PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2014
THE WAY AHEAD IN AFGHANISTAN
COLLEGE RANKINGS: BOON OR BANE? EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
TWITTER IS A COCKTAIL PARTY
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FOREIGN December 2014 SERVICE Volume 91, No. 12
FOCUS ON AFGHANISTAN AFSA NEWS Call for Nominations: 2015-2017 AFSA Governing Board / 41 Will History Repeat Itself? / 20 Proposed Bylaw Amendment to Afghanistan is at another turning point. Though the challenges are great, Rightsize AFSA Governing Board / 42 the nation cannot a¢ord to cycle back into civil war. State VP Voice: Mental Health and BY EDMUND MCWILLIAMS the Foreign Service / 44 USAID VP Voice: Promotions, ‘Promo-gate’ and Progress on Five Things We Can Still Get Right / 26 Transparency / 45 E¢ective U.S. leadership is more important than ever in Afghanistan. Retiree VP Voice: It’s That Gift-Giving Time of Year / 46 What policies should we adopt to help as Afghans take the reins AFSA on the Hill: Advocacy Builds of their own country? Relationships / 47 BY DAVID SEDNEY Reflecting on Good Stewardship / 48 Pres. Silverman Addresses What U.S. Policymakers Should Know Local Groups / 49 AFSA Acts to Protect Integrity About Afghanistan Today / 33 of FS Assignments System / 50 Afghanistan’s emergence as a modern nation will involve negotiating a Why Ethics Matter / 55 cultural transition that integrates enduring traditions with viable change. BY SCOTT SMITH COLUMNS President’s Views / 7 The Departed BY ROBERT J. SILVERMAN EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT Letter from the Editor / 8 Engagement BY SHAWN DORMAN American College Rankings: Speaking Out / 17 How They Work and What They Mean / 56 Twitter Is a Cocktail Party, Not a Press Conference This in-depth look at U.S. college rankings o¢ers a fresh perspective (or, Social Media for on the high school student’s college search and a wealth of resources Reporting Ocers) BY WREN ELHAI to help find the “right” school. BY FRANCESCA KELLY Reflections / 101 Unpacking Memories BY DOUGLAS E. MORRIS Have You Considered Boarding School? / 80 DEPARTMENTS The boarding school option has much to o¢er Foreign Service kids. Letters / 10 BY LAWRENCE JENSEN Talking Points / 12 Books / 90 Local Lens / 102 Schools at a Glance / 74, 76, 78 MARKETPLACE Classifieds / 94 Real Estate / 97 Index to Advertisers / 100
On the cover: Some of the 6,000 spectators who filled the newly built Afghanistan Football Federation stadium to watch the home side defeat Pakistan 3-0 on Aug. 20, 2013. Less than a month later, the national team defeated India to capture the 2013 South Asia Football Federation Championship. The success of the soccer team has been one of the bright spots and a point of pride and national unity for the country. Credit: Casey Garret Johnson. More of his photos are at caseyjohnson.photoshelter.com.
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 5 FOREIGN SERVICE
Editor Shawn Dorman: [email protected] Managing Editor www.afsa.org Susan Brady Maitra: [email protected] Associate Editor
Debra Blome: [email protected] CONTACTS Editorial/Publications Specialist AFSA Headquarters: LABOR MANAGEMENT Brittany DeLong: [email protected] (202) 338-4045; Fax (202) 338-6820 General Counsel Ad & Circulation Manager State Department AFSA O ce: Sharon Papp: [email protected] Ed Miltenberger: [email protected] (202) 647-8160; Fax (202) 647-0265 Deputy General Counsel Art Director USAID AFSA O ce: Zlatana Badrich: [email protected] Caryn Suko Smith (202) 712-1941; Fax (202) 216-3710 Labor Management Specialist FCS AFSA O ce: James Yorke: [email protected] Editorial Intern (202) 482-9088; Fax (202) 482-9087 Senior Sta Attorney Trevor Smith Neera Parikh: [email protected] Advertising Interns GOVERNING BOARD Sta Attorney Allan Saunders, Heajin Sarah Kim President Raeka Safai: [email protected] Contributing Editor Robert J. Silverman: [email protected] Sta Attorney Steven Alan Honley Secretary Angela Dickey: [email protected] Andrew Large: [email protected] Treasurer Hon. Charles A. 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6 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL PRESIDENT’S VIEWS
The Departed
BY ROBERT J. SILVERMAN
he Foreign Service has taken into the compound, and was joking more deaths in the line of with her when he sensed there was duty, on a percentage basis, something wrong with the next visi- T than has the U.S. military tor. He planted himself between the o cer corps, and none of us more so visitor and the front door to the com- than our Diplomatic Security colleagues. pound. When the bomb was set o , Since Diplomatic Security was formed in Mustafa was standing directly against the closing days of World War II, 93 of its the bomber. e blast that instantly personnel have been killed in the line of killed him was contained by his body duty, including local guards and contract and the compound door, saving the Michael McCaul Rep. of Office Courtesy: employees. e majority have died in the lives of others on the other side of the Mustafa Akarsu (far right) and colleagues at Embassy Ankara. last 10 years in either Iraq or Afghanistan. door and those walking in the area. Diplomatic Security colleagues super- Mustafa is remembered fondly McCaul, Republican of Texas, who chairs vise Marine Security Guard detachments as an outgoing member of the embassy, the House Homeland Security Commit- and local guard forces, and they must greeting employees every morning as tee. McCaul has sponsored the Mustafa remain nimble to adapt to constantly they headed into work. His wife and two Akarsu Local Guard Force Support Act, shifting local environments, including children attended embassy holiday par- which AFSA actively supports. is bill the political environment in Washington. ties and community events. e family would provide Special Immigrant Visas to eir overall mission has also changed was hoping to immigrate to the United the surviving spouses and children of U.S. over time so that it now includes as a top States in June; Mustafa had applied for a government employees killed abroad in priority the protection of personnel as well as classi ed information and physical Local guard forces in particular face facilities. Local guard forces, in particular, face dangers since they stand watch on the lines dangers since they stand watch on the where the embassy meets the public. lines where the embassy meets the public. We should thank them every day for doing Special Immigrant Visa and was awaiting the line of duty. Democratic co-sponsors this job. I want to tell one or two of their its approval. Since this visa is tied to the of the bill include Representatives Gerry stories this month. employee, his death cut o that prospect. Connolly of Virginia and David Cicilline of Mustafa Akarsu had been a member of ere are other recent examples Rhode Island. Embassy Ankara’s guard force for 22 years of similar sacri ce, unfortunately. For Stay tuned as AFSA updates you on the when he stopped example, on Sept. 29 of this year, Abdul status of this bill in the 2015 Congress. You a suicide bomber Rahman of Embassy Kabul was killed by can help get this bill enacted into law by from entering the a suicide bomber while he was meeting joining AFSA in advocating for it. embassy on Feb. with Afghan police at the Kabul airport. Wishing you and your families a happy 1, 2013. Mustafa What can we do to help the families and healthy New Year, had just waved an of these heroes? Diplomatic Security col- Bob embassy employee leagues contacted Representative Michael [email protected] n
Robert J. Silverman is the president of the American Foreign Service Association.
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 7 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Engagement
BY SHAWN DORMAN
fghanistan is at a turning understanding of the ground realities a U.S. lens but through the lens of point, again. is month and issues at play. Afghan cultural tradition and transition. signals the o cial end of e articles o er three di erent is month’s book reviews look at two A coalition combat missions takes on the state of Afghanistan and its important books on Afghanistan, e there and the continuation of the draw- relationship with the U.S., with varying Wrong Enemy by Carlotta Gall and e down of U.S. forces. A new government degrees of pessimism and hope. While Wars of Afghanistan by Peter Tomsen. is in place following a contentious and each author comes to the topic from a We would like to o er special thanks contested, but ultimately successful, di erent vantage point by a di erent to photographer Casey Garret Johnson— transfer of the presidency from Hamid path, each comes to the same conclu- a senior program o cer for USIP who Karzai to Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. What sion—that the U.S. must remain engaged has lived and worked in Afghanistan does this new leadership landscape, with Afghanistan. since 2008—for sharing his spectacular including some not so new faces, mean First is the “glass half empty” narra- photos, which illustrate this month’s for the U.S.-Afghanistan relationship? tive from Ed McWilliams, retired FSO focus section. What does a diminishing role for the U.S. and former special envoy to Afghanistan In his President’s Views column this military mean for U.S. diplomacy? Can from 1988 to 1989, with “Will History month, “ e Departed,” Bob Silverman Afghanistan succeed? Repeat Itself?” He o ers a look back to invites readers to join AFSA in support- is month we feature various views 1989 and a primer on the players then ing the Mustafa Akarsu Local Guard on the way forward for Afghanistan and now, and cautions that “it is critical Force Support Act that, if passed, will and, in particular, the proper role for that the United States not walk away, as help the families of locally employed the United States there. In September, it did in 1989.” Diplomatic Security colleagues killed in we brought you a look at what it’s like Next, the glass is half full with David the line of duty. to serve at Embassy Kabul from FSO Sedney, who has years of U.S. govern- Continuing on our theme of engage- Bill Bent, and in October, an article on ment experience working on Afghani- ment is the o cial call for nominations U.S. work with Afghan women by FSO stan and visited that country as recently for the 2015-2017 Governing Board in Sandya Das, “Learning from Women’s as October. In “Five ings We Can AFSA News. AFSA invites members to Successes in Afghanistan.” Still Get Right,” he points to serious consider running for o ce or nominat- We reached out to a number of challenges for Afghanistan, while also ing someone else who is ready to take experts inside and outside government highlighting signs of progress. We’ll call an active role in working for the Foreign to bring a variety of perspectives to this him the cautious optimist. Acknowledg- Service through AFSA. issue, with the aim of answering the ing the mixed record of U.S. involvement is month’s Speaking Out is a pitch question, “What should we know about there, he lays out recommendations for for another type of engagement, the vir- Afghanistan today?” the right way for the U.S. to engage going tual kind. In “Twitter Is a Cocktail Party, What we got back was not entirely forward. Not a Press Conference (or, Social Media expected, and might And nally, in “What U.S. Policymak- for Reporting O cers),” Wren Elhai well be of interest to ers Should Know About Afghanistan makes a strong and bold case for why those inside the U.S. Today,” Scott Smith of the U.S. Institute Twitter can and should help reporting government, as well of Peace shows us that we might need o cers do their jobs. Tweet or email us as those outside, who to look at another glass altogether. He your thoughts on this month’s issue, or are looking for better describes Afghanistan today not through take quill to paper. Your choice, but we hope you’ll join the dialog. n Shawn Dorman is the editor of e Foreign Service Journal.
8 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL
LETTERS
More Diversity on Fixing this is tricky. Maybe we could tory scientists perform. For starters, we FSJ Pages, Please each recognize that we are going to be no longer maintain X-ray equipment. I read with interest the September biased in favor of our own demographic, While the article does mention issue of e Foreign Service Journal, in then make an e ort to mentor, guide that we perform routine visitations to particular AFSA State and nominate for awards those who are regional area health units to evaluate Vice President Mat- not like us. Otherwise, we will probably performance of local laboratory sta and thew Asada’s article continue to be an organization that pays manage the laboratory at post of assign- on diversity. e lip service to diversity without making ment, there is no mention of our other e orts of AFSA and any concrete di erence. responsibilities. the State Depart- Rachel Schneller ose include assessments of local ment to promote FSO healthcare facilities and local blood prod- greater diversity Consulate Toulouse, France ucts, food sanitation inspections, training both abroad and in food-handling and blood-borne inside the depart- FMOs: More to the Story pathogens, medical waste management ment are commendable. e October issue of the Journal and monitoring water testing for bacte- One of the unique aspects of the contained a very good recap of life in the rial contamination. United States, our culture and history, is Foreign Service for specialists. Perhaps in the future an article can that we value diversity for its own sake However, as a nancial manage- feature our small group of 10. and believe that including people from ment o cer for 18 years, I found the job James R. Adams all walks of life will make a team, an description for FMOs to be incomplete, Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist organization and a country stronger and and I suspect other job descriptions Embassy Addis Ababa better. were, as well. Nevertheless, I noted that, ironically, e FMO description could have Correction: the September issue itself exhibited included participating in the sta - An astute reader points out an error in very little demographic diversity. All ing rotation as duty o cer and the article, “ e New Specialists,” regard- four o cers featured on the frequently serving as acting man- ing titles for o ce managers. e article cover—the winners of this agement o cer. It also could states: “O ce management specialists year’s dissent awards—were have included routine coverage become o ce managers, or OMs, when from the same demographic as either a human resources they reach FS-3 or FS-4 or are assigned to group (white males). Nearly o cer or general services chiefs of mission.” every author, some of whom o cer. However, the title change actu- receive cash honoraria for their Most FMOs have to be at ally occurs at the FS-5 grade level. As contributions, was also from that least minimally quali ed in a Bureau of Human Resources docu- same demographic. these other duties, and will ment on bene ts and compensation, I congratulate the winners of have to function in those jobs accordingly “Titling Practice,” posted on the HR/RMA the dissent awards for their e orts, and during their careers. intranet page, says: commend the authors of the articles, as Jim Maher “ e o cial title for positions classi- well—because anyone who can squeeze FMO, retired ed in the 9017 skill code is o ce man- the considerable time it takes to produce Royal Palm Beach, Florida agement specialist (OMS). e approved a publishable article out of our busy days title for OMS positions at the FP-06 grade deserves praise. About FS Lab Scientists level and below is O ce Management But there is something not quite right Speaking as a regional medical labora- Specialist; for OMS positions at the FP-05 when the bulk of awards, public recogni- tory scientist, I would like to point out grade level and above the approved title tion and voice go to predominantly one that your October article, “ e New Spe- is O ce Manager.” n demographic group, no matter which cialists,” contains an outdated descrip- one it is. tion of the work regional medical labora-
10 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL PAID ADVERTISEMENT
J. KIRBY SIMON FOREIGN SERVICE TRUST AN INVITATION TO PROPOSE PROJECTS FOR FUNDING BY THE J. KIRBY SIMON FOREIGN SERVICE TRUST IN 2015
he J. Kirby Simon Foreign Service Trust is a charitable fund established in the memory of J. Kirby Simon, a Foreign Service To cer who died in 1995 while serving in Taiwan. e Trust is committed to expanding the opportunities for professional ful llment and community service of active Foreign Service o cers and specialists and their families. e principal activity of the Trust is to support projects that are initiated and carried out, on an entirely uno cial, voluntary basis, by Foreign Service personnel or members of their families, wherever located. e Trust will also consider projects of the same nature proposed by other U.S. government employees or members of their families, regardless of nationality, who are located at American diplomatic posts abroad. Only the foregoing persons are eligible applicants. In 2014, the Trust made its 18th round of grant awards, approving a total of 34 grants that ranged from $950 to $3,750 (averaging $2,240) each, for a total of $76,168. ese grants support the involvement of Foreign Service personnel in the projects described in the Trust announcement, “Grants Awarded in 2014,” which is available at www.kirbysimontrust.org. To indicate the range of Trust grants, the following paragraphs set forth a sampling of projects supported by the Trust in recent years. Education Projects: School supplies for refugee and other conict-aicted children and for orphanages; English-language learning material for high school students; day-care facilities for underprivileged women learning marketable skills; specialized education equipment for the disabled; kitchen and other equipment for occupational training programs. Additional Projects for Young People: Playground and sports training equipment, educational toys, furnishings, household appliances, and toilet and shower facilities for special needs schools and orphanages; clean-ups to improve sanitation and care of play spaces; school fees and food for abandoned children; materials for a re-entry program for returning Foreign Service teens. Health- and Safety-Related Projects: Dental care for impoverished children; sta training for crisis shelters, health care equip- ment and improved sanitation for maternity clinics and orphanages; a visual impairment survey among HIV-positive children; rebuilding homes of earthquake victims; photo documentation of murdered women set on re by husbands or in-laws. Revenue-Producing Projects: Machines and materials for income-generating programs for sick and disadvantaged children and adults, including abused women, migrant workers, refugees, Roma and victims of sex-tra cking; a cooperative for deaf car- penters. e Trust now invites proposals for support in 2015. It is anticipated that few of the new grants will exceed the average size of the 2014 awards, and that projects assisted by the Trust will reect a variety of interests and approaches, illustrated by the foregoing list of past grants and by the website description of 2014 grants. Certain restrictions apply: (a) Funds from the Trust cannot be used to pay salaries or other compensation to U.S. government employees or their family members. (b) e Trust does not support projects that have reasonable prospects of obtaining full fund- ing from other sources. (c) e Trust will provide support for a project operated by a charitable or educational organization only where the individual applicant(s) play an active part in initiating and carrying out the project apart from fundraising. (d) e Trust will support only projects in which each applicant’s role is clearly separate from the applicant’s o cial responsibilities. A proposal should include a description of the project, its aims and the role to be played by the applicant(s); a budget; other available funding, if any; and a brief biography of the applicant(s). Proposals should be no longer that ve double-spaced pages (exclusive of budget and biographical material). Please follow the grant application format available at kirbysimontrust.org or contact the Trust (see below). Proposals for projects to be funded during calendar year 2015 must be received by the Trust no later than March 1, 2015. Proposals can be submitted by mail, by fax or (preferable) by email to:
J. Kirby Simon Foreign Service Trust 3830 26th Street North Arlington VA 22207 Phone/Fax: (703) 243-6125 Email: [email protected]
Further information about the Trust can be found at www.kirbysimontrust.org. TALKING POINTS
New DS High Threat eign A airs Man- Directorate Struggles ual chapter has led to Gain Traction to confusion as to he State Department’s O ce of the the two director- TInspector General has released its ates’ respective report on the Bureau of Diplomatic Secu- authorities. rity’s High reat Programs Directorate, Overall, the new unit established in the wake of according to the the Benghazi attack investigations. Homeland Secu- In the September 2014 report, the OIG rity Policy Institute found that the two-year-old directorate at e George “su ers from signi cant sta ng gaps Washington Uni- and position shortages,” and that while versity, the report it advocates for high-threat posts in the “paints a picture USAID department, “it does not have the author- of an o ce whose Members of USAID’s Disaster Assistance Response Team Josh ity to cause peer bureaus to implement leadership is doing Kearns and Doug Ebert with one of the hygienists at Island Clinic in Liberia. its recommendations.” the best that it e report was not all bad news, how- can,” as it tries to when looking for answers and guidance. ever. e IG also found that the director- address ongoing threats to U.S. missions State Department Alerts and Warn- ate was successful in creating a culture of overseas while “working within a large ing. e Department of State issues travel shared responsibility for security within and often slow-moving bureaucracy.” alerts at its travel.state.gov site, which, the department. It had “forged strong e institute says it is “critical” that among other things, warn travelers of the partnerships with regional security the high threat directorate gets the sup- potential implications for U.S. citizens of o cers and counterparts in regional and port that it needs, “in terms of person- screening procedures, travel restrictions functional bureaus.” nel, authority and intra-departmental and reduced ights due to the outbreak e High reat Programs Directorate coordination.” of the disease. e site’s “Ebola Fact was established in the wake of the Sept. e State Department is working on Sheet” o ers detailed information and 11, 2012, attacks on the U.S. facility in implementing the IG’s recommenda- updates. Benghazi, and is consistent with recom- tions. As spokesman Alec Gerlach told e USAID: Fighting Ebola. In response mendations made by the Accountability Washington Post, “ is is a timely snap- to the Ebola outbreak, USAID has Review Board assembled by then-Secre- shot of the progress being made, and we deployed a Disaster Assistance Response tary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to welcome and agree with the IG’s further Team (known as DART) to West Africa investigate the facts and circumstances recommendations for diplomatic security.” to coordinate the U.S. government’s surrounding that event. —Editorial Intern Trevor Smith and response to the outbreak. e agency’s e directorate is responsible for 30 Associate Editor Debra Blome “Fighting Ebola” web pages contain the high-threat posts in Africa, the Middle latest news, fact sheets on care and infor- East and South Asia. e other 190 What Do You Need to mation on ways you can help. e USAID posts where embassies operate are still Know About Ebola? Impact blog, “On the Front Lines of the under the supervision of the Diplomatic he 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest Epidemic,” features stories and photo- Security Bureau’s International Program Tsince the deadly virus was identi ed graphs that highlight how the United Directorate. in 1976 and is primarily a ecting a num- States is mobilizing to ght Ebola. “No formal mechanism exists for ber of countries in West Africa. Informa- Centers for Disease Control and realigning sta responsibilities between tion, and misinformation, on the crisis Prevention. e Ebola pages on the CDC the two directorates,” the OIG report and the virus can be found all over the site aim to educate people on basic facts found, and the fact that the department Internet. We’ve compiled a directory of about the virus. It explains what to look has not published the directorate’s For- useful and credible resources to consult for if you think you may have contracted
12 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Ebola, how the disease is spread, who is seven of whom have recovered. What’s In a Name? at the greatest risk of exposure, tech- Science Magazine. In its “Special ince the terrorist group that calls niques for preventing transmission and Collection: e Ebola Epidemic,” Science Sitself the Islamic State and declares how Ebola is treated. e site o ers magazine has put together a special col- its intent to establish a new caliphate videos, audio clips and infographics on lection of resources for those interested in began grabbing headlines earlier this what is being done by the CDC to com- the research, as well as the news, on the year, news organizations, government bat the disease. virus. It includes links to top stories from public a airs o ces and editors around Doctors Without Borders. Doc- its Ebola coverage, updates on vaccine the world—Journal sta included—have tors Without Borders (Medecins sans research and scholarly articles on the been wrestling with its proper designa- Frontieres) was one of the rst organi- virus itself. tion: ISIS? ISIL? Da’esh? Islamic State? zations to respond to the Ebola crisis International SOS. is global medi- When the group rst surfaced a in the early months of this year. e cal and travel security services company couple of years ago, it was commonly organization currently employs 270 o ers “local expertise, preventive advice called the “Islamic State of Iraq and international and about 3,000 local sta and emergency assistance during Syria” or ISIS. But as its name in Arabic in West Africa. It operates six Ebola case critical illness, accident or civil unrest.” suggests—Al-Dawla Al-Islamiya al-Iraq management centers, with approxi- In addition to news, educational materi- wa al-Sham, or the Islamic State of Iraq mately 600 beds. als, prevention tips and facts about the and al-Sham—the group’s aims go far Its website includes the latest news, virus, International SOS’s “Ebola in West beyond what we know today as Syria. updates on a vaccine and a compre- Africa” website features a comprehensive Al-Sham refers to the region stretching hensive analysis of data compiled from compilation of travel restrictions covering from southern Turkey through Syria to their work in West Africa. From the start Africa, the Americas and other countries. Egypt, and including Lebanon, Israel, the of operations in March until press time, It also lists travel and ight restrictions by Palestinian territories and Jordan, known the group has con rmed 23 sta mem- country and airline. historically in English as “the Levant.” bers have been infected with Ebola, —Trevor Smith, Editorial Intern In the interest of precision, the White
Contemporary Quote
The end of the Cold War was just the beginning of the path towards a new Europe and a safer world order. But instead of building new mechanisms and insti- tutions of European security and pursuing a major demili- tarization of European politics, as promised, by the way, in NATO’s London Declaration, the West, and particularly the United States, declared victory in the Cold War. Euphoria and triumphalism went to the heads of Western leaders. Taking advantage of Russia’s weakening and a lack of a counterweight, they claimed monopoly leadership and domination in the world. —Former Soviet president and general secretary of the Communist Party of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev, speaking at a symposium near the Brandenburg Gate on Nov. 8 in celebration of the fall of the
Anthony England/@EbolaPhone Anthony Berlin Wall 25 years ago. This map, which has gone viral on the Internet, was created to counter the mistaken perception that the continent of Africa is synonymous with Ebola.
