial assistance to others in a com- seriously, would enhance the depart- rector of USAID’s Management Coun- plex policy environment. No other ment’s ability to play this part. cil and a predecessor organization, agency can capably look at particular- One could easily list other changes from 1993 to 2001. The author of four istic elements within the larger context that would improve State’s skills base books on the State Department and the of overall U.S. interests. The views of and standing relative to the rest of the international affairs community, he is the other organizations, with their foreign affairs and national security currently consulting and carrying out more limited functions, are too nar- universe. But even modest success on foreign affairs reform projects. row. Someone must mind the whole these five fronts would go a long way A longer version of this article, titled policy store. to help. ■ “How to Reinvigorate the State De- But in addition to a required change partment,” appeared originally in an in attitude — one that a Senate-school- William I. Bacchus spent 27 years of his online journal, The Smart Globalist, ed Secretary of State is ideally suited to government career in management and published by the Economic Strategy In- impart to her departmental colleagues legislative affairs positions at the De- stitute (www.smartglobalist.com).

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F OCUS ON FS FICTION

THE ROADS ARE CLOSING

AN IMPROBABLE LIAISON THAT DIDN’T FIT INTO HIS MASTER PLAN HAUNTS AN AGING DIPLOMAT.

BY PATRICIA MCARDLE

ow did I let her got my own embassy, too, a burrow so far into me that nearly 40 years later she still small one in Africa — but lingers just beyond the daylight, curling around my mind even that minor victory like tendrilsH of sweet cigar smoke, distracting me with the could not dislodge the soft clink of ice cubes in her sweating glass of gin and memory of her that I will tonic? The thing is, I never should have spoken to her the forever savor and regret. first time. She was not my type, not part of my plan. So you’re curious about Oh yes, my plan. Finish my master’s in international her, are you? Order an- relations, pass the Foreign Service exam, hustle my way other drink and I’ll tell you to the top, marry the right girl — which I did, but it didn’t the whole story. This is a last. I married even better the second time — the daugh- long flight, and I assure you ter of a former ambassador — but that didn’t last either. I the movie is a bore.

Patricia McArdle was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Para-  guay from 1972 to 1974. After service as a U.S. Navy of- I remember how miserable I was that long-ago Satur- ficer in Morocco from 1974 to 1977, she attended the day morning in December — suffering from a perennial Thunderbird School of Global Management, receiving her weekend gloom that was rapidly becoming a bad habit. I MBA and then joining the Foreign Service in 1979. She re- was 25, single, on my first overseas tour of duty in Asuncion tired in 2006 after tours of duty in South Africa, Barba- — a newly minted political officer issuing nonimmigrant dos, France and Afghanistan. Since retirement, she has visas. I had degrees from Georgetown and Johns Hopkins. been promoting the use of solar cookers in the developing I tested at a 4/4 in French! Why, in God’s name, did the world. She is currently completing a novel based on her State Department make me learn Spanish and bury me in year at a British Army–run Provincial Reconstruction the consular section of this South American backwater? Team in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. My air conditioner had given out three days ago. It was This story won first place in the Journal’s 2009 Foreign 6 a.m. and already 85 degrees inside my house. The early Service fiction contest. morning rain hammered on my tin roof.

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If the rain stopped, the embassy “So, Mr. Important tions from the ambassador: stay out pool would open at 10 a.m. The of Paraguayan politics, don’t advo- econ counselor’s daughter would American, do you have cate contraception or distribute the probably be there. She was tolera- pill, don’t use drugs, make your ble, and pickings were slim in Asun- a pencil sharpener?” country proud — and don’t come to cion. Would she wear a one-piece the embassy unless there is an or a bikini? I only had three weeks emergency. to work on her before Christmas vacation ended and she When I finished my talk, I asked how many of them went back to college in Boston. were taking the Foreign Service exam in December. They Why had I been chosen to administer the Foreign Serv- all looked at me with blank stares. ice exam today? Does the most junior officer in the em- One volunteer raised her hand. “What’s the Foreign bassy ever have a choice? Would anyone even show up? Service exam?” Her headscarf, a cobalt blue, matched her Probably not. Three days of rain had closed roads all over eyes perfectly. I was staring. I blinked, looked away and the country. I switched on the radio and toggled over to explained to the whole group what the test was and how to the shortwave band. VOA had too much static, but the sign up for it. “Would any of you like to take the exam in BBC was coming in loud and clear. December?” Haldeman was testifying once again. Bob Hope would She raised her hand again, as did three of her male col- be leaving soon for Cam Ranh Bay to entertain the troops leagues. Brave woman, I thought. Until a year ago, the for the Christmas holidays. I switched it off. None of it State Department had a rule requiring female FSOs to re- seemed to matter much here. No one wanted to talk about sign if they got married. The four hopefuls filled out the Vietnam or Watergate. My student exemptions had necessary paperwork and departed with the rest of their shielded me from the draft, and I was thousands of miles colleagues. from both places. I took the applications back to my office and read hers. Oh, I’ve put you to sleep, have I? No problem. I’ll pre- Katherine Delaney, 26, from Portland, Ore. Born June 7, tend you’re listening. 1946. Her father must have returned from Europe right I can still recall the taste of her lips — that hint of after V-E Day. Mine had been delayed for a year in Japan. mango and yerba maté, those musty, hand-rolled cigars we shared in the evening after dinner, the limes she plunged  into her gin and tonic. But I’m getting ahead of myself. There were four exams in the sealed packet that damp The newest batch of Peace Corps Volunteers had ar- December morning as I waited with the Marine guard at rived in September, and the DCM had asked me to give the entrance to the embassy. The streets were flooding, them the standard political briefing before they went off to the rain incessant. No one was coming. I went back to their villages. the library, gathered up the pencils I had set out at the four The Peace Corps had never interested me. It seemed testing stations and prepared to lock the exams in my of- like such a waste of time. The thought of being out in the fice safe. The Marine guard rapped softly on my door. middle of nowhere for two years, speaking some godfor- “Sir, someone is here for the exam. She’s an hour late. saken indigenous language and trying to improve the lot of Shall I send her away?” a group of puzzled locals, did not seem like a useful step- “No, sergeant, send her in,” I said, with enough irrita- ping-stone for someone with my ambitions. tion in my voice to conceal my excitement. There were 32 of them. A scruffy lot. They filed into Her chestnut hair was streaked with ocher mud. Her the library in their jeans and sandals, laughing, looking at sandals oozed water, leaving damp imprints as she crossed me like I was an alien with my tropical suit and tie. The the carpet. “I’m so sorry I’m late. They closed the dirt girls looked like the ones I didn’t pay much attention to in track through my village to all vehicles last night, so I had college — dangling earrings and no bras, not that I to ride my horse 15 miles down to the paved road. minded. “I left him with a volunteer in Carapequa on Route One I warned them that the Stroessner government was still and took an early bus into Asuncion. My host family did a fairly brutal dictatorship, and gave them their instruc- not understand why I would ride through the rain to get

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here, so I made up a story about She never invited me into sation with one of the Marine meeting an important American at guards. Feigning disinterest, I the embassy this morning. her room and she refused plowed through a month-old copy “So, Mr. Important American, do of The New York Times and worked you have a pencil sharpener?” She to come to my apartment, on my tan. pulled a stubby # 2 pencil from her The following Monday, I called macramé shoulder bag and began to but we inhaled each the Peace Corps office to ask where laugh as she caught me staring at the she was assigned. The deputy di- water pooling around her feet. “I’m other’s kisses. rector told me she was the first vol- ruining your carpet!” unteer they had ever sent to Acahay, “I have pencils,” I stammered as a Guarani-speaking village 70 miles my gaze rose to her thin cotton dress, which had been south of Asuncion. She was working as a health educator. thoroughly soaked and made somewhat irrelevant by the Her village had no electricity, no running water and no rain. cars. “That’s OK, I’ll use my own.” “Kat usually comes in once a month to pick up her Her face, arms and legs were the color of my morning mail,” he said. “She was just here this morning. Shall I café con leche, but when she removed her soaked sandals tell her you called the next time we see her?” at my suggestion, I could see the creamy white cross- I said no and struggled to put her out of my mind. She hatchings where straps had covered her feet. was not my type, after all. I had almost succeeded — until No one else came to take the exam that day. She fin- the evening I accepted an invitation from several junior ished at 2, and I desperately wanted to invite her to lunch. officers, who frequented the city’s discos, to accompany I was trembling inside as she handed me her essay and them to the Safari after a long and boring dinner at the tossed the stub of her pencil into the trash. Scanning my ambassador’s residence. I’m not a big dancer, never have bookshelf, she spotted Travels with My Aunt. been; but I agreed to go. “Oh, I love Graham Greene,” she cried. The place was dark, crowded and noisy. I did not plan I didn’t, but I told her I did. That copy had belonged to stay long, but then I spotted Kat dancing with a French to my predecessor, who met the author when he came coopérant volunteer, a tall skinny guy with dark, curly hair through Asuncion doing research for the book. whose fingers meandered slowly down her back. She was I handed it to her. “Take it. It’s signed by Greene him- laughing. I ordered a beer and hoped she would look my self.” way so I could casually raise my glass in her direction. “Oh, I couldn’t,” she said, handing it back. An hour later, she was standing near me at the bar sip- “He sent us a whole box of signed copies when the book ping something with ice and arguing with her dance part- was published,” I lied, pressing the book into her hands. ner. She had not yet acknowledged my presence. The “Take it.” Frenchman suddenly slammed his fist on the bar. The sun had come out, summoning clouds of steam “Putain!” he hissed at her before storming out of the room. that rose like spectral ghosts from the streets and side- I was on my third beer. She walked over to me as I was walks. As she vanished around a brick wall draped in hon- about to order a fourth. eysuckle, I stood mute and immobilized in the driveway “So, what books have you been reading lately?” of the embassy. I stared at the hollow of her throat, then raised my eyes to meet hers, trying to remember what was on my night-  stand. “Is there a problem, sir?” asked the Marine. “The Winds of War,” I stammered, “and Crichton’s The I shook my head and went back to my office, where I Terminal Man.” fished her pencil out of the trash and dropped it into my “Guy books,” she laughed. “Don’t you dance?” pocket. “I’m really not very good at it.” I locked the exams in my safe and headed for the pool, She stood and extended her hand. Wasn’t I supposed where the econ counselor’s daughter was deep in conver- to do that? The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” was winding

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down. We melted into the crowd as As I reached up to take her terrace in the late afternoon sun. Roberta Flack’s voice flowed across The muscles in her long legs flexed the room like warm honey. I put my hand, she wheeled her horse, seductively as she played with her fingers where the Frenchman’s had sandals. She was reading a book by been, and we danced, barely touch- kicked him into a gallop and some feminist writer I had never ing until Kat moved into my arms heard of. and we kissed again and again. buried her face in his mane. “Let’s go to the beer garden The Safari closed at 4:30 a.m., tonight,” she whispered, sliding her and I waited with her in the cool fingers around the back of my neck pre-dawn air while one of the volunteers hailed a taxi. Kat and rubbing my hair with her thumbs. squeezed my hand, planted a farewell kiss on my cheek, jumped in the cab with her friends and called out the win-  dow as they sped away, “Meet me this afternoon at 5 — La Kat called me whenever she was in town. I would take Terazza Hotel.” her to dinner, where we would discuss the books we were I had never been to that ancient hotel, favored by eld- reading and argue about Watergate, Vietnam and women’s erly Germans, shady businessmen and the odd traveler. It rights. Then I would walk her back to La Terazza. She was a crumbling pink stucco confection perched on the never invited me into her room and she refused to come edge of a cliff overlooking the Paraguay River. to my apartment, but we inhaled each other’s kisses, which Kat, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, was lounging on a grew longer and more intense each time we parted. canvas chair that cast narrow shadows across the flagstone In May, I arranged to travel to Acahay for the day with

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a USAID officer who was going to I didn’t reply and “You will never understand,” she inspect a nearby agricultural project. whispered. “You shouldn’t have I had sent her a note that I was com- never tried to find her. come today.” I reached up to touch ing, but I had no way of knowing her face and gently pulled her whether she had received it. She was too impetuous. down. She brushed her parted lips Clouds of ocher dust chased our against mine, and we melted into a vehicle up the dirt road and settled wordless tangle of teeth and on my hair and shoulders when I was dropped at the edge tongue. Kat opened the folds of her gown and allowed me of her village. Crossing the square in front of the church, I to caress her until a door creaked inside the house. Rising could see a group of very pregnant women seated on low quickly from my cot and pulling her nightgown around her, benches in front of a mud and thatch building. Kat was she walked in silence back to her room. speaking to them in Guarani. I gathered from the posters behind her that she was talking to them about birth control.  As the women struggled to their feet at the end of her By the time I awoke, she was dressed and saddling her talk, she turned and smiled when she saw me watching her. horse for the three-hour trip to a school in the countryside. “Well, hello, Mr. Diplomat. To what do I owe this honor?” Women in rural Paraguay still rode sidesaddle, but Kat had “Kat, you’re not supposed to be teaching these women purchased an English saddle in Asuncion and trained her about contraception. You’ll get yourself thrown out of the horse to accept it. She was the only woman in the village, country!” I hadn’t meant to start our conversation that way. perhaps in the entire country, who rode “like a man.” I had planned to say how wonderful she looked and tell The morning sun had baked the road into a hard brown her my sister had mailed me a copy of The Feminine Mys- crust after last night’s rain. She swung into her saddle and tique, which I had almost finished and wanted to talk to looked down at me with tears in her eyes. “The roads are her about. But I was gripped by a sudden fear that she open again. Your friend should be here soon to get you. I might be sent home for breaking this sensitive taboo. I am so sorry — about everything.” didn’t want her to leave. As I reached up to take her hand, she wheeled her She stared up at me, hands on her hips, eyes unread- horse, kicked him into a gallop and buried her face in his able. “These women are desperate. One came in this mane. He carried her down the only road out of the vil- morning bleeding and vomiting. She had tried to abort lage and vanished with her into a stand of palm trees. her baby with a curandera’s potion. She is 29, has eight Several men on the Acahay town council did complain children, was delirious with fever and was carrying her about her talks at the health center, and a few weeks after youngest, a 1-year-old with dysentery. He weighed 14 my visit she was transferred out of the country. Just be- pounds and died in my arms just two hours ago. The fore I went on leave the following December, a Peace mother is still in the health center. The doctor can’t stop Corps friend who knew us both invited me for a bowl of the hemorrhaging, and we have no blood or plasma. Hell, fish soup at the Lido. When we finished our meal and our we don’t even have a refrigerator. How can I just sit and beers, he handed me a small package with a Lesotho post- watch this?” Dark clouds rolled in as she spoke. mark. “This came for you.” “The rain will come soon and the roads will be closing. It was a paperback copy of Norman Mailer’s book The You’ll have to stay with us tonight,” she said. Prisoners of Sex, with a note scribbled inside the cover. Kat’s host family welcomed me warmly, and one of the “Dear Mr. Diplomat, read this. You need it! – Love, Kat servants prepared a rawhide cot on the covered patio P.S. I know I was right to do what I did, and so do you. where I would sleep. Soon after the evening meal of fried P.P.S. You’re a great kisser!” manioc and tomatoes, her family along with the rest of the village extinguished their kerosene lamps and went to bed.  The rain had stopped, and I drifted into a fitful sleep until I didn’t reply and never tried to find her. I don’t even Kat, her face framed by a starry night sky, woke me gently, know if she passed the exam. She was too impetuous; it her fingers stroking my hair. She was sitting on the edge would never have worked. I am so sorry, Kat, wherever of the cot wearing a thin silk nightgown. you are. ■

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IGLOO OF HAIRLESS WINOS

LANGUAGE BARRIERS POSE A PARTICULARLY THORNY PROBLEM FOR CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES LINUS HANDY.