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 13 SITE OF THE MONTH: Ebola Deeply publicly and spectacularly beheaded two Western journalists and two aid workers, s the name suggests, www.eboladeeply.org takes the terrorist organization proclaimed Aa deep and thorough look at the Ebola crisis. It is a fascinating site with a it was rebranding itself with an eye to fresh approach. Not just a collection of resources, Ebola Deeply says it seeks to recruitment. e group demanded that add “context to content,” with the goal of “greater clarity, deeper understanding the world refer to it henceforth as simply and a more sustained engagement” on issues. the “Islamic State.” Produced by a team that includes foreign correspondents with experience in Although many news organizations Africa, data scientists and software developers, the site also features the report- picked up the easier, more headline- ing of local journalists in a¢ected countries. friendly IS, or continued with ISIS or ISIL, Beautifully designed and user friendly, Ebola Deeply aims to tell the whole the AP, whose stylebook is an authorita- story, including the back story, of the crisis in a compelling way. If you feel you tive industry standard, was among those have come into the issue at the midpoint, the site o¢ers the Ebola Files, a collec- who caught on to the propaganda war at tion of text and interactive materials covering the history of the virus, the science hand. In mid-September, it abandoned and search for a cure, survivor stories, a glossary of terms and a “reading room” its preferred ISIL in favor of the phrase, of links to additional resources. “the Islamic State group.” If you just want the latest news, you can find that in a constantly updated “Propaganda has been one of the core Executive Summary, which gives an overview of the latest developments. strategies of the Sunni militant group The site includes a case map, tracking the number of infections by country in Syria and Iraq that today calls itself around the world. Community Op-eds features opinions by an assortment of the Islamic State—and its name is very local voices and journalists. The site also features Recent Videos and Recent much a part of that,” wrote Vivian Salama News, as well as its latest Twitter messages. explaining the move. AP’s recommended Ebola Deeply describes itself an “independent digital media project that terminology aims to deny the group integrates expertise in science, health and public policy with a range of voices political and religious legitimacy. on the ground.” It is the second “deep look” at a current issue produced by News Others, such as National Public Radio, Deeply, a new media startup and self-described “social enterprise” based in New add “so-called” or “self-declared” to York. The group aims to advance “foreign policy literacy through public service underline the point. NPR’s policy is “to journalism.” initially call the group ‘the self-declared The journalists and technologists of News Deeply design and build single- Islamic State’ or some equivalent phrase, issue websites that combine news, live events, information design and social use ISIS in later references and, when media. News Deeply’s flagship site, Syria Deeply, went live in late 2012 and cov- necessary, explain that ISIL is another ers the evolving conflict in Syria in same the in-depth manner. widely used acronym.” —Debra Blome, Associate Editor Like much of the Arab world, the French government uses Da’esh. On Sept. 18, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius House, the Pentagon, the State Depart- about it, like ‘the Orient.’” appealed to journalists and media organi- ment, USAID and the British Foreign Da’esh or DAISH, the acronym of the zations to reject the term “Islamic State.” o ce, among others, settled on “Islamic group’s original Arabic name, is used Fabius stated: “ is is a terrorist group State of Iraq and the Levant” or ISIL. widely in the Arab world. Close to the and not a state. I do not recommend e Associated Press, Reuters, Agence Arabic word “daes,” meaning to tread using the term Islamic State because it France-Presse and Al Jazeera, along with underfoot, trample or crush, the appella- blurs the lines between Islam, Muslims NBC and Politico, followed suit. tion is not a favorite of the Sunni militants. and Islamists.” e New York Times stuck with ISIS, In June, however, the political Speaking for many Islamic and other arguing in a June 18 article that the term implications of the issue became more leaders around the world at the Sept. 24 “Levant” has French colonial associa- apparent. Having captured large swathes United Nations Summit on Terrorism, tions and “something of an antique whi of territory in Syria and Iraq, and very United Nations Secretary General Ban
14 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Ki-moon delivered a broadside against State Ends Transgender the terrorist movement, calling it the Exclusions in Employee “Un-Islamic Nonstate.” Health Plan e Foreign Service Journal generally he State Department is taking the follows AP style and, accordingly, will Tlead within the federal govern- refer to the organization as “the Islamic ment when it comes to o ering health State group.” insurance to transgender employees and —Susan B. Maitra,Managing Editor family members. At the department’s
50 Years Ago
n truth the Service has never made up Iits collective mind about the proper role of dissent and open discussion. We are schizoid on the question. On one hand, we are dedicated to the proposition that we are loyal servants of constituted authority. This principle is never seriously attacked. On the other, we feel that as career ocers, we know, or should know, more than any- one else about how the Service should be run, and that we have a duty to indicate the path to those charged with making decisions. In controversial and important matters it comes down in the final analy- sis to a judgment as to where the dividing line lies between constructive com- ment and obstructionism. We have generally resolved the dilemma by dissent- ing only on trivia, or in such cautious terms that our dissent is all but inaudible. This accomplishes nothing. The central truth, however, seems to me to be another—namely, that little can be expected to result from isolated expressions of opinion, no matter how well founded or how skillfully phrased. They may point to the existence of prob- lems, but they can do little to resolve them. (How many of the splendid letters to the Journal have any e¢ect?) What the Service needs for the long term is an institutionalized approach, a prestigious group, immune from censorship, and recognized as having not only the right but the duty to study and to express itself, if need be in public, on all questions relating to the strengthening of the career principle. If such a group had existed in the past, many of our current problems might have been avoided. The Foreign Service Association is on the right track when it announces the intention to establish a committee to “deal systematically with the career service principle and the relationship of current policy and administration to the strengthening of the Foreign Service as an instrument of foreign policy.” This is a hopeful beginning. Let us hope it does not die aborning. —“On Dissent” by Foreign Service Ocer William E. Knight, FSJ, November 1964.
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 15 request, its largest health insurance ment and, in addition to being brave and program has eliminated the “transgender strong, they’re just good o cers. Why exclusion” from its plan. should they have it any di erent when it Most health insurance policies o ered comes to health care?” AFSA Scholarship under the Federal Employees Health —Debra Blome, Associate Editor AFSA.org/Scholar Bene ts program exclude services “related to sex reassignment.” But starting Comedian Takes on AFSPA in January 2015, insurance plans o ered Diplomat in Twitter ‘War’ AFSPA.org by the American Foreign Service Protec- ormer U.S. Secretary of State Mad- BlueCross BlueShield tive Association, the department’s largest Feleine Albright verbally sparred with Fearless.fepblue.org insurer, will no longer exclude those late-night talk show host and come- bene ts. dian Conan O’Brien via Twitter in late Clements Worldwide According to e Washington Post’s October. e battle, which Albright later clements.com “Federal Eye” column, the State Depart- described on Twitter as “all in good fun,” ment has asked all of its plans to remove began with O’Brien taking the rst shot. Embassy Risk Management Embassyrisk.com
Fishburne Military School Fishburne.org/learn
The Hirshorn Company Hirshorn.com/USFS
J. Kirby Simon Trust Kirbysimontrust.org
Inside A U.S. Embassy afsa.org/Inside the transgender exclusion. AFSPA, which On Oct. 23, O’Brien tweeted “I picked McGrath Real Estate Services covers almost 30 percent of State Depart- out my Halloween costume. I’m going McGrathRealEstate.com ment employees, is the rst to comply. as ‘Slutty Madeleine Albright.’” Albright e State Department has identi ed didn’t let that pass. “I’m considering Stanford HS Summer College as a priority the human rights of lesbian, going as hunky Conan O’Brien—but that Summercollege.stanford.edu gay, bisexual and transgender persons might be too far-fetched,” she responded. WJD Management worldwide. e exchange went viral on Twitter wjdpm.com In a statement to the Post, Secretary and beyond to the mainstream media. of State John Kerry explained that the It continued with a few more tweets change is “about fairness and respect for between the two. our employees, but it’s also about show- Albright warned O’Brien: “Never get ing the world we mean what we say and into a word war with a diplomat. We talk say what we mean.” even more than comedians.” And O’Brien Kerry continued: “It’s tough to tell conceded: “Damn—whenever I go toe other countries to provide equal opportu- to toe with @Madeleine Albright, she nity if we’re not living that out ourselves. always wins.” n So this matters in many ways. I’ve met —Debra Blome, Associate Editor transgender colleagues in the depart-
16 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL SPEAKING OUT
Twitter Is a Cocktail Party, Not a Press Conference (or, Social Media for Reporting Ocers)
BY WREN ELHAI
hortly before I arrived at my I believe a differ- current post, I read a column ent metaphor, one that by AFSA President Robert “traditionalist” diplomats S Silverman (“Are Social Media may find more familiar, is Overrated?” March FSJ) in which he closer to the mark. cautions against an overreliance on social media, especially if it reduces A More time spent on the “proven, effective Appropriate work of direct outreach to key contacts Metaphor and audiences.” Think of these plat- In my experience, social media have forms as the world’s larg- become some of the best tools we pos- est cocktail parties, where diverse than the set of people who typi- sess for exactly the sort of contact work everyone is invited and guests kindle cally attend diplomatic receptions. Silverman describes. conversations and relationships, just as I’ve connected on Twitter and Face- While public diplomacy officers in real life. book with people I would never have have embraced Twitter and Facebook is metaphor should make it easy to met otherwise. I’ve met youth activists, around the world as outreach tools, understand why, as a reporting o cer, I journalists from cities in our consular it’s time reporting officers learn to use consider my Twitter account essential to district too distant to visit and docu- them in our own work. doing my job. We’re paid to get to know mentary filmmakers working on topics I fear the word “media” may confuse people, to build relationships with the relevant to our reporting work. And people who associate that word with inuencers and information gatherers like a good reception, the vibe online the world of journalism—and thus, with who can help us become better informed. is such that you can dive straight into press and public diplomacy work. Almost universally, these people are out friendly conversation in a way that is By that logic, Twitter, Facebook and in force on social media. hard to do in a “cold” telephone call. YouTube are the online equivalents of Those on Twitter are by no means a In most cases, I “meet” people newspapers, radio and television, and representative sample of any country’s online by stumbling across interest- our statements there are the digital population. However, the universe of ing things they’ve tweeted or articles equivalent of press releases. people writing on Twitter is vastly more they’ve published. I follow them on Twitter and may tweet something at Wren Elhai is a Foreign Service o cer currently serving in the political-economic section of them—a question, comment or compli- Consulate General Karachi. He served previously at Embassy Moscow in the consular section. ment. In the cocktail party metaphor, Prior to joining the State Department, he worked at the Center for Global Development, a this is the equivalent of stepping into a D.C.-based thinktank, as a policy analyst. ere, he also ran the Center’s Twitter and Face- conversation. book pages and helped senior research sta become more comfortable with Twitter. e views If the conversation is productive, expressed in this article are the author’s own and not necessarily those of the State Department I’ll exchange contact information or the U.S. government. over direct message, the equivalent of
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 17 Direct outreach to key contacts is still the regulations require any State Depart- ment employee posting anything to a heart of our profession. Social media can social media site that relates to a matter help us be better at this important work. “of official concern” to go through the same clearance process that would gov- ern a media appearance or a published op-ed. This is a shockingly vague rule, one exchanging business cards at a real-life course of action (online as in real life) is that I have been told in training covers party. Often, a virtual first interaction to stay civil and leave the conversation. even posting quotes from official State leads to a real-life meeting. In other Department statements or links to instances, people I know only from Regulation Roadblocks articles that support U.S. policy. It is a Twitter have referred me to others in Direct outreach to key contacts is still rule so vague that any diplomat with their real-life social network. the heart of our profession. Social media a Facebook account will confirm that If the conversation isn’t produc- can help us be better at this important nearly every one of us violates it on a tive—for example, when other users’ work. Unfortunately, however, for all daily basis. comments are hostile or aggressive, or the talk of “digital diplomacy,” the State If you think of Twitter as the digital when a journalist is pressing for infor- Department’s regulations stand in the way. equivalent of a newspaper, then it mation you shouldn’t share—the best Current Foreign Affairs Manual makes sense to try to maintain control
18 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL We are paid to know U.S. foreign policy, to present and defend our positions, and to not embarrass ourselves when we open our mouths in public.
over what diplomats say there. How- ever, if Twitter is a digital cocktail party, that’s an untenable position. No one would even consider asking diplomats to pre-clear everything they say to people they meet at public events—let alone to seek press office clearance before starting a conversation with a potential contact. We are paid to know U.S. foreign policy, to present and defend our posi- tions, and to not embarrass ourselves when we open our mouths in public. We are trusted to speak tactfully and to know what topics are best discussed in other settings. Our policy should treat our inter- actions online and in the real world on an even footing. Yes, there will be rare occasions when diplomats speak undiplomatically and, just as when this happens in the real world, those diplo- mats should face consequences. But just as we don’t limit ourselves to talking about the weather at recep- tions, we should be able to present U.S. policy and engage with contacts online. To meet people, we need to show up for the party. n
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 19 FOCUS ON AFGHANISTAN
WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?
or the second time in a quarter-century, Afghanistan is in the midst of a historic transition. As in 1989, when Soviet troops left the country after a decade of occupa- tion, the international community is in the process of ratcheting down its security presence and its foreign assistance levels. is pullback comes as Ashraf Ghani Amadzai, Afghanistan’s new president, Afghanistan is at another and Chief Executive O cer Abdullah Abdullah grapple with the Fsame challenges that confronted Hamid Karzai’s administration. turning point. Though the challenges As Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction are great, the nation cannot a ord John Sopko noted in a Sept. 12 speech at Georgetown University, to cycle back into civil war. the country “remains under assault by insurgents and is short of
BY EDMUND MCWILLIAMS Edmund McWilliams, a retired Foreign Service o cer, served as special envoy to Afghanistan from 1988 to 1989. He joined the Foreign Service in 1975 and retired in 2001, having served in Vientiane, Bangkok, Moscow, Kabul, Islamabad, Managua, Jakarta and Washing- ton, D.C. As chargé, he opened embassies in Bishkek and Dushanbe after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Since retirement, he has been volunteer- ing with U.S. and foreign human rights nongovernmental organizations.
20 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Parallels Between 1989 and 2014 When Moscow ended its military occupation of Afghani- stan 25 years ago, the ensuing drawdown of Western engage- ment was abrupt and essentially total. U.S. arms and other resources that had owed to the mujahedeen, principally via Pakistani channels, ceased within months—as did U.S. interest in the political and economic fate of the country. Happily, the impending departure from Afghanistan of the International Security Assistance Force, comprised of troops from the United States and NATO, will be more gradual, and far less dramatic. e presence of 9,800 U.S. troops for at least two years, and pledges of signi cant international nancial support for 2015 and beyond, contrast sharply with the virtual abandon- ment of Afghanistan in 1989. Strong Western political engagement and diplomatic support will be critical in preventing, or at least delaying, a collapse of the Kabul government and staying the meddling hand of Pakistan and other foreign powers. is approach appears similar to the Soviet eort to sustain the regime of President Mohammad Najibullah in Kabul in the wake of its troop withdrawal. Moscow continued to render signi cant nancial, military and diplomatic support, enabling him to cling to power for more than two years. Postcards for sale in downtown Kabul in 2012 Najibullah was eventually ousted in 1992 as a result of direct depicting former leaders and indirect military pressure from Pakistan, combined with and resistance fighters, harassment from the mujahedeen, all underwritten nancially many of whom died violent deaths and have polarizing by Saudi Arabia and other Arab sources. Afghanistan then legacies today. suered through several years of multisided civil war among Casey Garret Johnson Johnson Garret Casey mujahedeen-a liated parties and chaos before the Taliban, again with support and direction from Islamabad, seized control domestic revenue, plagued by corruption, a icted by criminal of Kabul and most of the country in 1994. elements involved in opium and smuggling, and struggling to Several key warlords, including Abdul Rashid Dostum, a pow- execute basic functions of government.” erful Uzbek, were able to hold o the Pakistani-backed Taliban Fighting continues in 18 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, and onslaught in the north. ese largely non-Pashtun ethnic ele- the key province of Helmand, a center for opium production ments played a critical role in the successful U.S. assault on the and trade (which the United Nations reports is at record levels), Taliban in late 2001, and were rewarded with key positions in the is particularly vulnerable. Much of the Afghan middle class, successor government organized under the aegis of the Decem- which has grown over the past decade as a direct consequence ber 2001 Bonn Conference. of the large foreign presence, could abandon the country in short order should the security environment deteriorate further. Trouble at the Top Such an exodus would rob the Ghani administration of the cash, Delegates to that 2001 convention chose Hamid Karzai, a resources and talent vital to creating a stable Afghanistan. Durrani Pashtun from the Kandahar area, to lead an interim ough the challenges are signi cant, as spelled out in administration. Six months later, a national conference (loya the following pages, it is critical that the United States not jirga) of Afghan tribal leaders named him president. walk away, as it did in 1989. e security and future stability ough brilliant, Karzai turned out to be a poor choice of Afghanistan and the region will depend on Washington’s to lead his country on several counts. First, though he was a thoughtful engagement over the long term. deputy in a mujahedeen group, he had no combat experience
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 21 When Moscow ended its military occupation of Afghanistan 25 years ago, the ensuing drawdown of Western engagement was abrupt and essentially total.
and never fought the Taliban. (He did show bravery by enter- whom I was in contact there, as well as nongovernmental ing Kandahar to oppose the Taliban after 9/11, but had to be organizations, journalists and Mary Robinson, who chaired rescued by U.S. forces.) Moreover, Karzai had lived and worked the United Nations Human Rights Commission and was in Pakistan for many years, raising suspicions about his loyal- visiting Afghanistan, all independently told me the charges ties in some quarters. of a massacre at Dasht-i-Leili were very likely true. Criti- For that reason, his selection to lead the post-Taliban cally, Pashtuns, even those who supported or were part of the administration, a decision strongly pressed by the United Karzai administration, reacted viscerally to accounts of the States and ultimately accepted by other participants in the massacre. December 2001 Bonn Conference, necessitated some surpris- Dostum was deeply feared and hated among the Pashtuns ing diplomacy. Afghan Tajiks at the conference, in particular, I met. ough his positions in the Karzai administration were strongly resisted Karzai’s elevation, and only agreed under largely ceremonial, he wielded considerable power behind the heavy pressure from their principal patron, Iran, which scenes, so his mere presence constituted a barrier to negotia- worked quietly behind the scenes with the United States at tions with the Taliban, who have not forgotten how many of the conference. e deal was facilitated by assurances that their members he butchered. Mohammed Fahim, successor to Ahmad Shah Massoud (a Now that he is vice president, President Ghani will nd it key resistance leader whom the Taliban assassinated just days di cult to engage Pashtun support for his leadership or pur- before 9/11), would be the second-most powerful gure in the sue negotiations with the Taliban. Ghani will also presumably administration. have to deal with the growing international calls for justice e resulting government was an unwieldy alliance, under and accountability in the matter of the Dasht-i-Leili massacre. nominal Pashtun leadership but with northern ethnic (Tajik and Uzbek) control over the critical security sector. Tajiks held Karzai 2.0? most leadership positions in the military and police forces, at is far from the only problem the Ghani/Abdullah with Pashtuns lling in the ranks. e administration also administration has inherited from its predecessor, of course. included some of the most fundamentalist mujahedeen, such For starters, it will be populated by many of the same ineec- as Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, who exercised a pernicious inuence in tual, divisive gures. the justice sector. Moreover, like Karzai, Ashraf Ghani brings an administra- tive/technocratic background to the position of president. The Dostum Dossier ese non-combat credentials aord him little personal Reliance by the Karzai administration, and the U.S. mili- credibility with the small-to-major mujahedeen warlords who tary, on Abdul Rashid Dostum—who is now Ashraf Ghani’s retained their positions of inuence throughout the Karzai vice president—created a signi cant problem that endures to interregnum and who control much of the Afghan political this day. Dostum is credibly believed to have carried out one world outside Kabul. Ghani will doubtless have to rely on the of the greatest war crimes in Afghanistan’s bloody history: the same system of patronage that Karzai employed to retain the torture and execution of some 2,000 Taliban members who loyalty of these gures. It should be underscored that the cre- had surrendered to his forces at a place called Dasht-i-Leili ation of that system precluded development of any system of in November 2001. (Documentary evidence exists that also state institutions except in the area of health and education. implicates U.S. military personnel in the massacre.) e role of Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, eectively When I was in Kabul in March 2002, on a personal mis- as prime minister, is another critical challenge facing President sion intended to assess human rights concerns, Afghans with Ghani. Transition to a more parliamentary system would oer
22 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Jim DeHart A graveyard of Soviet military equipment in the Panjshir Valley. The Soviets were never able to take the Panjshir, and their destroyed tanks, artillery, Scud missiles and other equipment still litter the landscape.
The tortured post-presidential election saw intense public recrimination between Ghani and Abdullah, each alleging broad fraud against the other in the election.
some hope of a more stable political system, along the lines of rights and democratic progress of the pre-1978 period was in the pre-1978 Afghanistan, which had seen substantial demo- large measure due to the unity ensured by the long-reigning, cratic progress and political and economic stability. It is not at popular head of state, King Zahir Shah. ough respected, all clear, however, that Abdullah’s executive role will entail the Ghani in no sense has the stature of the former king. emergence of a genuine parliamentary system in which Afghani- The tortured post-presidential election period saw intense stan’s myriad ethnic and tribal elements could nd genuine public recrimination between Ghani and Abdullah, each representation. at possible transition awaits a putative loya alleging broad fraud against the other in the election. It is by jirga that is to convene sometime in the next two years. no means clear that the personal relationship between these Moreover, the long years of stability, respect for human two leaders—in a unique, untested political power-sharing
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 23 Ultimately, Afghanistan’s future depends on benevolent, detailed and credible involvement by the United States and its allies for the foreseeable future.
arrangement engineered by the United States—will withstand Prospects for building internal and external trade, develop- the inevitable tensions that forthcoming political challenges ing resources such as mining or re-establishing agriculture will generate. are all dependent on signi cantly improved security—which, Among these tensions will be the power struggle between given the currently increasing Taliban insurgent activity, two key political gures, Vice President Dostum and General seems beyond this government’s grasp at least in the near to Mohammed Atta, who controls the key northern city of Mazar- mid-term. e-Sharif, previously Dostum’s power base. Dostum is allied In addition to inheriting vast economic constraints, Pres. with Ghani, while Atta is allied with Abdullah. at internal Ghani also must address the challenges posed by systemic political conict will be a particularly di cult early challenge corruption and malfeasance which characterized the Karzai for the Ghani-Abdullah partnership. administration. Ghani’s reputation and campaign rheto- ric suggest he will focus on this fundamental challenge to Economic and Governance Constraints Afghanistan’s future. But because corruption forms the basis e Ghani government inherits an Afghanistan that of the Karzai-created patronage system on which govern- essentially lacks a sustainable national economy. e pre-war ment control outside of Kabul also signi cantly depends, it is Afghanistan economy, based on agriculture, small industry, unlikely that Ghani can make more than symbolic progress on mining and tourism no longer exists. Under President Karzai, this front anytime soon. the Afghan economy remained a dysfunctional, war-devas- tated basket case, transformed as it was into an unsustainable A Continuing Western Role model dependent on opium growing and smuggling, and Ultimately, Afghanistan’s future depends on benevolent, servicing of the massive foreign and civilian military pres- detailed and credible involvement by the United States and ence. While the transportation network, destroyed by the its allies for the foreseeable future. is involvement entails three-decade war, was to some extent restored with signi cant training and some direct support of security forces, as well as foreign assistance over the past decade, it remains hostage to reliable nancial assistance. the security threat posed by the Taliban. Afghanistan will also need political advice to ensure Even if international assistance were to continue to ow domestic policies and politics do not take on the divisive char- to the Ghani government, by no means a safe bet, the new acter that was allowed to develop in Iraq after the 2011 U.S. government will barely be able to maintain payments for its withdrawal there. half-million civil servants, its large security forces, or sustain In addition, the United States must play a continuing payments to warlords who are vital to the government’s rule strategic role to preclude the pernicious meddling of foreign and reach beyond Kabul. e health and education sectors, powers in Afghan aairs—particularly Pakistan. Islamabad’s which saw marked improvement under Karzai, also are and involvement with the Afghan Taliban and with other anti- will continue to be dependent on foreign funding. Kabul insurgents such as the Haqqani network and Gulbuddin It also seems very unlikely that the Ghani administration Hekmatyar’s Hezbi Islami, has long undermined security and will make progress in curtailing opium growing and smug- unity in Afghanistan. gling, especially given the reduction of the international A stable Afghanistan that does not cycle back into civil war presence. at illicit trade provides signi cant revenue to the is strongly in the interest of the United States and its allies, Taliban and other elements within Pakistan whose objective is most neighboring states and, most importantly, the long-suf- the downfall of the Kabul government. fering Afghan people. n
24 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL
FOCUS ON AFGHANISTAN FIVE THINGS WE CAN STILL GET RIGHT
fghanistan has changed profoundly since the United States went into that country in the fall of 2001. We have kept the country from being used again as a base to launch attacks on the United States, and made a decent start on building a new, professional Afghan Army. In E ective U.S. leadership is more addition, Afghans are much better important than ever in Afghanistan. Ao today in many sectors, ranging from health and education What policies should we adopt to help David Sedney is a senior fellow (non-resident) at the At- as Afghans take the reins of their lantic Council’s South Asia Center and a senior associate own country? (non-resident) at the Center for Strategic and Internation- al Studies. He was deputy assistant secretary of Defense BY DAVID SEDNEY for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia from 2009 to 2013 and deputy assistant secretary of Defense for East Asia from 2007 to 2009. Earlier he served in a variety of Foreign Service postings, including as chargé d’a aires ad interim and deputy chief of mission at Embassy Kabul and as DCM in Baku and Beijing. He also served as director for Afghanistan at the National Security Council in 2003.
26 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Fans go wild after Afghanistan scores its After a tense period, second goal against Pakistan in the home side’s the millions of voters 3-0 victory in August 2013. The team’s success has who surprised the world been a bright spot and point of pride and national unity with their massive election for Afghans. turnout now have a reform government with a true mandate. to women’s and children’s rights. ban, and are acquitting themselves well. Afghan women and Still, our overall record young people are blazing new paths as they take advantage of is mixed, and a great deal their newfound access to education to build free and vigorous remains to be done. We media and start new businesses across the country. have built roads that are But for Afghanistan to achieve the kind of enduring success falling apart, set up schools it deserves, the United States must continue to stand by our without teachers and failed partner. As we have seen in Iraq, Libya and too many other to help Afghans build places, when America stands aside—when we abandon what institutions of good gover- we started, and leave things half-done—the chances of failure nance. We have enriched increase dramatically and new, worse problems emerge. Pre- some of the country’s most tending that the world will do what we want when we do not corrupt actors through lead, and are not exemplars of our own values, is the de nition poor contracting practices; of irresponsibility. failed to deliver progress in such key security sectors as Immediate Challenges air power and intelligence; e country’s new president, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai,
Casey Garret Johnson Garret Casey and squandered our politi- has started o well. His post-election personal outreach to cal capital on misguided multiple sectors of society seeks to identify the government eorts to get a secret bilateral deal with the Taliban (while with the interests of the people, rather than as an instrument ignoring the key internal political dynamics of Afghan society). of power brokers. He has also recast Kabul’s relationship with And we have killed and humiliated far too many Afghans and the United States and NATO by living up to his campaign damaged too much of their country in the pursuit of our coun- promise to sign security agreements that give the permissions terterrorism policies. necessary for the United States and NATO to assist Afghani- Despite our mistakes and failures, however, we have much stan’s security forces beyond 2014. And he is moving rapidly to to be proud of and most Afghans still want us on the ground shore up Afghanistan’s nances in anticipation of a potentially as partners. After a tense period, the millions of voters who destabilizing revenue crunch. surprised the world by their massive election turnout now Still, the new government faces severe, immediate chal- have a reform government with a true mandate. Afghans take lenges. Security throughout the country faces growing threats pride in their accomplishments on the world stage—like the as a messy, too-rapid pullback of international forces is leaving soccer and cricket teams that have surged into prominence— major gaps. Both the Afghan military and civilians continue to and want to be part of the global community. For that to hap- suer high casualties, and the Taliban is preparing to carry out a pen, though, Afghans themselves must take the lead. major military oensive next year. (Sadly, the agreements Presi- The good news is that they are already doing so. Their sol- dent Ghani signed allow the U.S. and NATO to help, but actually diers and police are now fully responsible for fighting the Tali- promise nothing concrete in terms of troops or assistance.)
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 27 Casey Garret Johnson Garret Casey Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and a Department of State field ocer board a Blackhawk after a meeting with elders and government ocials in central Zhari District, Kandahar province. Today the area is patrolled by Afghan local police and Afghan National Army units. Despite extensive surge operations in central Kandahar in 2010 and 2011, the area remains volatile, with neither the government nor insurgency exerting full control.
e Afghan economy is still reeling from the drop-o in for- males, and the group is reaching out to the Taliban to seek a union eign investment that followed President Barack Obama’s “zero under the banner of establishing an anti-Western caliphate. option” announcement last spring, exacerbated by post-elec- tion tensions. e Afghan people need jobs; economic growth The Path Ahead requires capital investment; and current assistance models are So how should the United States lead in Afghanistan? What not su ciently focused and policies should we adopt to eective. help the Afghans as they seize Recent events in Pakistan Already, neighboring the reins of their own coun- have strengthened the position try? And how can we correct of military hardliners there, states, the Taliban and errors that we have made and who see the Afghan Taliban other actors are ramping ensure history sees America as as a useful geopolitical tool to the kind of country we know counter India and are hostile up eorts to fill the it should be? Here are ve to the development of a strong, vacuum we have created. recommendations. successful Afghanistan. e 1. Make a clear, long-term United States has placed too political commitment to the much faith in empty rhetoric from Islamabad, and failed to Afghan people that allows for conditions-based exibility in respond to actions that have strengthened the Afghan Taliban’s our current withdrawal timelines. safe havens in Pakistan. Already, neighboring states, the Taliban and other actors Finally, as in the rest of the Islamic world, the rise of the are ramping up eorts to ll the vacuum we have created. As Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq has injected a major new a result, the security situation is getting worse and, as docu- dynamic that no one was prepared for, least of all a fragile Afghan- mented by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghani- istan. e extremists’ message is attracting some young Afghan stan, more people are dying. By adjusting the United States’
28 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Afghanistan also needs a continuation of the robust intelligence support that has made our military eorts so eective.
current timetable for withdrawing its forces—a timeline set to satisfy U.S. political concerns, without an evaluation of the eects on the ground—we can change everyone’s strategic calculus. Shifting from a timeline-based approach to a conditions- based approach would also have a huge positive economic impact, giving those making investment and assistance deci- sions greater con dence in the country’s future. 2. Revise our approach to assisting the Afghan Security Forces to ensure that they acquire and maintain the kinds of capabilities they need today and into the future. is will require us to address the dangerous weaknesses in air power, intelligence, logistics and institutional and leader- ship development built into our current plans. For example, the Afghan Air Force needs xed-wing transport and close air support aircraft, as well as transport and attack helicopters. For the decade or so it will take to develop these capabilities, or until the Taliban insurgency ends, we should continue to help provide those assets. Afghanistan also needs a continuation of the robust intel- ligence support that has made our military eorts so eective. I visited the country this fall as we pulled down the tremen- dously capable aerostats that protected Kabul and most major population centers. ese and other technical capabilities were huge multipliers for the Afghans’ excellent human intel- ligence, and played a major role in ensuring that the Taliban did not disrupt the elections. With these capabilities gone, Taliban attacks will become more lethal and have greater reach into Afghan cities. is is already happening. But with a minor adjustment of our force levels, we could give Afghans time to acquire the necessary expertise to operate these systems themselves—something they are eager to do. Weaknesses in logistics, institutional development and
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 29 ISAF Joint Command /U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Tuttle Logan Sgt. Staff Air Force Command /U.S. Joint ISAF Afghan National Army commandos stand in formation during the graduation of the ANA’s 7th Commando Kandak on Jan. 21. The commandos were trained by Afghan instructors and mentored by U.S., French, Canadian, Jordanian and United Arab Emirates special operations forces to provide a rapidly deployable light infantry unit to the Afghan National Security Force.
leadership are the Achilles’ heel of the Afghan forces now Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured ghting bravely and successfully to defend their country. World, explains that giving aid directly to foreign governments, ese weaknesses will not lead to a near-term dissolution of even taking into account corruption and other risks, is often the Afghan military; we have done a good enough job for the more eective than funneling it through expensive third-party Afghan forces to survive for at least several years. But our origi- organizations. In most cases, nongovernmental organiza- nal plans never envisioned a complete U.S. pullout by 2016, as tions excel at delivering material and issuing reports, but do is now projected, and did not account for the continued strong not foster the local institutional capacities necessary to work support the Taliban is getting from inside Pakistan. assistance givers out of their jobs. Over the longer term, without our technical assistance and We need to consult and cooperate with Pres. Ghani’s support, the Afghan Security Forces will deteriorate from an government to put these lessons into practice. is will be eective national defense force into fragmented, abusive units hard and will require cooperation from our Congress and our that threaten the success of everything the Afghan people have bureaucracies in ways they have not done before. But we have achieved. Toward that end, we should carry out an immedi- a historic opportunity to make our aid truly eective. ate review to identify what capabilities and equipment Afghan 4. Develop mechanisms to right the wrongs we in icted forces need for the actual threats they will face in coming in the name of counterterrorism. years. Particularly during our early years in Afghanistan, when 3. Change the way we provide assistance to Afghanistan our strategy centered on bombing and conducting “in-and- to focus on direct aid to Afghan institutions. out” special forces raids, we routinely killed noncombatants; Pres. Ghani, who has worked at the World Bank and was the needlessly injured, imprisoned and humiliated many Afghans; rst post-Taliban nance minister of Afghanistan, is intimately and damaged homes, businesses and the very fabric of society familiar with the way international assistance has traditionally in ways we still don’t understand very well. been delivered and the problems created when it is done the More recently, especially when General Stanley McChrystal wrong way. His 2008 book (co-authored with Clare Lockhart), was in command there, we reversed many of these practices
30 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL We have a historic ci cally disavowed that goal when he announced the 2009 “surge.” Instead, he declared that our aim was to degrade the opportunity to make Taliban, so that the Afghan Security Forces could handle the our aid truly eective. threat it still poses, with some help from us. When I and others in the administration wanted to use the word “win” in documents, we were told not to by White House o cials who insisted that our objective was limited to degrad- and put the Afghan people rst. Yet even when we nally ing, not winning. Somewhat understandably, most Americans began making some restitution to Afghan civilians after raids, never understood that distinction. our payments were erratic and often never reached those who e explanations for Americans’ astonishing ignorance were most damaged. As a result, those families would often go about Afghanistan are many, starting with a media xated on over to the Taliban and become our enemies. violence, failure and scandal that also suers from a kind of is is a di cult area that runs right up against hard-and-fast “groupthink” that makes it unfriendly to stories that challenge legal principles that underpin the American way of war and our the prevailing narrative. Perhaps most important, however, interpretation of the international law of armed conict. But the is the lack of leadership on Afghanistan from the very top— fact remains that for many Afghans, American actions not only across two administrations. Whatever the reasons, we need to did not make them safer; they made them more vulnerable. come up with an approach that delivers accurate information It is not too late for us to rethink our approach and rectify these injustices. True, doing so will require legislative action, which would undoubtedly spawn strong opposition from many quarters. But if the American experience in Afghanistan is to live up to what we claimed—that we are not like other foreign powers who came only for their own ends—then it is a task we should undertake, both for the Afghan people and for ourselves. 5. Undertake a serious e ort to educate the American people about the reality of Afghanistan and what we have achieved there. None of the above will be possible without the support of the American people. Sadly, today’s polls show most Ameri- cans believe we were wrong to go into Afghanistan in the rst place. But not too long ago, the answer was the opposite. What changed? Is it war weariness, as so many armchair pundits opine? Or is it something more? In my discussions with a range of Americans over the past year, I have found a dierent answer: Americans are “failure weary.” ey see Afghanistan and Iraq as similar failed eorts, where violence and depravity are the norm. ey do not understand what has really happened on the ground in Afghanistan. Nor do most Americans understand what we undertook there. ey see a failure of “nation-building”—notwithstand- ing the fact that both President George W. Bush and President Obama explicitly rejected “nation-building” as a goal, and never devoted enough resources to get anywhere close to Casey Garret Johnson Garret Casey achieving it. Some go so far as to assert that we have failed by A money changer makes a flower out of Afghanis and greenbacks not defeating the Taliban, even though Pres. Obama spe- at a streetside stall in Kandahar city.
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 31 The explanations for Americans’ astonishing ignorance about Afghanistan are many.
to the American people early on, so they can decide on the basis of facts, not armchair opinions. We can start by inviting many more Afghans to visit and study in our country to deliver that message. Only a handful of Americans know about the bustling streets of Herat and Kabul, or the major advances being wrought by a new generation of educated young Afghans. ey have never heard of Afghan software entrepreneurs, artists and scientists. But when Amer- icans meet Afghans, particularly young people and women, and learn the reality of their country, their views change. Finally, the dedicated diplomatic and development profes- sionals of the Foreign Service who have served in Afghanistan should be traveling all over our country to tell people what they have seen rsthand there: a country that, despite massive problems and huge challenges, has made immense progress, and wants to be our partner and ally. ey can make the case that Afghans appreciate the sacri ces Americans have made on their behalf, and will be on our side for generations to come if we reorient our policies toward success—for both of our nations.
Larger Goals Ful lling our repeated statements of commitment to con- tinue supporting the Afghan people, particularly women, will help us achieve larger goals: namely, ensuring that Afghani- stan does not return to the chaotic conditions that allowed al- Qaida to attack our country on Sept. 11, 2001, and stabilizing a region where extremism, nationalism, nuclear weapons and terrorism are a volatile mix that could reach out to threaten us in new ways. ese goals mesh with the kind of future the Afghan people voted for, and which the new government of President Ghani and Chief Executive O cer Abdullah Abdullah seeks to bring about. In helping to achieve them, we will prove to the world (and ourselves) that when America undertakes a mission, we not only accomplish it, but do so in a manner that lives up to our fundamental values. n
32 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL FOCUS ON AFGHANISTAN
WHAT U.S. POLICYMAKERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AFGHANISTAN TODAY
Primary school is in session in the hree themes have endured through- Mohmand Dara district of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. out Afghanistan’s long history. Its central government has always been Casey Garret Johnson weak; it has always had a strong and independent society; and its people have always been somewhat mis- trustful of outsiders. Notwithstanding those traits, over the past 13 years Afghanistan’s emergence as a modern U.S. policy in Afghanistan has aimed nation will involve negotiating a cultural to build a strong state and change and modernize society Tthrough outside assistance and expertise. transition that integrates enduring traditions with viable change. Scott Smith is the director of Afghanistan and Central Asia BY SCOTT SMITH programs at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Prior to joining USIP in April 2012, Smith spent 13 years at the United Nations, focusing primarily on Afghanistan and democ- ratization issues. An adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public A airs, he is the author of Afghanistan’s Troubled Transition: Politics, Peacekeeping and the 2004 Presiden- tial Election (Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2010), as well as a number of articles and book chapters.