BY BRIAN AGGELER

here is a saying, unique to my United States, an imperial- country, which roughly translates into English as “he who ist invader of other coun- is laughing after the others have finished their own laugh- tries, imposing its will and ing is, Tin fact, the one who is having the most enjoyable also reruns of its older and laughter.” I must confess, however, that I was not confi- least amusing sitcoms on dent that anyone would enjoy any laughter at all when the the weaker members of the U.S. chargé d’affaires, Mr. Linus Handy, imperiled rela- world community. I am not tions between our countries with his grievous insults of our a scientist of politics, but foreign minister, his allegedly woman-like breasts and also what I know is that in my his very motherland. country, at least, the em- Our is not a wealthy, powerful or large country, but the bassy of the United States spirit of national pride runs hot as burning ox dung in all is being staffed by good our blood. No other country produces as we do the na- people who wish us no harm. tional dish of boiled thrush in sour snake bile for which we It is true that Mary Beth Fadoro once very vocally are justifiably famous. The world’s largest palacite mete- wished harm on my friend Osmo in the general services orite fell to earth in our western desert and, moreover, the section, but that had less to do with any international mis- longest tapeworm ever discovered was passed here. So understanding and more with Mary Beth’s reaction to you could say we do not lack for the superlative. Osmo’s innocent observation that the dimensions of her There are certain of my relatives and friends who ask posterior would necessitate the construction of a special how it is that I can work so loyally for the embassy of the office chair that would then be roomy enough to seat com- fortably two of the local women on the staff. But such tem- Brian Aggeler entered the Foreign Service in 1990, and has pestuous exchanges are rare, and I am proud to work to served in Europe, Asia and Africa. He also contributes car- benefit both of our countries, and to do so with a compet- toons to the Journal. itive salary. This story won second place in this year’s FS fiction con- I have worked at the embassy for 11 years and in that test. time several American supervisors have come and gone,

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each arriving with fresh ideas for how we should do things this all orally. Watch and learn, amigo. Watch and learn.” here exactly as they had done them at their previous post: Bob Gambini, lover of all things from China; Mordecai  Heflin, who had learned all that need be known in Burkina Upon arrival at the ministry, we were ushered into the Faso; and Mary Beth Fadoro, smitten with the workings of Great Hall of the Glorious Defeats, where we sat in the Embassy Vatican City. The one thing on which they have all deep and somewhat mildewy official meeting chairs under agreed, however, is that they require my assistance as a a giant bust of our national hero, King Volmak the Very translator for any official communication of complexity. Nearly Victorious. The minister entered, an elderly man Among the greatnesses of our nation is the complex- of great dignity and reserve, followed by my witless cousin, ity of our language, which requires a mastery of subtle Bomzar, who works in his office. Mr. Linus began with tones, wildly irregular grammar and a greater volume of pleasantries and fared well. He got through “Hello, how phlegm than most foreigners can muster. Indeed, the are you” without incident, and I unclenched slightly. Mr. most complicated phrase most Americans can manage in Linus was mightily proud, his shirt buttons struggling more our tongue is “Hello, how are you?” Even that usually than usual to hold him in. comes out as “Beef loins, I oppress your lemur,” but our I believe Mr. Linus’ first point was intended to be “We people nonetheless appreciate the gesture. are concerned about the upcoming resolution in the Mr. Linus Handy, the new deputy chief of mission, United Nations Security Council.” Because of some vari- was among the most dedicated students of our tongue. ance in tones and a questionable word choice, however, He had already mastered Vietnamese, Hungarian and what came out was: “I vilify your noteworthy man-breasts.” several lesser tongues in his previous postings. One of Bomzar stopped his notetaking and looked up at Mr. those was apparently Spanish, accounting for his con- Linus and then at me. The minister raised one shaggy eye- stantly referring to me as his “amigo.” A man of magnif- brow and asked in a quiet tone if that was what Mr. Linus icent confidence in his own abilities, he regaled me with had meant to say. Mr. Linus interpreted this as evidence tales of his greatness in various other fields, as well. “I that he had made his point. I started to whisper in his ear, didn’t climb to the top in the world of competitive jump but he stopped me and smiled at the minister. “Indeed rope without stepping on some toes,” he declared. He that is exactly what I meant to say to you, on behalf of the brought this same zest to all endeavors, even though his government and people of the United States.” This Mr. fleshy form suggested that his days at the zenith of jump- Linus managed without a mistake. rope greatness might be behind him. He then attempted to go into the details of the dé- Still, it was a certain clenching unease that I felt when marche and its implications on our bilateral relations. The Mr. Linus Handy told me he would deliver a démarche depths of this new vocabulary were beyond Mr. Linus’ on an urgent United Nations vote in our native tongue. It grasp, however. A downward tone instead of a rising one, happened that the ambassador was away for what was ru- a misconjugation and other seemingly small mistakes com- mored to be urgent hair transplant surgery, so Mr. Linus bined to make the words he said to the minister come out was the chargé d’affaires. The instructions were to de- as: “You, sir, are the bastard son of a platypus and a mer- liver the démarche at the highest appropriate level and, man.” The minister stared in disbelief as Mr. Linus added: at Mr. Linus’ instruction, we had arranged a meeting for “Also a would-be bedwetter in an igloo of hairless winos.” him alone with the foreign minister himself. “Mr. Linus,” Things went down the hill from there, the situation not I warned. “The foreign minister is not speaking any Eng- helped by the unfortunate similarity in pronunciation of lish at all. Surely you wish me to translate.” our words for “constructive dialogue” and “flatulent mo- Mr. Linus shrugged. “No worries there. You can lester.” I yearned in vain for the power of ventriloquism come along if you insist, but just let me do the talking.” to repair the damage. The minister did not shout, for this “I see we also have our points written on a paper we is not our custom when insulted. Instead, he rubbed his may leave with the ministry. Perhaps I should bring this left eye with his thumb, a gesture which in our country along to deliver, just for clarity.” equates with a phrase used by Americans that often ends Mr. Linus snorted a chuckle. “Written points are for with “and the horse you rode in on.” As Mr. Linus con- the weak, my friend. I’m performing without a net, doing tinued his barrage of inadvertent insults, the minister

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rubbed his eye even more vigor- Things went down ing of indecent relations with a ously. duck. Finally, the ordeal ended. Mr. the hill from there. “Sfloxnzt!” Linus correctly navigated through “You’re saying it again.” the parting pleasantries and we left, He was silent for a few minutes the minister still rubbing his eye and Bomzar glowering. as we passed the Tapeworm of Greatness Monument. “You see, that’s how it’s done,” Mr. Linus said. “Hey, what “OK, OK. What do we do now?” do you think that dude had in his eye?” “I will consult the minister’s office — perhaps the dam- age is not so bad.”  Bamboozlement is not my way, so in the car on the way  back to the embassy I attempted to explain frankly to Mr. The damage was, in fact, very much so bad. I went to Linus how his mispronunciation could be misinterpreted. see Bomzar, who was buried behind stacks of dust-covered “For example: Sfloxnzdt,” I said. papers in his small cubicle next to the foreign minister’s of- “Sfloxnzt,” he said. fice, cleaning his ear with a fork. “So, how is the lovely Jel- “No, sfloxnzdt. You must adjust the tone.” lima?” I asked, hoping to warm our encounter. Bomzar “That’s what I said: sfloxnzt.” has long tried to interest me in marrying his sister-in-law, “There is a slight difference, Mr. Linus. What I said Jellima, a charming girl whose only flaw is a moustache means ‘textile tariff’ but the way you say it changes it to be slightly lusher than my own. But this day he was not par- an expression of intense surprise, with an additional mean- taking of banter.

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“It is wise that you have come to Bomzar tittered quietly, “You could also call it turdoid. see me, as you may need my assis- But you must eat it — to refuse tance to seek other employment and I knew his thoughts would be the most grievous insult.” soon,” he declared with a note of su- Mr. Linus swallowed hard, took periority. He said the minister was were of bacon and badgers. a spoonful of the thick, brown mix- preparing a letter insisting that the ture and put it in his mouth. The U.S. close its embassy in our country minister watched intently as Mr. and suspend its diplomatic relations for the heinous insults Linus closed his eyes tightly, then opened them. He swal- hurled at the minister and our country by Mr. Linus. lowed the mouthful. “Actually, it’s not bad.” I suggested that there must be a misunderstanding. “That is a most generous observation given that it is, Bomzar waved the dirty fork at me. “Calling our beloved after all, our national dish, amigo,” I observed quietly. motherland an igloo of hairless winos? By King Volmak’s Mr. Linus took another spoonful. “Tastes like chicken.” ghost, these are truly harsh and peculiar words!” I noted “As I said, it is, in fact, turdoid.” our honored national tradition that, before going to war “Stop saying that!” with a rival, we invite that rival to share a meal and seek to Mr. Linus proceeded to eat with relish, and the minis- resolve our differences. The downside to this tradition is ter nodded with approval. “You enjoy our great national that, if the differences cannot be resolved, the rival is then dish?” he asked. stripped naked, wrapped in bacon and dropped into a pit “Indeed, I do,” Mr. Linus responded in our tongue. “I of badgers. Bomzar grudgingly, perhaps with visions of find it truly glandular.” badgers dancing in his head, agreed to recommend that “He means to say delicious,” I whispered. the minister host Mr. Linus at a dinner. “Right, exactly!” Mr. Linus responded. “Glandulicious.” That evening, when Bomzar led Mr. Linus and me into The minister nodded thoughtfully, weighing Mr. Linus’ the foreign minister’s official residence, the minister words. Bomzar tittered quietly, and I knew his thoughts greeted us courteously but coldly. In a dimly lit receiving were of bacon and badgers. We all took spoonfuls of the room a television in the corner showed an early episode of dish and chewed in silence. Finally the minister spoke. “The Brady Bunch.” We were given seats on cushions sur- “Your efforts to master our most difficult language are in- rounding a low table with a large spoon in front of each of deed noble, sir. That it causes you difficulty is something us. Mr. Linus, his usual gusto for once absent, said qui- we can understand. I know this because I myself have etly, “Mr. Minister, I would like to express my most sincere trouble speaking your language,” and he switched to Eng- and heartfelt —” The minister held up a hand for silence. lish to add: “It is a suck on the butt.” I whispered to Mr. Linus, “First, we must share a taste of Switching back to our tongue, he went on: “Still, I salute the same dish. It is our custom.” your fearlessness in trying — it shows a respect for our na- Mr. Linus nodded and we sat in silence for a few mo- tional culture. I propose to you that we establish a group ments, Bomzar smirking a little at me. Then I experienced to work together to learn each other’s languages, and in- a sudden olfactory joy, catching a whiff of the boiled gar- crease mutual understanding. You are just the partner we den thrush in sour snake bile for which our nation is justi- have been seeking for such an endeavor. Bomzar, please fiably famous. A servant brought in a large clay pot of the prepare a proposal for me to share with the embassy of the thick mixture. Mr. Linus wrinkled his nose. “That smell United States, noting the key role of the chargé d’affaires — what’s in this?” here in providing the impetus for this initiative.” Bomzar “It is a turdine dish.” looked sadly at me as it dawned on him that the badgers “What? Are you serious?” would not be released that evening. “It is a great honor — you must share it with the minister.” The fermented badger milk was served, and many Mr. Linus smiled nervously at the minister and smelled heartfelt toasts were exchanged, with my discreet assis- the dish again. “The smell — it’s like someone microwaved tance in translation smoothing the process. By the end of an overflowing cat box.” the evening the minister had his arm around Mr. Linus. “It is our national dish — turdine,” I told him. Another episode of “The Brady Bunch” started, and the “I don’t — that’s not even a word.” minister gestured at the television. “Mr. Linus, my friend

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— what happened to the first Mrs. Brady? They never “As I said, it is turdine.” say, do they?” “You know, that’s not only a distasteful thing to say — it’s We departed with hugs. On the way out, I passed not even a word.” Bomzar the paper with the points on the United Nations “A synonym would be turdoid. That is to say, relating démarche Mr. Linus had attempted to deliver. Realizing to the family of turdidae, which is the common thrush. his own comeuppance was at hand, Bomzar agreed to de- That modest bird is, of course, the main ingredient in this liver them to the minister. most beloved dish.” He stared at me. “Turdine? You’re a smart guy, amigo,  but as a native English-speaker I have to tell you: You’re When the ambassador returned the next week with a a little out of your depth here.” newly luxuriant head of hair, Mr. Linus proudly reported I must declare that I am jiggy, and not only with the lat- on this new initiative and was promptly nominated for an est phrases. As a humble embassy employee I am not one award of great meritoriousness and superiority. He, in to toot my own cat, but my English-language vocabulary is turn, nominated me for an Extra Mile Award (with cash) multitudinous. Yet my American colleagues sometimes, and called me to his office to express his appreciation. to put it in political parlance, misunderestimate me. “You “Turns out the minister also supported our position at the may wish to consult Dictionary.com,” I ventured. United Nations — exactly what was in our position paper!” Mr. Linus went around his desk, sat down and tapped “That is indeed fortunate,” I agreed. at his computer. I waited, permitting myself a small smile. Mr. Linus patted my shoulder. “And really, that na- He stared for a long time at the results, then looked up at tional dish of yours isn’t so bad.” me and declared: “Well, sfloxnzt…” ■

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THE DAY THE AMERICAN EMBASSY BURNED

HER FATHER HAD SHOWN HER THE WORLD, BUT SHE NEVER REALLY SAW HIM. AND NOW HE MIGHT BE GONE — FOREVER.

BY VICTORIA MONTES

dragged my feet through the lawn of garding a picture of Prime beige carpet outside the boulder-like mahogany door that Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhut- shut me out of my father’s world. The soft glow escaping to, now dead, with my fa- under Ithe door provided the only hint of life inside. ther. Bhutto had run Pak- I paused, letting my fingertips brush the wall. Would istan until he was arrested, he be busy? Should I bother him? With an ear to the door, and then executed by hang- I listened. The slow drone of exhaled and inhaled breath ing seven months ago. The was the only sound. country was under the mar- I knocked. “Come in,” he growled. He sat slumped tial law declared by Gen- over the desk, bifocals perched halfway down his nose. eral Muhammad Zia ul- Had I awakened him? He didn’t look up. Haq. I knew Bhutto’s son, The desk occupied half the room. A faint odor of alcohol Shah Nawaz, had once wipes and a splash of Old Spice after-shave filled the musty gone to my school, the International School of Islamabad. library. The books lining the walls crowded in on me. What do you do when they kill your father? To whom I walked behind my father’s chair. “I … I was just won- do you turn to ask if you’re safe? dering. You know how they took those hostages at the em- My father didn’t utter a word; I wondered if he’d fallen bassy in Iran?” I waited and saw a slow nod of his head. asleep. But then he reached for the water glass. “For rea- “Well, could it happen here — in Pakistan?” sons you’re too young to understand, some students de- He didn’t answer right away, so I studied the shelves, re- cided to hold those people hostage. They let 10 go today. It’ll be over soon.” Victoria Montes, the daughter of a Foreign Service officer, I bravely probed a little farther. “I know Iran wants the grew up in Nigeria, Morocco and Pakistan. She now lives shah back. But we were friends with Bhutto, too. Maybe in Tehachapi, Calif., where she teaches high school English. they’re mad at us.” She is the author of three novels: A Diplomat’s Daughter, He inhaled deeply. “No, it’s a different situation. The Camouflage Venom and Hive of Hornets. U.S. has a different relationship with Zia’s government.” He This story won third place in this year’s FS fiction contest. pushed his glasses back up his nose. “We’re safe,” he said.

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 He didn’t answer right away, “Too much information,” Darla Nov. 21, 1979, was the last day said, pushing her midnight-black of school before the four-day so I studied the shelves, hair out of her eyes. “We have six Thanksgiving weekend. For my other countries to cover, don’t for- family, the holiday would be quiet. regarding a picture of Prime get.” My mom and sister were on a field “India and Pakistan split 30 trip to Mojendaro. Dad and I had Minister Bhutto, now dead, years ago,” I said. been invited out to dinner for “Should we write that?” Tracy Thanksgiving, but he had declined. with my father. asked, beads of perspiration break- After lunch, I walked to world ing out on her forehead. history class with my best friend, “I’m going to start with the Ellen. “Steven’s coming on Thanksgiving to meet my par- hostages taken in Iran,” Dwight said as he stuffed a pen- ents,” she said, fingering the heart with his name inside cil in each nostril. it she had drawn on her binder. Steven was a 19-year old “It has to be 500 words long,” Ellen said. Marine security guard at the embassy. I leafed through my notes, where I saw that Pakistan The classroom walls featured huge maps of China, got its name as an acronym for all the Muslim provinces: India, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pictures of P for Punjab, A for Afghans, K for Kashmir, S for Sind Chairman Mao Tse-Tung with President Richard Nixon, and then “istan,” the Persian word for “land of.” Put it all Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Ayatollah Khomeini together and Pakistan means “Land of the Pure.” and Mahatma Gandhi — and now some of the American “Maybe we should write, ‘Pakistan and India split due hostages in Iran. Pieces of red, blue and green yarn con- to religious differences,’” I said. nected places with newspaper articles. The bookshelf lin- “I can’t find that in my notes,” Tracy said, flipping ing the front wall was stuffed with globes, a set of World through her pages. Books and other encyclopedias. “Besides, this isn’t a religion paper,” Darla argued. “Your report should be at least 500 words long,” Mrs. “All countries fight about religion,” I said. “Religion Cook announced. A collective groan sounded around the is the reason they hate each other.” I looked around in classroom. the silence. “Right?” At 1:45, we heard a sharp rap at the door. Mr. Kain, An eerie silence descended, broken only when Darla our assistant principal, opened it and motioned to Mrs. said, “India divided into three sections: West Pakistan, Cook to step into the hallway. The two huddled, whis- India and East Pakistan. Then East Pakistan became the pering too low for me to eavesdrop. new nation of Bangladesh.” Mrs. Cook turned to the class and said, “Excuse me “Sounds good,” Tracy said using the sleeve of her shirt for a minute. Start your assignment.” to polish her fogged-up lenses. “But what about Iran and As the door closed, the volume in the room began to Iraq?” rise. “Who’s got lookout?” Ian asked. “Let’s all take a different country,” Ian suggested. “And Ellen pushed aside three globes, and stationed her- share the facts.” self at the door. “Our papers can’t be the same,” Darla argued. Meanwhile, Dwight ran around balancing a meter Dwight launched a paper airplane with the word stick between his lip and his braces. Ian pushed his desk ‘dumb’ scrawled on it. Ian grabbed it, jumped up on his up against mine while similar groups formed across the desk, balled it up and chucked it forcefully at Dwight’s room. head. “OK, brainiac, what do we write?” A paper ball bounced off my binder and hit Tracy. She “Shut up, Ian.” didn’t flinch, but continued to wring her hands. “We’ll Tracy pushed her glasses back up her nose and paced get in trouble if Mrs. Cook walks in.” behind my desk. Ian dove off the desk and tackled Dwight in mid-air, “Let’s start with when Pakistan was part of India,” I taking him down to the ground. Dwight let out a star- suggested. tled yelp, “My nose! You’re crushing me. Get off!”