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 33 Burkha-clad women window-shop for jewelry at the gold market in Herat city.
e messy political transition that Afghanistan underwent Three Pillars this year revealed the continuing inuence of deep-seated For most of the 20th century, Afghanistan was a poor, tran- political realities that constrain the country’s political mod- quil, slowly developing country. e three pillars of stability ernization. (“Political modernization” is a broad term, but the were a moderate form of Islam that regulated daily life, a tribal best de nition is still probably the one provided by Samuel organization of society based on norms of traditional leader- Huntington in Political Order and Changing Societies: ratio- ship and a state dominated by royalty that had two essential nalization of authority, dierentiation and specialization of functions: to represent Afghanistan to the world as an inde- political functions, and popular participation.) pendent and Islamic entity, and to mediate internal conicts If we are to make the most of our investment in Afghani- when necessary. stan, the task now is to identify the traditional features of Each of these pillars was fundamentally transformed by Afghanistan that endure, and to distinguish the tangible and Afghanistan’s clash with modernity in a way that turned them substantive changes that will redirect Afghanistan’s political from bases of stability into sources of conict. e clash, destiny from those that are merely super cial. which began with the 1973 coup by Mohammed Daoud Khan In the following pages I oer some pointers to assist in that against his cousin, King Zahir Shah, became irreversible with task. the communist coup of 1978.
34 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Casey Garret Johnson Garret Casey Casey Garret Johnson Garret Casey A young girl accompanies her mother into a voting booth in a secondary school in Kabul during the second round of the 2014 presidential elections.
Each of these pillars was fundamentally transformed by Afghanistan’s clash with modernity in a way that turned them from bases of stability into sources of conflict.
e ensuing policy of emptying rural areas, which the his- e inux of arms and the formation of Islamist mujahe- torian Louis Dupree describes as “migratory genocide,” undid deen groups during the resistance to the Soviet occupation the tribal structure of authority. e new structure made no created new sources of power and even more radical ideolo- sense in Afghanistan’s rural or urban areas, or in the refugee gies. is also transformed Afghans’ traditional, quasi-ceremo- camps in Pakistan and Iran to which millions of Afghans ed. nial use of violence to resolve conicts between communities It led to an Islamist reaction, which radicalized politics and into a pattern of atrocities. e defeat of communism tempo- religion, taking the latter far beyond its traditional function of rarily legitimized the Islamist factions, but was insu cient as a regulating daily life. governing ideology or a means of uniting these factions.
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 35 Casey Garret Johnson Garret Casey Posters of presidential contenders Ashraf Ghani Amadzai and Abdullah Abdullah above a street market in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province in southeastern Afghanistan.
The bruising 2014 presidential election—particularly the manner of its resolution—was perhaps the final decisive act in the struggle for modernity and order.
The rise of the Taliban in the mid-1990s was both a reac- order created political space for both order and modernization tion to the chaos and a search for order by a new generation for the rst time since the 1960s. nostalgic for tradition (especially in Pashtun communities), is space was, however, threatened from the beginning by but fundamentally uprooted and unable to replicate it. the gradual re-emergence of two older and more destructive us, Afghanistan’s violent political struggles are less a political movements. First, the Taliban began to reconstitute question of typical tribal unruliness than a chaotic search for itself within sanctuaries neighboring Pakistan provided. At the political order amid the remnants of the pillars of stability same time, powerful gures who had emerged during the jihad smashed by Afghanistan’s clash with modernity. is search and civil war also began to reconstitute their informal power. has been frustrated by the lack of any commanding political ey were participants in the new political order to the extent gure, as well as by the interventions of outside actors. Fur- that it provided them resources, but they were also threat- ther, the failure to nd political consensus has created habits ened by it—either because a genuine democratic order might that actually make the search for consensus more di cult. exclude them, or because they lacked the ability to operate eectively in a regime based on law and constitutionality. The Post-2001 Disposition of Power is reconstitution of informal power tested the con dence Nowhere is this better demonstrated than in the failure of of the United States in the system it was promoting. Facing Afghan leaders to take advantage of the opportunity oered to threats of instability from these power brokers, Western poli- them in 2001. e toppling of the Taliban regime by U.S. forces cymakers sought accommodations in the name of stability. As and the massive infusion of resources to back a new political Afghanistan expert omas Ruttig observed, “After 2001, the
36 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL U.S. made possible an unconditional comeback by those war- lords and commanders who had allied with them in their ght against the Taliban. Without any accountability for war crimes and massive human rights violations, they were integrated into the new political system.” e resulting combination of formal and informal power, wielded at the national and subnational levels, ended up delegitimizing the formal power structures. is, in turn, made the Taliban an increasingly attractive alternative. For a local leader who ended up on the wrong side of a dispute because his rival used his formal position to prevail, the Taliban oered a means of resistance or revenge, regardless of how one felt about sharia. reatened from within and from without, the modernization project faced long odds.
The 2014 Political Transition e bruising 2014 presidential election—particularly the manner of its resolution—was perhaps the nal decisive act in the struggle for modernity and order. ere was a genuine democratic activism in the lead-up to the election, in particu- lar among Afghanistan’s massive youth bulge (according to the United Nations Development Program, 68 percent of the nation’s population is under the age of 25). ere was also a signi cant amount of fraud, which political elites both perpe- trated and used to delegitimize the process. Unhappy backers of the losing candidate, Abdullah Abdul- lah, threatened to use their informal power against the state. is forced the Obama administration to intervene directly to broker a compromise. As happened earlier, this intervention again privi- leged accommodation for stability over the logic of modernization. Afterward, Ambassador James Dobbins, a former special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, ruefully noted: “Democracy is not sufficiently developed [in Kabul] to the point where a winner-take-all system, in which the losers retire and organize for the next election but don’t share any power following their loss, is really a workable solution.” After months of negotiations between the two camps and an unprecedented audit of every ballot box, a power-sharing government nally took o ce in September. But by acqui- escing to runner-up Abdullah’s request not to release the results of the o cial audit—which showed he had decisively lost—Washington not only locked traditional leaders into the institutions of governance, but institutionalized their rivalries. e Taliban, meanwhile, took advantage of Kabul’s power vacuum during the dangerous summer of the election to launch a series of debilitating attacks, taking on Afghan forces
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 37 Casey Garret Johnson Garret Casey Nargis Nehan, director of Equality for Peace and Democracy, gives a press conference in February during a seminar on women and elections in Kabul. The seminar brought presidential contenders, including eventual winner Ashraf Ghani, together to field questions from leading women’s rights advocates and civil society representatives from around the nation.
The key to managing the traumatic transition was always to inject as much certainty as possible into an uncertain situation.
closer and closer to the capital. ough there is no immi- budge Karzai, President Barack Obama announced in May that nent danger that Pres. Ghani’s government will be militarily the U.S. would leave just 9,800 combat troops in Afghanistan in defeated, the struggle has signi cantly weakened it at the 2015, which would be withdrawn by the end of 2016. outset. ere is a sort of stability; but there are also huge gov- Pres. Ghani’s government has now signed the BSA, but the ernance challenges for an administration that is more divided Obama administration still plans to remove nearly all troops and less legitimate than it should have been. before leaving o ce. Looked at in the most positive light, this can be a forcing mechanism for Afghan leaders to develop suf- Keeping the Process on Track cient cohesiveness to function on their own. e jury is still out e key to managing the traumatic transition was always to on whether they are capable of it. inject as much certainty as possible into an uncertain situation. In the meantime, U.S. policymakers and diplomats must e election was an essential part of this strategy, intended as it develop new habits of their own. Afghan “rentierism” means that was to ensure the continuity of the 2004 constitution—which, for money from outside has always had an outsized inuence on better or worse, set out rules for power that were at least super - Afghan domestic politics. is has prevented Washington from cially accepted by powerful elites. having a typical bilateral relationship with Kabul. At a conceptual is con dence was shaken by two developments. First, level, the relationship has been de ned, especially since the mid- Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced in December 2013 2000s, by U.S. rhetoric pushing Afghan leaders to “take the lead”— that he would not sign any new Bilateral Security Agreement even as Washington continues to invest billions of dollars without with the United States. en, after energetic diplomacy failed to much to show for it.
38 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL As Western troops withdraw and aid ows are reduced, Afghanistan’s dealings with the United States will need to become more like traditional bilateral relationships. is will entail confronting several thorny dilemmas, however. For instance, the Ghani administration has listed making peace with the Taliban as a key priority. Washington will need to decide to what extent it can allow Kabul to reach whatever accord it can with the Taliban and Pakistan, even if such arrangements under- mine interests that the United States has up to now described as critical, such as the guarantee of civil and political rights to all Afghans. In confronting these dilemmas, U.S. policymakers will be burdened by the massive investment they have made in rebuild- ing and protecting Afghanistan, and the high hopes it once had for the country’s future. ey will also have to start treating their Afghan counterparts as colleagues rather than clients. e dan- ger is that, if not managed well, frustration on the U.S. side may lead to temptations to disengage non-strategically. Instead, the Obama administration should use these next two years to pave the way for a relationship characterized by dierent expectations and dierent means of leverage than before.
Reasons for Optimism Whatever the unachieved hopes since 2001, America’s involvement in Afghanistan has transformed the country in ways that are not yet fully apparent. As an older generation of disap- pointing political leaders fades from the scene, a younger, more urbanized population is emerging. Since they are, for the most part, reluctant to forgo those elements of modernity that the international presence has oered, they are likely to favor good relations with the West. At the same time, both the Taliban and a generation of rural youth have had more traumatic interactions with the inter- national presence. Like their urban peers, many of them have used technology to engage with the modern world. But this has exposed them to globalized jihadist ideologies like al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. e future in Afghanistan lies not between the old generation and the emerging one, but between the cities and the towns— between an urban-rooted state struggling to assert itself and a rural-based society that remains suspicious of state power. While these old patterns endure, Afghans’ clash with modernity has already had irreversible consequences. A modern Afghanistan will not look exactly like the one that was imagined by international policymakers a decade ago. But neither will it look like the society of the past. n
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 39
AFSA NEWS THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION
Call for Nominations: CALENDAR 2015-2017 AFSA Governing Board
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE ‘VOICE OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE’ December 3 12-2 p.m. AFSA Governing Do you want to represent Constituency meetings regarding labor Board Meeting your colleagues, contribute Representatives management issues. Gov- to a stronger Foreign Service • State Department Repre- erning Board members are December 11 and make sure its voice is sentatives (11) required to attend monthly 2-5 p.m. AFSA Holiday Party heard on the Hill and around • USAID Representatives (2) lunchtime board meetings HST 1251 the country? Do you want to • FCS Representative (1) and may volunteer to serve participate in the manage- • FAS Representative (1) on additional committees. To December 24, 25, 26 ment and modernization of a • IBB Representative (1) see position descriptions for Christmas: multimillion-dollar organiza- • APHIS Representative (1) all ocer positions, see the AFSA Oces Closed tion with a large sta and real • Retired Member Represen- AFSA website: www.afsa.org/ January 1 impact in Washington? tatives (4) governing_board.aspx. New Year’s Day: If so, consider joining the The positions listed above AFSA Oces Closed next AFSA leadership team have two-year terms begin- Nomination Procedures by running for a position on ning July 15, 2015. AFSA Nominating Candidates. January 7 12-2 p.m. the 2015-2017 AFSA Govern- bylaws require that all Gov- Any AFSA regular member in AFSA Governing ing Board. erning Board members must good standing (i.e., a member Board Meeting be resident in the Washington whose dues are automatically Election Call area within 60 days of taking deducted or who has paid January 19 Election of AFSA Ocers oce on July 15, 2015, and dues as of February 2, 2015) MLK Day: AFSA Oces Closed and Constituency Represen- must remain resident in the may nominate any person tatives. This election call, Washington area throughout (including themselves) for February 6 issued in accordance with their term in oce. any of the available positions Deadline for Applications: Article VII(2)(a) of the AFSA The president and State, for which the nominee is AFSA Merit and Community bylaws, constitutes a formal USAID, FCS and FAS vice eligible. The following require- Service Awards notice to all AFSA members presidents are full-time posi- ments apply to nominations: March 6 of the opportunity to partici- tions detailed to AFSA. These 1. No member may nomi- Deadline for Applications: pate in the nomination and employees are assigned nate more than one person for AFSA Financial Aid election of a new Governing over complement and are each ocer position or more Scholarships Board. eligible for time-in-class than the number of represen- extensions. The active-duty tatives established for each Call for Nominations representative positions are constituency. No member’s Available Positions. not full time, but they are name may appear on the bal- The following positions will given a reasonable amount lot for more than one position. be filled in this election: of ocial time to attend Continued on p. 52 Ocers • President Important Dates: • Secretary • Treasurer February 2, 2015 Deadline for nominations • Vice President for State February 16, 2015 Committee on Elections announces • Vice President for USAID candidates’ names • Vice President for FCS April 15, 2015 Ballots and candidate statements mailed • Vice President for FAS June 4, 2015 Ballots counted • Vice President for July 15, 2015 New Governing Board takes oce Retirees
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 41 AFSA NEWS
years. The size of the board, Proposed Bylaw Amendment to Rightsize the high frequency of its AFSA Governing Board meetings, and the resources required to sta and run it were highlighted as problem areas in an outside consul- Attention AFSA Members: Statements in opposition The Governing Board tant’s 2012 review of AFSA The Governing Board has con- to the proposed bylaw amend- recommends members governance and operations. ducted a review of the AFSA ment must be signed by not support the amendments to In the report, the outside bylaws in accordance with its less than 10 AFSA members Sections 4 and 5 of Article V consultant recommended 2013-2015 strategic plan. The in good standing and must be as proposed. reviewing the organization’s Board is proposing one bylaw received by close of busi- governance, noting that amendment that, if passed by ness on January 16, 2015. Size of Governing Board the previous two Governing the membership, would take They must be sent by mail to: Background Boards had commented on eect in 2017. Chair, AFSA Committee on The current bylaws state the Board’s large size. Membership last approved Elections, 2101 E Street, NW, that each AFSA constituency The board has grown from bylaw amendments in 2012 Washington, D.C., 20037, or by is allotted one representa- eight members in 1974 to 21 to facilitate electronic voting, fax to (202) 338-6820 or by tive to the Governing Board members in 1991 to 29 mem- to modify the Board eligibility email to [email protected]. for each 1,000 constituents, bers at present. During the requirements and to make a or fraction thereof, who are same period, the membership technical change to the name Explanation of members of AFSA. According of AFSA has grown from 7,000 of the Scholarship Commit- Proposed Changes from to this formula, the current in March 1975 to 16,450 today. tee. The process of amending the Governing Board AFSA Board has a total of The Board’s growth outpaces bylaws requires notification Following review, the Gov- 29 members. The reform growth in membership and to the AFSA membership, a erning Board found one issue envisioned by the Governing has resulted in a Governing 45-day period for submission for bylaw reform, which, if Board would change the for- Board of record size. Note: of statements in opposition, approved by the membership, mula and reduce a vote of the membership would necessitate amending the number of and two-thirds approval of two sections of the bylaws. At members to 19. those voting. The full process its November 5, 2014, meet- The Gov- is found in Article IX of the ing, the Governing Board ernance and AFSA bylaws at www.afsa.org/ voted to solicit member Executive Com- bylaws. It is the responsibility feedback through The Foreign mittees have dis- of the AFSA Committee on Service Journal of a bylaw cussed at length Elections to conduct polling. amendment to reduce the the ineciencies The following schedule has size of the Governing Board posed by a large been set: from 29 to 19 members. governing board. It is hoped that Dates Action a proposed December 1, 2014 Proposed amendments announced reduction of the to membership number of mem- January 16, 2015 Deadline for statements in opposition bers might help to proposed changes to alleviate some Mid-April 2015 Sending of ballots, together with any of the diculties statements for or against the proposed associated with amendments by mail and email a large board June 4, 2015 Bylaw amendment ballots tabulated and bring it back July 1, 2015 Governing Board endorses results of to the more bylaw poll reported by the Committee on Elections manageable levels of past
42 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS
AFSA is a union as well as a agency must have at tion is greater than half, professional association, a least one representa- and ensure the election of hybrid that requires special tive on the Board. an alternate representa- considerations. Each AFSA tive without voting rights agency constituency, regard- Proposal to Rightsize for FAS and FCS. less of size, must be allotted A new Governing Article V, Section 5 at least one vote on the board. Board is proposed (b) would have to be Most of the Board’s growth with 19 positions. amended as well to reflect has occurred in the last two This would bring the the fact that the alternate years. The Foreign Service, board back in line with FAS and FCS representa- primarily at State and USAID, historic averages while tives would only vote in grew extraordinarily in the still allowing for some AFSA Governing Board first decade of the 21st cen- agency and retiree meetings in the absence tury due to the large hiring growth. The reduc- of the respective con- increases associated with tion would impact all stituency Vice President. the Diplomatic Readiness agencies equally and (Exact changes in lan- Initiative, Diplomacy 3.0 and preserve approxi- guage are spelled out in the Development Leader- mate relative voting the box on p.54) ship Initiative (see graph strengths. It would The constituency above). These large personnel take eect in the voting strength is based increases have ended and 2017 Election Cycle on the relative weights of are not likely to resume in and no current board constituencies as com- the current budget climate. member would be pared to the size of the Meanwhile, AFSA also began aected. It also pro- Governing Board less the representing Foreign Service vides for an alternate three AFSA-wide elected employees at APHIS, which representative without vot- have to be amended. The positions (President, Trea- resulted in an additional seat ing rights for FAS and FCS. amendment would increase surer, and Secretary). These on the Governing Board. Two bylaw articles would the representation ratio to three positions theoretically Because elected ocials need to be amended to one representative for every can come from any con- have a duty to represent their accomplish a new board size. 2,000 members or fraction stituency and thus are not members’ interests, each Article V, Section 4 (b) would thereof, so long as the frac- Continued on page 54
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 43 STATE VP VOICE | BY MATTHEW ASADA AFSA NEWS
Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA State VP. Contact: [email protected] | (202) 647-8160 | @matthewasada
Mental Health and the Foreign Service
Today, more colleagues are ees could receive prolonged Clinical Social Medical and Security serving at more high-threat, exposure treatment con- Workers Clearances austere and significant hard- sisting of 8 to 10 in-house In March, while visiting col- Employees often ask about ship posts than ever before. sessions. leagues in Kabul and Islam- potential negative conse- AFSA is working to ensure This intensive treatment, abad, I had the opportunity to quences of disclosing mental that members receive the coupled with a six-month rein- meet with a Foreign Service health issues. However, the language and security aware- tegration program, ensured clinical social worker. medical and security clear- ness training necessary to that employees received in- The Service currently has ance processes are con- safely and eectively engage house assistance from prac- five social workers on limited ducted completely indepen- while overseas, and the men- titioners familiar with Foreign non-career appointments dently of one another. tal and physical care they Service employment. Each serving in Baghdad, Kabul Counseling is provided need while there and when year, approximately a dozen and Islamabad, in addition to on a confidential basis, with they return. or so employees have availed the regional medical ocers a disclosure exception for In 2013, Mental Health of this in-house assistance. and regional medical psychia- employees believed to be a Services—under the Utilizing best practices trists covering the region. danger to self, others or our Oce of Medical Services and guidelines recommended These medical profession- national security. umbrella—was reorganized by the American Psychiatric als serve on the front lines As Sec. Kerry has stated, to focus more attention on Association and the Depart- ensuring that employees “No one at the department the mental health needs of ment of Veterans Aairs receive the mental care and has lost a clearance because employees and their families. National Center for PTSD, the assistance required. The he or she sought mental The Employee Consulta- Oce of Medical Services is department introduced the health counseling or treat- tion Service was split into improving the comprehen- social workers in 2005, and ment.” the Employee Assistance sive diagnosis and treatment they have been well received See “Mental Health” in Program and the Deployment of employees with deploy- by post management, the October 2010 edition of Stress Management Program, ment stress-related medical, employees and MED. State Magazine (www.bit.ly/ and a separate Child and neurologic and psychiatric AFSA welcomes these StateMag1010) for more on Family Program. conditions. new members to the Service mental health and security MED is developing referral and encourages the depart- clearances. Deployment Stress networks for employees, both ment to consider expanding The Foreign Service is Management Program in the Washington, D.C., area their presence to the other unique, and AFSA is working In 2007, Congress directed and at other nationally recog- high-threat, high-risk posts. to ensure that we have access the State Department to nized centers of excellence. Moreover, if and when posts to the best in-house and establish a unique program AFSA encourages MED go through authorized or external resources necessary for Foreign Service members to continue to review these ordered departures (or, as to support our employees. en route to or returning from changes and their impact on in the case of Baghdad, a Moreover, in the event that high-threat, high-risk posts. the quality of care for employ- “temporary relocation”), MED an employee is physically or The result is the Deployment ees. We believe it is impor- and AFSA strongly support mentally injured overseas, Stress Management Pro- tant that employees have mission management’s inclu- he or she must know that gram, which covers the entire access to the best resources, sion of these individuals on the State Department will do deployment cycle. whether in house or through the minimal stang lists. everything it can to provide In September, AFSA external partners, to address It is exactly in those more the protections, care and discussed with Employee “the sacrifices and strains of stressful situations that their administrative leave autho- Consultation Service sta the work we’ve all chosen to services are most needed. rized in department regula- their outreach eorts and do together”—as Secretary of tions (3 FAM 3464.5). n employee assistance pro- State John Kerry wrote in his Next Month: Marijuana grams. At that time employ- May 2013 letter to employees. Decriminalization, Legalization and the Foreign Service
44 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL USAID VP VOICE | BY SHARON WAYNE AFSA NEWS
Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA USAID VP. Contact: [email protected] or (202) 712-1631
USAID Promotions, ‘Promo-gate’ and Progress on Transparency
About this time last year ing them to focus on the work familiar with the magnitude of resources, processes and I wrote an article for the they were hired to do. the reporting, justifying and procedures are put in place, December 2013 FSJ titled Unfortunately, things tracking required on USAID should not be unexpected. “USAID Needs a Transparent went terribly wrong this last projects. The other reason for Promotions Process.” In it, I promotion cycle. The USAID From a professional hope is that HR accepted the focused on the importance Foreign Service promotion list perspective, it’s clear that if blame. You can learn from a of clear agency communica- that was released included HR were a USAID program, it mistake only after you admit tions regarding the promotion the names of 12 FSOs who would be time to start seeing you made it. The fact that process. were ineligible for promotion. progress. the new HR leadership team The lack of transparency At the same time, it omitted I feel a mixture of sadness put aside its pride, and both and published statistics leads the names of nine FSOs who and anger as I wonder how publicly apologized and indi- employees to doubt the integ- should have been on the list. USAID can take its greatest vidually reached out to those rity of the entire procedure The mistake was caught early, asset for granted, which is aected, is encouraging. and gives rise to unrealistic but not early enough to pre- what is suggested by the neg- If the HR leadership has expectations. Eventually, this vent the roller coaster ride of ligence that resulted in what the integrity and fortitude leads to disillusionment and anguish and disillusionment many have called “promo- to admit its mistakes, it may declining morale. over such negligence. ga t e .” also have the integrity and It’s only logical that these It is perhaps necessary I cling to the hope that we fortitude to see envisioned factors, in turn, cause a drop to repeat: if employees are are still heading in the right improvements through to in productivity and a higher to believe the promotion direction for two reasons. One fruition. turnover of USAID’s work- process is fair, the integrity is that the most common and HR has informed AFSA that force, as employees look for of the process is extremely often most dicult challenge as a result of the December more mutually beneficial and important; and the belief that to organizational growth is 2013 article, they have been respectful work environments. the promotion process is fair establishing the necessary in the process of gathering After that article was pub- is of utmost importance to processes and structures to statistics with the intent to lished, feedback from USAID’s employee morale, loyalty and accommodate that growth. publish promotion data that Oce of Human Resources retention. With the recent hiring mirrors that published by the was inspiring. They seemed to In March 2013, Administra- of roughly 60 percent of State Department. If that is “get it” and were committed tor Rajiv Shah welcomed a our workforce, it would not the case, then by the time this to better communications, new human resources team, be irrational to predict that column is published, USAID to publishing promotion data which included a Civil Service things could get worse before promotion statistics should be and to developing career director, a Civil Service deputy they get better. Burnout (and available. paths for USAID’s Foreign and a Foreign Service deputy. associated errors) in this tran- It’s time to start seeing Service ocers. This was a controversial move sition stage before sucient progress and results. n In a perfect world, I’d be because the HR director posi- writing about the plethora of tion had previously been filled AFSA IS NOW ON FLICKR information and helpful points by a Foreign Service ocer. This summer, AFSA joined the photo-sharing of contact now available to The main argument for this social site Flickr in an eort to make photos from assist the agency’s FSOs with change was that bringing in an AFSA events more widely available. Flickr makes it easy the logistics of their career. HR professional would better to download copies of photos directly from the site, and With this in place, our FSOs serve USAID’s talent force. social sharing is also available. You can even comment on would feel confident that their Development professionals photos, and help us identify anyone pictured. Feel free to agency is fair and transpar- know better than anyone that browse the selection at www.flickr.com/americanforeign ent and that it values their change doesn’t happen over- service. dedicated service, thus free- night. They are also intimately
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 45 RETIREE VP VOICE | BY LARRY COHEN AFSA NEWS
Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA Retiree VP. Contact: [email protected] or (703) 437-7881
It’s That Gift-Giving Time of Year Again
Like most parents and grand- dar year you can give up to taxable estate, you retain of a college education. parents, I am concerned $14,000 to any person and full control over the account, Remember, 529 funds about the financial security of not be subject to the gift tax. including the right to get your grow tax free. If the funds are my kids. The challenge they My mother recently gifted money back. withdrawn before being used face is no secret. A smaller each of her 10 grandchildren As the account owner, you for the beneficiary’s educa- and smaller share of govern- $5,000. But there was a designate the beneficiary— tion expenses, they become ment budgets goes to the stipulation: the money could be it a child or grandchild, taxable. younger generation as spend- be used for either paying a niece or nephew, or even Finally, in addition to ing on the elderly, especially down student loan debt yourself!—and you retain investing in family members, on healthcare, crowds out and/or placement in an IRA, complete control over the consider investing in another other expenditures. preferably a Roth IRA. (Note: funds in the account, includ- worthy cause, the AFSA As Catherine Rampell to be eligible to contribute ing distribution. Scholarship Fund. noted in the Washington Post, to an IRA, the person must You can change the benefi- A donation to the fund an increase in the share of receive earned income/com- ciary whenever you choose. enables Foreign Service high elderly in any jurisdiction cor- pensation equal to or greater Once you set up a 529 college school students to continue relates to a significant reduc- than the amount of the IRA savings plan, other family their academic achievement tion in education spending contribution.) members and friends can as undergraduates. More per child. And thanks to the Think about it. With a Roth also contribute. This is a great information about this can baby boomers, we are seeing IRA, a child of 25 will accrue way for families to come be found at www.afsa.org/ more elderly around. four-plus decades of tax-free together to help give the gift scholar. n Meanwhile, millennials earnings on the account by are increasingly saddled with the time he or she retires. An investment of $10,000 in year unsustainable student loan REMINDER: zero yields $217,200 after debt. Their wages, if they NOMINATIONS FOR 40 years at just an 8 percent receive any, are often stag- DISSENT AWARDS nant. Ever-increasing housing return rate. costs may make any kind of Suppose you are about AFSA proudly recognizes constructive dissent within home ownership out of reach to have a grandchild. Set- the system with four separate awards. for many. Pension plans are ting aside just $1,000 in The W. Averell Harriman Award is for entry-level almost extinct in the private an investment returning 12 (FS-6 through FS-4) ocers; the William R. Rivkin sector. percent—an ambitious target, Award is for mid-level (FS-3 through FS-1) ocers; Meanwhile, retirement certainly—would accrue $1.6 the Christian A. Herter Award is for Senior Foreign plans for new federal employ- million when the child turns Service ocers; and the F. Allen “Tex” Harris Award ANNOUNCEMENT ees are significantly less 65. Talk about a gift that is for Foreign Service specialists. generous than the plans we keeps on giving! Recipients receive prize money and travel currently enjoy. Without help, If the child has no earned expenses to attend and be honored at a ceremony in our children and grandchil- income, consider contribut- June in the Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Reception dren confront steeper climbs ing to his or her 529 Educa- Room at the State Department. than we faced to a comfort- tion Savings Plan. The cost Nominate someone—or yourself!—for one of able retirement. of a college education will no these awards. The nomination deadline is Feb. 28, I oer a suggestion for doubt continue its inexorable 2015. For more details on the awards, and to sub- parents and grandparents. climb. For those who are mit an online nomination, visit www.afsa.org/dis- Take a step back from ordi- reluctant, remember 529 sent. Please contact Special Awards and Outreach nary holiday consumption plans have a unique advan- Coordinator Perri Green, at [email protected] or (202) and make a real investment tage. While the value of the 719-9700, for more information. in their future. In a calen- account is removed from your
46 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS
AFSA ON THE HILL this cannot become “the new normal” for confirmations, AFSA Advocacy for Ambassadorial and that these positions—and Nominees Builds Relationships on the Hill the career nominees chosen to fill them—cannot be used as political pawns. As the “Voice of the Foreign dorial-level positions. We also morale. We do believe, however, Service,” AFSA addresses heard from our members, • Our members know bet- that because of the strong issues of importance to our both nominees themselves ter than anyone the impor- support the Foreign Service members working around the and those serving at mis- tance of building relationships has enjoyed from both sides world. These advocacy eorts sions around the world, about with host-country counter- of the aisle, the situation will include such issues as over- the impact and scope of the parts and conversely, the be resolved. seas comparability pay, safety problem. damage done by the message AFSA has used the oppor- and security, U.S. state taxes AFSA took this opportunity sent by vacant chief-of-mis- tunity presented by this public and pet travel policies. to remind senators and their sion positions. discussion to build important AFSA’s sta and elected sta of the importance of the As foreign aairs experts, relationships on Capitol Hill, leadership work diligently work done by ambassadors— our members know how as well as with new partners in to clearly communicate our as leaders of embassy sta, as important it is for the U.S. to the business community and positions on Capitol Hill and representatives of the Ameri- have its full complement of the military. with local ocials, as well as can people and as diplomats. diplomats when addressing These relationships will with the White House and We felt strongly that we the major issues in a crisis, have a long-term, positive the leadership of the foreign could not allow the impor- ironing out details of a trade impact for our members as aairs agencies. tance of these positions to be agreement or building an we move forward on this and As diverse as the issues called into question, which alliance to contend with a many other key issues by are, so are the ways we seek was the eect of delaying common enemy. They spend building AFSA brand aware- to resolve them—through confirmations. A chief of much time trying to explain ness and enhancing the meetings and negotiations, mission is the highest ranking to host country interlocu- understanding of the crucial by partnering with other executive at post and one of tors why they don’t have an work done by the women and organizations to amplify our the most senior positions to ambassador but can’t over- men of the Foreign Service. message, through calls to which members aspire. come the skepticism. Advocacy is cumulative action where we ask members Over the last several • Our members also and holistic. Communication to express their concern on months, we’ve had numerous watch as other countries with and advocacy work hand-in- particular issues, or through meetings with U.S. Senators ambassadors get the access glove to represent the inter- bringing public attention to a and their stas, during which they may not be able to get; ests of our members. Should problem. We use the approach we’ve made the following and as other countries’ busi- you have any suggestions that will produce the best pos- points: nesses and investors go on or questions, or if you are sible outcome for the Foreign • Though our members the oensive. (China, Russia, interested in knowing more Service. work diligently in the absence Brazil build key business rela- about or taking action on this Earlier this year, one issue of a confirmed ambassador, tionships in growing econo- or other topics impacting on our list of concerns cap- the strain is great. We’ve mies in Africa, while we stand members of the Foreign Ser- tured media and public atten- heard from many of you about on the sidelines.) vice and their families, please tion: the backlog of career the stress and disruption this • Failing to act on these contact us at advocacy@afsa. ambassadorial nominees has caused. nominations suggests that org. n awaiting confirmation in the • While waiting for the our country’s leadership does —Javier Cuebas, United States Senate. new chief of mission, many not value the contributions of Director of Advocacy As AFSA regularly tracks initiatives—and the ocers those at the top ranks of the Kristen Fernekes, the nominations and confir- working on them—find them- Foreign Service or the impor- Director of Communications mations for these positions, selves in a holding pattern, tance of diplomacy. we noticed the ballooning which, over time, may have a In our meetings on the Hill number of unfilled ambassa- negative impact on embassy we have also made clear that
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 47 AFSA NEWS
Reflecting on AFSA’s Good CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Stewardship in Its 90th Year SINCLAIRE AWARDS We are now accepting nominations for the 2014 BY IAN HOUSTON, AFSA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Matilda W. Sinclaire Language Award, which recog- nizes outstanding accomplishment in the study of Category III or IV languages and their associated Ringing in a new year is are and why we exist. What cultures. Nomination deadline is Dec. 24. conducive to goal setting, but the 90th year allowed me to AFSA is proud to recognize Foreign Service there must be a clear moment do was to reconnect with our employees for dedication and hard work in the study of reflection just as a year past and the many individuals of foreign languages. comes to a close. As I reflect who have committed so much ANNOUNCEMENT Candidates may be nominated by their language- over the 90th anniversary energy to building the organi- training supervisors at FSI, instructors in the field year, I see an organization zation we know today. schools or post language ocers. Recipients receive that continued to be a good Both the history of AFSA a $1,000 prize and certificate of recognition. steward of financial and sta- and the Foreign Service must For further information, please contact AFSA’s ing resources. inform the mission going Coordinator for Special Awards and Outreach Perri AFSA remained commit- forward. We cannot eectively Green at [email protected] or (202) 719-9700. Go to ted to promoting innovation, achieve goals if we are not www.afsa.org/sinclaire for more information. deepening services and willing to defend and honor advancing issues of direct our past and those on whose interest to the membership. shoulders it rests. And so Of course, there is always for me there is great joy and AFSA LAUNCHES THE room for improvement, and inspiration in being able to 2015 ESSAY CONTEST a healthy organization must listen to firsthand accounts of always seek to identify weak- those early days when AFSA AFSA is pleased to announce the 2015 National High nesses so as to strengthen became the ocial represen- School Essay Contest. The contest was established in those areas. It was not tative of the Foreign Service. 1999 and encourages students to think critically about unusual for the great golfer Especially during this the key role diplomacy plays in the world. Ben Hogan to go out and season, allow me to express AFSA sees the contest as a way to inspire and practice at the driving range devout thanks and gratitude empower the next generation of diplomats and devel- only hours after winning to the many who have built opment professionals. major championships. AFSA and have protected Students who are U.S. citizens and whose parents
In reality there are many the integrity of the Foreign ANNOUNCEMENT are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to partici- demands on AFSA, and, Service over decades. It is a pate if they are in grades 9 through 12 in any of the 50 consequently, there can be pleasure to serve you and play states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if constant pull to reach beyond a modest role in building on they are attending high school overseas. the fundamentals of who we your vision. n The winner will receive $2,500, a trip to Washing- ton, D.C., to meet the Secretary of State and a full- tuition scholarship for a Semester at Sea voyage. The Please Join AFSA for its runner-up will receive a full scholarship to participate Holiday Open House in the International Diplomacy program of the National at the Department of State Student Leadership Conference. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014 • 2 to 5 p.m. The deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. EST on March 15, Harry S Truman Building, Room 1251 2015. Details and this year’s essay topic can be found at www.afsa.org/essaycontest. For more information, please contact AFSA’s Coordinator for Special Awards and Outreach Perri Green at [email protected] or (202) 719-9700.
48 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS
President Silverman Addresses Local Groups COURTESY OF CFFS OF COURTESY Carolina Friends of the Foreign Service attendees from left: Ambassador David Litt, Betsy Malpass, Sue Lefes, Linda Jay, Ambassador Frank Crigler, Ann Sides, AFSA President Robert Silverman, Bill Lefes, Sharon Epstein, H.R. Malpass, June Kunesman, Eric Kunesman, Calista Moon, and Bart Moon.
AFSA President Robert J. Sil- retiree AFSA members for verman spoke with regional their volunteer commitment retiree and other interest to the organization. He spoke groups about the state of the of AFSA’s eorts to advocate Foreign Service and the work for reform of the Reemployed AFSA is doing on its behalf. Annuitant (WAE) program On Sept. 24, Silverman and make it more transpar- launched the 2014-2015 ent. speaker season for the With a total of 16,500 Foreign Aairs Retirees of members, AFSA counts Northern Virginia group. Sil- nearly 80 percent of active- verman addressed FARNOVA duty and one quarter of all on AFSA’s eorts on the Hill, retiree Foreign Service mem- including its work to get the bers as members. backlog of ambassadorial Silverman also addressed nominees confirmed and its the Carolina Friends of the advocacy for Overseas Com- Foreign Service in Durham, parability Pay funding. N.C., on Oct. 23. The CFFS He also discussed AFSA’s is dedicated to promot- eorts regarding the admin- ing a better understanding istration’s proposal to replace of foreign policy–related the Consumer Price Index for issues. Its members include pension adjustments with a present and former Foreign “chained CPI,” which AFSA Service members, as well as calculates would reduce military and other govern- the average Foreign Service ment employees and others pension by $17,000 over 20 interested in foreign aairs years. AFSA helped defeat and public diplomacy. n this proposal in 2013, but it —Debra Blome may return. Associate Editor Silverman commended
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 49 AFSA NEWS
ticular position, is normally ODP position. In return, the AFSA Acts to a pre-requisite for placing a department does not require Protect Integrity of Civil Service employee in a a “certificate of need” for the Foreign Service position (see pre-approved positions. FS Assignments System sidebar). AFSA has applied con- BY MATTHEW ASADA, STATE VP AFSA has consistently sistent criteria in evaluating supported this pilot program positions for inclusion based for Civil Service employees on position uniqueness, lan- AFSA is concerned by recent Service employees without as a way to provide them guage designation, respon- State Department actions requiring a “certificate of with overseas experience to sibilities, and overall Foreign that undermine the integrity need.” strengthen their Civil Service Service position supply and of the Foreign Service Assign- A certificate of need, careers. demand. ments System, specifically its which states that there is In accordance with the The Foreign Service Act violation of the procedures no qualified Foreign Service ODP agreement, AFSA provides that positions des- governing the pilot Overseas employee with required approves each and every ignated as Foreign Service Development Program negoti- knowledge, skills and abilities position before the depart- positions “normally shall be ated between AFSA and the available to fill the par- ment may designate it as an filled by the assignment of department. members of the Service to In October, AFSA sent a those positions.” Over the message by telegram (State The Foreign Aairs Manual regulation regarding the Cer- years AFSA has negotiated 11312), AFSA email and tificate of Need clearly states that the department must the FAM provisions governing Department Notice calling provide AFSA, which is “the Foreign Service’s exclusive the assignment of persons on the department to list the representative,” with a signed Certificate of Need before from outside the Foreign Ser- FS-2 Iran Watcher position the selected non-Foreign Service candidate is paneled. vice to FS positions overseas in London during the current (see 3 FAM 2293). bidding season because the 3 FAM 2295 CERTIFICATE OF NEED These provisions protect position does not fit the crite- (CT:PER-726; 04-18-2014) the integrity of the assign- ria governing the Overseas (State Only) ments process and ensure Development Program. (Applies to Foreign Service and Civil Service employ- that the department com- As of publication, the ees) plies with the requirements department had not yet a. A Certificate of Need is required when the Depart- of the Foreign Service Act. listed the position in the ment fills a position with an exceptional circumstance AFSA monitors the num- summer bid list despite the candidate or fills a volunteer cable position with a Civil ber of assignments, overseas fact that there are a number Service employee. and domestic, and the num- of qualified Foreign Service b. The Certificate of Need must: ber of bidders to ensure that employees, several of whom (1) Describe the measures taken to find Foreign Ser- there are enough opportuni- already have the required vice candidates to fill the position; ties to meet the personal and language proficiency and (2) Acknowledge that no bids were received from professional development regional experience. members of the Foreign Service when the position needs of members of the was advertised for 15 days or, alternatively, provide an Service. Some Background explanation by the Director General as to why he or she Two years ago, AFSA determined the Foreign Service bids received were not The London Iran agreed to the State Depart- from suitable bidders; and Watcher Position ment’s proposal to establish (3) Explain why the Director General found that the At its Oct. 1 meeting, a two-year pilot Overseas selected candidate was best suited to fill the position. AFSA’s Governing Board Development Program. This c. The Department will provide the signed Certificate passed a unanimous motion program would designate a of Need to the Foreign Service’s exclusive representative strongly objecting to the small number (20) of over- two working days in advance of the selected candidate’s department’s decision seas Foreign Service posi- being paneled into the position. regarding the FS-2 Iran tions for one-time fills by Civil Watcher position in London
50 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS
(IROG Position Number the one year of language 67700008). training to an employee The Iran Watcher program who can take a three-year was launched, in part, to assignment and has the develop a cadre of Farsi- possibility of additional speaking Foreign Service overseas language-desig- employees to sta our nated assignments in the overseas missions and in future (i.e., a Foreign Service anticipation of any potential ocer), rather than choose re-establishment of diplo- an employee who is limited matic relations with Iran. to a single two-year overseas In AFSA’s view, this posi- assignment (i.e., through tion should be available to the Overseas Development all eligible Foreign Service Program). bidders. It is not an appropri- AFSA is working on an ate position to include in the implementation dispute Overseas Development Pro- regarding a breach of con- gram because of its unique- tract on this matter. AFSA ness, its Farsi-language also reminds the department designation and the signifi- of its obligation to abide by cant number of interested, the merit principles govern- qualified Foreign Service ing the Foreign Service and bidders for the position. Civil Service personnel sys- The London slot is the tems and the prohibition of only Iran Watcher position in any candidate pre-selection. an English-speaking country. Any Overseas Development Moreover, from a taxpayer’s Program position that is perspective, it is a better properly listed should be return on investment for the subject to free and fair com- U.S. government to provide petition. n
APPLY FOR AFSA YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS
The children of AFSA members (active duty or retired) can apply for college aid! Graduating high school seniors can apply for $2,500 academic and art merit awards, and current undergraduates can apply for need-based financial aid scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. The merit award program submission deadline is ANNOUNCEMENT Feb. 6, 2015, and the need-based financial aid scholar- ship submission deadline is March 6, 2015. Not all who submit an application will receive an award. Visit www.afsa.org/scholar for details, or contact AFSA Scholarship Director Lori Dec at (202) 944-5504 or [email protected].