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Ellen called, “Someone’s com- There were loud voices, “Your parents will have to pick ing!” Everyone scrambled to pick you up,” Mr. Kain said. But what if up their papers. Dwight struggled smashed objects, broken I didn’t get picked up? Would my to get a pencil eraser out of his dad forget me in all the excite- nose. glass and a gunshot. ment? I pushed desks around, while “In the meantime,” the assistant Tracy whimpered, “I didn’t write principal continued, “we’re going anything. What if she checks?” to watch a movie.” “Stop worrying. Just go sit down. Hurry!” “‘North Dallas Forty!’” More laughter from the crowd.  “‘Rocky II!’” The classroom door opened just as I got back to my “Yeah, Rocky rules!” desk. I slumped down low in the seat. Mr. Kain ignored us, as Mr. Roberts, Ellen’s dad, Mrs. Cook didn’t say anything at first. Ian called out, threaded the 1950s-era 8mm film of “U.S. Rodeos” “What’s up, Mrs. C? Talk to me.” through the projector. “I’m afraid a civil disturbance has started down at the Ian went to his locker. Twenty minutes later, he re- American embassy.” turned in a rush. “Ronni, the embassy’s on fire.” “What? No way, man,” someone yelled. “What?” Ellen grasped my hand. I knew it. They’d taken hostages. My father was “You can see it from the school, and some French guy wrong, and now he was probably being blindfolded. My said everyone’s dead.” eyes met Ellen’s. Ellen sobbed and her grip got tighter on my hand, so “Wait, class. We don’t have all the facts yet. After I felt nothing else. sixth period, we’ll know more.” When I was 7, I’d seen “I Never Sang for My Father.” Tracy turned a paler shade of ivory and whispered, I couldn’t stop crying, afraid of losing my father. I’d “Can I go to the nurse?” changed; I didn’t cry anymore. My dad had shown me “Let’s just cancel school and go home,” someone else the world, but I never really saw him. And now he might exclaimed. be gone — forever. “If you have so much time on your hands,” Mrs. Cook “It’s OK, Ellen,” I said. said, “we’ll make it a 750-word report.” The lights came on. “We’re moving to the gym,” Mr. The bell rang and we jumped up. Pandemonium pre- Kain said. vailed in the hallway. “OK, everyone,” Coach Connors In the gym, Coach Connor passed out basketballs. Ian yelled. “Into the auditorium, now. Let’s go!” took one while Ellen and I sat in the bleachers and “Can’t we just go home? It’s the last day of school.” watched. The whole school crammed into the auditorium, from “They’re here! They’re coming to get us,” a little girl kindergarten to seniors. The teachers stood guard over ran into the gym yelling. us in the aisles, shushing everyone. “Clear out. Everyone find a place to hide. Quick, I sat between Ian and Ellen. A few parents entered move!” Coach shouted. the auditorium, and pulled their kids out. My dad didn’t We dashed into the locker room and closed the door. get off until 6, so I had to wait until they excused us to Students crowded into showers, restroom stalls, under take the bus. the benches and in lockers. As I huddled with Ellen, my “OK, settle down,” Mr. Kain yelled from the stage. ears filled with the pounding of my heart and the hush of “The buses won’t be running today.” our collectively held breaths. “What’d he say? No way!” There were loud voices, smashed objects, broken glass “Quiet! There’s a demonstration, and we can’t risk op- and a gunshot. I prayed, “Oh, my God,” and shoved my erating the buses.” hand in my mouth to keep from crying out. “It’s our vacation! Come on, man.” Angry Arabic commands pierced the silence. After a “Yeah!” others yelled. few minutes, someone banged on the locker room door.

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“Is anyone in there?” Coach asked. “OK, everyone,” Coach question his mom. “Come on, Ian; “Come out now. It’s over.” it’s getting dark,” she yelled. Connors yelled. “Into the “Hi, Mrs. Datan. What’s hap-  pening?” In the gym, Ian rushed toward auditorium, now. Let’s go!” “Well, a Marine got shot. The us. “I was hiding under the curtain. rest may still be alive, but they’re Then five or six Pakistani guys trapped in the burning building. came in, one with a shotgun, and I heard a bang. A chair Are you girls going to be able to get home? The streets came smashing through the window.” are dangerous.” “Did they see you?” I shrugged. “I don’t know.” “I don’t think so. I got to the locker room and hid.” “Oh that’s right; your mom’s on the field trip, Ronni. “Who were they?” I asked. I’ll make sure you get a ride home.” “A busload of students,” Coach said, running a hand In the sound of the muffler, my response was lost. “No through his dark hair. one’s there.” We moved across campus toward the music room. When we got to the music room, Mr. Roberts said, Outside, several school aides stood with hockey sticks and “Ronni, Coach will drive you home.” baseball bats. We froze, but Coach reassured us. “They “What about my dad?” helped chase away the bad guys with the sports equip- “Coach will stay with you until we know.” ment.” Ellen’s father kissed her. “Honey, I love you very Ian saw his car, and Ellen and I followed him out to much, but I have some bad news. Steven was shot in the

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head. He didn’t make it.” I watch- What do you do when “They got out,” he told me. ed Ellen in stunned silence. Steven “They’re at the British Embassy.” dead! How? Why? She buried her they kill your father? My father wasn’t dead. He head in her father’s shoulder and wasn’t a hostage. He was safe! sobbed. To whom do you turn to Did he know about Steven? What No! Steven couldn’t be dead. was it like? Watching my best friend and her ask if you’re safe? At 6:57 p.m., Dad walked father, I was an intruder — out of through the door. He brought in place, with no one’s arms wrapped an overwhelming stench of smoke around me. and a face solemn as the black ash lining his rumpled I got into Coach’s van and watched Ellen and her fa- clothing. ther wrapped in a silent embrace, until we turned the He shook Coach’s hand and said simply, “Thanks.” corner and they disappeared. Would my dad get out? I looked down at his shirt. There was blood on it. Would he ever come home? “Dad, did you get hurt?” When I got home, our cook waited with dinner for He touched the blood and looked back at me. “I ... two. He’d heard something on the radio, but he didn’t it’s the Marine’s.” His eyes filled with tears. know what to do. Without thinking, I put my hand on his arm. He pat- The phone rang, but Coach beat me to it. I clung to ted my hand. I said, “I know he’s dead. Steven’s dead.” his elbow, waiting. “Thank you,” he said. “Yes, we un- That’s when my father put his arms around me, and I derstand. ... We will. Good night.” began sobbing. ■

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ON THE ROAD TO CAPE TOWN

AN AMERICAN HITCHHIKER TRAVELS THROUGH THE MORAL DARKNESS “ OF APARTHEID. BY RICHARD S. SACKS

e had to use special “They got a few of us, tactics,” the driver said. but we wiped them out,” he He restedW a thin, hairy arm on the steering wheel and continued. “We never turned to me as he talked, rubbing his Adam’s apple. It made that mistake again. stuck out from his throat like a walnut. The next time we saw the “At first they fooled us. They sent the women out in women coming, we opened front like they were going to market. We didn’t think any- up on them.” He grinned, thing of it. Then after the women passed, they opened up.” remembering it. He kept The truck hummed along the road. The country was his eyes high and out of the wide open and drying up as we headed east. Birds wheeled sun as he talked. “Man, we high in the air above the brown hills. blasted them to pieces. Ha! They never tried that again. A Foreign Service officer since 1989, Richard S. Sacks And it kept the roads clear for a while, too.” served in Mexico City, Casablanca, Hanoi, Seoul and Little shacks lined the empty road. Naked children Panama, before becoming deputy and acting director of herded ducks, chasing them through the dust with long, the Pakistan/Bangladesh office in the Bureau of South and thin sticks. The road shot through the horizon ahead of us Central Asian Affairs, a post he held until July 2008. He and into a mirage. completed a year of national security studies at the Na- “Oh, the pay was good! I wanted to go back in ’64,” he tional War College in June. Prior to joining the Service, said. “But by the time I got to Joburg, the recruiters were he was a wire service newsman for The Associated Press finished.” He spat out the window, then bent over and and a reporter for The Middlesex News, a suburban pulled out a tin canteen from below the seat. Boston daily. In 1991, he co-authored Paraguay: The Per- “Whiskey,” he said. “Want some?” I shook my head. sonalist Legacy (Westview Press). Mr. Sacks and his wife, Winking, he unscrewed the cap and took a drink. Aida, live in McLean, Va., with their three children. I took out my map. Some cows were crossing the road This story won fourth place in the Journal’s 2009 For- ahead of us. Cursing softly, the driver shifted gears and ma- eign Service fiction contest. neuvered to avoid them.

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After Kimberley, there was Britstown, then Hopetown, the cab. Cursing, the driver pulled the truck off the road. Beaufort West, and the long ride through the Great Karroo It was Joshua. He spoke to the driver in Afrikaans from the — not sure what that was. Then Cape Town. back of the truck. The driver arched his neck out the win- A boy whacked the animals with a pole again and again, dow and twisted in his seat. I think he was saying, “Baas, I herding them frantically off the road, his eyes wide with want to get off after a few miles.” Cursing, the driver panic. As we passed, I could hear the slap of the wood on snapped his head back inside and put the truck on the road. their flanks. “Stupid bastard!” he said, stamping his foot. “That It would take about another day or two to get there, I fig- dumb kaffir has to tell me where Hopetown is? I know ured. Probably two. where Hopetown is!” “I was in the Congo about a year. It was great,” he said, Joshua and I had met at dawn about a hundred miles watching the road. “Simply fantastic. And the girls! There from Joburg, near Christiana. My last ride the day before were always girls. As many as we liked. Plenty of young had left me outside a small town at 3 in the afternoon, and ones. About 14 or 15.” He grinned broadly. “Of course, we I hadn’t moved after that. When night came, I camped out always shot them afterward.” in the open a few yards from the tarmac. A crazy wind He fished around for the canteen and held it in his hand, came up after midnight, blowing freezing dust all over the shaking it. Then he drank. It was a long drink, and he high veld. Slowly, the sky began to lighten. I was miserable strained his eyes down toward the road as he tilted his head. and cold in my sleeping bag waiting for the sun, wondering I looked at him as if for the first time: broken teeth; stub- how long it would take me to get to Cape Town at this rate, ble; sharp, jutting jaw; blue eyes the color of faded enam- when I saw him lying a few feet away wrapped in newspa- elware; unkempt, thinning hair cut short. pers. After a moment he caught my glance and dropped the “Hey! Hello,” I said. canteen clattering on the floor. He pounded the steering “Hello.” He lifted the pages around his head to look at wheel. me, and they flew away. The wind was blowing so hard I “Of course we shot them! We always shot them! Ha! had to shout. “It’s freezing,” I yelled. “Aren’t you cold?” Wasn’t anything else we could do. Their families would “Freezing!” never take them back.” I got up and saw a fire flickering in the distance. Wrap- The Orange River was playing cat and mouse with the ping the sleeping bag around me, I walked toward it, then hills ahead of us. Now it was plainly visible, a broad, brown turned around, shivering. stream in the distance. Clouds were piling up. I thought “Come on. Let’s go over there.” of Joshua in the back of the truck. He’d be getting off soon, He let the newspapers fly away and got up, and we maybe before it started to rain. walked toward the fire. His name was Joshua. He was an The driver gave me a sullen stare, angry I was not more African youth, slight, with short hair and honest eyes. His impressed. Then we were crossing a bridge. “That’s the clothes looked new, but they were dirty, and he had a Orange River,” he said. “The biggest river in this country.” raggedy suitcase with him and some odd-shaped bundles The sun was getting low. It was big and white, falling slowly wrapped in burlap he said were for his mother. through a dark sky. I said, “If it was any colder, I would have frozen to death last night.”  He gave me a questioning look, but then said, “Oh, I am I had hitched down from Europe. It had been more suffering in this cold. I do not like it.” I suddenly realized than a year since I left the States, 12 days since I crossed the that his newspapers couldn’t have been nearly as warm as Rhodesian border. I pulled out my passport and looked at my sleeping bag. the newest stamp: March 31, 1970. Back home was the As we came up to the fire, I could see the men around war. OK, so I’d make a few bucks in South Africa; then I’d it were coloreds. They huddled together and piled trash see. An Australian told me about a construction company on the fire, but it gave very little heat. They smelled of in Cape Town just before I left Uganda and crossed into cheap wine. Joshua stood close to the fire rubbing his the Congo. It was a big country. Dirt-poor. hands and arms, hunching his shoulders and squeezing his At that moment there was a hard tapping on the roof of hands between his legs. Thin cotton shirt. The sky was

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molten gold at sunrise and blue-black above. ing bag to keep it out. We stayed sitting with it around us “Pretty,” I said. He turned to look. His head and neck until the first car appeared. We split up, and Joshua went were so black that I couldn’t tell where his hair left off and by himself about a hundred feet up the road. his skin began. He nodded, looking at my dusty jeans and Hours passed. The day turned clear and breezy with a the sleeping bag I had pulled around me. hot sun mounting in a blinding sky. Vultures soared high He rubbed his arms with both hands. “Are you on the above us. Every so often a car would whiz by, or maybe a thumb?” truck, and then the road would get quiet like nothing would “Yeah, hitching, but not getting anywhere. No way I ever move on it again. Finally, a blue Vauxhall stopped. A could get out of here last night.” I shivered uncontrollably. young couple sat in the front seat, the man in his Sunday “God, it’s cold.” suit at the wheel. “I think this is the coldest night of my life.” “Get in,” he said, clearing some things from the front “Put this around your shoulders.” I gave him an end of seat to the back. I got in and told him I had a friend who the sleeping bag. He took it, but not so eagerly that I would needed a lift. He looked around, but he didn’t see who I know he wanted it. meant. “Where are you going?” “Over there,” I said, pointing to Joshua. He still didn’t “Hopetown. Going home.” see Joshua. Then he said, “You mean that kaffir?” He ac- “Oh, I saw that on the map. That’s after Kimberley, just celerated hard and drove away. We didn’t talk much after across the Orange River.” that, but they took me into Kimberley. I had a look at the We talked. He told me about his jobs in the big city, big pit, which is so deep it makes you gulp — full of green about his bosses, about the months and years he’d been water way down there at the bottom and probably lots of away. Maybe he’d go back after a few months or maybe to undug diamonds — and the museum, which houses relics the mines. of the boom times in the 1870s and a railway car that be- “You miss your mother’s cooking?” I teased him. longed to Cecil Rhodes. I had ice cream in the snack shop. “Oh, I want to eat and eat.” He closed his eyes, smiling, Lots of “whites only” signs. Apartheid was doomed, I and sniffed the air as though he already smelled the food on thought; but until then, you had to keep to your side of the the stove. line. You were one thing, or you were the other. The road was absolutely quiet. I kept watching it, wait- ing for a car to break the monotony. It looked like a two-  lane country road back home, although it was a main road Next I got a ride outside of town with a man who worked between Cape Town and Johannesburg. When the store at the mines. He took me only about 20 miles. Then a boy opened he took out some money, gave it to me and asked in an ancient Ford out for a Sunday spin with his friends me to buy him a sandwich. brought me to the Modder River. “Why don’t you get it yourself?” I said. “I don’t see any I walked through the town and about two miles more signs.” until I thought I was past the local traffic. It was afternoon. “No signs,” he agreed, “but it’s best to be careful.” I The road was dead. The country was parched grass as far looked over at the store. It was a grocery store, like a mom as I could see and mostly flat. It was hot. I headed for a and pop place back home. tree I saw in the distance, the only tree for miles. After a “This is still the Transvaal,” he said. “I don’t know the while I could see someone standing near it, but it was still shopkeeper. He might not like it. It’s just a little store.” a long way off. It wasn’t until I was nearly there that I rec- I went and got him a hamburger. I got one for me, too. ognized Joshua. He was just as surprised to see me. He’d They were like hamburgers used to be when I was small. had luck with rides, he said. They were thick and juicy and on real bread, with lettuce, I had thought I would never see him again when that tomatoes, onion and mayonnaise, cut and wrapped by the guy had driven away. Morning seemed a long time ago, but shopkeeper’s wife in white wax paper for about 40 cents we both remembered the cold and the fire and the ham- each. burgers and the cold, gritty wind. We ate the hamburgers in the morning light, and the Do you have any white friends? I asked him. (Hell, I dusty wind blew grit in our faces until we fixed the sleep- thought, did I have any black friends?) He said he knew

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some whites in Joburg, but it wasn’t You had to keep to your side For a moment he said nothing. He easy. If you’re black you have to be sat up in his seat and glared down out of town by 6 or 7 every night be- of the line. You were one the road. Then, without turning cause of the pass laws. You can’t go again, he jerked his thumb over his most places with whites, so you have thing, or you were the other. shoulder toward the back of the to meet at their place, which is OK truck. Joshua climbed up, and I got unless the neighbors see you too in the cab. often and complain, or get suspicious and call the police. “I don’t like kaffirs. I don’t pick ’em up, usually,” he said Can’t they come out to the locations where the blacks live after we got going. But that only reminded him of the good and visit you there? Yes, sometimes. They’re supposed to old days in the Congo. I didn’t ask his name. have a pass, but the police usually don’t care. He laughed. I didn’t say much after he started talking. I would have Sometime later an old Bedford flatbed stopped. The been more comfortable in back, but I had to sit in the cab. driver leaned his arm and his head out the window and Hell, it’s a ride, I told myself. Joshua’s going home, and I’m waved. going to Cape Town. It’s only a lousy ride. “Where are you going?” After a while we were getting close to Hopetown. The “Cape Town.” Orange River was directly ahead of us. We crossed the steel “That’s where I’m going. Hop in.” bridge and went up the hill. Hopetown was at the top, a “Could you take my friend here, too?” The driver bunch of shacks on the hill overlooking the river. looked at Joshua. “He’s only going to Hopetown,” I said. Joshua was off the truck before it stopped rolling. I got The driver stared at me. “He can ride in back,” I added. out to shake his hand. He was trembling with excitement.