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 51 AFSA NEWS
Call for Nominations • Continued from page 41 2. All nominations must be submitted in writing by letter, subchapter - (i) on the part of any management ocial or cable, fax or email. To be valid, they must, without exception, confidential employee; (ii) on the part of any individual who be received at this address no later than 5 p.m. on February 2, has served as a management ocial or confidential employee 2015. All written nominations must be addressed to the AFSA during the preceding two years; or (iii) on the part of any other Elections Committee, 2101 E Street N.W., Washington, D.C., employee if the participation or activity would result in a con- 20037. Members overseas can send “AFSA Channel” cables flict of interest or apparent conflict of interest or would oth- marked for delivery to the AFSA Elections Committee. Email erwise be incompatible with law or with the ocial functions nominations can be sent to [email protected]. Faxed nomina- of such employee; and (B) service as a management ocial tions can be sent to (202) 338-8244. or confidential employee is prohibited on the part of any 3. Nominations must be accompanied by evidence of eligi- individual having participated in the management of a labor bility (i.e., dues paid as of February 2, 2015). organization for purposes of collective bargaining or having 4. Nominations may be submitted individually or in slates. acted as a representative of a labor organization during the To qualify as a slate, a proposed slate must have a minimum preceding two years. (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(A) of four candidates from at least two constituencies. Slate (ii) and paragraph (1)(B), the term ‘management ocial’ does designations will be noted on the ballot. not include - (A) any chief of mission; (B) any principal ocer or deputy principal ocer; (C) any administrative or person- Qualifications for Governing Board Membership. Indi- nel ocer abroad; or (D) any individual described in section viduals meeting the following qualifications are eligible for 4102(12)(B), (C), or (D) of this title who is not involved in the nomination to one of the available positions: administration of this subchapter or in the formulation of the 1. The individual must be an AFSA regular member in good personnel policies and programs of the Department.” standing by February 2, 2015, and remain in good standing b. Section 1002 (12), 22 USC 4102(12) of the Foreign Ser- through the election process and, if elected, for his or her vice Act defines a management ocial as “an individual who: term of oce. is a chief of mission or principal ocer; occupies a position 2. The individual must not have a conflict of interest as of comparable importance to chief of mission or principal defined in Section 1017(e) of the Foreign Service Act. Please ocer; is serving as a deputy to the foregoing positions; is see the “Conflicts of Interest” section below for more informa- assigned to the Oce of the Inspector General; or is engaged tion. in labor-management relations or the formulation of person- nel policies and programs of a foreign aairs agency.” Conflicts of Interest. Section 1017(e) of the Foreign Ser- c. Section 1002 (6), 22 USC 4102(6) of the Act defines a vice Act restricts employees serving in certain positions within confidential employee as “an employee who acts in a confi- their agencies from participating in labor-management issues dential capacity with respect to an individual who formulates while serving on the Governing Board. Management ocials or eectuates management policies in labor-management and confidential employees, as well as those in positions that relations.” Employees who may have a conflict of interest or may raise or appear to raise a conflict of interest (as defined potential conflict of interest include those who are “engaged below) when the new Governing Board takes oce on July 15, in personnel work in other than a purely clerical capacity” may not participate in Governing Board discussion, delibera- (for example, employees assigned to non-clerical positions tions or decisions relating to labor-management issues. They within the HR Bureau) and “employees engaged in criminal may participate in AFSA Board activities that do not relate or national security investigations of other employees or who to labor-management issues. The Foreign Service Act also audit the work of individuals to ensure that their functions are imposes a two-year pre- and post-AFSA “cooling o” period discharged honestly and with integrity” (such as employees on employees who occupied or will occupy positions within assigned to DS investigative units or those assigned to the their agency that involve labor-management relations or the OIG). See Section 1012(1) and (2), 22 USC 4112(1) and (2) of formulation of personnel policies and programs of a foreign the Foreign Service Act. aairs agency. As discussed above, the Foreign Service Act precludes a. Section 1017(e) of the Act, 22 USC 4117(e) states: “Par- these categories of individuals from participating in labor- ticipation in labor organizations restricted. (1) Notwithstand- management issues while serving on the Governing Board. ing any other provision of this subchapter—(A) participation The Foreign Service Act also imposes a two-year pre and in the management of a labor organization for purposes of post “cooling o period” which restricts the movement of For- collective bargaining or acting as a representative of a labor eign Service employees between certain positions on the AFSA organization for such purposes is prohibited under this Governing Board and certain Washington-based positions.
52 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS
• Pre-AFSA restrictions: Any individual who has served: 1) in a full-time AFSA position (President, State VP, USAID VP, FCS a management position in Washington in which he or she has VP, FAS VP) must also identify the agency position they will be engaged in labor-management relations or the formulation serving in beginning on July 15, 2015, when the Board takes of personnel policies and programs; or 2) as a confidential oce. This information is necessary to ensure compliance with employee to one of these management ocials within two section 1017(e) of the Foreign Service Act. years prior to taking oce in AFSA, is precluded from par- ticipating in labor-management issues while serving on the Campaigning Governing Board. 1. Campaign Statements. All candidates will be given the • Post-AFSA restrictions: Employees who have participated opportunity to submit campaign statements for dissemina- in collective bargaining while serving on the AFSA Governing tion to AFSA members with the election ballots. Further infor- Board may not serve: 1) in a management position in Washing- mation regarding such statements and editorial deadlines will ton that involves labor-management relations or the formula- be contained in the “Instructions to Candidates,” which will tion of personnel policies and programs; or 2) as a confidential be posted by the Elections Committee on the AFSA website employee to such management positions, for two years after (www.afsa.org/elections/) by December 12, 2014. leaving AFSA. Members should consider these restrictions 2. Supplementary Statements. Should candidates wish before deciding whether to run for AFSA Governing Board to mail supplementary statements to the membership, AFSA positions covered by these restrictions. will make its membership mailing list or address labels avail- Please direct questions regarding this issue to Sharon Papp, able to the candidate upon request and at their expense. General Counsel, by email: [email protected]. All other elec- Further information on this and other campaign procedures tion-related queries should be addressed to the Committee on will be included in the “Instructions to Candidates” men- Elections by email: [email protected]. tioned above. In addition to the above, due to AFSA eorts to educate 3. Other Methods of Communication. Department of Congress on issues related to Foreign Service conditions of Labor requirements prohibit individuals from using govern- employment, legislative proposals and other issues directly ment resources (including email accounts) to campaign for impacting the Foreign Service, employees serving in congres- AFSA positions. sional fellowships may not serve on the AFSA Governing Board. A conflict or potential conflict of interest exists between their Voting position in AFSA and their ocial duties. AFSA members serv- Ballots will be distributed on or about April 15, 2015, to ing as congressional fellows may run for the AFSA Governing each regular AFSA member as of March 16, 2015. Candidates Board provided their fellowship ends before the incoming or their representatives may observe the ballot distribution board takes oce on July 15, 2015. process if they so desire. Each member may cast one vote for President, Secretary, Treasurer and, in addition, one vote for a Accepting a Nomination constituency Vice President and each Representative position 1. A nominee can indicate his or her acceptance of a nomi- in the member’s constituency. nation by written response to the Committee on Elections Regular members may cast their votes for candidates (using the same addresses indicated above under “Nominating listed on the ocial ballot, or by writing in the name(s) of Candidates”). Following receipt of nominations, an authorized member(s) eligible as of March 16, 2015, or by doing both. representative of the Committee on Elections will promptly To be valid, a ballot must be received by 8:00 a.m. on June communicate with each nominee (excluding members who 4, 2015, either (i) at the address indicated on the envelope nominate themselves) to confirm their willingness to be a accompanying the ballot or (ii) by online vote. More detailed candidate. Nominees must confirm their acceptance in writing balloting instructions will accompany the ballots. (using the same addresses indicated above under “Nominat- ing Candidates”) to the Committee on Elections no later than Vote Counting and Announcement of Results 17:00 EST on February 13, 2015. Any nominee whose written On or about June 4, 2015, the Elections Committee will acceptance of nomination is not received by the Committee oversee the ballot tabulation and declare elected the candidate on Elections by this time will be considered to have declined receiving the greatest number of votes for each position. Can- candidacy. didates or their representatives may be present during the tally 2. All candidates accepting a nomination must identify the and may challenge the validity of any vote or the eligibility of position or positions they have filled for the past two years any voter. The committee will inform candidates individually of prior to accepting the nomination. All candidates not seeking the election results by the swiftest possible Continued on page 54
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 53 AFSA NEWS
Call for Nominations • Continued from page 53 Proposed Bylaw Amendment • Continued from page 43
means and will publish the names of all elected candidates in Language for Changes on Board Size the next issue of The Foreign Service Journal. The elected candi- and Composition dates will take oce on July 15, 2015, as provided in the bylaws. The Committee on Election members and supporting sta Article V members may be reached at [email protected]. The Governing Board Section 4. Manner of Election: Elections Committee Sta Members Each constituency having a minimum of 100 members Members Ian Houston— as of the end of the month prior to the issuance of the call Hon. Robert W. Farrand, Chair Executive Director for nominations shall be entitled to a constituency vice Jenna Bucha Sharon Papp— president. In addition, each constituency shall be entitled to Mort Dworken General Counsel one representative for every 2,000 each 1,000 members or Russell Knight Janet Hedrick— fraction thereof, so long as the fraction is greater than half, as Andrea Strano Director, Member Services n of the end of the month prior to the issuance of the call for nominations, provided that any constituency that for three consecutive months has a membership which would on that date have entitled it to an additional representative shall have an additional representative, who shall be appointed by the REMINDER: board. Every agency shall have at least a Vice President, or if the NOMINATIONS FOR minimum is not reached, a representative on the Board. Agen- PERFORMANCE AWARDS cies with only a Vice President shall elect an alternate represen- AFSA is now accepting nominations for one of its five tative who may vote and participate in the absence of the Vice awards recognizing exemplary performance. President as designated. The Nelson B. Delavan Award recognizes the work Section 5. Meetings and Voting: of a Foreign Service Oce Management Specialist. (b) Voting: Each board member shall have one vote, with the The M. Juanita Guess Award is conferred on a exception of the alternate representatives described in Sec- Community Liaison Oce Coordinator who has dem- tion 4, who may only vote and participate in the absence of the
ANNOUNCEMENT onstrated outstanding leadership. Vice President as designated. A majority of the members of The Avis Bohlen Award honors the volunteer the board shall constitute a quorum and must be present for accomplishments of a family member of a Foreign any vote. Board members who will be outside the Wash- Service employee at post. ington area for a board meeting may leave a written proxy The AFSA Achievement and Contributions to with another board member who shall vote that proxy in the Association Award is for active-duty and retired accordance with the wishes of the absent member or, absent members of AFSA. indication of such preferences, in accordance with his or her The Post Rep of the Year Award is for the AFSA own preference. post representative who demonstrates sustained and Note: The language of the proposed amendment has been successful engagement with AFSA membership at indicated in strikethrough text and italics. post. Recipients are presented with a monetary prize included in voting strength (29 – 3 = 26). Similarly, the and are honored at a ceremony in June in the Benja- calculations. voting strength of the State min Franklin Diplomatic Reception Room at the State For example, the current constituency under the new Department. voting strength of the State proposal would be calculated Deadline for nominations is Feb. 28, 2015. For details constituency is calculated by dividing the total number on the awards and to submit an online nomination, go by dividing the total number of constituency votes to www.afsa.org/performance. Contact Special Awards of constituency votes (11 + (6 + State Vice President = 7) and Outreach Coordinator Perri Green, at green@afsa. State Vice President = 12) by the size of the Board less org or (202) 719-9700, for more information. by the size of the Board less the three at-large ocers the three at-large ocers (19 – 3 = 16). n
54 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS
Why Ethics Matter in the Foreign Service
On Oct. 9, AFSA hosted an Anthony Gray, Foreign Service Profession event on “Why Ethics Matter president of the and Ethics recently released in the Foreign Service.” Institute for Global the results of a survey it Ethics, addressed Anthony J. Gray, the AFSA in October. undertook to assess FS president and chief execu- members’ thinking in regard tive ocer at the Institute to ethical decision-making in for Global Ethics in Camden, their profession. Maine, spoke on professional More than 70 percent ethics writ large and how they of the 1,300 respondents apply to the Foreign Service. support developing a code of Gray outlined the points to ethics for the Foreign Service. consider: Is having an ethical To read the full report, go to framework necessary for a www.bit.ly/FS_Ethics. profession? Should the For- Gray’s talk, as well as the AFSA/DEBRA BLOME AFSA/DEBRA eign Service have a separate question-and-answer session and uniform code of ethics? for Global Ethics, Gray served improved the global com- that followed, can be viewed How would it be applied and as global compliance ocer pliance culture within the at www.bit.ly/EthicsTalk. n enforced? at Sikorsky Aircraft Corpora- organization. —Debra Blome, Before joining the Institute tion, where he significantly AFSA’s Committee for the Associate Editor
AFSA SHARES FEDERAL HEALTH PLAN OPEN SEASON GUIDE
AFSA is pleased to provide online access to the 2015 Consumer Checkbook Guide to Federal Health Plans. This member benefit can be accessed at www.afsa.org/retiree. Click on the banner at the top of the page, and you will be directed to AFSA’s Consumer Checkbook page. There is no need to log in, as the link is specific to AFSA for all our members. The link is now active and will remain so for the duration of Open Season, which runs
NEWSBRIEF through Dec. 8.
JOIN AFSA’S SPEAKERS BUREAU
AFSA’s long-running Speakers Bureau is always looking for new recruits. The bureau acts as a placement service of sorts for Foreign Service members who are interested in speaking opportunities in their communities. Groups from all over the country—World Aairs Councils, Rotary/Kiwanis/Lions clubs, church and civic groups, universities, etc.—contact AFSA to request a speaker in their area on international aairs topics. AFSA then acts as a go-between, connecting the organization with potential speakers who fit the bill. Over the years, AFSA has worked on hundreds of such placements, and we are always looking to do more to help tell the story of the Foreign Service and educate the American public about the importance of diplomacy and development. To sign up, please visit www.afsa.org/speakers, and fill out the form as thoroughly as possible. The more we know ANNOUNCEMENT about you, the easier it is to match you with a speaking opportunity. We know that Foreign Service members are best equipped to tell their story to the public. Please help us do so, and sign up!
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 55 EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
American College Rankings HOW THEY WORK AND WHAT THEY MEAN
This in-depth look at U.S. college rankings oers a fresh perspective on the high school student’s college search and a wealth of resources to help find the “right” school.
BY FRANCESCA KELLY
ust as your high school U.S. News & World Report’s published, it has become enormously student begins his senior Golden Egg successful, and U.S. News has expanded year, guess what pops up on U.S. News began ranking colleges back rankings to include high schools, graduate the newsstand? at’s right; in 1983, based on a simple questionnaire schools and other institutions, as well as a it’s the U.S. News & World sent to college presidents asking which new “Best Global Universities” list. eir Report annual special issue colleges they considered “the best.” In Education Web page receives 30 million Jof America’s top colleges. 1987, the publication became a stand- visits per month. Started 30 years ago, this list of ranked alone, annual issue of the magazine, and U.S. News o ers a list of about 1,800 colleges has become a huge phenomenon colleges began to take notice and demand colleges and universities, which constitute among high school seniors, their parents, more objective methodology. U.S. News roughly half of the total number of higher alumni, and the colleges and universities then expanded its opinion survey to learning institutions in the United States. themselves. Although newer lists now include deans and administrators, and ese are divided into four categories: exist, published by Washington Monthly added criteria such as SAT scores of appli- • National liberal arts colleges and others, the U.S. News rankings are still cants and the colleges’ retention rates. • National universities the most popular. Over the years, the magazine’s editors • Regional colleges (North, South, But how helpful are they? Let’s take have met regularly with college o cials, Midwest and West) them apart to see how they work. en guidance counselors and others in an • Regional universities (North, South, we’ll look at some alternative lists of U.S. e ort to respond to criticism, revise their Midwest and West) colleges that may be more useful in nd- methodology and expand their market. ing the right school. Since the “Best Colleges” list was rst What’s In the U.S. News Ranking? Francesca Kelly is a freelance writer, editor and college application tutor. She served as AFSA e following factors go into deter- News editor from 2009 to 2012 and is a frequent contributor to the Journal. She is married to mining a college’s score, and hence, its Ambassador Ian Kelly, an FSO since 1985. ranking. Each factor’s weight is given as a
56 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL
EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
The success of the U.S. News rankings Financial Resources (10 percent). is is not about how much money a col- has spawned other ranking indexes from lege has, but how much it spends on each other publications, news entities and student for instruction, research and stu- college-related organizations. dent services. Spi y dorms and Olympic- sized swimming pools don’t factor into this measurement. percentage of the score. determining rank, this comprises several Graduation Rate Performance (7.5 Academic Reputation (22.5 per- components: average class size and percent). is is a relatively new factor, cent). is is based on peer assessment, faculty salaries, as well as student-faculty only in its second year. What this spe- with surveys collecting data from college ratio, highest degree in eld, etc. ci cally measures is a class’s actual rate administrators and faculty, as well as high Student Selectivity (12.5 percent). of graduation compared to what was school guidance counselors. Also using multifaceted methodology, predicted for that class six years earlier. Retention (22.5 percent). Eighty per- student selectivity incorporates SAT and Students’ test scores and nancial aid are cent of this factor is based on the six-year ACT scores for an entering freshman class factored into the equation, since these have graduation rate, and 20 percent on the (65 percent), as well as class rank, with an e ect on the timeliness of graduation. freshman retention rate. a higher standard for national than for Alumni Giving Rate (5 percent). is Faculty Resources (20 percent). regional entities. e acceptance rate is is considered an indication of alumni One of the most complicated factors in also a factor in selectivity. satisfaction.
58 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL
EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
Colleges that choose not to take part now online, as well. Here is a selection of universities, private liberal arts colleges in the rankings may still end up on the some of those resources. Varying widely and public universities. ere are charts list: U.S. News footnotes them as “non- in methodology and focus, they are listed detailing average amount of debt after responders,” but gathers data on them alphabetically. graduation by school, for example. from other sources, including the Ameri- Fiske is available as a printed guide- Money Magazine recently introduced can Association of University Professors, book and also as a useful college search rankings that measure which schools give the National Collegiate Athletic Associa- website where you can search colleges by you the most bang for your tuition buck, tion, the Council for Aid to Education di erent categories and do a self-survey to focusing on quality of education, a ord- and the U.S. Department of Education’s help narrow down choices. ability and outcomes. National Center for Education Statistics. Forbes has ranked colleges using a e New York Times’ Upshot section methodology that is based more on out- ventured into alternative college rankings Other College Rankings comes than on applicant quali cations. earlier this year, focusing on colleges that e success of the U.S. News rank- Calling the U.S. News rankings “abstract” enroll students who are economically ings has spawned other ranking indexes and “wasteful,” Forbes’ list is centered on diverse. from other publications, news entities return on investment, with student satis- Niche’s education portion of their and college-related organizations. And, faction and post-graduate success among website (formerly College Prowler) offers of course, college guidebooks like Fiske, the biggest factors. rankings that are based on student assess- Peterson, Princeton Review and others Kiplinger focuses its attention on “best ments and cover a variety of factors. that have been around for decades are value” institutions, divided into private Peterson’s has been providing college
60 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL From the FSJ Education Supplement June 2014 The Revamped SAT: A Much-Needed Overhaul or Cosmetic Surgery? BY FRANCESCA HUEMER KELLY
f you’re a student, a parent or even a grandparent, most likely and Writing, and Math, will oer the traditional score range of Iyou’ve encountered the SAT. For much of its century-long 200-800. The optional essay score will be added separately. The existence, this multiple-choice test that aims to assess academic optional essay will require more text-based analysis than in the readiness for higher education has been one of the keys to college past. admission. • Vocabulary words will be more familiar, less arcane. The While a student’s high school grade-point average is still the College Board stresses that the test will emphasize a student’s most important part of the college application, colleges also use interpretation of the meaning of the word in context. SAT results in evaluating applicants. • America’s important founding documents and meaningful Once called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, then the Scholastic texts will be used as a part of every SAT exam. Assessment Test, it’s now simply the SAT™. For decades a two- • The Mathematics section will be more focused, drawing part (Reading and Mathematics) test, the SAT incorporated a from fewer math sub-genres. The College Board has renamed the mandatory Writing section in 2005. three subsections of the Math component “Problem-Solving and Recently, the College Board, the nonprofit corporation that Data Analysis,” “The Heart of Algebra” and “Passport to Advanced oversees the SAT, announced that the biggest revamp in its history Math.” The focus will be on real-life math skills such as calculating will be implemented in the spring of 2016. The SAT will reflect percentages and ratios, along with a few representative geometry more of what is actually being learned in America’s schools, and and trigonometry questions. the College Board will make test preparation accessible to stu- • Wrong answers will no longer be penalized. dents of all income levels. • Free SAT test preparation will be available immediately Here are the details: through a joint venture with the Khan Academy. • The entire process will be more transparent. The College Board is moving away from using obscure texts, tricky questions Francesca Huemer Kelly, a Foreign Service spouse, is a writer and unfamiliar vocabulary. and college essay tutor living in Highland Park, Illinois. She writes • The writing portion will become optional, and scoring will frequently on education issues and is a former editor of AFSA News. return to its pre-2005 potential total of 1,600 rather than 2,400. To see the complete article, including a resources list, go to www.afsa. Each of the two required sections, Evidence-Based Reading org/education
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 61 EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
Although the media are making a fuss over tions of higher learning, is a destination for data-heads and guidance counselors the new U.S. News global rankings, London- who want a complete library of college based Times Higher Education has also data and statistics. been ranking global universities for years. What About Global Rankings? In late October, U.S. News released a search information for a long time, and for the country.” Washington Monthly’s new ranking index of the 500 top univer- its website o ers practical college search website states: “We rate schools based on sities worldwide. Although many of the tools, such as colleges listed by geography their contribution to the public good in criteria used in the methodology remain and major. three broad categories: Social Mobility subjective, such as “global reputation,” Princeton Review has a list for every- (recruiting and graduating low-income some of the U.S.-centric factors simply do thing: best campus food, best professors, students), Research (producing cutting- not work when ranking schools in other etc. Both their books and their website are edge scholarship and Ph.D.s) and Service countries, often because data such as student-oriented. (encouraging students to give something selectivity are not measured by foreign Washington Monthly came up with back to their country).” is year, they also universities. alternative rankings a few years ago, tout- included a list of worst colleges. U.S. News relied heavily on omson- ing a list that “asks not what colleges can Wintergreen Orchard House, one of Reuters’ Academic Reputation Survey, do for you, but what colleges are doing the main compilers of statistics for institu- which measures such factors as number of
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doctorates awarded, number of publica- lights those American universities that Wouldn’t college ranking indexes be a tions from faculty, etc. may have a better reputation worldwide. good place to start? Interestingly, while Princeton often Although the media are making a fuss e answer is a very quali ed yes, as gets the sought-after number one spot on over the new U.S. News global rankings, long as you understand that rankings are the U.S. rankings list, Harvard came out on London-based Times Higher Education only a small part of a much bigger picture. top in this index, followed by three more has also been ranking global universities Mona Molarsky, an education and arts U.S. institutions: Massachusetts Institute for years. Seven out of the top 10 schools writer who also counsels students as the of Technology, Berkeley and Stanford. on their list are American universities. online “College Strategist”explains: “Col- Oxford and Cambridge are also in the top Sound familiar? Note that its reliance lege rankings are mostly used by people 10, as well as Caltech, UCLA, the Univer- on omson-Reuters for data means that who aren’t very familiar with the edu- sity of Chicago and Columbia University. the U.S. News’ new global list is more or cational landscape in the United States. Because research and publications are less identical to the THE list. Other lesser- If you consult these rankings with the heavily weighted, small American liberal known lists of global universities can be understanding that the numbers are really arts colleges don’t stand much of a chance found online, as well. just crude, ballpark estimates, you can get of getting ranked here. a general idea of a school’s reputation.” Perusing this list may be of value to the Putting Rankings in Perspective Molarsky admits that using the rank- Foreign Service dependent who wants to So you live overseas, and you’ve got ings as a basis for comparison between expand his or her educational opportuni- to narrow down your choices for col- schools might encourage a student to “dig ties beyond the United States. It also spot- lege without a whole lot of knowledge. further,” but cautions against taking the
From the FSJ Education Supplement December 2013 The Revised Common App BY FRANCESCA KELLY
he Common Application, or “Common App” (www.common ■ College Page One (general information needed by the col- Tapp.org), was designed 35 years ago by a group of 15 col- leges you are applying to. There will be one of these pages for leges as a way to streamline the American college application each of your colleges.) process. Since then, it has grown steadily in popularity each ■ College Page Two (an additional writing supplement if year, and more than 520 member institutions now utilize the required by your selected colleges) application. A tool like the Common App makes sense: appli- Although the Common App has been oered online since cations to colleges have increased exponentially in the past 1996, until this year it was also available in paper form for those decade; today most high school seniors apply to seven or more who eschewed the online process. But the current (2013–2014) schools. application season marks the start of a paperless, completely The new Common App includes the following sections, each Web-based process. of which can be filled out online and saved until the application With this change have come a number of other changes to is complete: the application. Of these, the most important are in the new ■ Profile (contacts, demographics, geography) Writing section, including revised prompts and a more generous ■ Family (household, parent/guardian, siblings) essay word length. ■ Education (current school, history, academics) That’s the good news. Unfortunately, the new Common App ■ Testing (results of college entrance and other exams) is also full of glitches—some merely inconvenient, others more ■ Activities (10 slots maximum, a new limitation) serious. More about those later. … ■ Essay (250-650 words in answer to one of five questions, or “prompts”) Francesca Kelly, a Foreign Service spouse, is a writer and col- ■ Explanations (a way to explain disciplinary actions, crimi- lege essay application tutor who writes frequently on education nal activity or interruption of education) issues. She is a former editor of AFSA News. To see the complete ■ Additional Information (optional, where you can provide article, with detailed pointers for FS students in particular, go to information not covered in the rest of the application) www.afsa.org/education
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One way the rankings can be helpful rankings competition will do little to is to allow students to compare their expand educational opportunity.” transcripts and admissions test scores Lies, Darn Lies, and Statistics with those of the “typical student” at a Colleges can manipulate rankings in many ways—some ethical, some not. For certain university. example, if a college wait-lists applicants whom they would ordinarily accept but rank of any particular college seriously: magazine that publishes its own college are not sure will attend, those students will “Should you base your college decision rankings), writer Andrew Kelly explains not count as “accepted students” unless on the fact that U.S. News ranked Williams that colleges can manipulate their stand- they decide to enroll. College #1 among national liberal arts col- ing in the rankings by raising tuition and As a result, the “percentage of accepted leges this year, while they ranked Haver- rejecting more applicants, thus making students who enroll” statistic, also known ford College #8? Absolutely not.” them more selective. as yield, which is used by many indexes, Many experts agree that rankings He adds: “As long as we continue to stays high for that college. Every college or “top college” lists are probably not a de ne ‘the best colleges’ as those that wants to be considered its students’ top good way to make a college decision, and enroll the best students—as opposed to choice, after all. some believe they are, in fact, harmful. In those that teach their students the most Other ways of manipulating statistics a recent article in Forbes (yes, the same or deliver the best return on investment— over the years have included o ering
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68 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL incentives to admitted students to retake SATs to get a higher score; not admitting students with lower scores until later in the year after data is submitted; and, of course, encouraging as many students as possible to apply, even if they have no hope of being admitted, simply so the school can reject more of them, upping its selectivity. Some schools have been found to conveniently “leave out” SAT and other admission test scores of their interna- tional applicants, as non-native English speakers tend to do poorly on these tests. Other schools have reported as an applicant anyone who had completed even part of their application, even if that student never actually applied. When colleges have been discovered to have deliberately falsi ed data, as Claremont-McKenna did a few years ago, they have been “punished” by being left o the list for a year. In the latest U.S. News “Best Colleges” list, Clare- mont-McKenna is back, with a coveted number-eight ranking among national liberal arts colleges. Even though U.S. News and other ranking indexes rely on independent data services to a certain extent, most of the data they receive is from the colleges themselves. Flagler College in Florida is the latest college among a growing list to have admitted to inating data such as SAT scores for the U.S. News rankings.
The Pressure of Rank As mentioned earlier, some colleges have chosen not to take part in ranking indexes. Reed College is perhaps the most notable, yet U.S. News still ranks it #77 of national liberal arts colleges, based on data gathered elsewhere—a rank some experts feel is meaningless. (Reed provides its own data on its website.) But most colleges do take part in at
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least some ranking indexes, devoting time, rst-year, degree-seeking applicants? a school that o ers double majors or time and resources to ll out surveys and A school that answered ‘no’ was listed as combined degree programs. questionnaires from data-compiling agen- ‘Unranked.’” cies. As cumbersome as it is to participate, Because methodology varies among What’s Missing? opting out may hurt a college or univer- ranking entities, some colleges fare better “College rankings are poor guides sity’s standing in the rankings, or even with one index than with another. For with regard to the one thing that should disqualify them altogether. example, among the data collected by really matter: Will this particular student In fact, not answering just one question many ranking indexes, graduation rate nd this school to be an optimal learning can keep a school from getting a rank. is perhaps the most common factor and environment? No ranking can answer Kristin McKinley, associate director of tends to be weighted the highest. that question,” argues George Leef, direc- research administration at Lawrence Uni- “Yet even this gure varies based on tor of research for the John William Pope versity, a small liberal arts college on the type and calculation,” says McKinley. “At Center for Higher Education. banks of the Fox River in leafy Appleton, our institution, we focus on a six-year rate, Decrying the idea of “elite” schools Wisconsin, explains: “For a school to be given we have a double-degree program that appear to o er a better education ranked in U.S. News Best Colleges (2015 and many of our students have more than than schools low on the ranking list, Leef edition), there was a single question deter- one major.” points out that many students learn more mining eligibility: Does your institution In other words, if a ranking index uses and better at small colleges whose profes- make use of SAT, ACT or SAT Subject Test a four-year rather than a six-year gradu- sors are more dedicated to teaching than scores in admission decisions for rst- ation rate, it would tend to work against to big-name research.
70 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Indeed, there are certain components to a successful college experience that are not going to appear in ranking indexes: for example, mentoring opportunities, whether the college is a “commuter school” and empties out on weekends, or is near or in a city with a rich cultural environment. Factors that are especially important for Foreign Service kids, such as how close the college is to stateside relatives, the cost of overseas airfare and how many interna- tional students there are on campus don’t show up in a ranking. Yet these are vital issues; they require more research than just looking at a number on a list.
What’s Good about Rankings? According to Northwestern University Associate Provost for University Enroll- ment Michael Mills, ranking indexes can be useful “if they measure meaningful aspects of the undergraduate experience, and are used in conjunction with all the sources of information about individual colleges.” Determining which experiences are meaningful is up to the individual, but Mills posits that they may include “small class sizes, academic credentials of enter- ing freshmen (learning from peers) and success rates (retention and graduation rates).” One way the rankings can be helpful is to allow students to compare their tran- scripts and admissions test scores with those of the “typical” student at a certain university. at will give a clearer idea of their chances of admission. Students can also use the lists as a jumping-o point, and then nd the spe- ci c indexes, using the sites listed above and others, to assess factors like geography, size or speci c programs in certain majors. Reading guidebooks and using websites such as About.com’s college search sec-
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tion allow a student to delve deeper than Pope, author of Colleges at Change individual student’s needs and how they simply perusing single lists of college Lives, and Washington Post educa- “ t” with the mission and identity of a rankings. tion columnist Jay Mathews, author of particular college community. Harvard Schmarvard, have argued along e CTCL website provides valuable On Prestige with others that a college’s name is not information, news and resources on cur- For better or for worse, in some circles enough to guarantee a good education, rent issues in higher education, as well there is still importance attached to pres- or at least, the right education for every as common misperceptions about the tige. Going to a “name” school, or at least individual. college search process. one that most people have heard of, may Pope’s very popular Colleges at Says one Foreign Service parent open certain doors, and students need to Change Lives inspired the nonpro t whose child went to a Virginia public consider that. organization by the same name. CTCL university, “I went to a ‘name’ school, Yes, we all know there are plenty is dedicated to the advancement and basically hated it, lived on bagels and of wonderful colleges out there where support of a student-centered college ramen, worked 20-plus hours a week the students get a fabulous education. But search process. Founded in 1998, it hosts entire time, and came out of it in debt.” if prestige is important to a student, information sessions nationwide and And parent Victoria Hess, whose son then the rankings do show what college coordinates outreach e orts with high Andrew attended the University of Wyo- administrators regard as the most elite school counselors and college coun- ming (ranked #161 on the U.S. News list of institutions. seling agencies to educate families on national universities), says, “To gradu- Yet prestige isn’t everything. Loren the importance of understanding an ate, he had to pass a rigorous national
72 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL engineering exam. He would have had to pass the same exam at Johns Hopkins (ranked #12), where he also was accepted, but which he rejected due to cost. And at Wyoming, Andrew found a mentor— someone who really cared about him.”
Are Rankings Changing? In a 2013 speech at the State Uni- versity of New York-Bu alo, President Barack Obama declared a crisis in college a ordability and the need for restructur- ing, including a new ratings system for colleges based on return on investment. Washington Monthly, which started “alternative” rankings in 2005, immedi- ately welcomed this news as in line with their own philosophy. e trend toward value for money in college ranking indexes is on the upswing. Washington Monthly’s methodology, for example, favors more public institutions than elite private ones, and applauds colleges like Berea College, which awards every admitted student a scholarship covering tuition. Other college rankings indexes are starting to shift their focus to value of investment, as well. And why shouldn’t they, when college expenses run into the tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars? For that reason and others, choosing a college is generally the rst major deci- sion a young adult makes. And it’s a very personal decision. A short glance over the rankings can be helpful. But you can lose perspective quickly and buy into the too-prevalent idea that an “elite” college is the only worthwhile place for your education. As college strategist Molarsky says, “It’s important to take all these numbers with a big grain of salt, because it’s really impossible to quantify the quality of an education.” n
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 73 SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE Go to our webpage at www.afsa.org/education
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76 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 77 SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE Go to our webpage at www.afsa.org/education
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Have You Considered Boarding School?
The boarding school option has much to oer Foreign Service kids.
BY LAWRENCE JENSEN
ews of an overseas less to do with the excitement of going ing school, Alex Moreno feels that his posting brings much abroad with his family, than it did with international experiences have helped excitement and his ability to maintain a measure of him to understand the angst of being the planning for a diplo- constancy in his life. Like many other new kid in school: “I know that adjusting matic family. When children with parents working abroad, to new surroundings is sometimes not children are part of this student chose an American boarding easy for some kids, and I like to reach out Nthe equation, a discussion about educa- school. and use what I’ve learned about settling tional options invariably begins: What in. Living in di erent cultures has helped are the schools like in our new country? An International Atmosphere me to be open-minded and exible.” What about college placement? How safe e Association of Boarding Schools Student Max Monical has had a simi- will life be for my child in our new post? lists tens of thousands of students in lar experience. Because many cultures Will my child be comfortable in his or member schools, most of them in the and nationalities can be found on a single her new environment? Are we ready, as United States. Nearly half of the board- dormitory hall, Max believes, “anyone a family, to consider other educational ing students in these schools are from can t in. I tend to try to bring di erent options? countries outside the U.S., and many of cliques together as much as I can. I feel Continuity and social stability for the students who carry American pass- safe and con dent, because the teachers teens in the family is often a major ports are the children of parents working encourage us to pursue our interests.” concern, one that drives lots of dinner- abroad. Max’s sister Samantha led the way to time discussion. “Another move? You’re e international “feel” of a board- boarding school, arriving a year ahead kidding me, right?” one student recalls ing school campus o ers a measure of of him. When it was his turn, he con- exclaiming to his parents at news of an familiarity to diplomatic dependents, fesses to having had some reservations upcoming post change. “It was just too because their worldviews give them the about boarding school life: “To be frank, much,” he added. “I really felt divided. ability to adapt to their new surroundings I dreaded the idea, because I thought it Living abroad was appealing, but at the quickly and easily, and to make friends would be strict and that I would have no same time, I wanted to stay stateside.” anywhere. freedom. I couldn’t wait to get back to For this student, the discussion had A senior prefect at his Virginia board- school this year.”
Lawrence Jensen is director of admission at Christchurch School in Saluda, Virginia. Continued on p. 84
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The ABCs of Education Allowances BY PAMELA WARD
mployees of government field trips, computers or school uniforms boarding school student. agencies assigned overseas are not covered, even if required by the All funding for education is Eare granted allowances to help school. processed by the financial manage- defray the cost of an education for Parents may also elect to home- ment ocer at the post where the their children in kindergarten through school their children while at post, employee is assigned. At some posts 12th grade, one equivalent to that using a home study program or a virtual the embassy or consulate works very provided by public school systems in online educational program. They closely with the school or schools, and the United States. will receive an allowance to purchase the billing is handled directly. In other In most cases, posts abroad are materials and services while posted instances, the employee will pay a served by one or more English-lan- abroad, but this allowance will not be school fee, or pay for an airline ticket guage, American curriculum schools. continued if they are reassigned to the or storage, and then submit bills to the The majority of these are nongovern- United States. FMO for reimbursement. Although a mental, nonprofit, nondenominational, If a foreign country does not have a student may start school at the begin- independent schools, usually with a secular, English-language school with ning of a semester if a parent has been board of directors establishing policy an American curriculum, or has such a ocially assigned to a post, the parent and a superintendent, headmaster or school that goes only through certain may not be reimbursed for any school principal as the senior administrator. grades, an away-from-post or “board- expenses until he or she arrives at post. Even though these schools may be ing school” allowance is provided. A There are several oces in the called American, they are not entities lump sum, varying from post to post, is Department of State prepared to help of the U.S. government and space allotted to cover the estimated cost of you understand how the educational is not guaranteed for U.S. embassy tuition, room, board and travel to post allowances work, and what choices you children. during school vacations. Parents may have for your children. These include Some receive government grants choose the boarding school they prefer. the Oce of Overseas Schools (www. for specific purposes, but these grants There is no special funding for parents state.gov/m/a/os), the Oce of Allow- represent a small percentage of their or students to visit schools in advance ances (www.state.gov/m/a/als) and overall budget. Children of many of application or for an interview, even if the Family Liaison Oce (www.state. nationalities attend these schools— one is required. Some schools will agree gov/m/dghr/flo/c1958.htm). including, in most schools, a significant to do an interview via Skype or Facetime. We hope that you will get in touch percentage of host-country students. The allowance will not be paid for a child with us if you have any questions The allowances for a specific post to attend a school in the United States about your situation. Although these are determined by the fees charged by if there is a parent (natural, adoptive oces are part of the Department of a school identified as providing a basic or step) residing there, because the State, the same allowances apply to U.S.-type education. Parents may use assumption in that case is that the child most civilian federal employees under this allowance to send their children to could attend a public school. chief-of-mission authority overseas. a dierent school of their choice—say, The U.S. government does not pro- For information or assistance contact a parochial or foreign-language institu- vide an allowance for college or other [email protected] or call tion—as long as the cost does not post-secondary education. However, (202) 647-1076. exceed that of the “base” school. If the one round-trip per year to post is pro- alternative school is more expensive vided for students studying at universi- Pamela Ward is a former regional than the “base” school, the dierence ties in the United States through the education o cer in the State Depart- would be an out-of-pocket expense for Educational Travel Allowance. In 2006, ment’s O ce of Overseas Schools. the parents. Congress amended the statute to oer She served previously as the educa- An allowance covers only expenses this allowance to students studying at tion and youth o cer in the Family for those services usually available universities abroad. Also allowed is the Liaison O ce. Her article, originally without cost in American public shipment of 250 pounds of unaccom- published in the June 2007 FSJ, has schools, including tuition, transporta- panied air baggage or the equivalent been updated to reflect developments tion and textbooks. Fees for lunches, cost in storage for each college or since then.