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Then he climbed back to hand down People were gathering on a The truck driver looked down the his suitcase and the bundles to me. road at the car, folding the whip. We shook hands again. hill above the truck. Then he put the whip back in the “Dankie, baas,” he said to the cab. I stood by the body but tried driver. He ran up toward the shacks, not to look at it again. I felt sick and his suitcase flying from his side as he ran. The driver my knees were weak. I walked over to the truck and leaned smirked at me when I climbed back in. against it. “Where’d you pick him up?” “God damn you,” I said to the driver, sobbing. “God “Outside Christiana. He’s going home. He hasn’t been damn you.” home in four years.” “Is that what he told you?” Frowning, he let the engine  idle. An obese red-faced man in a safari suit got out of the He turned away from me, then something caught his at- car and looked briefly at Joshua. He put his hands on his tention outside. I tried to look around him to see what it hips, shaking his head. Then he turned to the driver. was. Through the open window I saw it was Joshua. He “It was his own fault, wasn’t it? I mean, he ran out right was saying something to the driver from the side of the in front of me, didn’t he?” road. The driver seemed put out. I couldn’t make out what The man’s wife got out. She didn’t look at Joshua. She they were saying, but I guessed Joshua had left something held her left hand to her temple lightly, like she was afraid on the truck. The driver didn’t want to bother. He put the of cracking her skull if she pressed too hard. She tried to truck in gear and we started to move, but suddenly he speak, but the words didn’t come out. She stood there for wheeled in his seat, hit the brakes and screamed something a while, mouthing the words and very lightly touching her out the window. I slammed into the dashboard. left temple. Finally she said something. “What did you say to me? What? What did you say?” “Is he dead, Will?” He grabbed a leather whip from under the seat and jumped “Yes.” out the door. “Oh, no!” I saw Joshua’s face when the driver started after him; “He’s dead, all right.” then I jumped out and ran around to the back, but no one “What can we do?” was there. I ran to the front of the truck. Joshua was stand- “Nothing. I told you, he’s dead.” ing between the driver and the truck with his back to the ra- “Just leave him here?” diator. The driver had him by the throat, the whip raised “He won’t care. It’s too bad.” in his hand. “Oh, Will.” I shouted at him. “Hey! Stop it! Let go!” “Well, what should we do? Put him in the boot and cart The driver ignored me. His face was inches from him to the nearest police station?” Joshua’s. He jerked the whip over his head and snarled. “I don’t know.” “I’ll teach you something, kaffir!” “Wait for his family to show up, I suppose.” I grabbed him by the shoulder. He shook me off but “I don’t know.” lost his grip on Joshua’s throat. Joshua wriggled free and “I am not going to get involved with a bunch of scream- darted into the road. ing blacks!” He stamped his foot angrily. “It was his own I didn’t see the car until it was almost on top of him. It fault. He’s dead now and there’s nothing we can do.” seemed to come out of nowhere, silently, a mechanical She held her head. “But we killed him.” wraith, in slow motion almost, like it was hardly moving. “We can tell the police later.” There was a loud thud like a drum. Probably the brakes “Oh, we should, shouldn’t we, Will?” He looked at the screeched, but I don’t remember. I ran up to Joshua. He body again and cursed. had fallen under the wheels. His head was flat as a broken Careful not to get blood on themselves, he and the truck pumpkin. driver dragged the body off the road. After they pushed it The car took its time stopping. It sat in the distance, into a ditch, the husband handed a few 10-rand notes to brake lights on, for a long time. Then slowly it reversed. the truck driver, who put them in his shirt pocket.

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They were standing there looking toward Hopetown, “Don’t be stupid. Get in!” and I turned and looked, too. People were gathering on a It started to rain. The drops hit the metal of the cab hill above the truck. The man told his wife to get in the car, with a ting, ting sound. They made wet little circles on the and they drove off. faded green paint and shrank to nothing almost as fast. Big The driver climbed into the bed of the truck and threw hard drops slapped the dust on the road. a burlap sack on the grass by the road. Then quickly he I wasn’t afraid of the Africans or what they might do to was off the truck and back in the front seat. me. It wasn’t that. It was that I didn’t think I could bear “Get in,” he said. their eyes on me. I just couldn’t explain to Joshua’s mother “I’m not going with you.” who I was and why her son was lying dead in the road. The “Get in!” police would come, but who would do anything to two “I want my pack.” white men for the death of a black, on the word of a for- “Fine. You want to explain it to them?” Ten or 20 blacks eigner? And anyway, hadn’t it been an accident? were running down the hill. He went to give me my pack, Now the rain was falling steadily. The truck’s wipers which was behind his seat. Then he stopped, sort of grin- creaked tiredly across the windshield. It was almost night. ning, “They’ll think you did it.” People were walking along the road toward Hopetown. “So what? I didn’t do it. It was you and that other bas- Balancing tools and bundles on their heads, they tried to tard.” shield their eyes from the headlights. As they ran off the “Think they’ll listen? Don’t you know what they’ll do to road to make room for the truck, they held the bundles on you?” their heads with their hands. The truck roared along the I looked at him for an instant. black highway into the darkness. ■

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FS HERITAGE LUCIUS BATTLE: SHAPER OF THE POSTWAR FOREIGN SERVICE

BATTLE HAS NEVER RECEIVED THE CREDIT HE DESERVES FOR HELPING TO TRANSFORM THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

BY BOB RACKMALES

uring much of 1948, the U.S. newspa- Atherton, the U.S. ambassador to Canada” and (d) Battle re- per industry was roiled by escalating torting, “He is entitled to his views and I am entitled to mine. prices for newsprint, the bulk of which He is wrong.” was imported from Canada. Publishers, In Battle’s recounting, there was a collective gasp at that union executives and members of Con- point. In fact, the cheeky young man had just passed an un- gress alike placed primary blame for planned oral examination that, far from ruining his career as what they termed “a grave threat to the some in the room seemed to think, marked the beginning of free press” on Canadian wood-pulp producers, for refusing to an exceptionally productive friendship, and launched a career Dexpand production despite rising demand and the disruption that helped define the evolving nature of the postwar Foreign of output from other sources. Service. The dispute was serious enough that the Washington, D.C., law firm of Covington & Burling sent Dean Acheson, a pres- The Necessary Fortitude tigious senior partner who had recently resigned as under sec- Born in the “small, grossly unattractive town” of Dawson, retary of State (the number-two position in the department), Ga., in 1918, Battle moved with his family to Florida in 1925 to Foggy Bottom to discuss the matter with senior officials. and, a decade later, enrolled at the University of Florida. After (In current parlance, that would be called lobbying.) Those of- graduation, he began law studies there in 1939, interrupting ficials, in turn, called in less senior officials until, finally, into a them to serve in logistical staff positions with the Navy in the “fairly crowded room” walked a 30-year-old civil servant as- South Pacific and with the Pacific Command in Hawaii. Fol- signed to the Canadian desk named Lucius (Luke) Durham lowing the war, he completed his law degree (though he would Battle. later observe that it “has never meant much to me”) and then Battle later recalled his exchange with Acheson on that day left Florida to pursue a career in international affairs at the as consisting of (a) Acheson asking his opinion on the wood Department of State. pulp issue, (b) Battle providing it, (c) Acheson challenging Bat- Worried about his meager language-learning ability, and tle’s statements as “diametrically opposed to the views of Ray sensitive at not having attended a “better” (i.e., Ivy League) institution, Battle opted not to take the Foreign Service ex- Bob Rackmales’ 32-year Foreign Service career (1963-1995) amination, instead applying for a Civil Service position with included assignments in Lagos, Zagreb, Mogadishu, Trieste, State. On Oct. 1, 1946, he began his career in foreign affairs Rome, Kaduna, Belgrade and Washington, D.C. A member as a GS-11 management planner, moving to the Canadian desk of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations, he as a GS-12 five months later. teaches courses on U.S. diplomatic history at Belfast (Maine) Battle later described his two years in Canadian affairs as a Senior College. His FS Heritage article on John Paton Davies “marvelous time,” but admitted he was more stimulated by appeared in the July-August 2008 FSJ. two Civil Service colleagues (Margaret Tibbetts and David

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Linebaugh, both of whom also went on to distinguished For- later recouped when State’s residual intelligence functions eign Service careers) than by many Foreign Service col- were removed from the regional offices and centralized in leagues, who were “considerably more rigid in their points of what was to become the Bureau of Intelligence and Research.) view than I was.” On one occasion, he commented that “the Acheson, who submitted his resignation over Secretary brightest and most imaginative people were on the economic Byrnes’ failure to support him, angrily blamed a combination side, but they were not Foreign Service officers.” Many of of misguided elitism, a knee-jerk defense of turf and “morbid those people were, like Battle, sympathetic to the New Deal, anti-communism” for the vehement opposition to the proposal and thus suspect to those worried about “leftist infiltration” within the department. Among the leaders of that opposition into the Foreign Service. was the then-chief of the Near Eastern Division, Loy Hen- Battle was one of many former military officers entering derson. The anger from this episode was to linger, resurfac- State Department service in 1946. Among them was an indi- ing in an unexpected way during Battle’s tenure as president vidual whose importance to Battle’s career is second only to of AFSA in the 1960s. Dean Acheson’s. Carlisle (Carl) Humelsine had served during the war as an assistant to General George C. Marshall, man- “The Battle Area Was Secure and Sound” aging his incoming messages and organizing his daily brief- Battle demonstrated many skills beyond fortitude in the ings. A Time magazine article in 1950 described Humelsine process of winning Acheson’s total trust, of course. He worked as “relaxed and resourceful” and as “never long hours under severe pressure without having taken the time to be measured for fading, accompanying Acheson on all of striped pants.” Only three years older than his trips. His organizational talent and Battle, whom he had come to know well, drafting ability — Acheson frequently did he was selected by Marshall — who in Jan- not bother to check his memoranda before uary 1947 replaced James Byrnes as Sec- they were distributed — were also evi- retary of State — to direct a newly created dent. In describing their relationship, executive secretariat. however, one must begin with the fact that When Dean Acheson replaced the ail- the two men, separated by more than a ing Marshall in January 1949, he immedi- generation, became extraordinarily close. ately asked Humelsine to stay on as execu- In his memoir, Present at the Creation, tive secretary, later promoting him to Acheson writes: “Both my wife and I came under secretary for administration. An- to have the same regard and affection for other top priority for Acheson was to lo- Luke Battle that we had for our son.” The cate a special assistant on whom he could two families spent a great deal of time to- rely. On Humelsine’s recommendation, Battle Photos courtesy of Lynne gether long after the professional relation- Acheson interviewed only one candidate Lucius Battle with Dean Acheson (un- ship came to an end. Perhaps the best — Luke Battle — for that job. In the in- dated photo). source for understanding the personal side terview, Acheson praised the courage Bat- of the relationship from Acheson’s per- tle had shown in standing up to him and Ray Atherton on the spective is the series of letters that Battle received from him wood-pulp issue. It was a quality, Acheson suggested, that after the conclusion of their working relationship. One such Battle would need, because he risked becoming “the most un- letter, dated July 19, 1952, reads in part: “You must get happi- popular man in the department” by standing between Ache- ness as you think back over these past years, because you have son and senior officers. done every part and facet of this task perfectly. It hasn’t been With his selection of someone from outside the traditional easy. I am not easy. The whole setting has been somber. Foreign Service as his closest personal aide, Acheson wanted There have been major and minor prima donnas at every turn. to send a strong message. As under secretary to James Byrnes, … But you have never wavered from your concern for me and he had fought a bitter and ultimately losing struggle with For- my duties. I have always been sure that the Battle area was se- eign Service traditionalists and their congressional allies over cure and sound.” his attempts to implement a decision by Truman to have the To Acheson’s credit, he expected Battle to demonstrate in- Secretary of State assume primary responsibility for foreign dependence of mind and spirit in their working relationship. intelligence programs. If fully implemented, this decision Acheson appreciated that he himself could be a “prima donna” would have averted the creation of an independent Central on occasion, especially when his anger was aroused, and that Intelligence Agency, about which Acheson expressed the he needed someone like Battle to protect him from himself. “I “gravest foreboding” to Truman. (A small part of the loss was dictate the letters. … Luke tears them up,” he wrote. But Bat-

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protect others in the State Department more unjustly accused than Hiss. During the Korean War, further sharp differ- ences surfaced between the two men. Battle un- successfully tried to per- suade Acheson to seek a Left: The Battle family in Egypt (c. 1965). congressional joint reso- Above: Lucius and Betty Battle on their wed- lution approving Pres. ding day (Oct. 1, 1949). Truman’s decisions at the outset of the war. And tle’s interventions were not always suc- confine himself to a safe expression of two months later, Battle’s efforts to en- cessful. regret. Brushing aside such advice as list Acheson in an effort to put restraints On Jan. 24, 1950, Acheson told Bat- “pusillanimous,” Acheson instead an- on General Douglas MacArthur’s op- tle that he intended to speak about nounced at the press conference that “I erations north of the 38th parallel re- Alger Hiss at a press conference sched- do not intend to turn my back on Alger sulted in Acheson exploding at him: uled for the next day, four days after Hiss.” Outrage provoked by that “How old are you, Battle, for God’s Hiss’ conviction on perjury charges. phrase would reverberate through the sake? … Are you willing to take on the Suspecting that Acheson’s deep feeling political system for months, weakening entire Joint Chiefs of Staff?” might overcome his judgment, Battle Acheson’s standing (his offer to resign None of these disagreements, sharp enlisted the help of Paul Nitze and was rejected by President Harry Tru- as they sometimes were, impaired the Charles Bohlen in urging that Acheson man) and undermining his ability to openness, trust and personal warmth that characterized their close working relationship between March 1949 and July 1952. The problem for Battle was that matching the rewards of working for Acheson proved impossible in the years to come.

“A Rather Odd Career” By the summer of 1952, it was clear to both Acheson and Battle that the Re- publicans, and John Foster Dulles (who viewed Battle as a “young squirt” and whom Battle saw in equally uncompli- mentary terms), would probably soon be in office, so leaving Washington might be the better part of valor. With the help of the ever-helpful Carl Humelsine, Battle obtained an as- signment as political section chief in Copenhagen (1953-1955) and then spent a year in Paris as chief of staff to the NATO secretary general. However, those initial three years in the Foreign Service failed to provide the challenge and stimulus Battle was seeking. Per- haps prompted by Acheson’s letters castigating the “cowardly fools” now in

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charge of the department, in 1956 Bat- library.org/oralhist/battle.htm; www.jfk tle resigned to work for Humelsine, library.org/Historical+Resources/Archi who was now an employee of the Rock- To Dean Acheson’s credit, ves/Summaries/col_battle_l.htm) and, efellers, as vice president of the Colo- in the case of his two interviews for the nial Williamsburg Foundation. he expected Battle to Johnson Library, on the Web site of the In 1961 Battle came back into the Foreign Affairs Oral History Collection Foreign Service, once again as special demonstrate independence of the Association for Diplomatic Stud- assistant to the Secretary of State, but ies and Training (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ with the additional title of executive of mind and spirit in their ammem/collections/diplomacy/). Bat- secretary of the State Department. tle was also generous in granting inter- However, the Dean this time was Rusk, working relationship. views to historians, and has been cited not Acheson. The relationship did not by writers such as Robert Beisner, Wal- work well, and one senses that Battle ter Issacson, David Halberstam and left the position with a sigh of relief to Michael Oren as an accurate and reli- become, in June 1962, assistant secre- able source for events and personalities tary of State for educational and cul- ing the Foreign Service in October of the 1950s and 1960s. tural affairs. An excellent account of his 1968, called “a rather odd career,” is the In those interviews, Battle is not productive tenure in that position can series of oral histories in which he took afraid to turn his critical faculties upon be found in Richard Arndt’s book, The part. Together, they add up to a sub- himself: “I was ill-equipped for a lot of First Resort of Kings: American Cul- stantial memoir, which is candid, often the things that came my way in my tural Diplomacy in the Twentieth Cen- self-deprecating and frequently amus- diplomatic career, and I don’t hide it.” tury (Potomac Books, 2005). ing. The series can be accessed online He even expresses doubt about the ap- The best source for understanding at the Truman and Kennedy Presiden- propriateness of his assignment as am- what Battle himself, shortly after leav- tial Library Web sites (www.truman bassador to Egypt (from September

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1964 to March 1967), given his lack of ceeded him.) His year in that position language or area expertise, but balances coincided with a debate, much of that assessment with anecdotes docu- Unfortunately, the which took place in the pages of the menting the personal qualities that typ- Foreign Service Journal, over the rec- ically stood him in good stead. rewards of working for ommendations of the Committee on His first encounter with Egyptian Foreign Affairs Personnel (generally President Gamal Abdel Nasser, for ex- Acheson did not continue known as the Herter Committee, after ample, has echoes of his first meeting its chairman, former Secretary of State with Acheson, described above. during the remainder of Christian Herter). Nasser: “You are very young to be the In January 1963, Battle invited Spe- American ambassador.” Battle: “You Battle’s career. cial Assistant to the President Ralph are very young to be president. We are Dungan to offer a White House per- the same age, and you have done a lot spective on the personnel and resource better than I have.” The fact that he needs of the Foreign Service at AFSA’s and Nasser could laugh together monthly luncheon. (Seven months ear- helped him operate effectively, but he Reviving an Old Dispute lier President Kennedy had spoken on arrived at a time when U.S.-Egyptian In November 1962, shortly after “The Great Period of the Foreign Serv- relations were already on a downward taking the helm at the Bureau of Edu- ice” before the same forum, the only slope, and there was little that personal cational and Cultural Affairs, Battle occasion on which a U.S. president has diplomacy could do to reverse that took on the additional responsibility of spoken before an AFSA gathering.) process. The most lasting legacy of his the presidency of the American For- Stressing, as did the Herter Report, the time in Cairo was probably his early eign Service Association, at that time need to expand the “traditional concept recognition of Anwar Sadat’s potential not a “day job.” (His predecessor was of foreign policy,” Dungan called for a future importance. Charles Bohlen; U. Alexis Johnson suc- new emphasis on operations and man-

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agement of programs. While acknowl- edging that traditional diplomatic skills A time of service…a time of need were still needed, he urged State to bring in a “continual flow of intellectual and moral vitality” and broaden its skills Help for Seniors May base to adapt to new realities. Other- wise, “we shall not hesitate to go out- Be Just a Phone Call Away— side the Service when it is clear that the best interests of the United States The Senior Living Foundation may be would be better served thereby.” able to help you or someone you know. Dungan’s luncheon address was Some examples of assistance are: published in the April 1963 FSJ, along N Home Health Care with a rejoinder, “The Foreign Service as an Institution,” by Loy Henderson. N Adult Day Care & Respite Care (Henderson, Acheson’s old adversary N Prescription Drug Copayments from the struggle over State’s role in in- N Transportation to Medical Appointments telligence, had retired as under secre- N Durable Medical Equipment tary of State for administration at the end of the Eisenhower presidency.) For more information, please contact the Warning of the risks of the slogan, “the SENIOR LIVING FOUNDATION best man in or out of the Service,” OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE 1716 N Street, NW N Washington, DC 20036-2902 Henderson insisted that the Foreign Phone: (202) 887-8170 N Fax: (202) 872-9320 Service must be treated as an institu- E-Mail: [email protected] N Web Site: www.SLFoundation.org

tion and not merely as an “aggregation SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION of individuals.” The New Frontier’s emphasis on youth clearly bothered him: “Filling the upper classes of the Service with comparatively young men … can be demoralizing to those below them who find their promotions blocked.” Henderson became even more polemical when he singled out for es- pecially sharp censure “a distinguished Secretary [of State] who found it easier to select persons outside the Service … who were recommended by friends … As a result, when he left office, the For- eign Service was in an almost bankrupt position.” Did Henderson intend this as an at- tack on Dean Acheson and his protégé, the current AFSA president? There is little question that Battle took it that way. In his valedictory address to the association in September 1963, he re- jected Henderson’s insinuations and re- called the struggles of 1946 when, in his view, a “small elite corps” had failed to recognize the need for change. By “not training … not broadening … not bringing in economists … people who

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know something about information and resignation from the Foreign Service in intelligence, the Foreign Service was October 1968 as assistant secretary of dominated by others … and that was Throughout his career, State for Near Eastern and South Asian the beginning of its decline.” affairs. Although his next job was in Underlying whatever personal feel- Battle demonstrated the private sector, as vice president for ings may have motivated Battle and corporate relations at the Communi- Henderson in this testy exchange, the fortitude, stamina, cations Satellite Corporation, it should real dilemma they were trying to ad- come as little surprise that the Ache- dress — preserving or redefining a organizational talent and sons were again involved — the initial strong ethos and professional standards approach to Battle had been made by for the Foreign Service in the face of drafting ability. Dean’s son, David. rapidly changing external demands — Thereafter, Battle served with dis- is as acute today as it was in 1946 or tinction with a variety of private, edu- 1962. Readers of recent articles on the cational and advocacy organizations, Foreign Service — such as J. Anthony such as Diplomatic and Consular Of- Holmes’ “Where Are the Civilians? complishments have received due at- ficers, Retired; the School of Ad- How to Rebuild the U.S. Foreign Serv- tention and praise, his role as a symbol vanced International Studies at The ice” (in the January-February issue of of and advocate for change in the For- Johns Hopkins University and the Foreign Affairs) or the three articles as- eign Service itself has been underap- Middle East Institute, among many sessing transformational diplomacy in preciated. others. He died in Washington, D.C., the January issue of this publication — on May 13, 2008; his Foreign Service will not find those earlier arguments Epilogue Journal obituary ran in the July-August quaint or outdated. While many of Following his assignment in Cairo, 2008 issue (www.afsa.org/fsj/julaug08/ Luke Battle’s other professional ac- Battle served from April 1967 until his inMemory.pdf). ■

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AFSAAmerican Foreign ServiceNEWS Association • July-August 2009

CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT AND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE HONORED AFSA Election Update 2009 AFSA Award Winners Announced Please check the AFSA Web site at BY ASGEIR SIGFUSSON www.afsa.org for the latest election re- sults and/or updates. More informa- he American Foreign Service Diplomacy Award, who is ultimately cho- tion about the election will be published Association is pleased to announce sen by the AFSA Governing Board. The in the September issue of AFSA News. Tthe winners of the 2009 AFSA Rivkin Award winner is selected by the fam- Constructive Dissent Awards and Out- ily of the late Ambassador William R. Rivkin standing Performance Awards. The awards and other prominent individuals connected Diplomacy. ceremony was held on June 18 in the to the Rivkin family. The winners of the Sen. Nunn is currently co-chairman and Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Reception three awards for outstanding performance chief executive officer of the Nuclear Room at the Department of State. Each are chosen by separate panels of judges. In Threat Initiative, a charitable organization award winner received a certificate of recog- addition, the Governing Board chooses the working to reduce the global threats from nition and a prize of $2,500. post representative of the year. nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. The AFSA Awards and Plaques He served as a United States senator rep- Committee selects the Tex Harris, W. Lifetime Contributions to American resenting Georgia for 24 years (1973-1997). Averell Harriman and Christian A. Herter Diplomacy Award Sen. Nunn attended Georgia Tech, Emory Constructive Dissent Award winners. The Former Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia University and Emory Law School, from committee also nominates the recipient of was selected for the 2009 AFSA Award for which he graduated with honors in 1962. the annual Lifetime Contributions to Lifetime Contributions to American Continued on page 57

HISTORIC “FIRST” FOR AFSA SEC. RICE’S TENURE EVALUATED Commerce Secretary Meets AFSA Leaders New Foreign Affairs ecretary of Commerce Gary Locke Calling FCS a group of “extraordinary Council Report met with AFSA President John professionals,” Sec. Locke acknowledged the Released SNaland, AFSA FCS Vice President need for additional funding and personnel Keith Curtis, AFSA FCS Representative in the years to come, and recognized the BY ASGEIR SIGFUSSON Rebecca Balogh and AFSA Executive importance of “smart power.” He also he biennial report of the Foreign Director Ian Houston on May 11. This is praised the key role AFSA plays, both in Affairs Council assessing leadership the first time in AFSA’s history that a supporting his priorities and in promoting Tand management at the Department Commerce Secretary has met officially with economic prosperity in a time when of State was released on May 14. FAC AFSA leadership. In the meeting, Sec. Locke America needs jobs. However, the Secretary President Ambassador Thomas D. Boyatt noted the important work that members made clear that he could not push for presided over a press conference at AFSA of the Foreign Commercial Service carry resources beyond those that President headquarters to present the report’s find- out as his representatives in some 80 coun- Obama has already identified in the FY 2010 ings. Representatives from CNN covered tries — not just as leaders in export pro- budget request. FCS VP Curtis reports, the briefing, a portion of which was later motion and support of U.S. trade, but also “We were pleased that he gave us time to aired on the network’s international news. as the senior overseas representatives of the express our views and concerns, is sincerely In assessing the last two years of Department of Commerce on the full range supportive of what we do, and sought to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s of diplomatic issues. have a continuing relationship with us.” ❏ Continued on page 58

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A F S A N AFSANEWSBRIEFS E W 2008 AFSA-PAC Treasurer’s Report AFSA Award Donors Tapped S by Obama Administration Dear Colleagues: Robert Rivkin was confirmed as general counsel to the Dept. The AFSA-PAC made significant strides in 2008 in tactically and creatively using our resources to draw greater attention from key deci- of Transportation on April 29, and his brother Charles H. Rivkin sion-makers to vital Foreign Service issues. We had a seat at the table. was announced as the president’s choice for ambassador to France We used our political action committee to advance the agenda on on May 27. Along with their siblings, they fund AFSA’s William R. issues such as solving the overseas pay comparability problem and Rivkin Constructive Dissent Award in memory of their father. Please addressing Foreign Service staffing shortages. Our fundraising metrics remained similar to those of years past. We read more about the history of the Rivkin Award online in the July- raised slightly more money in 2008 ($29,432) than in 2007 ($28,967) August 2008 AFSA News at www.fsjournal.org. This year, the Rivkin and remained very steady on the number of donors. However, we fell family announced two winners of the award (see pp. 50-51). far short of matching our record of $49,000 collected during 2004. Following the trend of years past, 77 percent of the 477 donors to AFSA-PAC in 2008 were retirees. Roughly 20 percent of donations came from overseas. Also, the average donation was $0.20 higher 49th Annual Art & Bookfair – than in 2007, standing at $61.70. Mark Your Calendars AFSA-PAC contributed $25,000 to our congressional supporters’ re- Plan ahead! election efforts during 2008. We continued to divide our contribu- tions equally between Democrats and Republicans, as called for in the Save some time for AFSA-PAC bylaws. Our focus remained on the appropriating and the 49th Annual authorizing committees with jurisdiction over Foreign Service man- agement issues, Foreign Service staffing and general foreign affairs Art & Bookfair of the matters. We continued to enjoy good relations with key decision- Associates of the makers at the highest levels in both parties. We also continued to American Foreign expand our cultivation effort to include new faces. In 2008, AFSA-PAC was persistent in raising the profile of the Service Worldwide. The fair will open on Friday, Oct. 16, Foreign Service on Capitol Hill. I am proud of what we accom- and continue through Sunday, Oct. 25. As usual, it will plished. We worked closely in conjunction with AFSA’s legislative be held in the Diplomatic Exhibit Hall on the first floor strategy to strengthen the voice of AFSA members. Our impact is cumulative, and we will continue to build upon a successful record in of Main State (HST). The event will feature secondhand 2008 as we move ahead this year. books from all over the world, an extensive display of art Respectfully submitted, and collectible objects, rare books in the Collectors’ Thomas D. Boyatt Treasurer, AFSA-PAC Corner and an assortment of stamps and coins.

AFSA HEADQUARTERS: Staff: Governing Board: Executive Director Ian Houston: [email protected] (202) 338-4045; Fax: (202) 338-6820 PRESIDENT: John Naland Business Department STATE DEPARTMENT AFSA OFFICE: Controller Kalpna Srimal: [email protected] STATE VP: Steve Kashkett (202) 647-8160; Fax: (202) 647-0265 Accounting Assistant Cory Nishi: [email protected] USAID VP: Francisco Zamora USAID AFSA OFFICE: Accounting and Administration Assistant Alicia Campi: [email protected] FAS VP: Henry Schmick (202) 712-1941; Fax: (202) 216-3710 Labor Management FCS VP: Keith Curtis FCS AFSA OFFICE: General Counsel Sharon Papp: [email protected] (202) 482-9088; Fax: (202) 482-9087 Labor Management Attorney Zlatana Badrich: [email protected] RETIREE VP: Robert W. Farrand Labor Management Specialist James Yorke: [email protected] AFSA WEB SITE: www.afsa.org SECRETARY: F.A. “Tex” Harris Grievance Attorneys Neera Parikh: [email protected] and FSJ: [email protected] Holly Rich: [email protected] TREASURER: Andrew Winter PRESIDENT: [email protected] Office Manager Christine Warren: [email protected] STATE REPS: Anne Aguilera, STATE VP: [email protected] USAID Senior Labor Management Adviser Douglas Broome: [email protected] David Firestein, Susan Malcik, RETIREE VP: [email protected] Marketing & Outreach Manager Asgeir Sigfusson: [email protected] Sandy Robinson, Shayna Steinger, USAID VP: [email protected] Member Services FAS VP: [email protected] Member Services Director Janet Hedrick: [email protected] Elaine Tiang-Chu, Daphne Titus, Andrea Tomaszewicz, FCS VP: [email protected] Member Services Representative Michael Laiacona: [email protected] Christopher Tremann Web Site & Database Associate Geron Pleasant: [email protected] USAID REP: Michael Henning Administrative Assistant Ana Lopez: [email protected] AFSA News Outreach Programs FCS REP: Rebecca Balogh Editor Francesca Kelly: [email protected] Retiree Liaison Bonnie Brown: [email protected] FAS REP: Kathryn Ting Director of Communications Thomas Switzer: [email protected] IBB REP: Al Pessin (202) 338-4045, ext. 516; Legislative Director Casey Frary: [email protected] Fax: (202) 338-6820 Executive Assistant to the President Austin Tracy: [email protected] RETIREE REPS:

How to Contact Us: to Contact How On the Web: Scholarship Director Lori Dec: [email protected] Janice Bay, Herman Cohen, www.afsa.org/fsj and www.fsjournal.org Professional Issues Coordinator Barbara Berger: [email protected] David Passage, Jonathan Sperling Elderhostel Administrator Bernard Alter: [email protected]

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A 2009 AFSA CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT AWARD WINNERS (By Francesca Kelly) F S A The Tex Harris Award FOR A FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALIST N E Barron I. Rosen W S iplomatic couriers often face difficult conditions in their work, but until Drecently, couriers out of Miami worked under particularly challenging cir- cumstances. What concerned Barron I. Rosen most about these circumstances was not the hardship of the travel, though consid- erable by any standards, but the fact that couriers were required to sign a waiver prior to traveling on a particular cargo carrier. By doing so, couriers gave up their right to bring legal action against the cargo company even in the event of gross negligence. In other words, even if the pilot flew intentionally into a mountain, a courier’s family would have no recourse against the carrier. State had contracted for many years with the same cargo company, which also required couriers to travel nearly 20 hours without rest on an old plane with no toilet facilities. Although the trips to Port of Spain, Parmari- Barron Rosen (second from right) with U.S. embassy employees (left to right) Joseph Ronald, Cheryl Schaefle, and Charles Hilaire, at the Port-au-Prince Airport, Haiti, May 14. bo and Georgetown were physically and emo- tionally grueling, it was the waiver to which Rosen objected. He noted the danger and the winner has challenged the status absurdity of this requirement, and questioned quo, despite possible consequences. whether anyone else in the entire Foreign Not only did Rosen, who was an Service was obliged to sign such a waiver. untenured FS-4 officer at the time, The initial response from management persevere on this issue to the potential was discouraging, even dismissive. Rosen detriment of his employment status, persisted in pointing out an unsafe practice, but he remained dedicated to the and discussions grew heated. Yet he refused well-being and safety of his colleagues.

to back down. Now the courier routes SHANE MOORE Explains Rosen, “Speaking out was out of Miami are served via commercial important, as it led to a positive airliners. change for all my colleagues in A successful courier, like Rosen, is mis- Miami.” sion-focused and has a sense of adventure. In Rosen is a Phi Beta Kappa gradu- his previous assignment, Rosen made nearly ate of the University of Pennsylvania 15 visits to Pakistan, including numerous and Duke University School of Law. overland missions to the consulates. While His major was East Asian studies and accepting that risk is part of the job, he felt he speaks Mandarin Chinese. He compelled to speak out in Miami when he joined the Foreign Service in 2005 encountered the waiver requirement, which and was previously assigned to Top: Rosen at the Miami Courier Vault at Miami he calls “a short-sighted policy.” International Airport, May 12. Bottom: Rosen with Bangkok. Prior to joining the The key requirement of the Harris Award pilot Michael Ryan at Miami International Airport, department, he worked as an attor- for a Foreign Service specialist is evidence that prior to departure for Havana, May 21. ney and as a teacher.

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A 2009 AFSA CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT AWARD WINNERS F (By Francesca Kelly with input from Leyla Ones) S A William R. Rivkin Award N FOR A MID-LEVEL FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER E W Jeffrey Collins S eff Collins has never had an easy assignment. He went from the consular line in Havana to Embassy Baghdad, Jthen on TDY to a special counterterrorism mission on the Iraq-Iran border. As soon as he arrived in Ankara in 2006, Collins jumped into the hard work of promoting human rights in Turkey and raising awareness of the need to reform the State Department’s system of human rights reporting. Collins’ perse- verance on these two critical issues has earned him the 2009 William R. Rivkin Award for Constructive Dissent. In Turkey, issues such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion are still decidedly controversial; diplomats who raise such topics may find themselves shunned by government inter- locutors. Collins was sensitive to the need to reach out to human rights activists while not SALLY COLLINS alienating the Turkish government. Top: Jeffrey Collins, left, has tea with Black Sea shepherds Collins strongly believed that the in the Kaçkar Mountains, Oct. 14, 2007. (Collins’ dog Lucita immense pressure faced by human is also in the photo.) Bottom: Collins on TDY in Timor-Leste, rights activists — some of whom July 15, 2008. were receiving death threats — required the United States to pro- Washington, encouraging them to use vide all-out support. He called Intellipedia or its unclassified counterpart, emergency human rights defender Diplopedia, as a way to streamline what is gener- meetings at his home, spending his ally a labor-intensive annual exercise. Though own money to host the events. generally welcomed, Collins’ fresh proposals har- Tragically, in January 2007, nessing the latest communication technology

human rights activist and Armenian ROBERTO QUIROZ have not yet produced an official change in Turk Hrant Dink was brutally human rights reporting procedures. gunned down in front of his Istanbul office. Collins immediately Yet Collins persevered in keeping a focus on his readily acces- raised concerns within the diplomatic community, particularly sible solutions and initiatives, detailing his assessments in a with his European counterparts, regarding other human rights memo to the political counselor and front office and timing it to activists facing serious threats. Their pressure on the Turkish coincide with the February release of this year’s Human Rights government resulted in 24-hour state security being provided to Report. He then persuaded the ambassador to send the memo five prominent activists. as a front-channel cable (09 Ankara 398) to DRL. Recognizing that face-to-face meetings and in-the-field action Collins is quick to credit others for the success he achieved in achieve the best results, Collins began questioning the efficacy of advancing human rights issues on the ground in Turkey “under State’s current human rights reporting process, which mandates frequently inhospitable conditions.” In particular, he lauds that each post produce a series of often-duplicative reports. Foreign Service National Jale Ersoy for “patiently educating me Collins made it a personal mission to fix the process and offer about the complex dynamics in Turkey and nudging me to creative solutions. Toward that end, he designed, created and reach out to marginalized minority groups.” managed the U.S. government’s first Intellipedia site for human Born in San Diego, Calif., Collins attended Stanford rights issues — a series of classified Web pages where officers University and Northwestern Law School. He worked as a from different agencies can update facts and add analysis. federal law clerk and attorney prior to joining the Foreign On his own initiative, Collins introduced the concept to the Service in 2002. One of his most unusual Foreign Service Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and to the assignments was aboard the USNS Mercy in Timor-Leste. He Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs during travel to is married to Sally Collins.

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2009 AFSA CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT AWARD WINNERS A (By Francesca Kelly with input from Dante Paradiso and John Wysham) F S A William R. Rivkin Award FOR A MID-LEVEL FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER N E Michael C. Gonzales W S ichael Gonzales’ understanding “the whole story.” of Ethiopia comes from four Once in Addis Ababa, Gonzales led Myears of work covering the the political/economic section in thor- region. Before assuming the post of ough reporting and strong analysis of political/economic counselor at the implications of in-country dynamics Embassy Addis Ababa in 2007, Gonzales for U.S. interests. served as the Ethiopia desk officer/Horn During a severe drought in the of Africa unit chief in the Office of East Ogaden region affecting millions of African Affairs in Washington from Ethiopians, Gonzales provided critical 2005 to 2007. This four-year period assessments to interagency colleagues,

coincided with an outbreak of political YACOB WONDIMKUN who used them to craft talking points violence in Ethiopia that has starkly Michael Gonzales (center) discusses economic conditions for their principals. Those principals, in contradicted the prevailing U.S. view of with a graduate of the U.S.-supported Productive Safety turn, pressured Ethiopian officials to Net Program in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, June 2008. the nation as the only stable, democrat- resolve the crisis. Gonzales also urged ic country in the Horn of Africa. the ambassador to lobby Washington for help. Ultimately, Though Washington has relied on the USAID Administrator visited the Ogaden and succeed- Addis Ababa for its peacekeeping mis- ed in getting Ethiopia’s permission for the U.S. to deploy sions throughout Africa, regarding it as Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance teams to open a partner in counterterrorism initiatives, humanitarian assistance channels.

Gonzales was troubled by the ruling MICHAEL GONZALES Finally, Gonzales produced numerous official/informal party’s stifling of political dissent. In At home in Ethiopia with his wife, cables and talking points that argued passionately for addition, Ethiopia’s ill-conceived eco- USAID FSO Carol Jenkins, and addressing Ethiopia’s internal policies, and laid out a road nomic policies have led to chronic and daughter Kaitlyn, Sept. 2008. map for rebalancing the bilateral relationship to bolster widespread food insecurity and hyperinflation. regional stability and achieve bilateral objectives. While senior Gonzales courageously pointed out the risks and regional State Department officials ignored these messages, Gonzales’s instability posed by these dynamics. He worked diligently, with- reports and policy recommendations, above and beyond his in the proper channels, to rebalance U.S. foreign policy toward assigned duties, ultimately formed the basis for the embassy’s Ethiopia to better advance long-term interests in the region. By recommendations to the transition team and may be incorpo- systematically documenting events on the ground, Gonzales rated into the new administration’s policy toward Ethiopia. made the case to Washington that broader engagement at higher Throughout the process, Gonzales had to overcome dismissal of levels was needed to address more than the limited scope of his reports by top Washington officials and even faced efforts to security issues. remove him from his desk and political counselor positions. Because these issues were sensitive to Ethiopia and the U.S., For his courageous and constructive dissent, he has received Gonzales was unwaveringly cautious in his approach, ensuring the 2009 William R. Rivkin Award. that all his reporting cables, from both Washington and Addis Before entering the Foreign Service in 2000, Gonzales Ababa, were cleared and endorsed by his entire chain of com- was an economic analyst in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. mand before he sent them. Yet he still encountered great resis- Department of Justice. He has also served in Dhaka and tance from senior officials. Kampala. He is the recipient of one Superior Honor Award While still in Washington, Gonzales picked up leads from the and five Meritorious Honor Awards. He holds a bachelor’s press, NGOs and other sources and pursued them with col- degree in diplomacy and world affairs from Occidental College leagues at post, in other agencies and even other governments to and a master’s degree in international development from get more complete information than that included in reports American University. released by the embassy. He used these insights to inform his Gonzales speaks Spanish, Bengali, French and Italian and is chain of command and interagency Ethiopia watchers. married to USAID FSO Carol Jenkins. They have one daughter, Gradually, he became a primary contact for those who wanted Kaitlyn.

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A 2009 AFSA OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AWARD WINNERS (By Francesca Kelly) F S Avis Bohlen Award M. Juanita Guess Award A FOR A FOREIGN SERVICE FAMILY MEMBER FOR A COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER N Erica Krug Juliana (Lily) G. Hightower E rica Krug put her consider- ily Hightower provides the social and emotional glue that W able skills to work just when holds the Embassy Addis Ababa community together, and S EZimbabwe’s citizens needed L is largely responsible for its remarkable improvement in her most. morale in recent years. After a disputed election in An inspection four years ago criticized the mission for poor March 2008, President Robert morale and lack of communication, turning up frequent com- Mugabe’s ruling party initiated a plaints of isolation among community members. Meanwhile, SIZANI WEZA reign of terror to punish and Erica Krug shows U.S. Ambassa- the number of dependents at post expanded from three dozen to over 400, including 100 children, in less than a decade. intimidate voters, hoping to dor James McGee around the assure victory in the June runoff. Hightower reached out to site of an urban food relief pro- Hundreds were killed and tens of those family members who felt iso- gram in Mutare, Zimbabwe, in thousands made homeless. lated, arranging welcome teas, At the same time, the govern- February. luncheons at the residence, and ment banned the field operations of charitable organizations, social activities with other diplo- hamstringing the efforts of the international community to assist matic missions and with Ethiopian

the displaced. Krug, an MARY TREGO families. She organized cultural expert in humanitarian aid Lily Hightower with “Baby Lily,” tours and weekend hiking trips, who had already been work- an infant who is named for her, and encouraged participation in ing at an international at Kebebe Tsehaye Orphanage, volunteer work at orphanages and agency, began organizing April 18. HIV/AIDS centers. She was also meetings among other instrumental in helping spouses volunteers. secure job opportunities with United Nations agencies and pri- By mid-June 2008, thou- vate foreign firms. And she coordinated assistance to Foreign sands of people were flood- Service National families who were under duress. ing into Harare. Krug used In a departure from the usual policy at many missions,

TONDERAI ZEMBA her own time, money, vehi- Hightower arranged for FSNs to serve as briefing hosts for Krug and other Help Line Trust field cle and even pantry supplies American newcomers. With fears rampant as a result of 10 workers view progress on a low-input to help provide internally terrorist bombings in and around Addis Ababa in the past year, gardening project in Epworth, Zimbab- displaced persons with Hightower helped instill mutual support between FSNs and we in May. housing, food, clothing and Americans. medical care, assisted by Hightower liaised with schools and State Department offices what she describes as a small group of “housewives, Movement to help families with school-related problems. She offered sup- for Democratic Change activists and students.” She established a port for families under stress due to domestic friction, culture nongovernmental organization called Project Vimbai and began shock and other issues. Amb. Donald Yamamoto calls her “the collecting donations, ultimately raising $20,000 that went directly most responsive individual I have met in the Service, constantly to thousands of IDPs. listening to pleas for help or requests for support, always follow- Krug is currently working on projects that can be sustained ing up, finding solutions and making personal sacrifices to meet after her departure from post this summer, such as connecting the needs of others.” needy children’s schools to sister schools in the U.S., and provid- Lily Hightower was ing support to those orphaned and widowed by political vio- born in the Philippines lence. and raised on the island of Deputy Chief of Mission Katherine Dhanani comments that Guam. She met her hus- Krug’s volunteerism “speaks volumes about the American values band Will, a Seabee engi- of generosity, accountability and commitment to human rights.” neer, when he was sta- Krug says she has to constantly balance discouragement and tioned on Guam in 1996. inspiration. “I remind myself that it’s not a numbers game, but a They have two sons,

change game; and if we can change one life we have succeeded.” Robert, 18, and Khalil, 13. EMBASSY ADDIS ABABA PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Krug grew up in Washington, D.C. She received a B.A. in “Helping people is in Hightower (in red shirt), Amb. Donald anthropology from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in my nature,” says High- Yamamoto (in jacket and tie) and em- international development from the School for International tower. “It makes me bassy community members visiting a Training in Brattleboro, Vt. She has designed and managed pro- happy that my job is local neighborhood devastated by a fire, grams in the areas of economic development, post-conflict tran- ensuring that morale is in Sidist Kilo, July 2008. sition and emergency food distributions, while working for the positive.” Hightower cites Peace Corps, the International Federation of the Red Cross and past and present co-CLOs Lesya Cely and Mary Trego for USAID. Her career has taken her to Jordan, Somalia, Sudan, “great teamwork.” Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. She is married to FSO In May 2008, she received a Meritorious Honor Award Mark Weinberg. along with Cely, and was also the first runner-up for the 2008 M. Juanita Guess Award.

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A 2009 AFSA OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AWARD WINNERS (By Francesca Kelly) F S Delavan Award AFSA Post A FOR A FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Rep of the Year Megan Gallardo Ken Kero-Mentz N egan Gallardo was asked to curtail her assignment at ver the past year, political offi- E The Hague to support newly minted Embassy cer Ken Kero-Mentz per- W MPodgorica, a setting so challenging that even she, with Oformed superbly as the AFSA S considerable experience as an Office Management Specialist, post representative at Embassy Berlin, could not have anticipated it. Gallardo was the first front-office a large and busy diplomatic mission. OMS ever assigned to Montenegro, and the only Foreign Service He effectively conveyed the concerns OMS there. She was working for a first-time ambassador. And of AFSA members on a wide range of Podgorica was, as Amb. Roderick Moore describes it, “a neglect- issues to the AFSA leadership, and ed little mission whose elevation in status from consulate to conscientiously negotiated with post embassy the previous year was real only on paper.” management on both collective and Gallardo’s transformation of Embassy Podgorica from an iso- individual member issues. lated, undervalued post to a modern-age mission was a one- In his capacity as AFSA rep, Kero- DAVID KERO-MENTZ Ken Kero-Mentz in front of woman tour de force. Mentz dealt with numerous member the Reichstag Building, Ber- She revolutionized issues, including the impact of war- paper and information zone assignments, bidding problems, lin, on a rare sunny day, in flows by digitalizing same-sex partner status and health April 2008. virtually everything, worries related to a diesel fuel spill in the chancery. He made a

standardizing proce- TIM BONURA point of following up on these issues and going to whatever dures and making the Megan Gallardo (fourth from right) with some lengths needed to get them entire archives of the of the members of the Local Guard Force resolved. And he helped to embassy accessible English class, which she teaches five days a mediate conflicts between AFSA to all employees. week. From left: Dario Vlahovic, Nebojsa members and supervisors, orga- Podgorica had never Petrovic, Drasko Ivanovic, Natasa Raznatovic, nized member meetings at post, previously had an Gallardo, Mila Djurisic, Sladjan Milicevic and and sent out weekly AFSA ambassador’s residence. Igor Dijanic, May 11. updates. The staff was untrained, During the 2008 U.S. presi- there were no guidelines for representational events and no sen- dential campaign, the front sible system for inviting guests. Gallardo secured training for the office issued a highly controver- staff at nearby posts; oversaw the hiring of a new house manager; sial notice prohibiting employees developed a detailed checklist for representational events that from attending a public speech

numerous other embassies have copied; introduced a new com- ELKE JUNG WOLFF that was scheduled to be given puterized system for handling residence finances; and procured a David Kero-Mentz and Ken Kero- by then-presidential candidate vast range of needed equipment. The residence is now consid- Mentz on their wedding day, Berlin, Barack Obama, even though it ered Montenegro’s premier diplomatic representational facility. Oct. 12, 2008. would take place after working According to Amb. Moore, the four words Gallardo hates hours in a city square in Berlin. most in the workplace are, “That’s not my job.” She planned a The notice provoked the anger and consternation of dozens of well-publicized Earth Day event that brought together local members at post. Kero-Mentz took the lead in confronting post schoolchildren, environmental groups and journalists, and orga- management, challenging the legality of the ban and working nized an American breakfast for the mission’s election event, with AFSA leadership to clarify the rights of employees with the showing up at the residence at 4 a.m. to cook pancakes for high- highest levels of the department. level guests. Kero-Mentz feels his experience has helped him be an effec- “My favorite part tive AFSA rep. “I've been at the department long enough to of the day is teaching know that you cannot win all your battles; that it’s best to pick English classes,” she and choose which ones are worth fighting; and that if the answer says of her lunchtime you get from the first person you talk to is not the one you were lessons for local staff. hoping for, find someone else.” “I am proud of this Kero-Mentz joined the Foreign Service in 2000, serving in particular accomplish- Touring Plantaze Vineyards, Montenegro, Rio de Janeiro, Baghdad and Washington. He is departing ment because the posi- 2008. From left: Gallardo, Consular Officer Berlin this summer to serve as economic and commercial officer tive results will rever- Gina Werth, USAID Officer Joe Taggart, in Colombo. Earlier this year, he received the State Depart- berate not only within Diplomacy Coordinator Carlos Gallardo. ment’s Superior Honor Award for his work on arms control and the embassy, but in the disarmament issues. students’ lives, as well.” Prior to joining State, Kero-Mentz was a legislative staffer on Gallardo joined the State Department in 2001 from Mexico Capitol Hill. He grew up in Vermont and graduated from The City, where she was an American Citizen Hire. Her previous George Washington University, where he earned a B.A. in inter- posts include Brasilia, Belgrade and The Hague. She holds a B.A. national affairs and an M.A. in public administration. In his in English from Suffolk University (Boston) and speaks fluent spare time, Ken and his husband David like to travel (and rest Spanish. up from traveling).

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A F S A 2009 AFSA Merit Award Winners FSA is pleased to announce the 25 Foreign Service high school seniors and novel-excerpt submissions, and was also an Academic Merit Award win- N who were selected as the 2009 AFSA Merit Award winners. These one- ner. Joseph Kenny and Kirsten Salpini were selected as the Art Merit Award E Atime-only awards, totaling $35,700, were presented on May 1 during AFSA’s honorable-mention winners. Joseph submitted his paintings under the visu- Foreign Affairs Day reception. AFSA congratulates these students for their aca- al arts category, while Kirsten offered a poem and short story in the creative W demic and artistic achievements. Winners received $1,800 awards and hon- writing category. S orable-mention winners received $800 awards. The best-essay winner and the Eight academic-merit named scholarships have been established to date, community service winner each received $250. Judges were members of AFSA’s and these awards were bestowed on the highest-scoring students. The recipi- Committee on Education and individuals from the Foreign Service commu- ents of these scholarships are: Rachel Midura, receiving the Associates of the nity. American Foreign Service Worldwide Scholarship; Joshua Downes, receiving This year, 70 students competed for the 21 Academic Merit Awards. They the John and Priscilla Becker Family Scholarship; Arjun Dheer and Christopher were judged on grade-point average, SAT scores, essays, two letters of recom- Wilson, receiving the Turner C. Cameron Memorial Scholarships; Katherine mendation, extracurricular activities and any special circumstances. From the Neitzke, receiving the John C. Leary Memorial Scholarship; Zachary Charles Academic Merit Award applicants, a best-essay winner (Sybil Bullock) and a and Torrin Marquardt, receiving the Joanna and Robert Martin Scholarships; community service winner (Kathryn Shull) were selected. and Adam Scott, receiving the Donald S. Memorial and Maria Giuseppa Spigler Nine students submitted art merit applications under one of the following Scholarship. categories: visual arts, musical arts, drama or creative writing. Art applicants For more information on the AFSA Merit Awards or the AFSA Scholarship were judged on their works of art, two letters of recommendation and an essay. Program, or how to establish or apply for a scholarship, contact Lori Dec at (202) Rachel Midura was selected as the Art Merit Award winner for her short story 944-5504 or at [email protected]. Visit us online at www.afsa.org/scholar/.

Academic Merit Winners

Anna Berstein-Simpson – Zachary Charles – son of Ian Christensen – son of W. Arjun Dheer – son of Joshua Downes – son of daughter of Rose Berstein Cleveland Charles (State) and Brent Christensen (State) and Rajendra Dheer (FCS) and Robert Downes (State) and (USIA) and Peter Simpson Rose Beauchesne; graduate of Brenda Christensen; graduate Archana Dheer (State); Sara Downes; graduate of (deceased); graduate of McLean High School, McLean, of the International School of graduate of Walt Whitman Wakefield High School, the Holton-Arms School, Va.; attending the University Beijing; attending Brigham High School, Bethesda, Md.; Arlington, Va.; attending the Bethesda, Md.; attending of Pennsylvania, majoring in Young University, majoring in attending the University of University of Texas-Austin, Dartmouth College, majoring economics; designated the biology. Maryland-College Park, major- majoring in history; designat- in European history and AFSA/Joanna and Robert ing in environmental science ed the AFSA/Priscilla and French. Martin Scholar. and policy; designated the John Becker Family Scholar. AFSA/Turner C. Cameron Memorial Scholar.

Torrin Marquardt –daugh- Rachel Midura –daughter Katherine Neitzke –daugh- Adam Scott – son of John F. Nick Settje – son of Robert ter of R. Niels Marquardt of Christopher Midura (State) ter of Jean Neitzke (State) Scott (State) and Rochelle Settje (State) and Melanie (State) and Judi Marquardt; and Kelly Midura; graduate and Ronald Neitzke (State); Scott; graduate of McLean Settje; graduate of George graduate of the American of South Lakes High School, graduate of Thomas Jeffer- High School, McLean, Va.; Mason High School, Falls School of Antananarivo; Reston, Va.; attending the son High School for Science attending the University of Church, Va.; attending attending the University of University of Virginia, major- and Technology, Alexandria, Virginia, majoring in business; Cornell University, majoring California-Berkeley (has not ing in history and creative Va.; attending the University designated the AFSA/Donald in chemistry. declared a major); designated writing; designated the of Virginia, majoring in biolo- S. Spigler Memorial and Maria the AFSA/Joanna and Robert AFSA/AAFSW Scholar and gy; designated the AFSA/ Giuseppa Spigler Scholar. Martin Scholar. also the AFSA Art Merit Award John C. Leary Memorial winner for creative writing. Scholar.

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A F PMA Funds S AFSA Scholarship Winner A r. Nick Frankhouser (center), treasurer of the Public Members Association of the Foreign Service, presents N MPMA’s $3,200 scholarship check to Deborah Odell E (right), State Representative on the AFSA Committee on W Education, at PMA’s annual luncheon on April 30. Cheryl Tyler S (left) is the niece of Ersa Poston, in whose memory the 2009-2010 PMA Financial Aid Scholarship will be awarded this fall. LORI DEC Scholarship Winners Honored AFSA student merit award winners at the Foreign Affairs Day merit awards reception, AFSA headquarters, May 1. Back row (left to right): Amb. C. Edward Dillery, Chairman of AFSA Committee on Education; Adam Scott, Zachary Charles, Joshua Downes, Arjun Dheer, Christopher Wilson, Joseph Kenny and AFSA President John Naland. Front row (left to right): Stephanie Hunt, Rachel Midura, Megan Tribble, Torrin Marquardt, Katherine Neitzke and Anna Leah Berstein-Simpson.

Academic Merit Honorable Mention Award Winners Michael Crawford – son of Paul Brendan Pierce – son of Theodore Crawford (USAID) and Susan Pierce (State) and Salote Pierce Crawford; graduate of W.T. (State); graduate of St. Andrew’s Woodson High School, Fairfax, Va.; College, Dublin, Ireland; attending attending the University of Mary Macalester College, majoring in envi- Washington, majoring in psycholo- ronmental studies. gy and political science. Aaron Price – son of Lonnie Price Elizabeth Huffaker – daughter of (State) and Barbara Price; graduate Thomas Huffaker (State) and Claire of Cairo American College; attending Huffaker (USIA); graduate of the University of Virginia, majoring Neil Fennerty – son of John Eleanor Freund –daughter Stephanie Hunt – daughter Webber Academy, Calgary, Alberta; in business administration. Fennerty (State) and Heather of James Freund (State) and of Baxter Hunt (State) and attending Rice University, majoring in biology. Fennerty (State); graduate of Karen Gladding; graduate of Deborah Derrick; graduate Academic Merit the American Embassy the American International of Yorktown High School, David Lee – son of Jin Lee (State) School, New Delhi; attending School of Vienna; attending Arlington, Va.; attending and Chris Lee; graduate of Shanghai Community Service the College of William and the University of California- Davidson College, majoring American School Pudong New Area; Award Winner attending Haverford College, major- Mary, majoring in history or Santa Barbara, majoring in in pre-medicine. Kathryn Shull – daughter of Philip ing in biology and literature studies. business. political science or econom- Shull (FAS) and Jill Shull; graduate ics. Caroline Perkinson – daughter of of Hong Kong International School; Jeff Perkinson (State) and Laurel attending the College of Wooster in Perkinson; graduate of Academic Ohio, majoring in international rela- Magnet High School, Charleston, tions. S.C.; attending Wake Forest University (has not declared a major). Art Merit Award Kirsten Salpini – daughter of Dean Salpini (USAID) and Joy Salpini Winner (State); graduate of W.T. Woodson Rachel Midura – see photo and High School, Fairfax, Va.; attending listing under Academic Merit Award Shenandoah University, majoring in Winners. Rachel won the Art Merit music theater. Kirsten won for her Award for her creative writing creative writing submissions (poem (short story and novel excerpt) and short story). submissions. Academic Merit Best Art Merit Honorable- Megan Tribble – daughter Christopher Wilson – Essay Award Winner of Conrad Tribble (State) son of Ross Wilson (State) Mention Award Sybil Bullock – daughter of James and Mary Woods; graduate and Marguerite Squire Winners Bullock (State) and Carole Hoeveler- of Lake Braddock High (State); graduate of Joseph Kenny – son of Joseph Bullock; graduate of the American School, Burke, Va.; attending Bethesda-Chevy Chase High Kenny, Jr. (State) and Sharon School of Paris, St. Cloud, France; attending the American University Fordham University, majoring School, Bethesda, Md.; Kenny; graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School, North Bethesda, of Cairo, majoring in Arabic. (Turn in history and international attending the Masschusetts the page to read Sybil’s essay.) relations. Institute for Technology, Md.; attending Catholic University, majoring in architecture. Joseph majoring in physics; designat- also won for his visual arts submis- ed the AFSA/Turner C. sions (paintings). Cameron Memorial Scholar.

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A F S 2009 AFSA MERIT AWARD “BEST ESSAY” A What’s It Like to Go Back? N Reflections of a Third-Culture Kid E W BY SYBIL BULLOCK S

am a gypsy. I am a nomad. I carry my Listing these cities is a habit as adi bread baking in a mud brick oven, a home in the suitcase of my heart. wrinkled brown hand thumping a camel- IMoscow. natural as stating how old I am or skin drum. Tunis. what my name is. Like beads on Our legs are sore from riding donkeys. Rabat. Our cheeks hurt from laughing, and my Washington. a necklace, each experience is hands ache from holding on so tightly to Cairo. the sand I am lying on. Above is a sky I separate. Strung together, unified, Paris. have seen before, but have never seen Listing these cities is a habit as natural they compose who I am. before. The distant-dark-dependable as stating how old I am or what my name blue hangs sober still above the hot, blow- is. Like beads on a necklace, each experi- ing sand; and the stars are not stars but July ence is separate. Strung together, unified, Yet upon arriving in Cairo, I found no 4 sparklers, glistening-glittering-glowing they compose who I am. stale crumbs, no unopened letters, no dusty sparkles, dripping down and tickling my “Welcome aboard Flight 607.” picture frames … only “Welcome Back” face, and I am laughing. What I hadn’t realized until recently, balloons. Salah, our former driver — and I am laughing. I am thinking. however, is that once I move away, I must my stand-in father during Papa’s yearlong I am thinking about how people grow continue forward, without turning back. service in Baghdad — picks me up at the and places change, and it’s beautiful, and The places I leave don’t wait for me the way airport and asks about my mother. Most the world is like a giant ant farm: nothing my parents do, staying up until 1, 2, taxi drivers in Paris only talk about the stands still, not even the earth. I am scur- 3 o’ clock in the morning to holler, “Where weather. rying through the ant race like a toddler have you been?!” “We will be landing in approximately scrambling to a freshly-baked cookie, and The plane lurches into motion. My stom- four hours and 20 minutes. Enjoy your I do stop to smell the flowers. I do think ach lurches with emotion. flight.” back, but I only move forward. There is one place you can always go There are some places I can always go When the stewardess approaches and back to. For me, that place is Washington, back to. Other places must remain as asks me the essential question, I reply with- D.C., where the school librarian still frozen as a museum diorama: untouched, out hesitation: “I’ll have the chicken, remembers that my favorite book in the perfect and immutable. I am not speak- please.” third grade was My Father’s Dragon, and ing of cities, necessarily; but of a stone Do you want to know my Golden Rule that I was the only student who had already bench, or a sunny rooftop, or a moss-cov- for choosing airplane meals? Think of read two complete volumes of Shel ered fountain. I cannot return to these lit- rock-paper-scissors. Always beef over fish, Silverstein poems at the age of 9. tle places because someone else is busy not and always chicken over beef … but if they “We hope to make this a pleasant and realizing they are there — seeing them only ever offer lamb, take it. Just don’t hesitate restful flight. Refreshments will be served as backdrops once a part of a bigger scene, to change your mind, because everything shortly.” unnoticed until they are all that is left on else changes, too. Going back can sometimes feel as if I’d the stage. I have learned to avoid being a This inconsistency doesn’t make me never left — but it’s tricky; usually I can stranger in a past I am no longer a part of. weak; it helps me to grow. Nothing stays feel the space of time. Going back to Cairo I have learned not to endanger the mem- intact, and when enough belongings for spring break after spending a year in ory of what I can no longer touch. I smile break or get lost in the moves, I remem- Paris felt like the closest thing I can asso- and nod from a distance. They remem- ber. I remember that I carry my homes ciate with going back home. “Home” is ber, and so do I. Keep it that way. in the suitcase of my heart, because when a funny word for kids who grew up as I On my last night in Egypt before the wind blows and the sand shifts, only did. We tend to give long, complicated returning to Paris, I camped in the White there, in my suitcase, do they remain safe. answers to the question, “Where are you Desert with my (fifth) best friend. Picture The past is in the past, and that is where from?” blue-yellow-red-green Bedouin tents, bal- it must be. Bring on the new. ❏

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A F Awards • Continued from page 47 U.S. foreign policy toward Ethiopia to bet- Guess Award for outstanding service as S After active-duty service in the U.S. Coast ter advance U.S. long-term interests. He a community liaison officer assisting A Guard, he spent six years in the Reserves. drew attention to the authoritarian policies American families serving at an overseas He first entered politics as a member of of the Ethiopian government despite sig- post. The runners-up are Michelle Des- the Georgia House of Representatives in nificant resistance from the State depart- tito of Embassy Ankara and Mary Knight N 1968. While in Congress, Sen. Nunn held, ment. of Embassy Beirut. E among other positions, the chairmanship •The runner-up for the Rivkin Award •Erica Krug, Embassy Harare, received W of the Senate Armed Services Committee. is Susan Ball, Embassy Bratislava. the Avis Bohlen Award for her out- S His legislative achievements include the The committee this year chose one standing accomplishments in volunteer landmark Department of Defense Reorga- winner for the Tex Harris Constructive service to advance the interests of the nization Act, drafted with the late Senator Dissent Award for specialists: United States and foster positive relations Barry Goldwater, and the Nunn-Lugar • Barron Rosen was selected for vig- with both the American and foreign com- Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, orously protesting that diplomatic couri- munities at post. The runner-up is which provides assistance to Russia and the ers were forced to sign a waiver that void- Stephanie Tansey of Embassy Abuja. former Soviet republics for securing and ed any possible claims against the cargo destroying their excess nuclear, biological company contracted by the U.S. govern- AFSA Post Representative and chemical weapons. As its name indi- ment out of Miami. Rosen’s successful of the Year cates, the latter piece of legislation was draft- challenge of the waiver also led to im- Ken Kero-Mentz has been chosen as ed with Senator Richard Lugar, a previous proved flight conditions for Miami couri- AFSA’s Post Representative of the Year. winner of the AFSA Lifetime Contributions ers. An active and effective rep at one of the to Diplomacy Award. There were no winners this year in the largest missions in the world, Berlin, Kero- other two categories for constructive dis- Mentz was critical in taking AFSA mem- Constructive Dissent Awards sent: the W. Averell Harriman Award for bers’ concerns, individually and collec- AFSA’s Constructive Dissent Awards, an entry-level officer and the Christian A. tively, both to post management and back unique in the U.S. government, recognize Herter Award for a Senior Foreign to Washington if necessary. individuals in the Foreign Service who have Service officer. the courage to speak out and challenge the AFSA wishes to thank all those who system from within. For more than 40 Outstanding Performance Awards sent in a nomination or served as panel years, AFSA has been honoring members These awards recognize exemplary per- members this year. We place great impor- of the Foreign Service who have the intel- formance and extraordinary contributions tance on these awards, which serve to rec- lectual courage to question the status quo to professionalism, morale and effective- ognize the intellectual courage and out- and take a stand, no matter the sensitivity ness. This year’s winners are: standing achievements of our Foreign of the issue or the career consequences of • Megan Gallardo, Embassy Podgori- Service colleagues. their actions. These awards demonstrate ca, was selected as the winner of the AFSA also thanks the director general for the willingness to question conventional Delavan Award, which recognizes extra- co-sponsoring the annual awards ceremo- wisdom and offer alternatives to current ordinary contributions to effectiveness, ny, which is open to any employee wish- policy. professionalism and morale by an office ing to attend. Congratulations to all win- Several strong nominations were management specialist. The runner-up is ners and runners-up for this well-deserved received for the William R. Rivkin Award Kristina Lorenger of Embassy Damascus. recognition. (Please see the next issue of for a mid-level Foreign Service officer. • Juliana “Lily” Hightower, Embassy AFSA News for full coverage of the June 18 Members of the Rivkin family, who fund Addis Ababa, received the M. Juanita awards ceremony.) ❏ this award, decided to confer $2,500 on two separate winners for demonstrating the courage to challenge the system on an issue of U.S. policy related to their work: AFSANEWSBRIEFS • Jeffrey Collins was selected for ques- tioning the U.S. government’s policies on Foreign Service Family Welcome-Back Potluck Picnic This annual event, sponsored by the Foreign Service Youth Foundation, will take place on human rights reporting while at Embassy Sunday, Sept. 20, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Nottoway Park, 9601 Courthouse Road, Vienna, Va., Ankara. Mr. Collins also performed ad- 22181 mirable work in attempting to improve the All Foreign Service families are invited. FSYF will provide hot dogs and hamburgers; please protection of human rights in Turkey. bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. In addition to food and fun, there will be a short • Michael Gonzales worked diligent- presentation for parents, a program for teens and activities for younger children. Please RSVP ly within the proper channels to rebalance to [email protected] by Sept. 18.

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A F S FAC Report • Continued from page 47 positions, most of which were in place by Sec. Powell. The report sup- A tenure, the report criticizes absorbed by the added de- ports this effort and, in particular, the surge her failure to press hard mands of Iraq, Afghanistan capacity that has been created as more active enough to gain sufficient and other critical priority and retired officers are brought in to staff N resources for funding of posts. As a manager, Secretary the operation. E Foreign Service positions, as Rice did not adequately pur- The assessment makes a number of rec- W well as for the overall sue the resources needed to ommendations for future action, includ- S Foreign Affairs 150 account. remedy the various shortages ing seeking out increased resources for staff But it praises her for ably facing the Foreign Service at the foreign affairs agencies and supporting handling the reorganiza- FRANCESCA KELLY and the department. the further expansion of the civilian re- Amb. Tom Boyatt comments on tion and management of the Foreign Affairs Council 2009 • On the other hand, the sponse corps. foreign assistance. It also report at a press conference at report lauds Sec. Rice’s efforts The assessment also highlights the offers suggestions to Secre- AFSA HQ, May 14. to reorganize foreign assis- October 2008 task force report, “A Foreign tary Hillary Rodham tance, singling out her creation Affairs Budget for the Future,” compiled Clinton for future action. of the so-called F Bureau. The report prais- by the American Academy of Diplomacy Among the report’s key findings are es what it sees as a streamlining of policy- and the Henry L. Stimson Center (see the three main points: making and coordination that resulted from Dec. 2008 AFSA News for more details). •As Secretary, Rice failed to provide the the naming of a new Director of Foreign The Foreign Affairs Council is a non- necessary support for the Foreign Service Assistance, who is dual-hatted as the partisan umbrella group of 11 organizations and her department when it came to Administrator of the U.S. Agency for concerned about the processes of diplomacy human capital and resources. During her International Development. and the leadership and management of the first three years, she managed to add only •Sec. Rice did an admirable job in sup- people of the Foreign Service and State eight Foreign Service positions overall. In porting and continuing the activities of the Department. The entire report may be read contrast, Secretary Colin Powell’s “Diplo- Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruc- online at www.afsa.org/fac/2009FACreport. matic Readiness Initiative” added 1,200 tion and Stabilization, which had been put pdf. ❏ CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES TEMPORARY HOUSING

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A F S CLASSIFIEDS A N E TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES TEMPORARY HOUSING TEMPORARY HOUSING W PROFESSIONAL TAX RETURN PREP- COMFORTABLE GUEST ROOMS rent to DC FURNISHED EXTENDED STAY in Penn S ARATION: Forty years in public tax practice. DACOR members for $99/night/single or Quarter/Chinatown. The Lansburgh, 425 8th Arthur A. Granberg, EA, ATA, ATP. Our $109/night/double, all taxes and continental Street, NW. 1BR and 2BR apartments w/fully charges are $95 per hour. Most FS returns take breakfast included. equipped kitchens, CAC & heat, high-speed 3 to 4 hours. Our office is 100 feet from Virginia Contact: Tel. (202) 682-0500, ext. 14. Internet, digital cable TV w/ HBO, fitness cen- Square Metro Station. Tax Matters Associates E-mail: [email protected] ter w/indoor pool, resident business center, 24- PC, 3601 North Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA Web site: www.dacorbacon.org hour reception desk, full concierge service, 22201. 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A F S A CLASSIFIEDS N E W REAL ESTATE BOOKS SHOPPING S GREAT TIME TO BUY! Looking to buy, PLAN AHEAD! Save some time for the SELLING YOUR VEHICLE? sell or rent property in Northern Virginia? This 49th Annual Art & Bookfair of the Associates BUYING A VEHICLE? former FSO knows the market and can help. of the American Foreign Service Worldwide Since 1979, Steve Hart has been helping Dave Olinger, GRI Long and Foster, Realtors® (AAFSW) which will open on Friday, Oct. 16 Foreign Service members with their auto- Tel: (703) 864-3196. and continue through Sunday, Oct. 25. As motive buying and selling needs. E-mail: [email protected] usual, it will be held in the Diplomatic Exhibit AUTO BUYING SERVICE BUYS and SELLS Web site: www.davidolinger.lnfre.com Hall of Main State (HST). The event will fea- ALL MAKES AND MODELS ture second-hand books from all over the Steve Hart, Auto Buying Service 2971 SARASOTA, FL. PAUL BYRNES, FSO world, an extensive display of art and col- Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031 retired, and Loretta Friedman, Coldwell Banker, lectible objects, rare books in The Collectors’ Tel: (703) 849-0080. Fax: (703) 849-9248. offer vast real estate experience in assisting Corner and an assortment of stamps and E-mail: [email protected] diplomats. Enjoy gracious living, no state coins. income tax, and a current “buyer’s market.” RESIDENT DIRECTOR Tel: (941) 377-8181. SHOPPING E-mail: [email protected] (Paul) THE TANGIER AMERICAN Legation SHOP IN AN AMERICAN or [email protected] (Loretta). Institute for Moroccan Studies (TALIM), the DRUG STORE BY MAIL! Morgan Pharmacy only U.S. historic landmark outside the United PORT TOWNSEND, WA. KALA PT. 3001 P St NW States and the site of the American Overseas WATERFRONT CUSTOM HOME 3,000 sq. Washington, DC 20007 Research Center of the American Institute for ft. Massive stone fireplace, den/office, sun- Tel: (202) 337-4100. Fax: (202) 337-4102. Maghrib Studies (AIMS) in Morocco, invites room, 2BR/3BA, 4-car garage, carport, guest E-mail: [email protected] applications for the position of Resident apartment, association amenities. $475K. www.carepharmacies.com Director. TALIM is housed in a spacious his- Tel: (360) 379-9300. toric building in the Tangier medina that func- Cell: (360) 301-4048. tions as a museum open to the public, a pub- 110 / 220 VOLT E-mail: [email protected] lic research library, a conference facility and TRANSFORMERS, MULTI-SYSTEM TV, a community center, and hosts a language ETC. program. TALIM’s Director serves as liaison FOR SALE: BEAUTIFUL CAPE COD on VISIT EMBASSY SHOWROOM 1/3 acre of gardens in North Arlington between American and Moroccan scholars 1 5810 Seminary Road and administers AIMS grants and programs (Yorktown H.S.). 4 BRs, 2 /2 baths, separate Falls Church, VA 22041 music room and dining room, formal living in Morocco, as well as cooperating with other Tel: (703) 845-0800 room, large recreation room, 2 fireplaces, full AIMS centers in Tunis and Oran. S/He needs E-mail: [email protected] basement. Perfect for FS or military family to show an ability to: act in a representation- leaving on assignment but coming back later. al capacity abroad, conserve and operate a Retiring FSO not quite ready to leave the area historic building, activate and direct commu- offers to sell for $699K, with leaseback at nity outreach programs, fundraise, and orga- $3,500 per month for at least two years. Lock nize and interact effectively with the interna- in a delightful home for the future at a bar- tional academic community. TALIM is sup- gain price, with a tenant to pay down mort- ported by private sources and by AIMS; main- gage while you are away. Call (703) 536-9658 tenance of the building is funded by the U.S. evenings; ask for Bill. U.S. AUTOMOBILE PARTS WORLDWIDE: Embassy and organized and tended by the Express Parts has over 30 years experience ship- Director. The Director supervises a staff of TRANSPORTATION ping original and aftermarket parts for U.S. spec- librarian-assistant director, tour guide and 3 maintenance men, and is responsible to a PET MOVING MADE EASY. Club Pet ification vehicles. Give us the year, make, model Board of Directors in Washington. International is a full-service animal shipper spe- and serial number of your car and we will sup- The successful applicant should have cializing in domestic and international trips. Club ply the parts you need. experience in the Maghrib in academics and Pet is the ultimate pet-care boarding facility in Tel: (440) 234-8381. Fax: (440) 234-2660. the Washington Metropolitan area. E-mail: [email protected] administration and be fluent in French. Arabic Tel: (703) 471-7818 or (800) 871-2535. Web site: www.expresspartsinc.com is highly desirable. H/she should have a com- E-mail: [email protected] fortable retirement package already in hand as the position does not provide pension or CRAVING GROCERIES FROM medical benefits. Housing is provided in the PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: $1.40/word HOME? We ship non-perishable groceries Legation. Travel to Board meetings in Wash- (10-word minimum). First 3 words bolded to you via the Dulles mail-sorting facility or your ington, D.C., is paid twice a year. Please send free, additional bold text 85¢/ word. Header choice of U.S. shipping facility. a statement of interest and qualifications and or box-shading $12 each. Deadline for text: www.lowesfoodstogo.com a current CV to TALIM Secretary Diana Pona- 5 weeks ahead of publication date. Choose the store listed under the “Overseas” sik at [email protected]. The position Adv. Mgr. Tel: (202) 577-3588. heading, choose “pickup” with a note pro- is open in the summer of 2010. Review begins Fax: (202) 647-0265. viding the mailing address and shipping on Oct.1. Applications should be submitted E-mail: [email protected] restrictions. You will receive a confirmation no later than Sept. 15, 2009. TALIM is an e-mail from your Personal Shopper. equal-opportunity institution.

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BOOKS

A Rare Gift dealt with the 1967 Arab-Israeli War The formerly and the September 1969 coup d’état of for Reflection discreet diplomat Lieutenant Muammar Qadhafi. is startlingly frank The chapter reflecting on the au- Witness to a Changing World thor’s assignment as assistant secretary David D. Newsom, New Academic about his career for African affairs (1969-1974) is titled Publishing, 2008, $28, paperback, and life in this “Eight Percent of the Black Vote.” 388 pages. posthumously That refers to the White House rejec- REVIEWED BY ROSCOE S. SUDDARTH published memoir. tion of Newsom’s suggestion that Pres-  ident Richard Nixon give a speech on Some 40 years ago an outside con- Africa, on the grounds that Nixon had sultant did a study of the culture of the received only a fraction of the African- Foreign Service. He discovered two historic events. During a meeting in American vote. Yet the administration’s kinds of archetypal leaders. One was Baghdad in the early 1950s, Prime indifference to Africa left him free to the “ethnic”: extroverted, ebullient and Minister Nuri Said told him that if the make and implement policy, leading to inclusive — that could have described balance among the Kurds, Shia and his most satisfying career assignment. Phil Habib. The other was the “pro- Sunnis were ever destroyed, “Iraq will For instance, Newsom used his 1970 fessional”: cool, confident, precise and become ungovernable.” After quoting trip to South Africa, the first by a sitting eloquent — that could have been epit- that warning, Newsom (who vigorously assistant secretary, to publicly condemn omized by David Newsom. Ten years opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq) apartheid. after that study, Newsom succeeded adds just two words: “How prophetic.” Newsom’s chapter title concerning Habib as under secretary for political His journal of a trip with the Cen- his time as under secretary references a affairs. tral African Republic’s “Emperor” Jean New Yorker cartoon showing a dejected Newsom’s delightful memoir, Wit- Bedelle Bokassa, an incompetent mega- man seated at a desk with his head in ness to a Changing World, finished just lomaniac, is sidesplitting. Such passages his hands, and a caption reading: “His prior to his death at 90 last year, shows bring to mind Secretary of State Ed- concerns are global.” Newsom’s travails us David Newsom the man, as well as mund Muskie’s description of Newsom in dealing with the Iranian Revolution, the professional; the wit as well as the as the only Californian he knew with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and sage. The formerly discreet diplomat the sense of humor of a down-easterner other crises bear out the aptness of the is startlingly frank about his career and from Maine. caption. The memoir publicly reveals about his ancestors, noting the alcoholic As director of the Bureau of North for the first time Newsom’s courageous ways of his paternal grandfather and African Affairs, Newsom shepherded opposition to admitting the shah to the the suicide of his adored father, a suc- U.S. relations with the newly inde- United States for medical treatment cessful newspaper publisher but a pendent nations of the region before because of the heightened risk to our chronic depressive. being named ambassador to Libya, the people in Iran. The hostage crisis cer- The book’s title, however, is too home of major U.S. oil interests and tainly proved him right. modest, for Newsom was both an acute Wheelus Air Base. His memoir con- The book’s final chapters outline observer and key participant in many tains an absorbing account of how he Newsom’s incisive views on foreign af-

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BOOKS

fairs during his amazing last 27 years State University, has a rare gift for cov- (and six books) as an academic and ering a lot of ground succinctly yet writer. They reveal a rare gift of reflec- thoroughly. For instance, while Mc- tion by a diplomat with an almost unri- Mahon appropriately devotes the valed acquaintance with events, parti- bulk of the book to Acheson’s per- cularly in the developing world, since formance as Secretary of State (1949- World War II. 1953), he also discusses the six years He ends the memoir challengingly, his subject spent in Foggy Bottom with this thought: “I would be deeply prior to that. disturbed to feel that my generation was The first of those stints, from 1941 passing on to those that will follow a na- to 1945, was as assistant secretary for tion vulnerable to the tragic instability I economic affairs, an appointment that have observed in so many other soci- came about due to Acheson’s political eties in the six decades of my adult life.” connections and his record as a high- powered Washington, D.C., attorney. Roscoe (Rocky) S. Suddarth is a retired As the author notes, the responsibil- Foreign Service officer who served ities Acheson assumed were “as mod- under David Newsom as a political of- est as they were ambiguous, offering a ficer in Tripoli (1967-1969), Libyan rather limited field of action for a man desk officer (1969-1971) and executive of Acheson’s activist proclivities.” But assistant to the under secretary for po- soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, litical affairs (1979-1981). Acheson “began planning for the tran- sition … to a postwar world sure to face gargantuan readjustment and recovery Mr. America challenges,” a process he would con- tinue to pursue as under secretary of Dean Acheson and the Creation State (the number-two position in the of an American World Order department at that time) from 1945 to Robert J. McMahon, Potomac Books, 1947. And because Secretary James 2009, $16.95, paperback, 272 pages. Byrnes was absent on travel for 350 of his 562 days in office, Acheson effec- REVIEWED BY STEVEN ALAN HONLEY tively ran the department during that period — invaluable preparation for Now that I’ve been out of the For- succeeding George Marshall in 1949. eign Service for a dozen years, I think it No revisionist, McMahon gives is finally safe for me to confess a deep, Acheson full credit for shaping many of dark secret: I’ve never read Dean the key U.S. foreign policy initiatives of Acheson’s 1969 memoir, Present at the the Cold War years: the Truman Doc- Creation. Somehow I’ve managed to trine, the Marshall Plan, the creation of lead a reasonably full, rich life despite the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that sin of omission, but my nagging and the rebuilding of Germany and sense of guilt over it has been rekindled Japan, among others. Yet he also cites by Robert J. McMahon’s superb new Dean Rusk’s damning observation that biography, Dean Acheson and the Cre- Acheson, a lifelong Anglophile, “did not ation of an American World Order. give a damn about the brown, yellow, McMahon, the Mershon Distin- black and red people in various parts of guished Professor of History at Ohio the world.” And he draws a convincing

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link between that attitude — rein- forced by the general arrogance that made him such an attractive target for Joe McCarthy and many other critics — and some of Acheson’s serious policy miscalculations regarding China, Korea and other parts of the world. Still, Acheson got the biggest chal- lenge he faced exactly right: designing and implementing the U.S. strategy for containing the Soviet Union. As Mc- Mahon documents, he played an in- strumental role in creating the institu- tions, alliances and economic arrange- ments that brought to life an American- dominated world order — and made “the West” a truly cohesive entity. After stepping down as Secretary of State in 1953, Acheson continued to participate in major foreign policy de- cisions and debates right up until his death in 1971. Presidents of both par- ties sought his counsel. But unlike Tru- man, they often ignored his advice — a fact of life Acheson never fully ac- cepted. After storming out of a meet- ing with Lyndon Johnson, Acheson instructed National Security Adviser Walt Rostow to “tell the president — and you can tell him in precisely these words — that he can take Vietnam and stick it up his ass.” But he agreed to re- turn, once LBJ granted him full access to classified information and official briefings so he could conduct his own investigation of the war (which he soon came to see as unwinnable). In a foreword, Melvyn Leffler notes that this is the first volume in a pro- jected “Shapers of International His- tory” series. Judging by this brilliant biography, geared to the general reader yet full of value for experts, I would say that is an exciting prospect, indeed. ■

Steven Alan Honley is editor of the Journal.

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REFLECTIONS

“Send Money or Will Sell Body”

BY VIRGINIA YOUNG

hen the U.S. Foreign Serv- country performance; so as far as local ice sent me to New Delhi I finally persuaded officials were concerned, he had already Was the new consul, nobody her to take a direct left the country. told me the job would be fun or that I Pan Am said it wouldn’t endanger would be good at it. But apparently, I flight home. passengers by allowing a lunatic on the was born to take care of feckless Amer-  flight. So Eric lived in the transit lounge icans in the India of the 1970s. at Palam Airport for six weeks while the My clients were kids — as well as the Indian government, the airline and the not so young — the “Eat, Pray, Love” suaded her to take a direct flight home. U.S. passport office sorted things out. I types searching for their inner beings. Officially illegal, drugs were still visited him every week. They followed a “hippie trail” from Goa everywhere. My Americans were as- No one knew how Smith would in the winter, north to Nepal when the tonished to find they could be arrested react when, according to plan, he would weather was warm. New Delhi was a for chewing a form of opium that was be escorted onto the plane by a doctor stopping-off point, where they stayed at common on the streets. Sometimes (who was prepared to sedate him if nec- cheap places in Connaught Circus and they were picked up for possession — essary) and have a policeman at his side used embassy channels to send mes- or transporting — sterner stuff. all the way to New York. sages home to indulgent parents. For my job, I’ve probably been in The prisoner asked one last question “Send money or will sell body,” was more jails than Joe Friday. Once, when before boarding: “In the movie of my the text of a request by a petite jeans- the superintendent honored my request life, do you think I’ll be played by Jack wearing blonde. The money arrived by to see an actual cell, I was shown to a Palance?” return cable. 30-square-foot room. My guy had That was not so wild a dream, actu- The Ashoka Hotel informed us that seven roommates, all Europeans. As if ally. After all, Elizabeth Gilbert — the a young woman from the United States at a diplomatic reception, they lined up Eat, Pray, Love author, who married a was streaking in the lobby. When I got to greet me, identifying themselves by Brazilian and lived happily ever after — there, she was wearing a bikini bottom, name, nationality and crime. will be portrayed by Julia Roberts. long cardigan sweater, platform sandals, “Alain Gautier, Francais, murder.” My Americans found love, too. After a big hat and huge dark glasses. The “Virginia Carson, U.S. Embassy, I denied her Kashmiri houseboy a hotel manager escorted the two of us um ...” tourist visa, one middle-aged lady di- upstairs — three actually, since I’d Eric Cameron Smith was neither vorced her husband and married him. thoughtfully brought along a charis- crazy nor violent, though he was identi- I was obliged to provide documentation matic Punjabi doctor — where we fied as such in the press after he tore his giving him permanent U.S. residence. found that two young men of Persian U.S. passport in two, leaped over the I found love myself in the course of extraction were sharing her quarters. immigration desk and screamed, “You this inadvertent, delicious career. But The room reeked of sweet smoke. can’t deport me. I have no place to go.” that’s another story. ■ She was enamored of the doctor’s He’d found a guru living in a cave in red turban and moved to his clinic, but Rishikesh and never wanted to leave. Virginia Young accompanied her late was still getting drugs from somewhere. The Indians thought otherwise: they husband, Jim Carson, on several For- A brother visiting from Nepal provided gave him a “quit India” notice for over- eign Service assignments before his the answer. “Look in the handle of her staying his visa. He’d actually cleared death in 1973. Her memoir will be hairbrush,” he suggested. I finally per- customs before his man-without-a- published by ADST next year.

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