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His point of view is an interesting addition, the study found that boarding features and services for students whose one, but not that unique: he loves the school students spent twice as much parents live far away. An international personal independence he has found in time outside of class with teachers and student o ce, or a dean charged with boarding school, but at the same time coaches than did students in public boarding student management, is deci- he misses some of the freedoms of life schools. sive in creating and maintaining pro- at home. “My days are structured and grams that are important to a boarder. busy,” he notes, “but in my free time, I Special Features and Services Weekend activities, health care, can hang out with my friends, work out Not surprisingly, 86 percent of board- supervision, dormitory and food all head in the tness center, go on weekend ing school students report being “very the list of topics of interest for board- shopping trips and to dances at other satis ed” with their family lives, even ing students, but especially for those for schools.” though they did not live at home. Clearly, whom the campus is their home away In an exhaustive study of boarding the sense of community, the academic from home. school students, graduates and their rigor and the dedication of the adults in When Samantha arrived at board- parents, TABS found that 87 percent of boarding schools are all valuable. ing school, she was uncertain about boarding school alumni report being Schools that are primarily board- how—and even whether—the “day” “very well prepared” for college. In ing institutions will tend to o er more students (those who live locally, and do
84 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL From the FSJ Education Supplement June 2011 Promoting Your Child’s Emotional Health BY REBECCA GRAPPO
espite the spread of globalization and the sharp Dincrease in the size of the American expatriate population around the world, a clear understanding of the emotional and psychological demands and implica- tions of an internationally mobile lifestyle—for children, in particular—is still at a premium. And, at one time or another, most Foreign Service parents ask themselves the same questions: What am I doing to my kid? Is this globally nomadic lifestyle a good thing or a bad thing? There are no right or wrong answers to these ques- tions; but there are ways to protect and promote the emotional well-being and resilience of internationally mobile children. This is excerpted from the article by the same title by Rebecca Grappo, an FS spouse and certified educational planner. The complete article can be accessed online at www.afsa.org/educationarticles.
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Many boarding schools have some sort should consider it,” says Alex, with Samantha and Max nodding in agree- of host-family program that connects ment. day families with boarding students. If you are considering boarding school for your child, contact the Family Liaison O ce’s Education and Youth team at the U.S. Department of State. Leah not board) would interact with boarders. boarding and day students. Wallace, FLO’s Education and Youth “Many of my friends are day students, An adviser who is up-to-date about O cer, encourages all families under and they are just great,” she smiles. various aspects of the boarding students’ chief of mission authority to contact FLO. Many boarding schools have some lives is another important element, as Wallace adds, “FLO can happily assist sort of host-family program that connects well as the teachers who live on campus, with your boarding school selection and day families with boarding students. and whose focus is the well-being of the navigation through the allowance regula- Such host families can be excellent boarders. tions.” resources for boarders, welcoming them All three students say that they miss For more information, email FLO- into their homes during short breaks and their parents, but feel supported and [email protected] or visit FLO’s weekends and attending plays and sports inspired by a community that is focused website at www.state.gov/m/dghr/o. n contests to cheer on the boarders. ey on their progress and success. “Anyone can also be an important link between who can go to boarding school really
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From the FSJ Education Supplement June 2013 Thinking Through Educational Options For Your Foreign Service Child BY REBECCA GRAPPO
t’s hard to predict how a teenager will Here are some of the things to con- Ireact to the idea of an international sider: move. Some see it as a grand adven- Size ture and look forward to the change of Curriculum lifestyle with eagerness and enthusiasm. Extracurricular activities Yet many parents worry that they might Peer group face the opposite reaction: open mutiny, School culture complete with accusations of ruining the College counseling child’s life. Of course, the reaction could Safety also be somewhere in between—or both, depending on the day. For a full discussion of each of these Each teenager is dierent, but one aspects of choosing a school, as well as thing is universal: choosing a school is a discussion of the types of schools and not only about feeding the mind, but also alternative approaches that are available feeding the young person’s appropriate to meet the particular needs of FS kids, go social and emotional development. That to afsa.org/educationarticles to access the makes it a doubly important decision, complete article. one for which consideration of the child’s resilience is essential. Rebecca Grappo is a certified educa- Though there are many bench- tional planner and the founder of RNG marks for determining the suitability International Educational consultants, LLC. of a school, it is important to keep in Married to a retired career Foreign Service mind that every individual has their own ocer, she has raised their three children needs. A school that is great for one stu- internationally. dent may be a disaster for another.
From the FSJ Education Supplement December 2013 A Parent’s Guide to Psychoeducational Evaluations BY CHAD C. NELSON s parents, we strive to help our chil- For Foreign Service families, in Adren as much as possible. Despite particular, psychoeducational evalu- our best eorts, however, we may see ation may help identify academic our children struggling in areas. intervention and accommodations that These struggles may occur early in a may be necessary for children enter- child’s development, manifested as di¥- ing or continuing on in American and culty understanding directions, learning international schools around the world, to read or managing social interactions. as well as transitioning from one school For others, the challenge may arise as to the other. For FS children who are a child progresses in age, whether it beginning to make the transition to involves reading comprehension, com- college, evaluation may help identify pleting tests in the allotted time period, accommodations that may be neces- attending to tasks or organizing tasks sary in college. Evaluation can also help and materials. students prepare for higher education Despite assistance, these struggles by identifying the ways in which they may persist, leaving parents, children learn most e¥ciently. and teachers feeling frustrated or helpless. Under those circumstances, Chad C. Nelson is a licensed psycholo- psychoeducational evaluation may open gist in private practice in the Lutherville, the door to a greater understanding of Md., area. To see the complete article, go the child for everyone involved and help to www.afsa.org/education. point the way toward solutions.
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BOOKS
Still Ours to Lose access to follow the story in tions; the support for the detail back and forth across new Afghan army (late) e Wrong Enemy: America the border, making explicit without a parallel build- in Afghanistan, 2001-2014 the linkages that others ing of capacity in the civil Carlotta Gall, Houghton Mi in, have merely extrapolated. service and police; and 2014 $28.00/hardcover; $9.24/Kindle, She appears to have spent meddling in elections. 329 pages. almost as much time in She also points out the R K M Pakistan as Afghanistan, “lost opportunity” when, citing in very comprehen- just after the stunning Among the plethora of books coming out sive detail how Islamabad collapse of the Taliban on Afghanistan, Carlotta Gall’s stands has for decades sup- government in 2001, “many out for two reasons. ported militant proxies in Taliban members could First is the length of time she has put Afghanistan and India to have been persuaded to into covering the story—starting just keep its enemies o balance. rejoin Afghan society if they after 9/11 as a full-time New York Times is is the government, she writes, had not been pursued and arrested.” She journalist, but also in some ways going “that famously formed seven dierent adds, “Some of their leaders could have back another generation. Her father, Afghan mujahedeen parties to ght the been used to bring the bulk of the Tali- Sandy, published Afghanistan—Travels Soviet Union, so that none dominated ban movement to a negotiated peace.” with the Mujahideen in 1988 and gives the resistance.” It was a heavy read, and as an Afghan credit “to my daughter Carlotta, who She delves into Pakistani politics with veteran I was looking forward to the end. processed the words.” Carlotta’s under- sensitivity and depth, outlining the trag- But then, after the truly depress- standing of Afghanistan spans the better edy of missed opportunities to develop ing story (when considered against the part of three decades, and she has stayed a true civilian government, capably backdrop of Pakistani complicity) of the with the story while others have moved on, developing a true aection and respect for the Afghan people while com- Gall’s understanding of Afghanistan spans the better part ing to terms with their contradictions of three decades, and she has stayed with the story while and aws. others have moved on. Second is her emphasis on Pakistan. e book’s central thesis comes from a conversation with the late Ambas- led, and how the default of support demise of Osama bin Laden, Gall takes sador Richard Holbrooke, who coined for Islamic militancy played out, with an unexpected turn. In the nal chapter, the phrase that is its title: “We may be frequent negative blowback for Pakistan she relates how whole Afghan districts ghting the wrong enemy in the wrong itself. turned against the Taliban in the spring country.” She writes of the sanctuary in the of 2013, starting in Panjwayi, the move- Gall is not alone in stressing this tribal areas, and how the Taliban ment’s birthplace. point. Ambassador James Dobbins wrote recruited and pushed hundreds of young e now-functioning Afghan secu- in 2008 that unless Pakistan can be per- men to their deaths in Afghanistan while rity forces were anchoring the shift in suaded to stand down from its militant its leaders directed their aairs from vil- attitude that had been sparked in large meddling in Afghan aairs “there is little las in Peshawar. measure by Taliban excesses, and the likelihood that Afghanistan will ever be Gall doesn’t spare the coalition’s government was nally starting to work. capable of securing its own territory,” many missteps, reporting in painful “I had always believed the Afghans and Bing West covered similar ground detail the civilian casualties; the under- in southern Afghanistan did not want in e Wrong War: Grit, Strategy and the funding of the operation and the diver- the Taliban and one day would stand up Way Out of Afghanistan. sion of resources to Iraq; the cultural against them,” Gall writes, describing a Gall, however, uses her uncanny misunderstandings and miscommunica- Taliban movement that, as a result of the
90 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL surge and drone strikes, “was rotting at its core.” She closes, even more unexpect- edly, by marveling at “the changes the American intervention has wrought: the rebuilding, the modernity, the bright graduates in every oce.” No Pollyanna, she also notes that at the end of it all, the fundamentals of Afghanistan’s predicament remain: “a weak state, prey to ambitions of its neighbors and extremist Islamists.” But to Gall it is anything but lost. “Counterinsurgency is slow work,” she says matter-of-factly. “e United States and its NATO allies are departing with the job only half-done. A comprehensive eort to turn things around only began in 2010. e fruits were only starting to show in 2013, and progress remains fragile.” en she makes a statement that, given the rise of the Islamic State group, is prescient and haunting: “Militant Islamism is a juggernaut that cannot be turned o or turned away from. Pakistan is still exporting militant Islamism and terrorism, and will not stop once foreign forces leave its borders. e repercus- sions of the U.S. pullout are already inspiring Islamists, who are comparing it to the withdrawal of the Soviet Union after its debilitating war in Afghanistan. ey are the real enemy in this war and they have not nished ghting. ey fully intend to reclaim Afghanistan and have set their sights on horizons beyond.” In addition to the United States and NATO staying to see the mission through, her message is that Pakistan must “stand up to its responsibilities as a nuclear power and one of the world’s largest Muslim countries and stop spreading terrorism and fanaticism around the world.“ In my nal cable from Mazar-e-Sharif
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 91 in the spring of 2013 I wrote the follow- term view may be helpful. Soviet sources. ing: “As I complete a year as senior civil- Fortunately Peter Tom- e historical narrative ian representative to the nine provinces sen’s work is now widely illuminates the present. of northern Afghanistan, I see a region available as a republished But many readers will turn that continues to struggle to nd its foot- paperback and in ebook directly to the latter sections ing economically, whose security is still format with a revised covering the period from the tenuous, and which is ghting to nd a nal chapter. Soviet invasion of 1979 to the place in the nation’s political milieu. e Wars of Afghani- very recent past. “Nothing here is set. But everything stan is a timeless, great, ere is disarray on the is moving in the right direction, and meaty tome. And that is Afghan side throughout the some things could have actually passed a compliment. Its author 1980s—Khalq (Peoples) and the point of no return, all with a future did more than his share Parcham (Flag) wings of the marked by temporary setbacks, not col- of rotating in and out of Soviet-installed People’s Demo- lapse. I would be very surprised to return dicult posts as an FSO, lastly as ambas- cratic Party of Afghanistan brutally assas- in ve years and nd anything other than sador to Armenia. But, from 1989 to 1992 sinate each other. Factions of the seven another solid block of hard-won prog- he was George H. W. Bush’s special envoy Pakistani-anointed resistance parties ress.” to the Afghan resistance. In his early and those outside them routinely snipe I was writing from the much more retirement, it is to Afghanistan that he at more than ght their Soviet and PDPA hopeful north. If Gall, writing almost returns and digs in. opponents. Afghan disarray is matched exclusively from the south, sees that this ose who wish to understand the on the U.S. side by reactive and intensive contest is still in our interest to win, and present situation there could do no bet- shu ing of agencies and individuals. is still ours to lose, that is about as close ter than to dig into this book. First, sni Only Pakistan is consistent. It uses to hopefulness as one gets in this part of around the edges a bit: Contents, Maps a policy of playing both arsonist and the world, and probably worth heeding. and Photos, Introduction, Cast of Charac- reman inside Afghanistan. Islamabad ters, the Index. never lacks direct cross-border engage- Keith Mines is political counselor in Tel en begin reading, concentrating on ment, but is always fronted by preferred Aviv. He served in Kabul during the 2002 areas of particular interest. As you probe actors—rst Hezb-i-Islami (Gulbuddin loya jirga and was the U.S. senior civilian through the chapters, check the exten- Hekmatyar), then, after the Soviet with- representative in Mazar-e-Sharif from 2012 sive endnotes. e author has done his drawal and ultimate PDPA defeat, tilting to 2013. His previous postings include San homework. His personal perceptions are to Taliban (Mullah Omar) and the Quetta Salvador, Port-au-Prince, Budapest, Ottawa, well buttressed. Shura. Mexico City, Al Anbar (Iraq) and Washing- Too much detail? Read on. After the e closer the author comes to the ton, D.C. nail-biting Chapter 1 (Padshahgardi present, the more questions arise con- or “ruler rotation”), you may become cerning the relationship between State Illuminating the Present unexpectedly captivated. e texture of and CIA; CIA and Pakistan’s Inter-Ser- minutiae gives weight to the fabric of the vices Intelligence directorate (and CIA’s e Wars of Afghanistan: whole book. role as “mailman” to the latter); Paki- Messianic Terrorism, Tribal Con icts e book contains 25 chapters in four stan’s animus against India; and, nally, and the Failures of Great Powers major parts (Tribal Incubator, Fission, Pakistan’s implausible denial of support Peter Tomsen, Public A airs, 2013, Mission to the Mujahidin, and America for the Taliban. $25.99/paperback; $14.99/ebook, and Afghanistan) extending from distant Much of this is current history in the 853 pages. history to current events. e author making. Still, Tomsen’s book is the best R T H. E accessed important open-source materi- grounded guide through the thickets. als, as well as recently declassied State Readers today may jump to the As Afghanistan, yet again, enters a Department and CIA documents, and revised last chapter, “e Way Ahead.” confused and critical phase, a longer- materials made available from former Tomsen has written previously that a
92 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL peace negotiated by outsiders will never political grievances and unite behind hold, but there is a role for the United national and local administrations com- States. Here he posits admittedly ideal- mitted to good governance. ized proles of Pakistan and Afghanistan e recent trilingual imbroglio over in 2020. ere are modest but achievable election results, audit procedures, criteria measures that will assist in achieving for vote disqualications, and the roles these outcomes. of the president and the chief executive First, Tomsen urges the United States ocer could be just a new example of and its allies not to abandon Afghanistan these potentially disruptive grievances. to anarchy. e Ghani government’s At the moment, there seems some, but
Only Pakistan is consistent. It uses a policy of playing Moving? both arsonist and fireman inside Afghanistan.
signing of the Status of Forces Agree- perhaps not enough, positive movement ment and Bilateral Security Agreement, on the latter two issues. with continued salary support of Afghan Analysts may judge if the United national security forces, could be the rst States and its allies will nd the right mix of these measures. of steps to the idealized Afghanistan and Tomsen calls for reduced U.S. pres- Pakistan of 2020. ence in a lower-level anti–terrorism cam- Old Afghan hands, pre-9/11 and paign primarily run by Afghans. Here, those with more recent experience, will also, the SOFA and BSA will be helpful. In relish a good read, and place a well- a better world, a portion of current U.S. thumbed copy of Peter Tomsen’s Wars and allied funding could be turned to of Afghanistan in an honored place on development assistance delivered more their bookshelves next to another book of by Afghans than by U.S. troops. But such a similar weight, Louis DuPree’s classic, assistance is not viable in an insurgency. Afghanistan. n Take AFSA e issue remains security. Second, Pakistan must end its sup- omas H. Eighmy served as a geographer With You! port for radical Islamists on both sides and associate chief of party in the Ministry of of the border. e considerable mili- Planning for USAID’s Afghan Demographic Change your address online, tary, development and humanitarian Survey from 1971 to 1975. As a USAID assistance Islamabad has received from Foreign Service o cer, he was a health, visit us at www.afsa.org/ the United States has had little inuence education and regional a airs o cer in address on Pakistan’s actions. But the violence Islamabad and Peshawar for the Cross- Or Pakistan has fomented in Afghanistan, Border Humanitarian Assistance Program Send changes to: long after the Soviet withdrawal and from 1988 to 1992, which overlapped with AFSA Membership the collapse of the PDPA, now envelops Tomsen’s tour as special envoy to the Afghan Pakistan itself. resistance. He assisted in reopening the Department ird, chronically divided Afghan USAID mission in Kabul in 2002, and was 2101 E Street NW moderates and their followers need to an adviser to the International Foundation Washington, DC 20037 submerge long-standing ethnic and for Election Systems there in 2003.
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100 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL REFLECTIONS
informative sites that lled us in on the Unpacking Memories provenance of our pottery. e mark on our dinnerware (Tielsch BY DOUGLAS E. MORRIS Walbrzych—Made in Poland) indicated that it had been crafted in the seven- acking up, moving, then unpack- and the price he quoted was ridiculous. year period between 1945 and 1952 in a ing and settling into a new Little did he know that Kelly was one of the factory town in Poland (Walbrzych). But place are all part of the globally United States’ key negotiators at NATO. during World War II, it turns out, that Pnomadic life. is time, however, e poor guy did not know what hit town had had a di erent name (Altwas- while unpacking boxes in our apartment him and, as a result, the price started drop- ser) and was a part of a di erent country in Washington, D.C., I ended up uncover- ping dramatically. Eventually we got this (Germany). ing more than just stu . Lurking in the lovely set of Polish porcelain dinnerware More startling was the discovery that crumpled paper, hiding behind the bubble for less than half of the initial o ering. the factory in question had been run by wrap, were some things I had not been In and of itself, that makes for a ne slave labor during the war. At that time expecting: memories. memory—Kelly bargaining a professional they put out porcelain with a completely When I opened the boxes labeled market seller into submission. But that’s di erent mark (Tielsch Altwasser—Ger- “Polish Pottery” I thought I was simply not the end of the story. many). ankfully, that was not the mark unwrapping a set of dinnerware we picked In this age of the Internet, once we got on the bottom of our porcelain. up in Brussels. But once I started peeling home, we decided to check out what it e tale then took another interesting the paper o each plate, tea cup, saucer, was we had actually purchased. Noting twist when we found out that at the end bowl and serving platter, I was reminded the maker’s mark at the bottom of each of the war, as part of what they perceived of the afternoon my partner and I shared piece, we popped it into a search engine as their rightful reparations, the Rus- at the Place du Jeu de Balle, an eclectically and, after sifting through some Web-based sians had forcibly removed much of the rustic daily ea market made famous in detritus, eventually stumbled on some factory equipment and carted it back the Tintin books, as well as home. the recent lm “ e Secret However, showing incred- of the Unicorn” (directed by ible initiative, some of the Steven Spielberg). former German slave labor- Kelly and I had been look- ers, working in concert with ing for formal dinnerware the Polish owners, were able for a number of years, but to cobble together enough nothing seemed to catch her resources to keep the factory eye. at weekend, however, running. It seems that the in the middle of this bustling pottery we picked in the square, on a blanket spread Place du Jeu de Balle is the out on the ground, a dinner product of that creative and set captured her interest. enterprising ingenuity. e seller clearly thought ough moving from we were wide-eyed novices, place to place can get tedious at times, periodically we Douglas E. Morris is the partner uncover something much of a Foreign Service o cer. more important than the He has published eight travel objects we cart around the guides, including the latest revi- world: the precious memo- ries with which they are
sion to his book, Open Road’s Douglas E. Morris Best of Italy. A good find at the Place du Jeu de Balle in Brussels. imbued. n
THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 101 LOCAL LENS
BY BOB TETRO n BAMIYAN, AFGHANISTAN
he Buddhas of Bamiyan were two monumental statues of Tthe standing Buddha carved during the sixth century into the side of a sandstone cli in the Bamiyan valley in the Hazarajat region of central Afghanistan at an altitude of more than 8,000 feet. I took this photo of the larger, central statue—which was some 150 feet tall—in August 1977. I had taken a jeep trip from India, where I was posted, that took me up through Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, the Khyber Pass and Jalalabad, and into Kabul. ere, after hearing about the Bamiyan Buddhas, I caught what I recall as a rickety ight to see them. Tragically, these magni cent statues were dynamited and destroyed in March 2001 by the Taliban, on orders from leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, after the Taliban government declared that they were idols. n
Bob Tetro, a retired FSO with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, served in India, ailand, Den- mark and Sweden—the latter two including responsibility for Norway, Finland, Estonia and Latvia—in addition to Washing- ton, D.C. Following retirement in 2002, he has learned how to take photographs in the digital environment and has converted many slides and negative images from his extensive, international portfolio to digital formats.
Please submit your favorite, recent photograph to be featured in Local Lens. Images must be high resolution (at least 300 dpi at 8 x 10”) and must not be in print elsewhere. Please submit a short description of the scene/event, as well as your name, brief biodata and the type of camera used, to [email protected].
102 DECEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL