FS FICTION I F IS FOR FAILURE I FOIA FOIBLES
$3.50 / SEPTEMBER 2008 OREIGN ERVICE FJ O U R N A L S THE MAGAZINE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROFESSIONALS
THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING The U.S. Elections as Seen by Foreign Journalists
OREIGN ERVICE FJ O U R N A L S CONTENTS September 2008 Volume 85, No. 9
F OCUS ON The 2008 Elections
AFRICA SEEKS A TRUE FRIEND / 17 Barack Obama may be an “African son,” but there is strong support for John McCain’s candidacy on the continent. By Samuel Siringi
ARE CANADIANS READY FOR A LEAP OF FAITH? / 20 Amid their fascination with the Obama phenomenon, our neighbors to the north listen and worry. By Tim Harper
EGYPTIANS EXPECT A SHIFT IN STYLE, NOT SUBSTANCE / 25 Cover and inside illustration by Whatever the outcome in November, most Egyptians Frank Harris do not expect any major changes in bilateral relations. By Shohrat Aref
BUDAPEST’S BALANCING ACT / 29 PRESIDENT’S VIEWS / 5 No matter who wins, the upcoming U.S. presidential election is likely The Journey to improve the opinion of Hungarians about the United States. By John K. Naland By Ákos Beöthy
SPEAKING OUT / 13 TRADE IS CENTRAL FOR URUGUAY / 33 State’s Wrong Turn on the The debate in Latin America is mainly about whether it makes any Information Highway difference at all who moves into the White House in January. By Scott Rauland By Lucía Baldomir
OBAMAMANIA, GERMAN STYLE / 37 LETTER FROM Are Germans starting to realize that Barack Obama might not THE EDITOR / 16 be able to fulfill the high hopes they have projected onto him? By Steven Alan Honley By Cordula Meyer INDONESIANS HOPE FOR PARTNERSHIP / 41 REFLECTIONS / 88 The fact that Obama spent several years in Jakarta as a boy does Balkan Babas not mean Indonesians expect special treatment if he’s elected. By Stephanie Rowlands By Kurie Suditomo
LETTERS / 6 FS FICTION CYBERNOTES / 9 WHAT TO DO ABOUT GINA / 45 MARKETPLACE / 11 A single FS woman, Linda suddenly finds her life dramatically changed by a tragedy at home. BOOKS / 81 By Joan B. Odean INDEX TO ADVERTISERS / 86
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 3
OREIGN ERVICE CONTENTS FJ O U R N A L S
Editor STEVEN ALAN HONLEY Senior Editor SUSAN B. MAITRA F EATURES Associate Editor SHAWN DORMAN WHY THE “F” PROCESS DESERVES THAT GRADE / 51 Ad & Circulation Manager ED MILTENBERGER Tweaking the current foreign assistance planning process will not suffice. Business Manager Instead, the status quo must change significantly. ALICIA J. CAMPI By Dennis Shin, Charles Uphaus, Todd Shelton and Evan Elliott Art Director CARYN SUKO SMITH FOIA: DECLASSIFICATION AND ITS RAMIFICATIONS / 56 Editorial Intern ARIANA AUSTIN The creation and handling of classified information is only part of the life cycle Advertising Intern of official secrets. Here is a look at the other part. JOSEPH F. M ALEFATTO By David T. Jones EDITORIAL BOARD
TED WILKINSON Chairman PPRECIATION A JOSEPH BRUNS STEPHEN W. BUCK CONSUMMATE DIPLOMAT, EXTRAORDINARY HUMAN BEING: JULIE GIANELLONI CONNOR DAVID NEWSOM, 1918-2008 / 63 JIM DEHART By Roscoe S. Suddarth JEFF GIAUQUE GEORGE JONES LAURIE KASSMAN YVETTE N. MALCIOLN AFSA NEWS DAVID MCFARLAND AL PESSIN AFSA AWARDS: HONORING DISSENT AND PERFORMANCE / 69 THE MAGAZINE FOR FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIP FUND RECEIVES MAJOR GIFT / 69 AFFAIRS PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE ACTS ON THE PAY GAP / 69 Foreign Service Journal (ISSN 0146-3543), 2101 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-2990 is AGGELER ON PAY GAP / 70 published monthly with a combined July-August issue by the American Foreign Service Associa- VP STATE: THE DARK AGES / 71 tion (AFSA), a private, nonprofit organization. Material appearing herein represents the opin- VP RETIREE: MEMBERSHIP TASK FORCE / 72 ions of the writers and does not necessarily rep- resent the views of the Journal, the Editorial AFSA DONATES TO FALLEN DIPLOMATS FUND / 73 Board or AFSA. Writer queries and submissions are invited, preferably by e-mail. Journal sub- NEWS BRIEFS: NEW SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE / 75 scription: AFSA members – $13 included in annual dues; others – $40. For foreign surface LAUNCH OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROFESSIONAL READING LIST / 76 mail, add $18 per year; foreign airmail, $36 per year. Periodical postage paid at Washington, AFSA TESTIFIES ON STAFFING CRISIS / 77 D.C., and at additional mailing offices. Indexed by Public Affairs Information Services (PAIS). FAMILY MEMBER MATTERS: KEEPING THE HOME CULTURE ALIVE / 78 The Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos or illustrations. Advertising CLASSIFIEDS / 79 inquiries are invited. The appearance of adver- tisements herein does not imply the endorse- ment of the services or goods offered. TELEPHONE: (202) 338-4045 FAX: (202) 338-8244 or (202) 338-6820 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.afsa.org; www.fsjournal.org © American Foreign Service Association, 2008. Printed in the U.S.A. Send address changes to: AFSA Attn: Address Change 2101 E Street N.W. Washington DC 20037-2990
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4 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2008
PRESIDENT’S VIEWS The Journey BY JOHN K. NALAND
Have you noticed that, even career, there should be a bal- years to fill the 26 vacancies on the if you have just begun a new ance between work and fami- AFSA Governing Board. The current assignment, some colleagues ly. There should also be a bal- board’s term expires next summer and ask what you plan to do next? ance between sacrifices and elections will be held this winter for the Such questioning reflects a ten- rewards (both material and 2009-2011 term. I will be leaving dency by some people to focus emotional). office, and we wll also seek nominations on becoming something else as This “enjoy the journey” for AFSA’s constituency vice president rapidly as possible, rather than philosophy also encourages us jobs at State, USAID, FCS and FAS, making the most of what they are now. to volunteer for additional duties that and for retirees, as well as secretary and Colleagues who are “always becoming allow us to “give back” by way of com- treasurer. Finally, we will be filling the but never being” focus on a desired munity service and institution building constituency representative positions: destination (such as attaining some high activities. For active-duty members, nine from the State Department, five position years from now) rather than that could mean serving on an retirees, and one each for USAID, the journey (the day-by-day experi- Employee Evaluation Review panel, an FCS, FAS and IBB. ences over the course of their careers). interagency housing board or a com- Service on the AFSA Governing But there is an alternative philoso- missary association. For retirees, that Board offers the opportunity to make a phy that views the Foreign Service could mean contacting lawmakers to difference in the lives of your col- career as a journey rather than a desti- highlight the need for more resources leagues and their families. The next nation. This philosophy encourages for diplomatic engagement. few years will be critical ones for our taking some emotionally rewarding AFSA offers several community ser- profession. Without a strong AFSA assignments and beneficial long-term vice opportunities. Our overseas chap- Governing Board that is representative training or developmental details, even ters each need a post representative to of our diverse Foreign Service, diplo- if they do not promote the rush up the bring local members’ concerns to the macy and development assistance may promotion ladder. It advocates the attention of management and AFSA continue to suffer from inadequate maintenance of a reasonable balance headquarters. The Foreign Service support and respect. between work and family since, as the Journal is always looking for members I particularly highlight the need for cliché says, no one on their deathbed to write analytical articles on profes- volunteers to stand for election to the ever wished they had spent more time sional issues and international affairs to full-time AFSA president and active- in the office. further the continuing education of our duty vice president positions. These Obviously, even those of us who try colleagues. AFSA’s leadership highly jobs — some of the most personally and to enjoy the journey must take a fair values the input of members who take professionally rewarding in the Foreign share of difficult and even dangerous the time to send in their suggestions Service — are not listed on any agency’s assignments along the way. Thus, and criticism. And we depend on vacancy list. But they require strong there will inevitably be times when the members to take the time each year to candidates to step forward to maintain needs of the Service overshadow the nominate colleagues for our presti- AFSA’s effectiveness after the summer needs of family, friends or off-duty gious awards for constructive dissent of 2009. interests. But, over the course of a (see p. 69). Information on past election proce- Last but not least, AFSA needs vol- dures can be found on AFSA’s Web site. John K. Naland is the president of the unteers from all five foreign affairs An updated call for the coming elec- American Foreign Service Association. agencies to step forward every two tions will be issued later this year. I
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 5
LETTERS
Just Say No positions remain unfilled, or larger Candidate’? FSO Hiring Today”) Thanks for your fantastic June issue numbers resign from the Service, spoke of the traditional recruitment on Foreign Service personnel issues. department management will finally cycle the Foreign Service has utilized However, I would note that the vari- take real notice. Yes, Foreign Service for FSO selection. Recruiting has ous articles that discuss the deficien- work is among the most challenging focused primarily on intellectual cies of the FS personnel system fail to and fulfilling around, but it is also seri- skills. These traits are essential, to be recognize a fundamental truth: as long ously undervalued. Those same skills sure, but what of the practical and as the Foreign Service successfully are priced much higher in the private equally rare skills of leadership and performs its job despite the deteriorat- sector, especially in today’s globalized management? ing working environment and “bene- system, so members do have other The Foreign Service recruits and fits,” there is very little real pressure options. promotes people who have an amaz- on department management to make If folks are discontented by Service ing ability to write, report, analyze and fundamental improvements. It took conditions, then they should vote with discuss foreign policy matters, but me a while to figure this out during my their feet — which will be a much have real difficulty when called upon 30-year FS career, but eventually I did more effective change inducer than to assume positions of leadership. — so by the time of my first ambas- all the articles ever written. Many brilliant FSOs have been Peter sadorship in a small West African post Tibor P. Nagy Jr. Principled into jobs where they floun- that was chronically understaffed, I Ambassador, retired der. Some of them have no idea how knew what buttons to push. Ransom Canyon, Texas to lead or manage people and When told that there would be a resources. They would rather hole up six-month gap in replacing our de- Recruiting for Intellect in their offices and write cables than parted consular officer (and that was and Leadership actually walk through the halls of their only half of one position), and that the I was glad to read AFSA President embassy or sit and chat with some of handful of other employees at post John Naland’s column in the May FSJ their employees. would just have to divvy up the work asserting that ambassadors ought to This is why a profession with per- (in addition to doing more than full- be grown in the ranks of the Foreign haps one of the most highly educated time jobs already), I told the depart- Service as opposed to being political work forces falls so short on organiza- ment, “Sorry, but we’ll just close the appointees. Absolutely right. Ap- tion, leadership and esprit de corps. consular section from May through pointing unqualified ambassadors not Ambassadors and senior officers must September.” Amazingly, the depart- only damages our nation’s ability to wear two hats to be effective: intellec- ment then “found” a spare officer at a conduct effective foreign policy. It tual and leader. large European post, and we were punishes the employees at the ap- We certainly have people with bril- able to maintain all consular opera- pointee’s mission who must work dou- liant minds and excellent leadership tions without burdening others at post bly hard to do their already tough job, skills in the Foreign Service, but they beyond reason. while simultaneously carrying the are few. A great deal of the morale As long as Foreign Service mem- weight of a diplomatic novice who problem can be remedied by chang- bers continue to absorb the workload knows little of what it takes to run an ing the way we recruit and promote — and it doesn’t matter if they do it embassy. This is one of the leadership our own officers as well as our ambas- with or without grumbling, writing failures of the Foreign Service. sadors. We need leaders to fill leader- scathing articles and op-eds, etc. — Similarly, Shawn Dorman’s article ship roles. A move away from ap- nothing will change. When critical in the June issue (“Who is the ‘Total pointing political insiders or bookish
6 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2008
L ETTERS u
introverts would go a long way toward new step creates an opportunity to Bureau represents the effective inte- cementing the leadership structure shape the pool of job applicants gration of our agency into State by we must have in place. according to the prejudices of the day. stealth? Mr. Naland has used the U.S. mil- Because of this, I hope that every safe- Irving Rosenthal itary as an example of professional guard will be put in place to ensure USAID FSO, retired education and leadership develop- that “political correctness” will not be Washington, D.C. ment, and I agree. A one-week lead- allowed to intrude upon a process that ership course at FSI for our officers should, under ideal conditions, be Editor’s Note: is a flimsy foundation compared to expected to select personnel primarily In fact, several articles and columns how much time, education and according to merit. This problem in the June FSJ (mostly, but not only, scrutiny military officers are afforded could become especially acute if the in the AFSA News section) discuss before they are given command of written exam were made too easy, thus USAID concerns, as is true every personnel and resources. allowing the Qualifications Evaluation month. Admittedly, the June issue, The Foreign Service can grow Panel to choose candidates for the focusing on the future of the Foreign intellectuals with solid leadership Oral Assessment who would not have Service personnel system, did concen- skills. We just need to recruit in the made it past the written exam in previ- trate more than usual on State Depart- right places, train our future leaders ous years. ment-specific topics — but that is only well, weed out the non-performers There has been a tendency over because the State cohort accounts for and promote those with intellect as the past few decades to “lower the more than 90 percent of the active- well as a talent for leading people. bar” with regard to the written exam. duty Foreign Service. Robert J. Roulston When I first took the exam in 1971, it That said, let me reassure you that Assistant Regional Security was the hardest test I ever took. I we are eager to publish material deal- Officer sweated bullets waiting for my marks, ing with professional and policy topics Embassy Caracas but in the end passed and went on to affecting members from all AFSA con- pass the orals, which at the time were stituencies. For more details on how Safeguard the Hiring Process little more than a glorified interview. I to submit contributions, please see this I would like to commend Shawn took the written exam again in 1999, month’s “Letter from the Editor” Dorman for her clear explanation of and found that over the years it had (p. 16). the changes in the Foreign Service become considerably easier, although examination system in the June FSJ. I this was remedied by the much more Service for the must confess that when I heard that realistic oral assessment process. Unaccompanied the exam system was to be tinkered If, over the next few years, stan- As the spouse of an FSO currently with yet again, I was a little bit uneasy, dards for the written exam are further on his way to a posting at a Provincial particularly with the idea of an online relaxed, that would raise a red flag Reconstruction Team in Iraq, I read written test. about the purpose and objectivity of Kelly Bembry Midura’s June article Upon reflection, it would appear the new hiring system. on family life in the Foreign Service that the new system has been well James F. Schumaker (“Going It Alone: Family Life in the thought out, and has the potential to FSO, retired ‘New’ Foreign Service”) with some lead to a hiring process that is essen- San Clemente, Calif. interest. Because my sister-in-law is tially fair. I am not particularly con- career Air Force with previous de- cerned about the elaborate registra- Ignoring USAID? ployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, tion process, which others have criti- With specific regard to the June our family has seen the support given cized, because it will have the effect of FSJ, and earlier issues as well, why do to unaccompanied deployments from weeding out those who are not truly you seem to ignore USAID FSOs and both sides of the military/civilian interested in pursuing a Foreign issues? It is certainly true that there divide. Simply put, State has a long Service career. are many overlaps between the life way to go to meet the kind of support There is still one aspect of the new and personnel system of State and the military provides to its separated system, however, that I find disquiet- USAID — but there are also impor- families. ing: the increasing complexity of the tant differences. Are you confirming As Ms. Midura points out, the intake process itself. A number of the suspicion of demoralized USAID FLO and its unaccompanied tour spe- new steps have been added, and each staff that the creation of State’s F cialist are working very hard with few
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 7
L ETTERS u resources to assist families left of quitting. But State should recog- reported the rebels and Chadian army behind, but they are limited by their nize some of the logistical challenges forces fought earlier this year. budget as to what they can provide. its separated families face. Assuming the embassy has not been By contrast, when my sister-in-law is Concerning the Separate Mainten- moved, I am very surprised that any- overseas, her family back at home has ance Allowance, tandem couples are one remained in there after Jan. 31, as access to 24-hour-a-day child care, not eligible unless one takes leave Rajiv Malik recounts (“Three Days in housing maintenance and car repair without pay. Ostensibly this is be- N’Djamena,” May FSJ). services. Located on base are schools, cause both spouses could be assign- With the French military base after-school activities and medical ed to the same unaccompanied post, available, I am further shocked that care, not to mention a supportive but that requirement ignores the real- the essential personnel were not community of teachers and neighbors ity of families with children. This is moved there on Saturday morning, who are all in the same situation. In another inequity that the department Feb. 2, after the dependents were many ways, the Foreign Service unac- needs to look at fixing. evacuated to Yaounde. Sounds like companied experience mirrors that of Lisa K. Heller the Emergency Action Committee the military reserves, who also lack FSO needs some remedial training. these on-base services. Washington, D.C. Paul Good This is not to say that the depart- FSO, retired ment needs to match the benefits pro- N’Djamena Evacuation Herndon, Va. vided by the military, which, after all, During my regional travel days I gives its members far fewer choices spent some time in N’Djamena and Use Real Arabic for deployments than FSOs and remember the embassy as being on The superheroes cover on the June whose members don’t have the option the main street where the media issue neatly symbolizes the outstand- ing abilities of the FSOs to be brought in via the new examination system. However, it fails to reflect the lan- A time of service…a time of need guage knowledge of the Foreign Service. The book, held aloft by the central Help for Seniors May figure on the cover, bears a title which is in Arabic letters. However, it is not real Arabic because the words are Be Just a Phone Call Away— written left to right, like English, The Senior Living Foundation may be whereas Arabic is written right to left, able to help you or someone you know. and because the letters are in the freestanding form (roughly equivalent Some examples of assistance are: to capital letters), which is not how N Home Health Care words are written that way in Arabic. Of course, contract artists can’t be N Adult Day Care & Respite Care expected to have foreign language N Prescription Drug Copayments knowledge — their field is art. So it N Transportation to Medical Appointments might be good for the FSJ to get an advance copy and show any inscrip- N Durable Medical Equipment tion to one of the many FSOs who know the language. For more information, please contact the When translated into English, the SENIOR LIVING FOUNDATION OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE book title means “KOOB SNOIS- 1716 N Street, NW N Washington, DC 20036-2902 SERPXE CIBARA.” (Try reading this Phone: (202) 887-8170 N Fax: (202) 872-9320 right-to-left.) E-Mail: [email protected] N Web Site: www.SLFoundation.org Pierce Bullen SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION FSO, retired Washington, D.C. I
8 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2008
CYBERNOTES
USIA Alumni Association and modernizing Taiwan’s Education- U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Reinvents Itself USA program and extending its out- Diplomacy, mandated by Congress to The United States Information reach to broader publics through the evaluate the effectiveness of govern- Agency Alumni Association was innovative utilization of new media ment public diplomacy activities, founded in 1981 to help USIA technologies. turns a rigorous analytical eye on the retirees stay engaged in professional The FSN staff in Rangoon re- human resources dimension of PD — affairs. It has now renamed itself the ceived a group award for their out- an “important and relatively under- Public Diplomacy Alumni Association standing efforts and perseverance in explored topic,” the commission notes and launched a new effort to foster promoting democracy and human — and offers seven concrete recom- recognition of and support for public rights in Burma. In a challenging mendations for improvement. The diplomacy — as opposed to public environment, they brought to bear a report is available online at www. relations — through educational, broad range of public diplomacy tools state.gov/documents/organiza social and outreach activities, includ- and programs, including exchange tion/106297.pdf. ing an annual awards program. programs, the American Center lib- The commission acknowledges The 450-member PDAA is headed rary, English teaching, publications, that the challenges confronting public by retired FSO Eugene Nojek. The donated book programs and media diplomacy are varied, so there is no association has a directory and quar- outreach. single fix. It also recognizes that U.S. terly newsletter, and sponsors semi- The winners were chosen from foreign policy is probably the most nars, luncheons and other gatherings. among 17 strong nominations of For- significant proximate determinant of Its redesigned Web site, at www. eign and Civil Service employees how foreign publics view the United publicdiplomacy.org, features dis- from the Department of State, both States as a player in international rela- cussion in two broad areas — the overseas and in Washington, includ- tions. Still, as the report states, “get- debate over public diplomacy, and its ing FSI training specialists and a ting the human resources dimension practice — with an up-to-date list of Virtual Presence Post team. of public diplomacy right can go a links to articles and speeches on each The PDAA is open to all former long way toward enhancing the over- topic. The site also contains a PD employees of the U.S. Information all effectiveness of America’s outreach community bulletin board, links to Agency as well as current and former to the world.” relevant associations, think-tanks, PD State Department employees, both Looking at PD from the standpoint institutes and other sites, as well as the Foreign Service and Civil Service, and of its practitioners helps put the prob- member-only online newsletter. Foreign Service Nationals. The asso- lem into perspective. Public diploma- The PDAA’s 2008 Award for ciation is intent upon improving PD cy is the second smallest cone (next to Achievement in Public Diplomacy dialogue with foreign publics and management) in the Foreign Service, went to two individuals and one group communicating more effectively and officials acknowledge that the at the May 4 annual dinner. Jonathan about what makes America tick, “warts State Department makes no special Henick, public affairs officer in Baku, and all.” The association also energet- effort to recruit individuals with rele- was cited for his efforts in promoting ically supports efforts to improve cur- vant experience or skills into the PD and defending freedom of speech and rent PD operations and structure. career track. The Foreign Service independent journalism in the repres- — Susan B. Maitra, Senior Editor Officer Test and Oral Assessment do sive environment of Azerbaijan. not specifically test for public diplo- Nicholas Papp, cultural affairs officer 2008 Public Diplomacy Report macy instincts and communication and director of the American Center Cuts to the Chase skills. Nor does the department’s in Taipei, was honored for revitalizing This year’s annual report of the Employee Evaluation Report form
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 9
C YBERNOTES u contain any section specifically devot- eled on that currently offered to rising AFRICOM Architects ed to public diplomacy outreach. economic officers. Lower Expectations The commission urges the depart- The commission’s last three recom- Excitement over the pioneering ment to make a concerted effort to mendations have to do with the inte- U.S. Africa Command has been recruit PD candidates. It recom- gration of PD into the State Depart- muted in the weeks and months lead- mends that the FS exam process in- ment. To determine the extent to ing up to its scheduled Oct. 1 standup clude questions and tasks directly ger- which department officials are taking by concerns about Pentagon domi- mane to the conduct of public diplo- PD into consideration in actual for- nance, a lack of civilian agency re- macy. It also advocates building spe- eign policy decision-making, the com- sources and incompatible personnel cific PD requirements into the EER mission recommends a zero-based systems. form for all FSOs, with one or more review of the PD area office staffing The difficulties came to light in a specific tasks of directly engaging and structure. Further, observing that the hearing before the House Oversight influencing foreign publics as work overseas staffing structure has and Government Reform Subcom- requirement objectives for PD offi- remained unchanged since the 1999 mittee on National Security and For- cers. consolidation of USIA into the depart- eign Affairs on July 15, “AFRICOM: Concerning training, a number of ment and that public affairs officers Rationales, Roles, and Progress on the “conspicuous and serious blind spots” are largely viewed (and view them- Eve of Operations” (http://nation are identified. The commission rec- selves) as managers and administra- alsecurity.oversight.house.gov/ ommends that the Foreign Service tors rather than communicators, the story.asp?ID=2080). Witnesses Institute develop courses comparable commission recommends a zero-bas- admitted that the goal of staffing at to graduate-level university courses in ed review of the overseas PD staffing least a quarter of the command with the area of communication theory, model. experts from State, Treasury, Agricul- with special emphasis on political Finally, to right the “persistent ture and USAID was “not realistic,” as communication and rhetoric, adver- under-representation” of PD officers John Pendleton, director of defense tising and marketing theory and pub- in the department’s senior-most ranks, capabilities and management issues at lic opinion analysis; and that the the commission urges they be pro- the Government Accountability Of- department establish a nine-month, moted to senior positions at the same fice, put it. in-depth public diplomacy course for rate as other career FSOs. Instead, interagency positions have mid- to senior-level PD officers, mod- — Susan B. Maitra, Senior Editor been reduced to 52, or about 4 per- cent of the staff. Incompatible per- sonnel systems may well put even that Site of the Month: www.realclearpolitics.com number out of reach. By Sept. 30, the Though John McIntyre and Tom Bevan founded Real Clear Politics in 2000, Defense Department expects to fill the site has picked up traffic this year as people flock to find independent data only 13 of the 52 slots, though on an historic election. Real Clear Politics, with its signature clean design, is Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates, the user-friendly, effective and succinct. AFRICOM deputy commander for Aiming to “publish the best commentary, news, polling data and links to civil-military activities, testified that important resources from all points of the political compass and covering all the hiring is being done “through a delib- important issues of the day,” the Web site is continually updated and acts as an erate process that is progressing well.” independent filter for political news. Real Clear Politics publishes the major The Africa Command’s creation political headlines and editorials, as well as Transcripts/Speeches, Best of the represents a shift in Defense De- Blogs, Around the World, Real Clear Markets and Real Clear Sports. If users partment thinking, acknowledged want to delve deeper into the political issues of the day, they can turn to news Lauren Ploch, an African affairs ana- and election videos, detailed polling statistics, an alphabetized listing of the lat- lyst at the Congressional Research est news by issue, as well as RCP’s own political blogs. Service. But Ploch also testified that But this site’s real value is in that very first screen. There you have the latest concerns about the “militarization” of polling data on the right and the top, independently filtered political headlines, American foreign policy have sur- news and commentary every single day and up-to-the-minute. Basically, you faced. learn who’s winning and why, and how people feel about both candidates. Real Theresa Whelan, the deputy assis- clear, indeed. tant secretary of Defense for African — Ariana Austin, Editorial Intern affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, sought to allay concerns
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C YBERNOTES u
mar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir bears criminal responsibility for: the Ocrime of genocide under Article 6(a) of the Rome Statute, killing mem- bers of the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups; ... crimes against humanity under Article 7 (1) of the statute, committed as part of a wide- spread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population of Darfur; ... and war crimes under Article 8 (2)(e)(i) of the statute. — International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo’s July 14 indictment of Sudanese President Al Bashir, www.icc-cpi.int
such as this and other “misconcep- on Oversight and Government Re- tions” in her testimony. “The Secre- form’s Subcommittee on Information tary of State remains the chief foreign Policy, Census and the National policy adviser to the president, and Archives directed the GAO to investi- the Secretary of Defense remains the gate the electronic records kept by 15 chief adviser on defense matters. The senior officials at four agencies: the creation of a single U.S. DOD point of Homeland Security Department, the contact for Africa will simply allow Federal Trade Commission, the En- DOD to better coordinate its own vironmental Protection Agency and efforts, in support of State Depart- the Department of Housing and ment leadership, to better build secu- Urban Development. rity capacity in Africa.” GAO found that all four agencies Whelan added, “The intent is not used an inefficient and nonsecure for DOD generally, or for USAFRI- process of “print and file” — e-mails COM at the operational level, to are printed and stored in paper form. assume the lead in areas where State Only the EPA was converting the doc- and/or USAID have clear lines of uments to an electronic system. authority as well as the comparative The GAO also noted that the advantages to lead.” National Archives and Records Ad- The status of the AFRICOM initia- ministration, the federal agency charg- tive was also covered in a report in the ed with management of government July Government Executive magazine documents, had stopped making in- (www.govexec.com). spections to ensure that departments — Susan B. Maitra, Senior Editor properly store e-mail in 2000, although it has sponsored six studies of agency Government Documents: record-keeping since 2003. NARA The Challenge of E-mail officials told the GAO that the inspec- The Government Accountability tions take too much time and money. Office has spotlighted gaps in federal The report was issued on the eve of processing and preservation of elec- a vote in the House of Represen- tronic documents in a new report, tatives on H.R. 5811, a bill sponsored “Federal Records: National Archives by House Committee on Oversight and Selected Agencies Need to Stren- and Government Reform Chairman gthen E-Mail Management” (www. Rep. Henry A. Waxman, D-Calif., and gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08- two other Democrats, to modernize 742). the Federal Records Act and the In view of the important role e- Presidential Records Act to ensure the mail plays in documenting govern- preservation of the electronic records ment activities, the House Committee (http://oversight.house.gov/story.as
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C YBERNOTES u
Security Council, Muñoz looks at the 50 Years Ago... United States’ controversial decision to take a unilateral stand and its reper- hile legislation involving the State Department or foreign cussions for both the U.S. and the rest Waid always causes considerable controversy in the House, of the world. According to Muñoz, Foreign Service legislation always goes rather smoothly. ... For a group that Washington badgered its allies and has no lobby, no pressure group support, the Foreign Service does very well. repeatedly threatened the “Undecid- ed 6” nations — Chile, Mexico, — Rep. John M. Vorys, R-Ohio, “Observations on the Foreign Service,” Cameroon, Pakistan, Guinea and Sept. 1958 FSJ. Angola — with trade reprisals in order to pressure them into voting in favor of the invasion. p?id=2068). The bill orders NARA Ethics in Washington, a watchdog Washington’s aggressive tactics to set standards for capturing, manag- group known as CREW, is critical of were not limited to trade reprisals, but ing, retrieving and preserving e-mails the legislation. The group issued included spying on its allies in the and other electronic communications a report in April, “Record Chaos: The Security Council and various acts of and to issue regulations within 18 Deplorable State of Electronic Re- bullying, bribery and “diplomatic bel- months requiring all federal agencies cord Keeping in the Federal Govern- ligerence.” In Muñoz ’s view, this ap- to preserve such communications in ment,” charging that the bill “fails to proach has left a legacy of “deep mis- an electronic format. make the substantial changes neces- trust” between the U.S. and its allies in Citizens for Responsibility and sary to bring the federal government Europe and Latin America, as well as into the 21st century” (www.citizens other nations. forethics.org/recordchaos). Chile’s effort to offer an alternative — Susan B. Maitra, Senior Editor resolution to the Security Council was viewed as “an unfriendly act” by the A Chilean Perspective on Bush administration, according to re- Lessons of the Iraq War ports in the Washington Post. Heraldo Muñoz, Chile’s ambas- While the book contains grisly sador to the United Nations, has details of misguided diplomatic tactics, penned a diplomatic memoir that its focus is on what lessons can be chronicles his experiences during the learned as a new American president run-up to the Iraq War from a “behind prepares to take office. “The most the scenes” perspective. important lesson of the second Iraq Specifically, A Solitary War: A War is that in a world characterized by Diplomat’s Chronicle of the Iraq War global media, new threats and inextri- and Its Lessons, published recently cably interwoven political and eco- with a foreword by former U.N. nomic interests, the U.S. needs the Secretary General Kofi Annan, exam- support of significant allies and multi- ines the Bush administration’s tactics lateral organizations for the long haul,” in organizing backing for the U.N. Munoz writes. Security Council resolution authoriz- The author then discusses ways to ing military action against Iraq avoid future conflict and rebuild trust (www.fulcrumbooks.com/). among the international community, Ambassador Muñoz received his noting that the most important price Ph.D. in international political econo- the U.S. paid for its Iraq diplomacy my from the University of Denver’s was “in terms of losing authority and Graduate School of International respect as a leader of the international Studies, where he was a classmate of community.” Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, An extensive interview with Amb. and the book begins with a “telling call Muñoz is available at www.democra from Condi.” cynow.org/2008/3/27/. I A former president of the U.N. — Ariana Austin, Editorial Intern
12 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2008
SPEAKING OUT State’s Wrong Turn on the Information Highway
BY SCOTT RAULAND
any of us who have been USIA was folded into State at the involved in the State To reach the end of 1999, ushering in a variety of MDepartment’s information audiences of the changes to the way the U.S. conduct- outreach efforts since the very first ed information outreach overseas. A days that the Internet became avail- 21st century, we first little over a year later, when Colin able as a tool for U.S. missions over- need to take a few Powell became Secretary of State, an seas are concerned that the depart- steps backward to impressive effort was made to bring ment is falling steadily behind the State’s moribund technology up to technology curve and that our ability undo the mistakes date. OpenNet delivered on its to reach foreign audiences is actually of the 1990s. pledge to bring the Internet to every shrinking. desktop, thereby reassuring FSOs Foreign Service old-timers will u from USIA that State technology recall that the Internet started would eventually be up to the job, becoming available about 1993 — not cutting-edge, and most webmasters and persuading State employees that so long ago in the way that most of us found their jobs exciting and reward- they had finally bridged the huge measure time, but an eon in electron- ing. technology gap. ic terms. At the same time, we were trans- Unfortunately, technological change The U.S. Information Agency and forming libraries into Information moves at such a quick pace nowadays State Department adopted different Resource Centers. While many that there is no such thing as “catch- strategies to deal with the budget FSOs believe that closing libraries ing up,” at least not if you assume that pressures of the 1990s, exacerbated wholesale was not the best thing to having caught up means you can rest by Secretary of State James Baker’s do, it was hard to argue with the suc- on your laurels. The sense that we decision to open 14 new embassies in cess our IRCs had in providing what had closed the technology gap al- the former Soviet Union without at the time was unparalleled access to lowed the first of several mistakes in seeking any additional funding for articles and documents for important our information outreach to creep in: them. USIA invested in technology contacts in the press, academia, for- the dismantling of USIA’s indepen- and put an effective stop to hiring, eign governments and elsewhere. dent Internet access, known as while State continued to hire new PDNet. FSOs but held off on adopting new Consolidation and OpenNet: For a brief time, OpenNet ap- technology, sticking with clunky A Temporary Improvement peared able to accommodate our out- Wang personal computers well past USIA, which still tended to oper- reach needs, but that didn’t last long. their usefulness. ate in more open and public facili- Imperceptibly, the focus shifted from The 1990s were the go-go days for ties, had relatively free Internet using the latest technology to create information outreach for USIA. access, allowing our FSOs to do a eye-catching Web pages to bringing Because the Internet was new, our broad range of information outreach that technology under the control of technical staff at posts worldwide was relatively unimpeded. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security relatively free to experiment with State relied on an arrangement that and the Information Resources Man- developing tools and creating Web required anybody wishing to use the agement Bureau. This shift intro- sites that made the best use of the lat- Internet to have a completely sepa- duced bureaucratic hurdles that have est technology. Believe it or not, for rate computer in the office or even significantly delayed the adoption of a while our Web pages were almost on a separate floor. new technology.
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S PEAKING O UT u
Believe it or not, we are still fight- “local” stories are far too limited. ing battles to use CD/DVD burners This is a serious drawback, as those in some embassies, or WiFi at remote Here we are in 2008, items are often the attraction that will locations, such as some of our cultural draw Internet users to the page and centers. In Central Asia some inform- and we’re still not get them to look at other foreign pol- ation management officers try to icy topics from Washington. When restrict the use of anything that is allowed to use a Google we have a truly important story, it external — even drives that IRM would be far better to have the flexi- calls standard for OpenNet, such as search bar in the bility to change the relative sizes of CD/DVD drives and USB ports. At the photos and text. some posts, restrictions for loading Internet Explorer • The amount of time required to photos from digital cameras or flash update pages is much too long. It drives to Web pages are so rigid as to browser on OpenNet. takes our talented staff here in Kabul seriously impede the basic business longer to post updates than it did at practice of providing information the three previous non-CMS posts I about in-country events, such as the served at, all located in developing ambassador’s press conferences. countries with much more limited Ever get hooked on the “infoseek bandwidth. toolbar”? Many of our webmasters hyped and quickly mushroomed out • The provisions for using photos began using them when USIA per- of control, so that in September — one of the best ways to grab the mitted that. Yet here we are in 2008, 2007 posts were informed (in State attention of Internet users — are and we’re still not allowed to use a 132990) that the Content Manage- completely inadequate. We should Google search bar in the Internet ment System was now mandatory for not have arbitrary limits placed on Explorer browser on OpenNet. Not all public Web sites. This move, either the size or quantity of pictures to mention the 20 to 30 plug-ins more reminiscent of Soviet central posted, and ought to be able to use a many professionals would like to use planning than management reform, variety of different methods to post to enhance their Firefox browsing spells the end for the 58 remaining photos and attract the interest of experience. We are also routinely independent Web pages at posts potential readers. blocked from viewing video news- worldwide. The latter point is particularly casts, because the OpenNet band- It was shocking to see this happen, important. As Karl Rove noted in a width just won’t support it. particularly given the fact that in the recent commentary in Newsweek, Getting the Information Systems few instances when input on CMS “We live in a culture of the visual. Center to install approved software from public diplomacy professionals And be sure to provide fresh content on OpenNet, if it’s just a matter of in the field has been solicited, the all the time. In the era of cable TV, preference (i.e., Firefox over Inter- reaction has been resoundingly nega- talk radio, the blogosphere and net Explorer), is often quite difficult tive. One discussion that took place YouTube, someone is watching and and a major disincentive to trying in European Bureau circles in late talking all the time. If you’re not anything new at all. 2006 saw public affairs officers and pressing content into all available webmasters across Europe calling channels, someone else will.” Content (Mis)Management for a complete rethinking of CMS, Someone else like jihadis. As re- The second major misstep was the claiming for example: ported recently in the press, Western decision to create the Content Man- • CMS is at best a primitive tool experts who monitor Islamist Web agement System, beginning in early that can be helpful to posts with lim- sites say the technical quality of al- 2004. Its initial goal of providing ited bandwidth and/or technical staff. Qaida postings — including those some standardized content to all For far too many other posts, CMS is from Iraq and Afghanistan — has embassy Web pages seemed useful an inconvenient and unnecessary dramatically increased from amateur- enough, and the option for techno- straitjacket that puts severe con- ish images that were the hallmark logically strapped posts to have their straints on creativity and requires far only a few years ago. web pages run entirely on CMS too much time to make even simple In addition, their postings are now made sense, as well. updates to Web pages. often in three languages: Arabic, But the concept was relentlessly • The size and placement of English and Urdu. Videos look like
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S PEAKING O UT u professionally edited documentaries There needs to be recognition at a nologies that can be used with Web or television news broadcasts, with high level that our efforts over the pages, such as videos, webchats and flashy graphics, maps in the back- past five years have been inadequate, podcasting. ground and split screens. and that much more needs to be If we want our messages to reach done to adapt new technology more the audiences of the 21st century, tak- Back to the Future quickly. This might include modify- ing a few steps backward to the poli- The implications are clear, but ing designs for embassies so that cies of the 1990s might help us bridge don’t take my word for it. Judge for there are some sections where the gap that has developed. I yourself. Check out a mix of embassy employees can have access to essen- Web pages of different-sized posts in tial devices like USB sticks and cell Scott Rauland joined the U.S. different areas. Could they hold their phones with cameras that will allow Information Agency as a Foreign own against sites such as YouTube, us to do our jobs better. Service officer in 1993. One of his Facebook or CNN? USIA had great success using the first major information outreach pro- In order to win that competition Internet to reach audiences in the jects was creating the “Islam in for attention Karl Rove talks about, 1990s because it empowered our America” Web site in Pakistan in there needs to be an overhaul of our employees to use their expertise and 1999. Currently public affairs officer outreach efforts — just to get us back creativity in all kinds of new outreach in Kabul, he has also been PAO in to the situation back in the 1990s, efforts. The process of centralizing Frankfurt (the first consulate to post when we were at the cutting edge of and regulating our use of Web pages podcasts to iTunes) and Quito, and information outreach. through CMS has robbed us of the consul general in Yekaterinburg, For starters, I would recommend: ability to keep up with rapidly chang- among other Foreign Service assign- 1) A return to the status quo ante ing standards and all of the new tech- ments. of independent embassy Web sites. Use CMS as a supplement to post efforts, not as a required platform for hosting. 2) Regular, external evaluations of embassy Web sites and other out- reach products. Internal evaluations like those conducted regarding a handful of CMS sites earlier this year are not helpful. State should instead be looking to independent consul- tants who can assess how well our Web sites are adapting new technolo- gies and recommend ways to improve our products. 3) Reinstatement of PDNet or an equivalent approach to manage the many crucial developing technologies on the Internet that OpenNet is not capable of handling. 4) Consultations with the field on future developments in information outreach, so that we stay abreast of the latest changes and don’t adopt flawed fixes like CMS that hamper our efforts. 5) Placement of information out- reach high on the agenda of the new under secretary for public diplomacy.
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 15
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
BY STEVEN ALAN HONLEY
n behalf of my colleagues at tions from issues published between the Journal and AFSA, I 2000 and 2005.) We are in the Owould like to thank the 857 There are many ways process of exploring some changes to people who took our recent online make the magazine’s homepage more reader survey between May 1 and you can share your inviting and searchable, so stay tuned June 25. That total represents more for news about that. than 6 percent of our current circula- insights in our pages. A majority of respondents (53 per- tion of 13,800, a very healthy cent) were very satisfied with the response rate that has provided us Let us hear from you. Journal overall, and another 39 per- with a lot of useful information (and cent are somewhat satisfied. Nearly is about double the participation level half of you (46 percent) favor a con- for our last reader survey, back in tinuation of our current goal to main- 2001). Here are some highlights tain a roughly 50/50 balance between from the data. Foreign Service-specific professional Active-duty Foreign Service per- dents usually or sometimes read. issues and general foreign affairs cov- sonnel comprise 75 percent of the Next we listed the focus sections erage, and 60 percent of you see that respondents, while 23 percent are FS for each issue over the previous year balance reflected in our pages. retirees; the remaining 2 percent are (May 2007 through April 2008) and Thanks also for the hundreds of not affiliated with the Foreign Ser- asked whether you read all, most, written comments on various aspects vice. Some 91 percent of the survey some or none of each. Generally of our coverage and format. A clear participants are AFSA members, and speaking, topics bearing directly on majority expressed the desire for more than three-quarters of the professional concerns were the most more “news you can use” about AFSA active-duty respondents (77 percent) fully read: Our May 2007 coverage of activities, initiatives and services, as are currently serving overseas. the Foreign Service as a career well as Foreign Service-specific issues We began by asking respondents earned top marks, as 58 percent of and concerns — such as the problems how often they typically read each respondents read most or all of that faced by minorities, women, families section of the magazine. Not surpris- issue and only 10 percent skipped it and Members of Household. In addi- ingly, the most popular department is completely. Other popular focus top- tion, those of you from agencies other AFSA News, which garnered a whop- ics from the past year included Iraq, than State would like to see more cov- ping 95 percent (74 percent usually five years after the war (March); Post- erage of your AFSA constituencies. read it and another 21 percent some- Traumatic Stress Disorder and the FS Let me assure you that the FSJ times do). But several other depart- (January); and political Islam (April). Editorial Board fully supports all ments have similarly large reader- The next section of the survey those goals, but the best way to ensure ships: features (93 percent of you usu- addressed the Journal’s online pres- that happy outcome is to write about ally or sometimes read those); Speak- ence. Many of you apparently did not these topics yourselves. For informa- ing Out (56 percent usually read those know that the entire contents of each tion on how to submit a column, arti- columns and 36 percent of you some- issue have been available on AFSA’s cle or letter, please contact us at times do, for a total of 92 percent); Web site (www.afsa.org/fsj), as well as [email protected] and we will be and President’s Views and Letters, at www.fsjournal.org, for three years delighted to respond. each of which 91 percent of respon- now. (In addition, you can read selec- Let us hear from you. I
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F OCUS ON THE 2008 ELECTIONS
AFRICA SEEKS A TRUE FRIEND ris Frank Har
BARACK OBAMA MAY BE AN “AFRICAN SON,” BUT THERE IS STRONG SUPPORT FOR JOHN MCCAIN’S CANDIDACY ON THE CONTINENT.
BY SAMUEL SIRINGI
arlier this year, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete was asked his thoughts on the pos- sibility that the United States could elect its first black president, Sen. Barack Obama, whose father was from neighbor- ing Kenya. Pres. Kikwete looked at visiting U.S. President George W. Bush before answering: “Let him be as good a friendE of Africa as Pres. Bush has been.” That response reflects a clear affection for America found generally among Africans as the November general presi-
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dential election approaches. Despite Despite growing anti- A Credible Record growing anti-American sentiment in There is also strong support for many parts of the world, the United American sentiments John McCain’s candidacy among States is largely popular among Africans, who hope that he will build Africans, many of whom continue in many parts of the on the current president’s accomplish- sending their children for education ments. Overall, the Bush administra- and jobs in America. For the majori- world, the United States tion has spent huge amounts of money ty of the continent’s 800 million inhab- on poverty, education and health pro- itants, who live on less than a dollar a remains popular grams in Africa, and the president vis- day, America is still the land of oppor- ited the continent in January to assess tunity, whose government and people among Africans. some of the projects it has been spon- — philanthropists and taxpayers alike soring. In Tanzania, the U.S. has — have helped put food on many spent $698 million fighting malaria, a tables in the face of rising poverty, disease and civil wars. disease that kills more than a million people each year in America is also helping to heal the wounds of recover- sub-Saharan Africa, most of them less than 5 years old. ing nations, like Kenya, which suffered massive post-elec- The American program aims to get medicine, insecticide tion violence earlier this year. The country’s prime min- and mosquito-stopping bed nets to millions of people, ister, Raila Odinga, recently collected a grant for infra- both in Africa and other parts of the developing world. structure repair while visiting the U.S. to brief top offi- Washington has also devoted $30 billion to the cials on the performance of the country’s coalition gov- President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, an initiative ernment. aimed at saving lives and helping the African continent This dependence on America for foreign aid and cash avert a health disaster that has already claimed 17 million wired in by the continent’s emigrants has meant that elec- victims. Currently, about 28 million Africans are HIV- tions in America are, to a large extent, regarded as an positive and 12 million children have lost their parents to African affair. Africans want the leading superpower to AIDS. take the continent’s interests to heart, and to ask other Finally, Bush’s leadership has secured $17 million to donor countries to help as well. equip 7,000 Rwandan troops, who are being sent to the Because of Barack Obama’s background, he is consid- Darfur region of western Sudan to handle the ethnic and ered an African son, drawing even more local attention to tribal violence that has raged there for years, leaving about the U.S. campaign than in previous years. Many on the 200,000 dead and more than two million people dis- continent, which has received massive attention from the placed. Arab militias, said to be backed by the Sudanese Bush administration, feel they would benefit even more government, have wantonly attacked Africans, and if Obama makes history in November. They are so numerous rebel groups have attacked government tar- enthusiastic that east and central Africa’s largest circulat- gets. (On July 14, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, chief prosecu- ing daily newspaper, the Daily Nation, published a 12- tor for the International Criminal Court, indicted page special report when Obama won the nomination — Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir for genocide, war far more space than many U.S. newspapers allotted. crimes and crimes against humanity, bringing renewed Yet what Africans want most is for Americans to elect international attention to the conflict.) a president who has the interests of humanity at heart, Sudan is one of the African countries that appear most regardless of his or her color. As Senegalese President comfortable with the Bush administration, to the extent Abdoulaye Wade told the UNITY Conference of that many of its people would prefer to see Republican Journalists of Color in a July speech, “I don’t believe John McCain elected to continue current U.S. policies. Obama will be at the service of Africa. ... I’m not making They argue that George Bush has done much more to any postulates. He has to prove it.” tackle the Darfur crisis than did Bill Clinton. And they fear that a return of Democrats to the White House might Samuel Siringi is a bureau chief for Nairobi’s Daily Nation mean America will turn a blind eye to the continent’s newspaper. crises once again.
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“While many in the U.S. fear that Africans want the leading transparency and the rule of law.” Republican John McCain would continue with Pres. George Bush’s superpower to take the Looking for a Friend hawkish style, the people of South- Still, many Africans think that the ern Sudan fully support the Repub- continent’s interests to Bush administration’s overall foreign lican contender,” the Daily Nation policy, especially the war in Iraq, has reported in May. “The Democrats heart, and to ask other not been good for the continent. did nothing for us,” says Juk Lang- The U.S. intervention in Iraq is juk, editor-in-chief of South Sudan’s donor countries to help widely seen as a useless distraction BusinessWeek. “They were not in- that has kept it from doing even terested.” “McCain would be better as well. more to tackle poverty, disease and for us,” Dr. Loi Cingoth, a columnist internal conflicts in Africa. with the Sudan Tribune, said last There is also suspicion that December. America is only interested in African countries that offer Indeed, the worst phase of Sudan’s 21-year civil war, some value for its interests, such as oil-rich Nigeria, which left 2.5 million dead, took place during the Clinton Kenya, South Africa, Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia — all administration. But according to the newspaper report, nations with economic or security potential. Except for everything changed when George W. Bush became pres- South Africa and Kenya, these countries are also among ident. In just four years, he did more to bring about peace the top 10 Islamic centers in the continent. in Sudan than the Clinton administration did in eight Thus, when Kenya, hitherto one of Africa’s most stable years, endearing the Republicans to the southern nations, experienced a crisis following the disputed Dec. Sudanese. John Danforth, a former U.S. special envoy to 27, 2007, general elections, the Bush administration got Khartoum, put a great deal of pressure on the govern- deeply involved in getting President Mwai Kibaki and ment, forcing it to sign a peace agreement with the south opposition leader Raila Odinga, now prime minister, to in 2005. Notably, the treaty gave the region much more form a coalition government. Key U.S. government offi- than it had sought during a series of inconclusive peace cials visited Kenya to participate in brokering peace. talks back in the 1990s. (On the other hand, Washington has strongly criti- This is perhaps the reason why Obama, as part of his cized Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe for using foreign policy plan for Africa, promises to stop the massive repression and violence to force his opponent killing in Darfur if elected. “The U.S. needs to lead the out of a run-off and then declaring himself duly elected, world in ending this genocide, including by imposing extending his 28-year reign.) much tougher sanctions that target Sudan’s oil revenue, It is estimated that countries in Africa that already implementing and helping to enforce a no-fly zone, and supply about 16 percent of American fuel, will increase engaging in more intense, effective diplomacy to devel- their output to 25 percent of all U.S. oil imports by 2015. op a political roadmap to peace,” his Web site declares. That factor alone is a major reason why African countries Obama also wants to help end the conflict in the want America to remain a dependable trading partner. Democratic Republic of Congo, where an estimated 3.9 When he visited Benin, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana million people have died from war-related causes since and Liberia early this year, Pres. Bush highlighted the conflict began. And he supports efforts to bring for- America’s commitment to improved health and econom- mer Liberian President Charles Taylor, a brutal warlord, ic development on the continent, an aspect of his foreign to justice for war crimes. policy that has so far sadly been overshadowed by the As for John McCain, his Web site says he would war in Iraq. ensure that the U.S. will continue to promote democ- Although America’s elections will never be won or lost racy in Africa. In a March speech, the senator declared based on the feelings of Africa, people in the region await that “The United States must strongly engage on a their results with anxiety. Whatever the result, they hope political, economic and security level with friendly gov- the new leader will, in Pres. Kikwete’s words, “be as good ernments across Africa, but insist on improvements in a friend of Africa as Pres. Bush has been.” I
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 19
F OCUS ON THE 2008 ELECTIONS
ARE CANADIANS READY FOR A LEAP OF FAITH?
AMID THEIR FASCINATION WITH THE OBAMA PHENOMENON, OUR NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH LISTEN AND WORRY.
BY TIM HARPER
hen Sen. John Mc- world stage and the way in which the world views Cain traveled to Ottawa in June, Canadian Prime America. But while Sen. Barack Obama is being hailed Minister Stephen Harper marked the occasion by trav- on the streets of Mississauga, Montreal and Moncton, eling 1,730W miles to Saskatchewan. Even though the the man Canadians are embracing is a thinly sketched man who could become president of Canada’s neighbor portrait when it comes to bilateral relations. and largest trading partner was speaking a block from John McCain, by comparison, is a fully-painted can- the Parliament buildings, Harper’s Cabinet ministers vas, his views on trading relations, the value of an ally and were told to make themselves scarce. the importance of shared military responsibilities a com- Such is the deeply entangled, counterintuitive and fortable pair of slippers — especially compared to the complicated relationship between Canada and the evolving position of an Illinois senator who has never United States, particularly during a U.S. election year. It shown an abiding interest in issues on his country’s is a relationship in which Canadian governments are northern flank. expected to be cordial, but not cozy; in which If Americans are being asked to take a leap of faith on Republican administrations are often used as punching a first-term U.S. senator, Canadians are vicariously doing bags to win votes north of the border; and where, even the same. A June poll of 1,000 Canadians found a major- with so much at stake for Canada, the government ity believe Obama would be a “game changer’’ when it strives to remain aloof, to the point of feigning indiffer- came to the U.S. image worldwide, and 26 percent of ence. Canadians named him as the politician they admire most At no time in modern history has interest in a U.S. on the continent — five points ahead of Harper. election been greater among the Canadian public. Like much of the world, Canadians have been caught up in Unanswered Questions the euphoria of a potentially historic moment when a Canadians would hail the election of a young multi- young African-American changes America’s place on the lateralist who would engage adversaries, not isolate them; who can change the way the Muslim world views Tim Harper is Washington bureau chief for the Toronto Washington, and America’s tactics and policies in the Star. post-9/11 world; and who will bring America to the table
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again as a player, not a dictator. Obama has shown time Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Many share the view of Paul who called Bush a “moron’’ at an Frazer, a former Canadian diplomat signs of his own international conference in Prague. who is now a Washington-based A member of the governing Liberal consultant on bilateral issues, that learning curve. Party caucus called Americans an engaged America at world “bastards’’ in the run-up to the inva- forums would be like “welcoming Last summer he spoke sion of Iraq, while a senior Cabinet back somebody who was missed.’’ minister in the Chretien govern- Yet despite all the excitement his about the “president’’ ment said Bush was guilty of a lack candidacy engenders, there is a long of international statesmanship for litany of unanswered questions of Canada. deciding to go to war there. about where bilateral relations In return, Bush canceled an offi- would head under an Obama presi- cial visit to Canada in May 2003. dency: After Paul Martin assumed the leadership of the • Would he be able to improve the flow of commerce Liberal Party, he campaigned so hard against Bush in across the Canada-U.S. border? 2006 (bashing Washington’s climate change policy, • Is his publicly stated threat to renegotiate the North among other criticisms) that the U.S. ambassador to America Free Trade Agreement a product of longstand- Canada, David Wilkins, was compelled to launch an ing conviction, or was it forged in the crucible of the Ohio extraordinary public intervention, reminding him that the primary? And is his position on that still evolving? U.S. president was not on the Canadian ballot. • In the face of a worsening energy crisis, would he As if all that were not enough, the two countries have really turn his back on the opportunity to tap the Alberta clashed over continental missile defense, softwood lum- oil sands because of ecological concerns? ber (a dispute that was finally resolved under the Harper • How quickly can he shift Washington’s focus from government) and tough new U.S. rules for border cross- Iraq to Afghanistan, moving two U.S. combat brigades ings, including a requirement for Canadians to present there and potentially saving Canadian lives in the south of enhanced identification to traverse the 49th parallel by the country, where they are dying in disproportionate land. numbers? Then there was the rendition of a young Ottawa man named Maher Arar, whisked away to a grave-like cell in A Trying Eight Years Syria where he was tortured, even after he told the If he prevails in November, Obama will come to office American authorities who detained him while he was with the burden of trying to meet unprecedented expec- transiting New York’s JFK Airport that he wanted to tations that have built up over eight rancorous years of return to his home and family in Canada, where he held George W. Bush’s administration — a daunting task that citizenship. The Harper government finally awarded him he almost surely cannot live up to. some $9.75 million in compensation for its role in the The die may have been cast for bilateral relations in affair, but the Bush administration has never apologized. 2000, when a Canadian Broadcasting Company satirist And the U.S. continues to bar Arar from entering the named Rick Mercer grabbed Bush at a Michigan cam- country, based on evidence the Harper government has paign event and coaxed him into solemnly thanking rejected. “Canadian Prime Minister Poutine’’ for his endorsement from Ottawa. (Poutine is a Quebec delicacy consisting of A Steep Learning Curve? french fries, gravy and cheese curds, a mystery to most of Obama has shown signs of his own learning curve. the rest of the country.) Last summer he spoke about the “president’’ of Canada. After that inauspicious start, the Bush years have been And his campaign recently sent out a magazine transcript among the most tumultuous for cross-border relations in in which the Canadian prime minister is referred to as generations. Some of the bad blood bordered on the the president of Hartford. juvenile: witness the senior communications aide to one- Then there is NAFTAgate, an affair which, despite its
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unoriginal moniker, has become a If Americans are being amnesty for illegal immigrants. major embarrassment to the Harper This is important to Canada government and explains the extraor- asked to take a leap of because those who follow bilateral dinary distance at which it kept issues in both countries agree that McCain during his June visit. faith on a first-term the “thickening” international bor- The leaking of a Canadian diplo- der and the Department of Home- matic note, which interpreted com- U.S. senator, Canadians land Security’s inbred suspicion of ments from Obama economic advis- Canadians are issues that require er Austan Goulsbee to mean the can- are vicariously doing urgent attention by the new admin- didate would bash NAFTA as a polit- istration. ical ploy, not an actual policy plan, the same. Anything that happens on the hurt the Democratic nominee in the American southern flank will side- Ohio Democratic Party primary. But swipe Canada on the northern flank. it could also color relations between an Obama adminis- The issues touch on commerce, tourism, security — tration and the Harper government. even the failing infrastructure at the Detroit-Windsor It was the biggest bilateral gaffe since onetime crossing. Canadian ambassador to Washington Raymond Chre- Tougher security measures brought U.S. visits to tien was overheard in 2000 saying the election of Al Gore Canada to a 35-year low in 2007, and wait times for to the White House would be better for Canadian needs Canadian visitors and Canadian goods heading south than the election of Bush. increased 20 percent in one year. One study found that Still, Obama’s senior foreign policy adviser, Susan tighter border restrictions cost Canada $30.6 billion in Rice, has Canadian links and knows the country well. U.S. exports in 2007. And Goulsbee at least received a crash course on Canadian politics after the leak. Listening — and Worrying If, as expected, Obama is ushered into office with an A smooth, efficient border is crucial to Canadian enhanced Democratic congressional majority, there will interests because even with tougher restrictions, eight be pent-up demand on Capitol Hill for quick, dramatic of every 10 visitors to Canada come from the United domestic action, while the international priority will be States. Trade between the two nations is staggering, Iraq. The onus will be on the Harper government to cut totaling $1.5 billion per day; and Canada is the largest through the clutter of domestic and international trading partner of 35 states, including Obama’s home demands and convince an Obama government that its state of Illinois. concerns deserve priority. Last year, the U.S. exported $248.9 billion worth of goods and services north of the border, 65 percent of all A Familiar Face Canadian imports, and imported $313.1 billion from Sen. McCain, on the other hand, has traveled exten- Canada, representing 76 percent of all Canadian exports. sively throughout Canada, has family there and knows So even after Obama moves to dial back his pledge to members of Parliament and the Canadian Senate. He is unilaterally force a renegotiation of NAFTA, Ottawa lis- a strong backer of NAFTA and traveled to Ottawa earli- tens. And worries. er this year to make that point in a speech that stressed Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of energy the value of the Canada-U.S. alliance. to the U.S., providing 17 percent of American oil As a senator from a southwestern border state, imports. So when Obama starts talking about turning off McCain is well-informed on trade and immigration the tap on Alberta oil-sand imports because they are a issues. Although he is tacking back to the center on bor- dirty energy source, Ottawa listens. And worries. The der security — as Obama doubtlessly will — he has province of Alberta had planned to boost production already alienated elements of the Republican base by from 1.3 million barrels a day to 3.5 million barrels a day backing comprehensive immigration reform on the over the next decade, and any move to cut off those southern flank of the U.S., which critics called an exports will also become entangled in NAFTA.
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McCain, too, has pledged to end John McCain’s views On the other hand, Prime Minister American dependence on foreign oil. Brian Mulroney and President Ron- At stake are U.S. plans to spend $53 on trading relations ald Reagan were so close that they billion to expand or modify refineries sang “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” to handle the heavy oil from Alberta. and the value of the at the so-called Shamrock Summit in Still, Thomas d’Aquino, president Quebec City in 1985. Later Mulron- of the Canadian Council of Chief alliance make him a ey risked ridicule and a voter backlash Executives, says it is too easy to say a at home to continue his close rela- Republican president would be more comfortable choice tionship with President George H.W. understanding of Canadian issues Bush. and better for the country. He for Canadians. There has been one common believes Obama would grasp the thread through all the theatrics over intricacies of the bilateral relation- the years, however. On key issues of ship, whether the issue is military cooperation under the trade and security, the interests of both countries North American Aerospace Defense Command or in depend too heavily on smooth relations with each other Afghanistan, technological cooperation to combat global to allow anything other than continuation of a cordial, warming, or trade disputes. productive relationship. Besides, NAFTA has been kicked around on both From the Canadian perspective, the need to protect sides of the border for years. Former Prime Minister its sovereignty while acknowledging its need to work Chretien once vowed to rip up the agreement if elected with the “elephant” will prevail whether McCain or in 1993. He was, yet NAFTA survived intact. Obama takes the Oval Office in January. I
Ups and Downs The history of Canada-U.S. relations has had its infa- mous flare-ups and its periods of coziness. President Lyndon Johnson once lectured Prime Minister Lester Pearson, accusing him of “pissing on his rug’’ after the Canadian came to Philadelphia’s Temple University to deliver a speech against the Vietnam War. According to Canadian lore, LBJ demonstrated his irri- tation with Pearson by grabbing him by the lapels as he made his point. Johnson’s successor, Richard Nixon, thought Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau was a communist, according to archived tapes. It was following a 1969 meeting with Nixon that Trudeau offered the enduring metaphor of life in the U.S. shadow. “Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant,’’ Trudeau said. “No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.” Prime Minister Jean Chretien angered Pres. Bush by not only refusing his entreaties to join the “coalition of the willing’’ in Iraq, but challenging the wisdom of the invasion thereafter. That was seen in Washington as a breach of an understanding that Canada would stay out of the war, but not speak ill of the American effort.
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EGYPTIANS EXPECT A SHIFT IN STYLE, NOT SUBSTANCE
WHATEVER THE OUTCOME IN NOVEMBER, MOST EGYPTIANS DO NOT EXPECT ANY MAJOR CHANGES IN BILATERAL RELATIONS.
BY SHOHRAT AREF
here is a consensus among Egyptian-American Relations: Egyptians that there will be no drastic changes in U.S. A Warming Trend? policy regarding key Middle East issues whether John Ambassador Abdel Raouf Al-Reedy, who worked for McCainT or Barack Obama takes office in January. The 10 years as Egypt’s top diplomat in the United States and situation in Iraq, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the is currently head of the Egyptian Council for Foreign current standoff with Iran over its nuclear program will Affairs, describes the temperature of the current bilater- all be high on the agenda of the new administration, al relationship as “cool.” He sees a sort of formality, par- regardless of whether it is Republican or Democratic. ticularly as compared with the administration of Bush’s That said, many experts do believe U.S.-Egyptian father, and attributes it to the current president’s adop- relations, which have not been in the best shape under tion of a one-sided policy favoring Israel. He would the Bush administration, will improve if Obama is elect- expect bilateral ties to be much better under an Obama ed. This is for two reasons. First, he is seen as more like- administration, in light of his readiness to listen to other ly than his opponent to recognize Egypt as an important countries in the region. strategic partner and a driving force in regional peace- Ambassador Dr. El-Sayed Amyin Shalaby, executive making. Second, Obama is expected to engage person- director of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, ally in Middle East diplomacy early in his administration agrees that relations with Washington are not in the best — unlike McCain, who appears likely to operate with shape. He cites weaknesses in all three diplomatic pil- more or less the same detachment Bush has shown in lars put in place back in the mid-1970s: the search for this regard. peace in the Middle East, cooperation in the Persian Gulf region and the maintenance of U.S. economic and Shohrat Aref is a diplomatic reporter for the Cairo-based military assistance to Egypt. Middle East News Agency. She specializes in U.S. poli- He also identifies a prevailing feeling that the Bush tics, reporting from Egypt and the United States. The administration has not been responsive to the need to author wishes to thank Ahmed Gheith, MENA’s editorial promote solid ties with Cairo over the past seven years. managing director, for his assistance in conducting inter- But he does detect a greater appreciation within other views for this article. American institutions, especially Congress, of Egypt’s
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importance as a force for peace and The opposition in Egypt At the same time, Soliman stability — a view that he hopes will acknowledges that the Egyptians be reflected in the new administra- foresees better chances are not good at conveying their tion. message to the American public to Dr. Adel Soliman, executive for strategic ties with the clarify views on certain issues. For director of the International Cent- that reason, he calls upon the Arab er for Future and Strategic Studies, United States under an communities in the United States a Cairo-based think-tank, offers a to unify their stance, with the aim of somewhat different perspective. He Obama administration. defending the interests of the agrees that the bilateral relationship region. is based on a common desire for Dr. Abdel Aziz Shadi, a professor peace and stability in the region. But he blames the cur- of political science and economy at Cairo University, char- rent differences on the Bush administration’s interference acterizes bilateral ties under the Bush administration as in the domestic situation in Egypt under the slogan of pro- “declining” due to Bush’s focus on combating terrorism moting democracy and human rights. Soliman adds that and promoting political reforms in the region. In his opin- there is no doubt that Pres. Bush’s speech in the Israeli ion, Bush wants to impose his vision on the Arab countries Knesset earlier this year, in which he strongly supported without taking into consideration the cultural and social Israel’s settlement policy in the Palestinian occupied terri- nature of those societies, which need more space to adopt tories, has had a very bad impact on Egyptian and Arab such reforms. public opinion. If Obama wins the election, bilateral relations might
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get back to normal, assuming he Egyptian experts disagree trol the Middle East as a whole. adopts former President Bill On the other hand, Al-Reedy is Clinton’s approach of maintaining about how quickly a Pres. also convinced that no future U.S. the U.S. focus on promoting president can afford to disengage democratic reforms in Egypt and Obama would move to himself from regional diplomacy other Arab countries — and so the way George W. Bush has. long as he does that more effec- resolve the Palestinian- Thus, a Pres. McCain may have to tively than Bush has. Shadi be more active than he would like. believes Obama will appeal to pub- Israeli conflict. Amb. Shalaby also foresees lic opinion in the Arab region to continuity in America’s Middle convince them to adopt such East policy. But the style would reforms. Conversely, if McCain is elected, he will keep be much different depending on who takes office in the current U.S. hardline policy in place. January. Specifically, he predicts that Obama will take a For these reasons, the opposition in Egypt foresees multilateral approach in his foreign policy, centered on better chances for strategic ties with the United States listening and working with the United States’ traditional under an Obama administration. Mounir Fakhri Abdel allies in the Middle East and elsewhere. While he is cur- Nour, a former member of the Egyptian Parliament who rently constrained by the need to present himself as a is now secretary general of the Al-Wafd Party and a mem- centrist to win the election, he will still seek to follow his ber of the Egyptian Human Rights Council, grants that own path if elected. For instance, it will not be easy for whether McCain or Obama wins the election, the new Obama to maintain his readiness to negotiate with president will continue to advocate the adoption of politi- Tehran over its nuclear program against pressure to take cal reforms in the Middle East and around the world. a hard line. But he will still place more emphasis on a However, he expects Obama to be more diplomatic in his diplomatic approach than Bush has or McCain would. approach. The two analysts agree that Obama will follow Bill Clinton’s example by actively engaging himself in diplo- A Return to Multilateral Diplomacy? matic efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the Beyond the bilateral relationship, there is the broader Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This will be even more true if question of how Obama and McCain would address the current negotiations between Palestinian Authority often-contentious regional issues. Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Many Egyptians support withdrawal of U.S. forces Ehud Olmert produce a framework for further talks. from Iraq, which they believe have led to instability in the Dr. Soliman concurs to some extent. Yet while he region; but they differ on how rapidly the drawdown does not foresee any major shifts in the strategy underly- should occur. Those who advocate gradual withdrawal do ing U.S. foreign policy under Obama or McCain, he does not want Iraq to be left in a mess that could lead to civil see potential for a shift in the tactics the new administra- war; in addition, many Egyptians are afraid of Iran’s tion uses to implement it. For one thing, he cites a ten- growing influence in Iraq, which they expect to acceler- dency for Republican administrations to resort to force to ate after the withdrawal of American troops. solve problems — unlike Democratic administrations, Amb. Al-Reedy predicts that if Barack Obama wins which tend to favor diplomacy. the election, he will work to keep his promise to with- For his part, Dr. Shadi notes that the thrust of U.S. draw U.S. troops from Iraq — contrary to John McCain, foreign policy is set by the interplay of various American who has repeatedly expressed his intention to adhere to institutions, including Congress. Thus, the broad out- Bush administration policy, even if it means staying in lines of American diplomacy do not depend very much Iraq for 100 years. However, he expects Obama’s main on the outcome of elections. However, each new presi- priority to be a gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops in a dent has room to set his own priorities. For example, if way that will not leave the country in shambles. In con- Obama wins in November, he will devote more attention trast, Al-Reedy says, McCain will be more interested in to working with the European Union on the energy issue making Iraq an effective part of the U.S. strategy to con- than would his opponent. Nor will he focus on the war
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on terrorism to the degree that The Bush administration Committee, in which he explicitly Bush has, or favor sending more supported the existence of Israel, troops outside the U.S. into new has not been responsive to backed the continuation of efforts conflicts. to isolate the Hamas movement Unlike other experts, howev- the need to promote solid and called for reforms in the er, Dr. Shadi does not think a Palestinian Authority. Pres. Obama would move quick- ties with Cairo over the If McCain is elected, Gheith ly to resolve the Palestinian- expects his administration to rep- Israeli conflict. Instead, he will past seven years. resent an effective third term for first give himself some time to George W. Bush. But he believes master this complex issue and some aspects will be different in articulate a new vision. In contrast, a Pres. McCain light of the senator’s willingness to work with the would continue to pursue the neoconservative policy Democrats on certain issues. mapped out during the two terms of the Bush adminis- Whatever the outcome in November, most Egyptians tration. do not expect any major changes in bilateral relations or Hazem Ahmed Gheith, a political science student at in the image of the United States. They remain hopeful Cairo University who does not belong to any party, also that the atmosphere will improve, particularly if Barack does not foresee any major change in U.S. policy under Obama is the victor. But they are beginning to recognize either Obama or McCain. He cites Obama’s recent the need to foster closer ties to American institutions like speech before the American Israel Public Affairs Congress to defend their interests. I
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BUDAPEST’S BALANCING ACT
WHATEVER ITS OUTCOME, THE UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS LIKELY TO IMPROVE THE OPINION OF HUNGARIANS ABOUT THE UNITED STATES.
BY ÁKOS BEÖTHY
he 10 million-strong Cen- secret renditions, human rights abuses in Guantanamo tral European republic of Hungary finds itself in a deli- Bay and in Iraqi prisons, and alleged manipulation of cate position as the Bush administration prepares to leave intelligence data regarding the Iranian nuclear program office. T A staunch ally in what former U.S. Defense all made matters worse. And many Hungarians see the Secretary Donald Rumsfeld hailed as “New Europe,” the refusal of the Bush administration to submit the Kyoto country supported the launch of the war against Iraq in Protocol for ratification, take any real action to combat 2003, and currently has troops in both Iraq and global warming or support international organizations as Afghanistan. Budapest is also indirectly affected by selfish and irresponsible decisions. Washington’s plans to set up a missile defense system by Although the war in Iraq is probably as unpopular in deploying interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar sta- Hungary as in the United States, being part of the “coali- tion in the Czech Republic. Finally, it has an important tion of the willing” has contributed to one development role to play in the debate on the future of Europe’s ener- that is welcomed by all Hungarians. It appears that gy supply, where Washington — concerned with Russia’s Washington may admit the country to its visa-waiver pro- ever-growing energy muscles — wants its say. gram, greatly facilitating travel to the U.S. by Hungarian While the two governments have cooperated closely, tourists and businessmen, as early as the end of this year. there is a widespread perception of American arrogance Obviating the need to endure the long, costly and tedious among Hungarians. This has many roots, starting with visa application procedure will certainly improve the opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, a war that many somewhat negative image of the United States many people here deem unlawful and based on lies. News of Hungarians hold.
Ákos Beöthy has been writing and editing for Improvement Is on the Horizon Világgazdaság (World Economy), Hungary’s leading daily Whatever its outcome, the upcoming U.S. presidential business newspaper, since 2000. He covers international election is likely to improve the opinion of Hungarians and policy issues, macroeconomic trends and the about the United States. John McCain is respected as a European Union. Earlier this year he spent five months at war hero and as a man of principles as opposed to George The Philadelphia Inquirer as an Alfred Friendly Fellow. W. Bush, but a win by Barack Obama would result in real
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excitement. Such a victory might For many people here, president to address is how to handle even rebuild the image of the a resurgent Russia. Moscow’s August “American Dream,” so the fate of his the restoration of intervention in Georgia, purportedly promises of changing how politics is to defend South Ossetians against conducted in Washington will be America’s promise goes Tbilisi’s “aggression,” conjured up closely watched by many Hungarians. alarming memories of Cold War For many people here, the beyond the end of the rhetoric. So did its earlier response restoration of America’s promise to U.S. plans to establish missile goes beyond the end of the current current antipathetic defense facilities in Poland and the antipathetic foreign policy. After all, Czech Republic: suspending its par- it is not just international relations foreign policy. ticipation in the Treaty on Conven- that determine the life of a nation; tional Armed Forces in Europe and Hungarians watched astonished as warning Warsaw and Prague that it this land of the free responded to the threat of terror by would target sites in their territories with its own mis- curbing civil liberties after 9/11. siles. It seems that Americans continue to worry more Budapest hosted one of the talks between the United about their security than about their liberties. Both pres- States and Russia last year, where Washington tried to idential candidates strive to look tough on national secu- persuade the Putin government that its missile defense rity, and the controversial provisions of the renewed plans are justified by the threat posed by such rogue Patriot Act are not a campaign issue. This surprises many countries as Iran and North Korea. It also offered to in Hungary, who will be keen to see how these domestic share data with Moscow that it previously shared only aspects of the war on terror will unfold during the next with its NATO allies. American presidency. The U.S. presidential elections might have a direct On the level of intergovernmental relations, Hungary impact on the fate of this conflict. The Czech Republic will remain a partner of the United States in stabilizing signed a treaty to allow Washington to set up a radar both Iraq and Afghanistan, irrespective of the election base in July, though its ratification in Parliament is far outcome and whether it is McCain’s or Obama’s policy from certain. In response to Moscow’s growing bel- that will start to take shape in the Middle East. ligerence, Poland may soon do so as well, though it In October, Budapest will send 80-100 troops to remains unsatisfied with what Washington has offered Afghanistan to join the 230 currently serving with the in compensation and worries that the U.S. may drop the International Security Assistance Force. And at the whole plan if a Democratic president is elected in Bucharest NATO summit this past April, it offered a spe- November. cial unit that can be deployed anywhere in Afghanistan, The problem for Hungary is that it might find itself in including its most dangerous regions. Meanwhile, the a no-man’s land between the United States and Russia. nations of “Old Europe” largely rule out a greater combat In economic terms, such a buffer zone has already devel- role for their troops. oped in the region, as Russia tries to build an economic In the case of Iraq, however, there has been some dis- stronghold. The main field of Russian expansion is, of appointment. When Hungary joined the U.S.-led coali- course, energy, and the consequences are not limited to tion forces there five years ago, it expected that its com- Eastern and Central Europe. They also concern the panies would be able to share in the billions of dollars United States, which is interested in finding ways to being spent to rebuild the country. But most of the bid- channel Central Asia’s wealth toward Europe without ding firms have realized by now that they have no chance crossing Russian territory. It is also trying to help the ex- against their American and Middle Eastern competitors. Soviet states in that region break free of the Russian embrace and to find transit routes for their natural gas, so The Role of Russia that they do not need to rely on Moscow as their only For Hungary, just west of the ex-Soviet republic of buyer. Ukraine, the most important issue for the next American Budapest also has to decide how to handle several del-
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icate strategic questions regarding Moscow’s dealings end of February. Both Washington and Brussels favor with its Balkan neighbors. First, there is the ongoing another pipeline, the Nabucco, which would bring gas Russian confrontation with the European Union and the from the Caspian Basin and the Middle East to Europe United States over their decision this spring to recognize without crossing Russian territory. the independence of Kosovo. Moscow was a strong The concerns about Hungary’s eastern shift have trig- opponent of the secession of that province from longtime gered a campaign within the ranks of the largest opposi- ally Serbia, so Western backing for the independence of tion party, Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Union, to improve its Kosovo has turned many Serbs against European inte- own ties to the United States. Bilateral relations between gration and allowed Russia to strengthen its influence. 1998 and 2002 under the conservative government of Meanwhile, Belgrade joined Moscow’s South Stream Viktor Orban were not always unclouded. The main Project to build a pipeline to carry Russian gas to Europe. bone of contention was Hungary’s decision in 2001 to buy The Russian-Serb agreement, signed in January, gives Swedish Gripens for its air force instead of American- majority control to Russia over the Serb section of the made F-16s. pipeline. What is more, Russia also gained control over Even before the Hungarian-Russian agreement on the biggest Serb oil company. It thus cemented a very the South Stream Project, Orban had denounced what strong presence in the backyard of Hungary, whose cur- he called an undue amount of Russian influence in rent leaders — their critics say — do not even try to resist Hungary. During a 2007 visit to the United States last Moscow’s growing influence. year, he cited Russia’s huge role in some of his country’s To the disappointment of the United States and the key industries, and also criticized the government’s deci- European Union, Hungary also joined the project at the sion to nominate someone who had studied at the acade-
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my of the Soviet KGB to head the Trying to gain the For Hungary, just like Europe as a Hungarian National Security Office. whole, one of the most important fac- Orban has a good chance of support of the new tors in judging the next American becoming prime minister again in presidency will be its willingness to 2010 — or, given the current political U.S. president will cooperate in the field of global warm- turmoil in Hungary, even sooner if ing. As the United States is seriously early elections are held. Hungary’s surely play a role in affected by high oil prices, there is a foreign policy orientation may well chance that the next president will become a campaign issue, and trying the upcoming step up the efforts to lay down the to gain the support of the incoming foundations of a more sustainable U.S. president will surely play a role Hungarian elections. economic development. The Demo- in this game. cratic Party’s majority in Congress A recent study by the Hungarian might also make this task easier. Institute of International Affairs (a government-spon- Both McCain and Obama demand mutuality in sored foreign policy research center) predicts that reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, but much Obama and McCain would take the same basic approach will depend on China and India. The two governments toward Moscow. Obama regards Russia as “neither an received a promise at the G-8 summit in July that rich enemy nor a friend,” and there is no sign of willingness on countries would take the lead in curbing emissions. But his part to restore closer relations. And McCain’s tradi- the documents issued at the summit had very few of the tional realist logic does not even contemplate the possi- concrete goals needed to keep greenhouse gases from bility of a partnership with Russia. This suggests that growing, and Europe would like to see a much more whoever will be the next U.S. president, the distance determined commitment from the United States. The Budapest will have to bridge between Washington and European Union, for its part, made a unilateral pledge to Moscow will not become shorter. reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2020, irre- spective of what other countries do. Other Issues Finally, the next administration’s approach to global As for the future of transatlantic relations, the author trade issues will also be closely watched in Hungary. of the study points out the fact that figures close to While McCain stands for an open world trade system, McCain hold highly skeptical views about Europe’s capa- Obama gives voice to the more and more widespread bilities. It is thus unlikely that he would make an effort anti-globalization and protectionist views of the to create a common platform for what he calls “democra- American public. This suggests that he might engage tic states.” The European countries cannot expect to be in trade conflicts as president — most probably with regularly consulted on American foreign policy steps by a China. McCain administration. If that happens, protectionist efforts might also be It is more likely that he would choose his partners reinforced within the European Union, where there is according to his goals, much like the “coalition of the will- already a constant battle between member states on ing.” This approach could lead again to frictions in how to deal with the influx of cheap — and often low- Europe, similar to that of “Old Europe” and “New quality — Asian imports. Europe,” potentially enhancing the role of small coun- For all these reasons, Hungarians are probably more tries like Hungary. interested in this year’s U.S. presidential election than Obama’s presidency holds the promise of a more mul- ever before. Not only Americans think of it as a battle tilateral approach. For Hungary, this suggests that the of historic significance; it seems so from the other side main institutions shaping its American relations would be of the Atlantic as well. Seen from Hungary, the NATO, then the European Union. But as expectations prospects are bright: each of the candidates has the about Obama’s multilateralism fly high across the world, potential to become a respected U.S. leader. However, it is worth noting that such an approach might lead there are several issues that will test bilateral relations Washington to demand more from its partners. in the coming years. I
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TRADE IS CENTRAL FOR URUGUAY
THE DEBATE IN LATIN AMERICA IS MAINLY ABOUT WHETHER IT MAKES ANY DIFFERENCE AT ALL WHO MOVES INTO THE WHITE HOUSE IN JANUARY.
BY LUCÍA BALDOMIR
he upcoming presidential States sneezes, Latin America catches a cold.” election is the talk of the town in Washington these Although a U.S. recession could trigger a decline in days, but not in my home country. Tucked under foreign investment, Uruguay is less dependent on Brazil, Tfar from the United States, Uruguay has long American business in today’s global economy than it been known as the Switzerland of South America. Its used to be. Its exports to the United States fell $75 3.4 million people are middle class by world standards, million in the first five months of this year, a 69 per- dependent on agricultural exports, and are more inter- cent drop compared to the same period last year, as ested in what happens in Argentina or Brazil, their clos- the country shifted beef sales to Europe. The United est neighbors and biggest trade partners, than in the U.S. States slipped from the No. 1 spot among Uruguay’s Sure, Washington matters. The U.S. government export markets to No. 8, with Uruguay importing more offered a key loan to help Uruguay out of its 2002 from the U.S. market than it sold. financial crisis and, more recently, has become a strate- U.S. companies such as United Airlines, Texaco and gic partner at a time of difficulties for Mercosur (the Bank Boston have closed or sold their Uruguayan oper- Southern Cone Common Market), an organization ations in recent years. Others, including plywood comprised of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. maker Weyerhaeuser, have scaled back. But the coun- But while Washington sees Montevideo as a friendly try’s economy still grew by more than 7 percent last capital in a hostile backyard, the biggest concern for year, as other businesses — both foreign and local — most Uruguayans, and most Latin Americans, is mak- helped make up the gap. ing ends meet amid rising food and gas prices. The long-term role of the United States in Uru- Of course, regional governments and business lead- guay’s economy remains uncertain. Relations depend ers have longer-term horizons, worrying about the on a U.S. economic rebound and on how much impact of the U.S. slowdown on their national Washington agrees to open its market to Uruguayan economies. As the saying goes: “When the United goods and services, especially sensitive agricultural products. Meanwhile, the country is moving to Lucía Baldomir is a business reporter for Montevideo’s El become more globally competitive and less U.S.- País newspaper. focused.
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Close Ties Will Continue Earlier this year, Republican administration willing to No matter who wins the White sign trade agreements, but others House in November, Uruguay is Uruguay signed a would prefer a Democratic president among the Latin American coun- with a different foreign policy. tries with the most to gain from Trade and Investment Anti-Bush feelings rose with the good relations. In a region filled Iraq War and fueled growing anti- with populist hardliners such as Framework Agreement U.S. sentiment in the region. For Hugo Chavez (Venezuela), Evo instance, last year I had to choose Morales (Bolivia), Rafael Correa with Washington to between going to the United States (Ecuador) and Nestor and Cristina or Spain for a six-month journalism Kirchner (Argentina), Uruguayan expand economic fellowship. I asked friends, family President Tabaré Vázquez stands and other contacts for their input. out as a moderate leader alongside opportunities. Almost everyone urged me to Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. choose Europe, citing the arrogance Although Vázquez is Uruguay’s of “los Yankees,” but I came to the first leftist president, he has built on the solid U.S. ties U.S. anyway. developed by his more market-oriented predecessor, Jorge Changing Latin American attitudes toward the United Batlle. The Bush administration even offered to negotiate States won’t be easy for the new administration. It will take a free trade agreement with Montevideo. Though that ini- a friendlier and more humble U.S. foreign policy that pays tiative fizzled due to differences within Vázquez’s ruling more attention to regional concerns; but hopes for that are coalition, the fact that the president even tried to discuss not high. After all, when Bush was elected, he promised to such a proposal shows how far the terms of the debate make Latin America a top priority. However, after 9/11, the have shifted. Before the 2004 Uruguayan elections, the war against terrorism became his overriding concern. As a most radical wing within Vázquez’s coalition promoted the result, the region has become more self-reliant and critical idea of not paying Uruguay’s debt to the International of the Bush administration. Monetary Fund at all. Some even taunted visiting IMF In fact, some regional commentators are convinced officials with signs that read, “Yankee, go home!” that Latin America will never be a priority for any U.S. Earlier this year, Pres. Vázquez signed a Trade and administration. Sooner or later, the region always ends up Investment Framework Agreement with Washington to disappointed by too little attention — or the wrong kind. expand economic opportunities. That agreement has McCain’s greatest strength in Uruguay, and elsewhere already helped open the U.S market for Uruguayan blue- in Latin America, is his commitment to boost relations berries, allowed U.S. turkey imports into Uruguay and with the region and sign as many trade agreements as increased cooperation in science and technology. But possible, continuing Bush’s approach. For countries that hopes for the long term are bigger: The government con- already have free trade pacts with Washington, the chal- siders the TIFA a first step toward more open trade, even lenge is how to build on those accords and enhance their if the chance of signing a free trade agreement was dis- impact. As for Uruguay, the question is how to reach carded before Uruguayans’ eyes. political consensus over free trade and make the most of Another clear sign of the deepening relationship is the the Bush administration’s final year. fact that more top U.S. officials visited Montevideo in the Yet even if Uruguay embraces free trade and McCain past four years than ever before, including President wins, many wonder whether the Republican leader can George W. Bush, who saluted Pres. Vázquez as one of fulfill his pledges. They note that the Bush administration America’s friends in the region. negotiated and signed a free trade pact with Colombia, but couldn’t even get the Democratic-controlled Congress to The Best Choice? vote on it this year. And the Democrats are expected to It’s tough to gauge who would be the best U.S. presi- pick up legislative seats in November. dent for Uruguay or Latin America. Some Uruguayans Few Uruguayans knew much about Barack Obama believe they would be better off dealing with a until recently. Early this year, local newspaper headlines
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focused mainly on McCain, known as a Vietnam War vet- Uruguay’s ability to promote its own interests. But the eran, and Hillary Clinton, recognized for her years as first good news is that Obama shares many of our priority con- lady. It came as a surprise to most Uruguayans that cerns, such as development of alternative energy sources. Obama beat Clinton, but now they consider him the So negotiations with Mercosur would likely end up help- favorite in November. ing all its members, even tiny Uruguay. Obama stands out because he opposes most of Bush’s policies. Most Uruguayans also believe that he and his The Future fellow Democrats are more inclined than the Republi- The big question for most Latin Americans is whether cans to pass legislation that will help legalize the status of the next U.S. president will pay more attention to their immigrants in the United States and welcome them. On concerns. Or to put it another way: The debate does not the other hand, his protectionist rhetoric stirs real con- center on who would be better for the region, but on cerns, both within the Uruguayan government and the pri- whether it makes any difference at all who moves into the vate sector. Some fear he would add barriers to interna- White House in January. tional trade, perhaps imposing restrictions on beef or other This election comes at a time when the United States farm products by alleging potential pests or diseases. is losing ground in the hemisphere. The war in Iraq has It is possible that Obama would be willing to negotiate damaged its image outside its borders, the U.S. economy trade benefits with Mercosur or bigger economic groups is in recession, and China is emerging as a key business rather than doing so bilaterally. Of course, multilateral competitor. The Bush administration has focused so talks would favor larger countries such as Brazil, with 192 much time and money on fighting terrorism that its total million people, and Argentina, with 40 million, diluting aid to Latin America last year was roughly equivalent to
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just one week’s spending in Iraq. hopes ran high that democracy could bring prosperity Meanwhile, the region is diversifying its relations and and slash poverty. But progress has been slower than faring well, posting some of its best economic growth expected, with economic gains unequally distributed and rates in decades. Sales of food products, minerals and corruption widespread in some countries. The latest other basics to China, India and Europe helped the annual survey by respected pollster Latinobarometro region grow by 5.6 percent last year, even as the U.S. found only 54 percent of respondents support democrat- housing market tanked. Oil-exporting Venezuela is pick- ic governments — a finding that suggests limited impor- ing up some of the slack by buying Argentine debt, pro- tance will be placed on the U.S. election results. moting a new development bank called Banco del Sur The next president of the United States faces a serious and providing long-term loans for oil sales in the region, challenge in Uruguay and across Latin America: to gain among other measures. It also bought up a struggling the respect and trust of the majority of the region’s 562 Uruguayan cooperative bank known as Cofac, financed million residents and build support for democracy. A fail- the development of the sugar cane industry, and reached ure to integrate the United States with the rest of the an agreement with state-oil company Ancap to tap Americas could strengthen the populist and socialist gov- Venezuela’s massive oil reserves in the Orinoco belt. ernments now actively working to diminish the U.S. role Despite the recent economic growth, many Latin in the region. It could also push Latin America to accel- Americans remain dissatisfied with democracy. After the erate the pursuit of ties with Europe and Asia. But most end of anti-communist dictatorships in the 1980s, includ- of all, a failure to bond with the rest of the hemisphere ing many backed by Washington during the Cold War, would leave the United States more isolated. I
36 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2008
F OCUS ON THE 2008 ELECTIONS
OBAMAMANIA, GERMAN STYLE
ARE GERMANS STARTING TO REALIZE THAT BARACK OBAMA MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO FULFILL THE HIGH HOPES THEY HAVE PROJECTED ONTO HIM?
BY CORDULA MEYER
f Germany were the how someone seen as the face of a new, better America 51st state of the United States, Barack Obama would could call for such a terrible thing? not even need to campaign there. According to recent Politicians from across the German political spec- polls, 67 percent Iof Germans would vote for the sena- trum condemned his position. “Obama should work tor from Illinois, while only 7 percent would choose towards abandoning the death penalty, not for expand- John McCain. More than 82 percent of all Germans ing it, ” said Green Party Leader Claudia Roth. Her have confidence in Obama, while just 33 percent feel remarks were echoed by the head of the most conserv- that way about the senator from Arizona. ative party, the Christian Social Union, Erwin Huber, The excitement is so widespread that Constanze who said: “The ban on the death penalty must be Stelzenmüller, head of the German Marshall Fund in absolute.” Berlin, calls him the “Dalai Obama” — saying that The incident represented the first cooling of the the only person more revered in Germany is the love affair the German public has had with Barack Dalai Lama. Support for him is very emotional: Obama — and the first warning that he might not be Obama’s political style of uplifting, inspiring speech- able to fulfill the hopes Germans have projected onto es and his message of unity and hope really appeal to him. Germans. However, when he expressed his support for the A Complicated Relationship death penalty for child rapists after the June Supreme This level of local interest in a U.S. presidential race Court ruling striking it down, many people in Germany is unprecedented. According to the Pew Research were in a state of complete shock. While there was Center, 56 percent of the German public follows the some coverage of his position back in the U.S., all major contest closely — more than in any other foreign coun- German papers ran articles on the subject (some on the try except Japan and considerably more than in Spain front page), as well as a flurry of commentaries asking or France. At the same time, only 31 percent of Germans have Cordula Meyer is a senior correspondent for Der Spiegel, a favorable view of the U.S., down an astonishing 47 based in Washington, D.C. points from only eight years ago. This is the biggest
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swing in public opinion in 24 John McCain gets that again lets us say: ‘We love countries surveyed. America,’” says Social Demo- The drop is largely due to dis- substantially less coverage crat foreign policy expert Hans- approval of President George W. Ulrich Klose. Nobody could Bush’s decision to go to war than his opponent, but he is make that easier than Barack with Iraq and other policies. Obama. That is the change The Social Democrats, who seen as a realist in foreign Germans believe in. under then-chancellor Gerhard Schroeder refused to go into policy who is supportive of Ready for a Fresh Start Iraq, still proclaim themselves Obama stands for freshness, the peace party, the ones who the transatlantic alliance. untainted by the political bick- kept Germans out of the quag- ering of the past, and offers a mire in Iraq. But there is also vision of a united America. His considerable resentment of Pres. Bush because of his life story, with a father from Kenya and a youth spent in rejection of the Kyoto Protocol, his administration’s use Indonesia and Hawaii, is international and a departure of torture and the treatment of prisoners at Guantana- from the biographies of presidents past. It is inspiring mo Bay. Nor is former Defense Secretary Donald and intriguing to many Germans that he is African- Rumsfeld’s quip about “Old Europe” forgotten. These American, which for them symbolizes in itself a new, issues still dominate the German view of the U.S. today. better America. In addition, U.S. policy toward Iran is being watched That biography also seems to vindicate the German very closely. Bush’s political saber-rattling about World ideal of multiculturalism, which has come under much War III last November attracted much more wide- public criticism recently. “Obama is the incarnation of spread attention in Germany than it did in the U.S. and Multi-Kulti,” says Stelzenmüller. She sees a “pathologi- still reverberates. Following indications that Israel cal similarity” between the two countries at the root of might go ahead with a military attack against Tehran, the German infatuation with Obama. “Both countries fear in Germany has increased that Washington might are very idealistic and want to be good, and for that we be involved in another war before this president leaves want to be loved by the rest of the world.” And while office. Americans “fall in love with their own utopia during this Although relations and, especially, the style of com- election, Germans fall for the U.S. utopia, as well, munication between the two countries have significant- because it is so powerful.” ly improved since Angela Merkel became chancellor in Obama’s commitment to change and hope is a perfect 2005, the view of Bush among the general public has projection screen for German yearning for what they hardly changed. His policy toward North Korea and his perceive as a better America. Germans liked the charis- half-hearted attempts to restart the Israeli-Palestinian ma and iconic stature of John F. Kennedy, and they view peace process have reassured some in government with- Obama as his heir. References to him as “the Black out altering the German public’s negative assessment of Kennedy” abound. For many Germans, says Social him. But they — along with many members of the Democrat foreign policy expert Karsten Voigt, Obama is Merkel government — are clearly just waiting for the “a mixture of Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy.” Bush era to end. Tellingly, during the president’s last No wonder, as Voigt says, that “Germany is Obama visit to Germany there were not even demonstrations country.” Some Social Democrats have even taken the against him, a clear sign that even the protesters con- unprecedented step of endorsing Obama. Kurt Beck, sider their favorite enemy a lame duck no longer worth their chairman, has said that “an Obama presidency the trouble. would be good for the whole world.” Even Frank- Despite their negative views of the U.S., Germans Walter Steinmeier, the tough German foreign minister, have always liked American popular culture — from closed a speech at Harvard by chanting, “Yes, we can!” Bruce Springsteen to the rapper 50 Cent, from “Sex in After almost four years of a grand coalition, the City” to American designers. “We want a change Chancellor Merkel’s no-nonsense, matter-of-fact leader-
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ship style, and a general lack of Despite their negative where issues like NATO strategy, inspiring politicians, Germans the fight against terrorism and long for a charismatic figure. views of the Bush many military issues are dis- The Christian Democratic par- cussed in depth. liamentary leader Norbert Rött- administration, Germans Those who know McCain gen says Obama has generated a view him as a realist in foreign mood that “makes it possible to continue to like American policy, somebody strongly inter- believe in politics.” With mem- ested in and supportive of the bership in all political parties popular culture. transatlantic alliance. Some hitting a historic low and half of worry about the prominent neo- the membership of the two big conservatives among his advisers parties being 60 and older, there is a general frustration on foreign policy. But the general public in Germany with politics. So many Germans are intrigued that knows little about him except that they associate him Barack Obama can get people excited about politics and closely with Bush. Perhaps because party discipline is so revive democracy that way. much stronger in Germany than in the U.S., and Bush Coverage of John McCain is somewhat more limited. and McCain are both Republicans, there seems to be lit- The senator is well-known inside political circles tle curiosity among the German public about how, or because he regularly attends an annual conference in even whether, the two men differ. Munich that draws members of the security community Though McCain gets substantially less coverage than worldwide. It is the one high-level meeting in Germany Obama, his life story — particularly his record as a war Executive Lodging Alternatives Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” C [email protected] Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619
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hero, as well as his stances on glob- Local coverage to his visit (the second time it has put al warming and on torture — is him on the cover) titled “Obama, an well known. Yet that is not how he of his visit has only American Idol,” while Stern maga- is defined. “McCain means war,” a zine titled its story, “Savior or Berlin commentator wrote in July, increased Obama’s Seducer?” And the cover of the citing how the candidate hummed political daily Taz depicted him as “Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran.” Nor status as a political Superman. There were also many do McCain’s confrontational views stories detailing Obama’s foreign on Russia do anything to reassure pop star in Germany. policy ideas — as far as he has been Germans. specific about them, anyway. The danger is that in their high Poised for Disappointment? hopes, Germans are not only falling for a Democrat, but Yet many members of the political elite warn that one they believe must be practically a European himself. relations with the U.S. will not automatically run But they forget the fundamental differences between the smoothly if Barack Obama wins in November. Up to United States and Europe. So they are shocked when now, it has been easy for Berlin to turn down requests Obama does not speak out against a Supreme Court rul- from the disliked Bush administration — for example, to ing on gun control, and when he supports telecommuni- send more German troops to Afghanistan. Such cations surveillance. And they feel bewildered when he requests would be much more difficult to rebuff coming calls for a greater role for religious groups in administer- from a President Obama, even though there is very little ing government assistance. support among Germans for expanding the country’s For all these reasons, Germans are in for a disap- military presence overseas. pointment, says Stelzenmüller. As much as they like Furthermore, because Obama was born well after Obama’s message, they need to prepare themselves for World War II and his worldview has not been shaped as what his policies would look like in practice and how much by the Cold War lens, some experts warn that the much he would be bound by facts and events once in transatlantic relationship might be less of a priority for office. He would most probably not sign the Kyoto him. Yet while little is known about Obama’s foreign Protocol; he would expand the military; and even he policy positions, the German public sees him as would not be able to make the United Nations popular peaceloving and multilateral, which seems to be with most Americans. enough. Once Germans get beyond those unrealistic expecta- Obama had never been to Germany before his trip to tions, however, there would be room for a new era of Berlin in July, so the announcement of his visit there friendship with America. The style of communication caused widespread excitement. The country was the would be different, for one thing. After all, an Obama- centerpiece of his trip to Europe. His initial plans to led America would be closer to Germany than Bush’s speak at the Brandenburg Gate caused a controversy, America — just not as close as Germans hope on issues due in part to the fact that the foreign minister, a Social ranging from the Iraq War and dealing with Iran to cli- Democrat in Chancellor Merkel’s grand coalition, used mate change policies. Merkel’s reluctance to allow Obama use of the historic Still, the fact that Obama wants to take action against site as a way to separate himself publicly from her for proliferation and restart disarmament talks, and sup- the first time. In effect, Obama’s visit marked the ports multilateral action, will bring him tremendous beginning of the campaign leading up to next year’s good will — and maybe even the political leverage to German elections. push Germans a little farther than they want to go. The venue Obama ultimately chose, the Victory Obama adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski has said that if Column, not only defused the issue but is almost as Europe wants to share the decision-making, it will also symbolic as the Brandenburg Gate. Local coverage of have to share the responsibilities and the burdens. his visit has only increased Obama’s status as a political Germans will be reluctant to do so, but Obama is in a pop star in Germany. Der Spiegel devoted a cover story unique position to convince them. I
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F OCUS ON THE 2008 ELECTIONS
INDONESIANS HOPE FOR PARTNERSHIP
THE FACT THAT OBAMA SPENT SEVERAL YEARS IN JAKARTA AS A BOY DOES NOT MEAN INDONESIANS EXPECT SPECIAL TREATMENT IF HE’S ELECTED.
BY KURIE SUDITOMO
t should come as no details about the family, such as how Ann spent years surprise that to the extent Indonesians are paying atten- studying women and blacksmithing among villagers in tion to the upcoming U.S. presidential election, they’re Central Java, and how the ungainly future U.S. presiden- mainly interestedI in Barack Obama. Besides his youth tial candidate “ran funny, like a paddy-field duck.” and ethnicity, there is the fact that he spent several years The cover illustration for Jangan Bunuh Obama! as a boy in Jakarta during the late 1960s and early 1970s. shows the senator, his eyes closed in prayer, with a U.S. One can find at least seven books by local writers flag as a backdrop. Author Hermawan Aksan writes: profiling Obama on the shelves of Gramedia, Indone- “Obama means hope. Hope for a more peaceful world. sia’s biggest bookstore chain. One, Jangan Bunuh Aside from his flaws, Obama is still very young and offers Obama! (Don’t Kill Obama!), expresses fear that if he is a program for change that is different from [that of] his elected, Obama will be the fifth U.S. president to be opponent, John McCain, and, of course, from [that of] assassinated. George W. Bush.” The book came out in April, just as Time magazine One can sense the very same enthusiasm from neigh- published a profile of Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann bors and Obama’s friends during the four years he lived Dunham, “a white woman from the Midwest who seems in Jakarta. Coenraad — who, like many Indonesians, to have been more comfortable in Indonesia.” That same only uses one name — lived next door to “Barry,” as he month, the Indonesian weekly news magazine I write for, called him then, in the Menteng Dalam neighborhood. Tempo, published an article adding a few more intimate He has few doubts Obama will win in November, joking that “He will be the first Menteng Dalam kid to become Kurie Suditomo is a staff writer for Tempo, a weekly news the U.S. president.” magazine in Jakarta, writing for its foreign affairs and arts & culture sections. She began as an intern in 1999, then Strong Feelings spent three years reporting on national and political The Indonesian media have a soft spot for Obama. In issues. In 2005, thanks to a J. William Fulbright Scholar- the early months of 2008, he appeared almost daily on the ship, she earned a master’s degree in Southeast Asian stud- front pages, in features and in television coverage. In jok- ies from Ohio University. ing with local journalists, U.S. embassy staff urged us to
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give John McCain some space, too. Indonesians Abdurrahman Wahid. Her father, pop- “You have to be balanced,” one advised. ularly known as Gus Dur, leads Nahd- But Indonesians understand only too understand only too latul Ulama, a 40 million-strong Muslim well that America is not only about organization whose moderate interpre- Obama. The U.S. has always had a well that America tation of Islam stands in stark contrast strong influence on this country, the to Saudi Arabia’s strict Wahabi school. world’s third-largest democracy, going is not only Wahid received her master’s degree back to the young republic’s hasty 1945 from Harvard University’s Kennedy proclamation of independence. Now, about Obama. School of Government and once served six decades after former President on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoy- Sukarno’s bitterness toward the U.S. led ono’s staff of advisers. She notes that him to pull out of the United Nations for several years, a both countries may have a warm relationship in a formal similar wave of anti-American sentiment is back in full sense, but that does not necessarily reflect what main- swing among Indonesia’s 220 million people. Only this stream Indonesians feel. time, the emotion is boiling up from the bottom. She says America is disliked for its defiant support of Street demonstrations — almost a daily occurrence in Israel and for turning its back on the suffering of the the post-Suharto era — often carry an anti-American Palestinian people. It is also seen to represent the evil of message. Muslim groups blame Washington for failing to globalization, which creates social injustice and impover- press for a Palestinian state and for ignoring the suffering ishes those who reside in rural areas. In this case, the of ordinary Iraqis. Angry students see it as the leader of Yudhoyono administration shares the blame for not being Western neo-colonization in the developing world. independent enough from Washington. “We couldn’t get A prime target of such emotion, of course, is the any closer to America,” Wahid complains. American embassy, which sits next to the vice president’s Still, she feels November’s election may be more office in downtown Jakarta. Because of frequent protests important than previous polls because Obama will be one against U.S. policy, a 30-man police mobile brigade of the candidates. It is not only his emotional ties with detachment is stationed there around the clock. As a sign Indonesia that are important, but also his rather prophet- of appreciation, the embassy supplements the men’s daily ic vision to become an agent of change after eight years of meal allowance with cartons of instant noodles, packages negativity under the George W. Bush administration. of cookies, instant coffee and candy. (Four members of the brigade were badly hurt in the bombing of the Resentment of U.S. Pressure Australian embassy in September 2004 that killed 11 civil- Listen to a similar reaction on a lazy Sunday afternoon ians, so they take threats to the embassy seriously.) at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque. The building’s first stone was Do the guards know America is going to have a presi- put in place in 1961 after Yenny Wahid’s grandfather, dential election soon? “Yes, I saw it on television,” said one Wahid Hasyim, introduced the idea of building a monu- 20-something patrolman. “Obama from the Democrat[ic] mental place of worship next to the Presidential Palace. It Party and ... um, that old man from the other one.” can hold more than 60,000 people, and in mid-June that Like many other Indonesians, the patrolman knows many people flocked to midday prayers to celebrate the Obama spent his childhood in Jakarta, but he is not so capital’s 481st birthday. sure about what that means for the future. He thinks rela- A member of Daarut Tauhid, the group that organized tions between the U.S. and Indonesia are generally good, the gathering, won’t give her name, but says her passion- and appreciates the U.S. government-sponsored police ate fondness for Obama comes from her neighbor, who training sessions that have often been held since 2000. claimed to be the former headmaster of his elementary But he remains skeptical about American intentions: school. She expects Obama to win, but like everyone else, “Obama may have spent some time here, but he still is not sure that will help to arrest a perceived drift in U.S.- needs to prove his friendship with us.” Indonesia relations. She finds America too demanding That is exactly how the common people think about and dictatorial, and says it wields too strong an influence the U.S., says Yenny Wahid, daughter of former president over Indonesia and the current administration. “We don’t
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have to prove anything about terrorism, so we shouldn’t Americans to play a low-profile role; otherwise, the issue mind what they accuse us of,” she says. will only exacerbate the anti-American sentiments already Retired General Agus Widjojo helps to explain this prevalent in Indonesian society. “The more they try to notion. During President Bush’s first term, he points out, push, the more resistance they will get,” says one palace the pressure to conform with the U.S. national interest in official, speaking on condition of anonymity. the war on terrorism was so great that it sometimes violat- ed the very democratic practices Washington espouses. A Careful Balancing Act One such case was when Indonesian intelligence appre- Pres. Yudhoyono has been very careful in balancing the hended suspected al-Qaida terrorist Omar Al-Farouq and people’s emotion and his administration’s interests in pur- turned him over to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency suing a partnership with the U.S. “Our relations have in a clandestine operation in January 2002. Al-Farouq was been excellent, with Washington taking a pro-Indonesian flown to the U.S. military’s Baghram Base in Afghanistan, stand since the birth of the reform era,” says Dino Patti from which he escaped five years later. Djalal, the president’s spokesman on foreign affairs. Widjojo says such acts, undertaken without the However, Djalal declines to say whether he favors involvement of the police, are no longer acceptable in the Obama or McCain and talks instead about the overall newly democratic Indonesia, because the people hate to relationship. “Whoever replaces Bush must be able to see their government bending to Washington’s wishes. retain that stance and demonstrate an ability to exercise “We are no longer an authoritarian regime. It should be nuanced diplomacy.” That means an ability to respect the difficult to pressure us to do something like that,” he adds. complexity of the relationship, instead of focusing on just Some government insiders believe it is better for the one single issue.
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What Djalal wants to see is a smart U.S. policy, similar “As a Democrat, Obama would likely be tougher on to that exercised by many other countries. He feels bilat- human rights’ issues, while McCain may help to improve eral cooperation goes well because it stays low-key. This the military relationship, as commonly happens with is particularly true in counterterrorism, reflecting Wash- Republican leaders,” the general observes. But otherwise, ington’s understanding that it is an internal law enforce- he does not expect to see too many differences between ment issue. But Indonesia will never be a U.S. satellite in McCain’s policies and Pres. Bush’s program. the region. “We are more like India in the way we have Widjojo says Indonesia has suffered enough from the our own stands and actions,” he notes. military mistakes made during the New Order years. Indeed, Gen. Widjojo believes there is little chance “Future military leaders should be given a chance to study Obama or McCain can bring radical change, because alternative systems and share knowledge on democracy most important decisions lie in the hands of Congress. and human rights in other countries,” he says. Because But he would like to see the resumption of the the current generation of military officers does not have International Military Education and Training pro- such opportunities, they do not even study English seri- gram, suspended when Congress froze military rela- ously, Widjojo says. tions with Indonesia after soldiers killed as many as 200 Such sentiments run parallel to Minister of Defense civilians in a shooting in a Dili, East Timor, graveyard Juwono Sudarsono’s views. Whoever wins November’s in 1991. Although those restrictions have now been election should support Indonesia’s military capacity- relaxed, and some bilateral programs are in place, there building, he says, so that the country’s strategic position are still congressional roadblocks in the way of the full can earn more respect from the U.S. “Treat us as a part- relationship. ner, not an ally.” I
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FS FICTION WHAT TO DO ABOUT GINA
A SINGLE FS WOMAN, LINDA SUDDENLY FINDS HER LIFE DRAMATICALLY CHANGED BY A TRAGEDY AT HOME.
BY JOAN B. ODEAN
inda looked down at the little girl itchy, sandy feeling one has after traveling a long distance in standing patiently beside her, as the the dry atmosphere of an airplane, without much sleep. two inched up the line toward the cus- She wanted nothing more than a hot shower followed by toms official at the Tel Aviv airport. crawling into her bed with its crisp, clean white sheets in The girl’s two braids were coming her darkened, quiet bedroom. slightly undone, and she was still Linda was jarred from this pleasant thought when she clutching the tattered stuffed dog she remembered that she probably had nothing in the refriger- had barely let out of her sight for the past two weeks. Her ator. Gina would be hungry. Anything left in the fridge Llavender backpack hung limply on her back. Linda reached would probably be long past ready to be thrown out. out her hand and put it softly on the blond head; the girl did Having hurriedly left Tel Aviv for Ohio two weeks ago, she not react to the touch. had had little time to do anything but hastily gather clothes Sighing softly, Linda removed her hand and looked up, and dash to the airport. Food. She’d have to get some food checking how much farther they had before their turn came for Gina. And the bed in the guest room — Gina’s room, at the customs agent’s cubicle. Her eyes burned with the now — was not only unmade, but buried under a pile of clothes and books. As a single woman with no family left This story is the first-place winner of the Journal’s 2008 (well, except for Gina) and friends who visit her only once Foreign Service fiction contest. Other winning stories will or twice a year, Linda used the guest room as a catch-all for appear in future issues of the FSJ. anything and everything. Joan Broyles Odean, an office management specialist No, her life was no longer only about her wants and who joined the Foreign Service in 1985, has served in desires — now there was Gina. Geneva, Bonn, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Moscow and Washington, Linda’s tangled thoughts were interrupted by the immi- D.C. Her story, “Lucky,” won second place in the 2007 gration agent motioning her to come forward. Gently Foreign Service fiction contest. Ms. Odean is currently putting her hand on Gina’s back, she guided the girl to the posted in Ottawa. window, pushing their two passports — one blue, one black — through the open slot.
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 45
With a bored expression, the agent and went to the window, his back to regarded the two disheveled travelers her. “You know, I only met your sister before him. He checked the visa in The girl had said little once or twice,” he said. “She was an Linda’s diplomatic passport and … interesting … woman.” swiped it through the reader. Open- the last few hours — This was probably one of the more ing Gina’s passport, he looked at the blatant understatements in the world, little girl with renewed interest. the last two weeks, in Linda thought. But, at the same time, “What relation are you to this she deeply resented the subtle asper- woman?” he asked her, unsmiling. fact, Linda thought. sion cast upon her sister’s character by “She’s my niece,” Linda spoke up, this man. Kelly had been a free spir- her hand still resting protectively on it, but had worked hard as a sales clerk Gina’s back. to make a solid living for her daughter “Miss ...” the agent checked and herself after the divorce from her Linda’s passport again. “Krall. I was and their cart piled high with luggage last husband. And she had succeed- speaking to the girl. Can she speak outside — momentarily hesitating ed. They had a small house in the English?” and blinking against the white sun- leafy suburbs of Akron; Gina had “Of course,” Linda said, trying to light that blinded them — to the curb, done well in school; and Kelly had hide her exasperation. flagged a cab, and once everything finally seemed to settle down and find Gina was staring up at the agent, was loaded, sagged back into the seat. satisfaction in being a single mom. her wary, blue eyes shadowed with Linda had not been particularly purple circles of fatigue. uru close to her sister or to her niece. She “Why are you here?” the agent had sent obligatory birthday and asked again, staring at Gina. The The two were quiet as they sped Christmas cards to Gina every year, young girl turned to look at Linda, con- toward the city. The events of the last along with some gift unique to the fusion and a certain fear on her face. two weeks were a nightmarish blur. area where she had been posted: a “I…” she stammered. Involuntarily, the events replayed in small Bavarian cuckoo clock when she “Look,” Linda risked stepping in, Linda’s mind yet again: the phone call was in Germany; a reindeer muff and trying to avoid having the situation received at the embassy at 6 p.m. hat when she had lived in Oslo; an spiral into something worse. “She’s from the hospital in Akron with the exquisite Chinese doll from Beijing. been through a lot. Her mother — news that her sister had been in a car She had even flown out to Ohio once my sister — just passed away. She’s accident and, though still alive, was in or twice for brief visits during the past with me. We’re tired — it has been a critical condition; the rush to get few years. And, of course, they had long flight. Perhaps you’d like me to plane reservations back to the United met at the funerals of their parents. call the U.S. embassy and we can talk States; hurrying to her apartment, But by no stretch of the imagination to someone there?” Linda held her throwing together a bag. The long was Linda close to Gina. She knew breath, hoping the veiled threat plane ride to Ohio. Arriving at her sis- this explained the child’s shyness and would work. ter’s house and holding her perplexed reserve with her. The agent returned Linda’s steady and terrified 7-year-old niece — such And then, the car accident. Kelly gaze. The last thing he wanted was to a little thing she was, Linda thought. had unexpectedly worked late one get into a long, drawn-out tussle with Driving to the hospital and giving the evening. The police never decided if a diplomat. Finally, he sighed and heart-wrenching permission to with- she had fallen asleep or had just lost with a heavy hand stamped Gina’s draw life support. Funeral arrange- control of her car, which skidded into passport. Wordlessly, he shoved the ments. People at the house. The a ditch and overturned. And life was two passports back to Linda. lawyer. And then — Gina. suddenly different — for Gina, for “Thanks,” she said curtly and What to do about Gina. Linda, for so many people. struggled through the turnstile, lead- “Of course,” Linda had said in a The attorney’s voice abruptly ing the child. daze in the somber attorney’s office brought Linda back to the present. They made their way past the rows back in Ohio. “I’m taking her with “As the only living relative, you are, of of expectant faces outside the interna- me.” course, the logical person to take on tional terminal and pushed through The attorney quietly looked at the guardianship of this child. How- the gypsy cab drivers waiting to grab a Linda, as if sizing her up, and then ever…” he continued, turning back to fare. Resolutely, Linda steered Gina rose from the heavy mahogany desk face her. “I understand you are with
46 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2008
the Department of State? Living over- that there are ... options,” he contin- seas?” ued, his voice fading. “Yes,” Linda said, uncertain where “You are, of course, “Options,” Linda repeated hollowly. the conversation was going. “The “Yes,” the attorney felt somewhat Foreign Service.” the logical person to take encouraged. “I know several very “And so you will be taking the child nice couples who would be thrilled to to live with you in …” on the guardianship of have Gina join them as members of “… Israel,” Linda said, her voice their families. And, of course,” he stronger now. this child. However … smiled thinly, “you would be well “…Israel,” the attorney echoed, compensated.” eyebrows rising. “A somewhat volatile I understand you are Linda stared at the attorney with spot right now, wouldn’t you say?” disbelief. She fought to keep her face Linda contemplated the attorney. with the Department passive and contain her aversion to this “Mr. Modine, what are you trying to man. She stood slowly. say?” of State?” “Mr. Modine,” she said firmly, look- “Simply that I want what is best for ing him straight in the eye. “Gina is the child, as do you, I’m sure,” he said, coming with me. I can provide her the smoothly. “And with your demanding loving and secure home she needs. and … mobile … career, I just wonder Hundreds — thousands — of govern- if you can provide the most stable “if you have thought this through com- ment employees have families over- home and give Gina the attention she pletely.” seas. I think this discussion is at an will need for the next 10 years or so. I Linda stared at him wordlessly. The end. Don’t you agree?” simply wonder, my dear,” he said, lawyer appeared slightly discomfited Mr. Modine barely inclined his assuming a condescending tone now, by her gaze. “I want to point out to you head.
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 47
uru hole, staring out at the stars hanging in the black sky. In the middle of the long plane Linda thought Gina Linda felt her insides clutch. For ride from the U.S. to Tel Aviv, when the first time, she acknowledged her the flight had caught up to the night could very probably fear. Oh Lord, she prayed silently. and the cabin lights were dimmed to Show me how to handle this. encourage the restless passengers to hear the too-forced sleep, Linda had raised the arm rest uru between the two seats and pulled brightness in her voice. Gina toward her. The cabin’s air was In the taxi from the airport to too refrigerated, so Linda had tucked downtown Tel Aviv, Linda impassively the skimpy airline blanket over the took in the dusty, gray-green lotus two of them, followed by their two trees and dark green, pencil-thin sweaters. Another thing to add to the not go!” she had wanted to say. cypress trees, and the stark white list next time they traveled, Linda Instead, reason somehow took hold. buildings contrasted against the thought wearily — an extra blanket. “Ma’m, you’re not getting through bright, cloudless sky. So different Always new checklists. here until your little girl lets us X-ray from the deep, cool shaded streets of When they had been waiting in the the stuffed animal,” the burly security the suburbs in Akron that Gina was lounge at the airport to board, Linda agent told Linda in no uncertain used to, Linda thought. had suddenly thought, “What if we’re terms. “I don’t think we’ll see a camel stranded in the plane on the tarmac Linda had knelt in front of her here,” Linda said teasingly. “But we somewhere for six hours?” She had niece. “Gina, you have to do this,” she will later on, when we drive out of the jumped up and hurriedly told Gina to said. “Look at the other end of the city — I promise.” wait for her there while she ran to a conveyer belt. You can wait right here Gina did not respond. concession stand to get some emer- and watch the bin go in, and then out The taxi stopped in front of a high- gency snacks. But after taking a step the other side of the machine. You rise apartment building fronting on or two away, she had whirled around won’t ever have to lose sight of it.” It the bright blue Mediterranean Sea, and returned to Gina, gripping the took a few minutes, pulling Gina aside diamonds of light reflecting off the child’s hand, loaded the bags on the so that the agitated passengers stack- smooth water. Struggling with bags cart, and lumbered down the hallway ing up behind her could pass in front and purses, Linda paid the driver his to the nearest newsstand. Linda of them, but finally Linda was able to shekels, muttered “Shabbat Shalom” grabbed packages of trail mix and pry the animal out of the girl’s reluc- to him, and led the girl toward the ele- some candy bars. Another thing to tant small hands. vators. She noticed that Gina’s hold remember: be prepared with extra In the dim, quiet plane, Gina on her stuffed dog was now so tight food and water, she thought to herself. turned to look up at her aunt. “Tell that the little girl’s knuckles were On the plane, Gina’s warm weight me about the school again,” she whis- white. rested against her aunt. The girl had pered. Finally — home. Linda sighed said little the last few hours — the last “Oh, you’ll like it. There’s a sleep- deeply, letting bags tumble off her two weeks, in fact, Linda thought. over once a year,” Linda said brightly, shoulders and fall out of her hands. She continued to clutch the formless wracking her brain for things she had Gina stood silently in the middle of gray-pink stuffed animal tightly. heard parents in the embassy discuss the large living room, as if waiting for When the two had gone through about the school. instructions on what she should do security at the airport, there had been “And I know they have a good soc- next. a brief moment of anxiety as the secu- cer team. Do you play soccer?” Gina “Well,” Linda said brightly. “Here rity people ordered Gina to drop her shook her head briefly. we are!” stuffed animal into the bin for passage “Well,” Linda continued, “they She went to the sliding glass doors through the x-ray machines. Gina had have lots of things going on. I know and threw them open to let some stubbornly shaken her head, refusing you’ll be fine there.” fresh air into the stuffy, stale-smelling to let go of the small animal. Linda thought that Gina could apartment. The hot, bright sun For one, wild moment, Linda had very probably hear the too-forced poured into the room; the heavy sea had the urge to acquiesce to the small brightness in her voice; the little girl air was sultry. girl. “OK, let’s just turn around and wordlessly turned back to the port- Gina’s eyes, trained on Linda, were
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large and wary. after the fleeing girl. Catching Gina’s “I bet you could go for a nice small shoulder in front of the elevator, bath?” Linda said hopefully to Gina, “But you’re the she whirled the child around. reflecting her own desperate need for Something snapped inside of Linda — a good, soothing soak. When Gina did grown-up,” she wailed. the tiredness, her anxiety, her sorrow. not respond, Linda turned to the hall- “Gina!” Linda shook her shoul- way. “You’re supposed to ders a little. “Look, pal, I’m doing the “Back here is your room,” Linda best I can here. I’m new at this, too. chirped, hating the false note of cheer know what to do!” You’ve got to help me with this. I in her voice, as Gina shuffled behind don’t have all the answers!” her. The two stood in the doorway of Gina stared at Linda, horrified. the room, looking at the bare bed “But you’re the grown-up,” she overflowing with books, papers and wailed. “You’re supposed to know clothes. “I’m sorry,” Linda said to “Look,” Linda said, hearing an what to do! I don’t! You’re supposed Gina. “I know this isn’t very nice now, edge in her voice from fatigue and her to know!” Gina’s face crumpled into but I’ll get it cleaned up right away.” feeling of incompetence. “Why don’t tears. Gina stared mutely at the room. you take that bath while I straighten Linda leaned back, staring at the The contrast between her peaceful, up here a bit?” child, whose head hung down, tears blue-and-white-eyelet sanctuary back With a small sob, Gina turned on dripping onto her blue top. Linda in Akron and this impersonal mess her heel and ran out of the room. could almost feel her heart crack with could not have been more glaring, Linda, shocked, simply stared at her love for the child. She fell to her Linda thought, and she felt silent without moving. But the sound of the knees. “Oh Gina, honey,” she whis- reproach emanating from the girl front door opening galvanized her into pered. “I’m so sorry. So sorry. Please, standing motionless beside her. action. She ran out and down the hall honey. Please.” And she blindly drew
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 49
the small child’s body into her arms as Gina smiled softly, and nodded Gina cried — great, heaving sobs her head. “A-OK,” she replied faint- shook her body. The child’s eyelashes ly. Linda held her, rocking slightly. Linda drew her into another fierce Her own tears fell silently onto Gina’s stuck together, her blue hug. “A-OK,” Linda repeated, stand- blond hair. Gina cried on and on, let- ing. “Why don’t you go wash your ting out all the hurt and pain and fear eyes still swimming in a face and let’s go out for a hamburger that had been boiling inside of her and some of the best ice cream you’ll since her mother’s death. Finally, pool of tears. ever taste?” after a long while, Linda felt the Gina walked to the bathroom, and child’s cries slowing. Linda continued Linda could hear the tap running. to hold her in a cocoon of warmth. Maybe, she thought, as she turned Finally, she pulled away and into her own bedroom, they would looked Gina in the face, gently wiping you, Gina. I love you so much. We take a walk on the beach afterwards, away the tears that stained her pink will make this work — together. I and watch the sun set with warm sea cheeks. The child’s eyelashes stuck promise you that.” water running over their feet. Or together, her blue eyes still swimming Gina stared at her, hiccupping maybe not — we’ll just see how in a pool of tears. softly. Linda gave her a tentative things go. “I am so sorry, Gina,” Linda said smile. Linda felt suddenly lighter than softly but evenly, conviction threading “I might need some help with this, she had for several days. She ran a her voice. “But I can promise you this but I will do the absolute best I can. brush through her hair, and then — I swear to you. I am here. I will Will you help me? I think I can do a turned to go out with Gina — not take care of you. Nothing will happen good job, if you’ll be there holding even glancing at her bed with its cool, to you while I am here. And I love my hand, too. OK?” Linda asked. fresh, white sheets. I
50 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2008
WHY THE “F” PROCESS DESERVES THAT GRADE
TWEAKING THE CURRENT FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PLANNING PROCESS WILL NOT SUFFICE. INSTEAD, THE STATUS QUO MUST CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY.
BY DENNIS SHIN, CHARLES UPHAUS, TODD SHELTON AND EVAN ELLIOTT
riting in the March issue of More important, contrary to Prof. Adams’ assertion, the the Foreign Service Journal choice is not between pursuing the F process or returning to (“Don’t Reinvent the Foreign the status quo and, with it, the continued fragmentation of Assistance Wheel”), Professor foreign assistance programs. There is broad agreement, Gordon Adams asserts that the reflected in the report of the Helping to Enhance the Liveli- “F” process, the Bush adminis- hood of People Around the Globe Commission — written tration’s new approach to for- after the F process was already well under way — that the eign assistance planning, constitutes a meaningful step foreign assistance infrastructure is broken and that the sta- Wtoward aligning aid with U.S. strategic foreign policy goals. tus quo must change. Prof. Adams also describes the new process as an attempt to A coalition of development practitioners within the exec- strengthen the efficacy of civilian tools of statecraft. utive branch, congressional foreign relations staff, civil soci- Released to great fanfare as the cornerstone of the ety groups and implementers have rallied behind the call for administration’s doctrine of transformational diplomacy, the comprehensive reform through reauthorization of the F process promised greater strategic coherence in the use of Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. And the coming election, development and diplomacy as instruments in support of with the hope of a shift in U.S. foreign policy, offers an the ambitious goal of “helping to build and sustain demo- opportunity to move forward with fundamental reform. cratic, well-governed states … that conduct themselves responsibly.” The Call for Reform In reality, however, F represents a modest planning and Development practitioners seek reauthorization of the programming exercise, undertaken jointly by the State De- Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 in order to redefine the set partment and the U.S. Agency for International Develop- of relationships between the executive and legislative ment, affecting only a portion of U.S. foreign assistance. As branches and key participants, including host-country gov- such, it falls well short of the comprehensive reform of ernments and civil society, involved in U.S. foreign assis- American foreign assistance that growing numbers of tance. The aim is to: observers agree is needed. • Elevate development as the central goal of foreign assistance, with the aim of reducing poverty and promoting Dennis Shin is a strategic issues adviser for Catholic Relief improvements across a broad range of secondary indicators Services; Charles Uphaus is a retired USAID Foreign Service such as nutrition, basic education and access to health care; officer; and Todd Shelton and Evan Elliott are, respectively, • Emphasize a more holistic view of foreign assistance the senior director of public policy and public policy coordi- that looks not only at foreign aid, but considers other factors nator for InterAction. All four authors are members of that affect development, including trade policies, the role of InterAction’s Task Force on Foreign Assistance Reform. the private sector and efforts to promote institutional capac-
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 51
ity for country ownership through often met by a range of policy choices anti-corruption aid and democracy and other drivers, not just “handouts” promotion; and The new system seems in the form of foreign aid. As William • Change the relationship between Easterly observes, technology has parties to acknowledge an emerging grounded in its own empowered a new generation of social donor landscape with new entrants, entrepreneurs and “searchers” who such as private donors and corpora- reality of trying to do might benefit from initiatives that tions, in which concepts such as par- serve to incubate and propel innova- ticipatory engagement and country more with less. tion at the grass-roots level. ownership, featuring an emphasis on grass-roots, community-driven solu- F’s Obvious Shortcomings tions, blur the line between donor and Upon reflection, the F process was beneficiary. and illiteracy. never intended to be the sweeping The call for reform originates The drive to improve aid respon- overhaul of foreign assistance long mainly from three sources: 1) advo- siveness arises from the urgency of sought by stakeholders in the devel- cates urging the U.S. to abide by its addressing a set of chronic needs: the opment community. international commitments to foster health-care worker shortage, the As Adams acknowledges in his arti- development, including the Paris De- HIV/AIDS pandemic, food security cle, the Bush administration did not claration and the Millennium Devel- and the dramatic increase in global really attempt the kind of comprehen- opment Goals; 2) stakeholders such as food prices, climate change and the sive reform now being widely dis- host-country governments and civil competition for scarce resources. cussed on the Hill and within the de- society insisting upon a more active Increasingly, donors are working velopment community. At its root, the role for beneficiaries in setting priori- against time or operating under a nar- F process was simply a planning and ties; and 3) lawmakers charged with row window of opportunity to deliver budgeting exercise that categorized congressional oversight who view services to at-risk populations. spending across a range of strategic coordination with other donors (mul- While the global community has objectives, so that staff could respond tilateral, bilateral, private) as fiscally rallied to combat HIV/AIDS and has whenever the Secretary of State asked: responsible. pledged its support for the Millen- “How much are we spending in coun- What’s different about this latest nium Development Goals, persistent try X or in program area Y?” initiative is its broad base of support. challenges remain. Post-conflict envi- The process did not seek to This includes members of the biparti- ronments offer only a brief respite to improve aid effectiveness, or to clarify san HELP Commission; staff of Sen. jump-start development efforts. Glo- how the U.S. would support its com- Richard Lugar, R-Ind., on the For- bal climate change represents a real mitments. Instead, it seems ground- eign Relations Committee; develop- threat to low-lying coastal regions, ed in its own reality of trying to do ment experts such as the Center for such as the heavily populated Ganges/ more with less. However, to some Global Development, the Brookings Brahamaputra Delta and the drylands extent, it did seek to promote Institution and the CSIS Smart region of sub-Saharan Africa. accountability through more detailed Power Commission; and InterAction, Faced with such threats, the status tracking of development spending a coalition of over 150 private volun- quo, reflected in an antiquated for- and reducing beneficiary dependence tary organizations. eign assistance structure geared through an “up and out” policy of Even more distinctive, these grow- toward a static world of haves and encouraging countries to move along ing calls for greater aid effectiveness have-nots entangled in a Cold War a graduation trajectory. are not grounded in skepticism about era model of competition for influ- For this reason, the administration the value of foreign assistance. Indeed, ence, is no longer useful. The world should not be faulted for all the short- polling conducted by groups such as of centralized planning has been comings of the F process, including its: the German Marshall Fund, Inter- turned on its head, with economic • Focus on “country-based” plan- Action and the Alliance to End Hun- development assisted by, but no ning without adequately accounting ger consistently finds that a vast major- longer solely dependent upon, foreign for country priorities through consul- ity of the American public supports aid policies. tation with host-country government foreign assistance — provided they Moreover, economic growth does and key stakeholders; can be assured that assistance is tar- not necessarily result in poverty reduc- • Reliance on a top-down planning geted to addressing poverty, disease tion, while the needs of the poor are model that substitutes the knowledge,
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skills and experience of headquarters without expending the political capital tion of this lies in the attempt to staff for a broader assessment of ben- necessary to strike up a conversation, squeeze the totality of its foreign assis- eficiary needs that USAID field mis- much less undertake the grand bar- tance programs into a strategic frame- sions and embassy staff could provide; gain with key stakeholders required work straitjacket, in which all pro- • Absence of consultation with key for comprehensive reform. Faced grams were to be mapped into one of stakeholders in the budget and plan- with the thankless task of achieving five strategic objectives. The tool for ning process, including congressional reform on the cheap, instilling coher- tracking this process would be a series authorizing and appropriations com- ence without engaging in full consul- of templates initially utilized for the mittees and other executive branch tations with the legislative branch, President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS agencies (most notably Defense); civil society groups, or other agencies Relief. • Dependence on a strategic plan- (particularly the Department of De- This planning vehicle may have ning framework focused on linking fense) engaged in foreign assistance, made sense in the supply-chain world foreign assistance to U.S. strategic pri- the F Bureau concentrated on what of tracking inputs and outputs in the orities, but not to the development was achievable within its pre-existing delivery of anti-retroviral drugs. But priorities of key stakeholders; and legislative authorities. It did not the attempt to apply it to a mash-up of • Failure to account for other for- expect the resulting firestorm of criti- programs that run the gamut from eign assistance funding streams, out- cism from private voluntary organiza- health and education to countertraf- side of those controlled by USAID tions, Congress and, most surprisingly, ficking and counterinsurgency opera- and the State Department. career staff at the State Depart- tions requires a real leap of faith. In its defense, the Office of the ment and USAID. Director of Foreign Assistance (the F The administration’s folly lay in Setting Priorities Bureau) was assigned an ambitious overreaching its limited mission with At issue is not simply a competition task: achievement of strategic coher- claims and promises of sweeping for resources or concerns that devel- ence in its allocation of resources reform. The most specific manifesta- opment assistance might be shifted to
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 53
other political priorities. It is the organization; State is an analysis, attempt to substitute U.S.-defined reporting and negotiating organiza- strategic interests for recipient-need A primary concern of the tion. These are not interchangeable assessments in the identification of skill sets. development priorities. No degree of development community The solution to the challenges in precision in the application of metrics foreign assistance is not simply refin- can produce an equation comparing has been ensuring a ing the F process, or having State the health or education priorities of department personnel take courses in beneficiaries with U.S. interests in cre- clear separation between organizational behavior and planning. ating stable democracies or interdict- Adams’ faith in the ability of career ing the flow of narcotics. development and diplomats to assume this mission Advocates for foreign assistance underestimates the complexity of reform seek more effective targeting political priorities. development and the significance of of aid policies to development objec- the contributions of USAID profes- tives, not simply civilian control over sionals and civil-society groups. U.S. foreign policy. Given the funda- Furthermore, asking the State De- mental divergence between the stated partment to assume the implementa- goal of the F process — to achieve legislative backgrounds and objectives. tion mission potentially distracts that strategic coherence in State Depart- The HELP Commission has recom- agency from pursuing the analysis and ment planning — and the goal sought mended that these priorities be clearly negotiating missions that are equally by advocates of foreign assistance differentiated, and that development vital to America’s foreign policy suc- reform — to improve aid effectiveness programs be “ring-fenced” to insulate cess. — it is futile to simply build upon the them from misappropriation and mis- The development community can current structure, particularly given use. applaud some of the early achieve- how discredited the process has At the end of the day, as Adams ments of the F process: improved become both inside and outside gov- notes, the F process sank into irrele- transparency in planning and budget- ernment. vance as Congress largely ignored the ing, and recognition that, in the Adams himself points out the administration’s Fiscal Year 2008 bud- greater scheme of things, these pro- many flaws in F’s implementation. get request, instead approving a final grams are all instruments of “smart But one cannot simply chalk up the budget reflecting its own priorities. power” that project U.S. influence as shortcomings to poor implementa- a force for stability and security. But tion and communication. The next Needed: A Grand Dialogue having done so, we must move on to administration could pursue a more While sympathetic to the concerns consider more ambitious challenges, limited approach, involving a fine- of the development community and many of which other reports have tuning of the process following its wary of the increased role of the raised. These studies outline the own after-action review. But to do so Defense Department, Prof. Adams need for a grand dialogue, which would be a grave mistake. Greater gives short shrift to the evolution of the might involve discussion of some of refinement of indicators will not solve development profession. Instead, he the following issues: the problems of an antiquated for- seems to equate the roles of diplomacy • Accounting for other core drivers eign assistance structure. Compre- and development. He views the emer- of development, beyond foreign assis- hensive reform requires conversa- gence of USAID as an afterthought, a tance, such as fiscal and trade policies, tions with all key players, including “strange hybrid” that resulted from the private capital flows, remittances, cor- Congress and other executive branch State Department’s intrinsic institu- porate and foundation philanthropy, agencies engaged in foreign assis- tional culture, which rendered it inca- and regional integration; tance programs. pable of performing strategic resource • Professionalizing development A primary concern of the develop- planning, program design and program staff, including strengthening USAID ment community has been ensuring a implementation. by rebuilding technical capability; clear separation between develop- Adams acknowledges the existence • Establishing crisis funds (human- ment and political priorities. The F of different corporate cultures at itarian, conflict) to introduce a needed process conflates development and USAID and State, but doesn’t appear dose of reality and stability to foreign political assistance (e.g., the Economic to grasp the essence of it: USAID is assistance funding; Support Fund), ignoring their distinct first and foremost an implementation • Achieving greater transparency of
54 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2008
delivery mechanisms and procurement; • Promoting a culture of innova- tion and risk that emphasizes the piloting, testing and rollout of new ideas, while accounting for the com- plexities of change management; • Institutionalizing opportunities for coordination, including accounting for the inter-relationship between country and sector-based planning and the integration of regional and global approaches; and • Breaking down the stovepiped approach to funding that currently hampers effective delivery of assis- tance. Discussion is needed both to clarify the relative roles and responsi- bilities of all foreign assistance agen- cies and to move beyond the F process to achieve coherence among valued presidential programs and the full range of development programs — whether they reside within the same institutional tent, as proposed by some, or continue to proliferate through a range of loosely coupled, but tightly coordinated operating units. As the nation prepares for a presi- dential election that offers the promise of a significant shift in the direction of U.S. foreign policy, the time is ripe for comprehensive reform. The choice is not between pursuing the F process or returning to the status quo — and, with it, the con- tinued fragmentation of foreign assis- tance programs. The universal con- sensus, as reflected in the HELP Commission report, is that “tweaking” the F process will not suffice. Rather the status quo must change signifi- cantly. The major stakeholders now rec- ognize a historic opportunity to shape the future by rewriting the Foreign Assistance Act. In this spirit, let us hope that supporters of reform will not limit their imagination to over- hauling the F process, but look ahead to new opportunities. I
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 55
BEHIND OFFICIAL SECRECY: FOIA AND DECLASSIFICATION AT STATE
THE CREATION AND HANDLING OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION IS ONLY PART OF THE LIFE CYCLE OF OFFICIAL SECRETS. HERE IS A LOOK AT THE OTHER PART.
BY DAVID T. JONES
ver the course of their careers at the and discussions with foreign governments; global assess- Department of State, Foreign and Civil ments of issues and problems by FSOs and department ana- Service employees deal with and create lysts; electronic intercepts; satellite photography; and mili- tens of thousands of classified docu- tary and intelligence agency materials. ments. Traditionally, they give little The imperative is to keep such material from those not attention to the full life cycle of classi- authorized to have access to it. All material is graded by clas- fied material — its retention, review, sification levels, access codes and “compartment” restric- declassification and ultimate release. But as these issues tions. It is not enough to have the proper security clearance Oimpinge on the reality of the 21st-century Foreign Service, to see such material; one must have a “need to know,” that with its widening dimensions of information, and also more is, a specific, job-related requirement for the information. intense and sometimes conflicting concerns over security Yet the information obtained by the Department of State versus openness, it can be helpful to look at the process at and other government agencies has been obtained through work beneath the surface of the day-to-day operational use the expenditure of public funds and, consequently, should of classified material. normally be available to the public. And in fact, the depart- Sooner, not later, each of us will be grappling with ques- ment has conducted systematic declassification of its docu- tions of releasability of such information under Freedom of ments and responded to public requests under the terms of Information Act requirements. Just how can information the Freedom of Information Act since 1967, when the law continue to be protected, and should it be? Or, from anoth- signed by President Lyndon Johnson on July 4, 1966, went er standpoint, what can an individual personally write — into effect. when on active duty, after resignation or in retirement? The One must praise a system which, flying against historical issues are complex, so the following overview is designed to precedent, is philosophically committed to providing the give some insight into how the FOIA and declassification U.S. public with detailed information on its foreign affairs — system operate in this transition time. warts and (almost) all.
Classified, by Definition How It Works at State The Department of State both generates and receives a At State, overall control of information resides in the vast great deal of classified information from sources outside the warren of the Administration Bureau. As of mid-2007, the public purview. This includes private communications from bureau consisted of three deputy assistant secretaries, 19 offices and other special groups, such as the Records David T. Jones, a retired Senior Foreign Service officer, is Management Center and Directives Management. Sub- a frequent contributor to the Journal. ordinate to the DAS for information-sharing services, the
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Office of Information Programs and Services is the baseline years, sometimes for decades. Indeed, there is material, point of contact for anyone seeking access to department such as that associated with nuclear weapons, that has no records. That office has divisions for programs and policies; foreseeable date when it can be released to the public. requestor liaison; statutory compliance and research; and Material obtained through electronic intercept, code archiving and access systems management, as well as the decryption or satellite photography is also subject to extend- State Department’s Ralph Bunche Library. ed delays prior to release. The office also stays current with changes in the law and Likewise, the names of specific individuals who provided in policy. It handles ongoing, systematic declassification of information, either to diplomats or clandestine agents, might documents and responds to public requests under the terms need to be protected indefinitely, even after their death. of the FOIA. The office also stays current with changes in After all, repercussions from their association with the policy and procedure for declassification activities mandated United States could fall on surviving family members, who by successive executive orders. may themselves be in a comparably cozy relationship with The latest such order, E.O. 13392, issued on Dec. 14, U.S. officials given that politics is a multigenerational family 2005, directed the designation of a chief business in many societies. FOIA officer in each Cabinet agency at Alternatively, the revelation that a the assistant secretary level, among senior national leader was also an intelli- other things. The department adroitly gence source for the U.S. government dual-hatted the A Bureau’s assistant Even the most security- could harm our bilateral relations even secretary in this capacity. The assistant if such an association ended decades secretary is also officially the FOIA obsessed will admit that ago. Arguably, we are now in a period ombudsman, although in practical when any relationship with the U.S. terms the authority is delegated to sub- eventually official other than the most mundane — even ordinates. deep in the past — has ramifications Pursuant to this order, State also cre- information no longer that need attentive consideration prior ated an FOIA Requester Service Center to revelation. (known as the Advocacy and Oversight requires protection. Branch) to provide status reports on Expediting Declassification requests and a public liaison to handle Nevertheless, long-extended protec- concerns about the service requesters tion is the exception rather than the receive. Thus far, it has received only norm, and specific timeframes for the bouquets from users and nary a brickbat, according to duration of classification have been built into initial classifi- Service Center officials. Complaints, they say, generally con- cation since 1995. E.O. 12958 directed that the maximum cern points over which the center has no control, such as how period for classification should normally not exceed 10 years. much material may be redacted. It also ordered agencies to declassify all documents after 25 Alongside the FOIA process, the department conducts years, unless they fall into one of the nine categories of ongoing, systematic declassification. As even the most secu- exemption specified in the order. The order further man- rity-obsessed will admit, at some point, official information dated government agencies to establish and conduct a pro- no longer requires protection — whether or not anyone gram for systematic declassification review for all records requests it. less than 25 years old that are of permanent historical value. At its lowest level — as a handling restriction rather than There are exceptions for topics such as U.S. military a security classification — the designation of “Limited plans, clandestine operations, “weapons of mass destruction” Official Use” (now superseded by “Sensitive but development or use, and U.S. foreign relations. Such mate- Unclassified”) is designed to give protection to information rial is not automatically declassified, but requires consulta- for a limited period. Such designations are accorded, for tion with the “original classification authority” before any example, to travel arrangements by senior officials or confer- determination. ence programs, then removed when the travel or meeting is The order also sought to expedite systematic declassifica- completed. tion, aiming to declassify all material over 25 years of age by Other material, ranked by level of classification 2000. At State, there were many delays, and the effort was (Confidential, Secret or Top Secret) and handling restric- repeatedly postponed. Some of the delays were the obvious tions (Limited Distribution, Exclusive Distribution or No consequence of limited funding for the experts necessary to Distribution), requires longer periods before it can be declassify the material. The deadline was extended to 2006, released to the public. Such material is protected often for allowing officials to complete the review of all documents in
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which there was a State Department lion classification decisions were State Henry Kissinger’s telephone equity. made and more than 37 million pages transcripts have been posted, as well. The effort, however, is not com- of historically valuable records were Of enduring public interest are plete: other agencies have identified declassified (out of more than 59 mil- documents pertaining to mysteries documents with State equities num- lion pages reviewed). such as the fate of Swedish diplomat bering in the hundreds of thousands The volume of declassifications is Raoul Wallenberg, whose efforts to (just as State, in its review, identified significantly below those between save Jewish refugees in Europe dur- documents including material of con- 1996 and 1998, when nearly 200 mil- ing World War II led to his imprison- cern to other agencies). The objective lion pages were declassified each year. ment and, presumably, death in is to review all of this material by the Total security classification costs for Soviet hands; or the circumstances end of 2009. Moreover, newly discov- the government for FY 2007 were under which Amelia Earhart died, ered documents subject to automatic estimated at $8.65 billion, up slightly with intimations that she was engaged declassification keep turning up from from $8.2 billion in FY 2006. in a spying mission for the U.S. when the files of long-term employees who Unfortunately, the systematic she disappeared and was murdered were “pack rats” so far as their per- declassification process at State has by the Japanese, rather than dying as sonal files were concerned. been imposed as an “unfunded man- a result of poor navigation over the The masses of paper documents date” — with the department re- Pacific. declassified are routinely transferred quired to comply, but having insuffi- The department is not the only to the National Archives and Records cient funds and resources. Over the official repository for Department of Administration, where after NARA years, approximately 200 retired State documents. Presidential librar- processing they are publicly available. FSOs (designated When Actually ies also have in their files masses of Other documents that have been Employed) have conducted this work. department telegrams and memoran- reviewed electronically, notably State They both review paper documents at da (often of the highest classification, Department telegrams from 1973 to State Annex 13 in Newington, Va., and thus the most interesting to schol- 1975, are available in an electronic and continue the review process with ars and journalists). Material identi- archival data base (http://aad.archives. computerized screening of more cur- fied in the presidential libraries is gov/aad/series-description.jsp?s=40 rent telegrams on a daily basis in referred to the agencies with primary 73). department facilities as funding is subject matter interest for their judg- It is still not possible, however, to available. ment on declassification/release. Re- transfer a document that has been Yet massive amounts of material portedly, there are 950,000 pages of declassified through a FOIA request have been declassified. Between material, primarily from the Carter directly from the classified electronic 1995 and 2006, 98 million pages were and Reagan presidential libraries, system where it was reviewed to an reviewed and more than 78 million awaiting State Department review. unclassified system accessible to the pages were declassified. Additionally, public. Research is ongoing to permit in FY 2007 alone, department officers FRUS-tratingly Slow such transfer and access, but there is reviewed more than 6.7 million pages All volumes of the Foreign Rela- no projected date for reaching this in both electronic and paper form, tions of the United States series, pro- objective. Consequently, there is no and released more than 5.7 million duced by the State Department his- way for the public to know electroni- pages. torian’s office, require systematic de- cally whether a specific document has In the process, the State Depart- classification review as well as intera- already been declassified and released ment also created a series of special gency clearance. These volumes are to an FOIA requester. collections containing declassified supposed to contain pertinent materi- documents in areas where there has al 30 years in the past; hence, volumes Impressive Results been persistent public perception that covering U.S. foreign affairs through The dimensions of the overall clas- “something was rotten” somewhere. 1978 should be released by 2008. But sification/declassification undertaking Special collections running over until recently, the office ran far across the U.S. government are indi- 100,000 pages have been released on behind schedule. cated in the Information Security such topics as the Argentina dictator- However, following substantial Oversight Office’s 2007 Report to the ship, 1975-1984; Chile (in three sec- efforts begun in 2001 by a new, President (www.archives.gov/isoo/re tions), 1968-1991; and the American “clean broom” State Department ports/2007-annual-report.pdf). In churchwomen murdered in El Salva- historian and an expanded profes- Fiscal Year 2007, more than 23 mil- dor in 1980. Former Secretary of sional staff, FRUS is now closer to
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being on schedule. Current projec- Information on Demand: tions are to meet publication dead- The FOIA Process at State lines (2011-2019) for most, if not all, Between 1995 and 2006, FOIA remains a work in progress of the series covering the Reagan at State and, indeed, throughout the years. But a major challenge 98 million pages of government. At its inception, rules remains: the volumes must be were in flux, and there were problems cleared by other concerned agencies, material were reviewed with the automatic declassification of and frequently the intelligence com- relatively lowly classified material or munity objects to the release of doc- at State and more than essentially unclassified material with uments that the State Department only handling restrictions. has agreed to declassify. 78 million pages were For instance, relatively early in the Indeed, at least once in the past, a process, in the 1980s, a Canadian jour- volume has been completed (and declassified. nalist, Jean Francois Lisee, requested printed) but not released due to con- information regarding U.S.-Quebec- tinuing objection by another agency. Canada relations for a book he was More recently, a volume on our rela- writing. During the period for which tions with Japan from 1964 to 1968 he sought information, technical limi- reportedly was held up for seven years point, it was centered at State; but, tations in communications at our con- and was ultimately released only after presumably to accelerate the process, sulates in Quebec resulted in much of documents of concern to intelligence material is now sent simultaneously to the material being “classified” at low agencies were withheld. But who multiple agencies — some of which levels — and consequently it was cares if there is an extra year of delay? may not favor declassification. released virtually automatically. A It isn’t noon briefing press guidance, Manuscripts — supposedly fiction more significant 1977 State Depart- after all — it’s history. as well as nonfiction — by Foreign ment/interagency study (“The Quebec Obviously such history is a sensi- Service officers and other State Situation: Outlook and Implications”), tive topic. Congress has directed that Department personnel (either active- initially classified as secret, assessing the FRUS be “thorough, accurate and duty or retired) are also subject to U.S. attitudes toward an independent reliable.” The requirement to be mandatory review. Thus, at various Quebec was also released. complete resulted, for example, in the times the memoirs and accounts of The result was dramatic; Lisee’s issuance of an expanded (i.e., more the high-ranking (Secretaries Kissin- book, In the Eye of the Eagle, roiled accurate) volume addressing the 1954 ger, Vance, Christopher and Albright) our bilateral relations for years. Fol- coup in Guatemala because the origi- and the less prominent have been lowing that episode and the release of nal publication had passed over CIA read by a designated reviewer familiar other material that proved con- involvement in the operation. A fully with the topic, then circulated to tentious in Ottawa, the Canada desk complete and accurate study was not department bureaus and other agen- now reviews every item proposed for released until 2003. cies if it appears that their equities release in careful detail. Even release of the most complete may be involved. Having received a FOIA request, material, however, does not necessar- If the writer has attentively avoid- the supervisor of the appropriate ily quell controversy: the residual ed reference to classified material, ISS/IPS branch distributes it on the question of the degree of Israeli cul- focused on material in the public basis of available officers. The law pability in the 1967 Israeli Air Force domain, and emphasized that contro- stipulates that requesters must receive attack on the intelligence vessel USS versial comment is personal opinion a reply within 20 working days, but in Liberty remains unresolved despite (not U.S. policy), the clearance practice the initial response is normal- the 2004 release of extensive National process may be completed in as little ly limited to a “we’re working on it” Security Agency intercepts. For ded- as two months. If there are differ- acknowlegement of receipt. icated conspiracy theorists, as well as ences over whether material can be Other priorities often intervene; historians, there will always be ques- included, it is possible to appeal. In funding and personnel are always in tions regarding whether everything other agencies, such as the CIA, short supply. In 2001, the department has been released. books have been published with was dinged by the General Account- An ancillary problem is overall blacked-out sections to demonstrate ing Office (now the Government Ac- supervision of the interagency review the extent of agency censorship in countability Office) and given ex- process for FRUS volumes. At one specific areas. tremely low marks on addressing the
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FOIA request backlog. A major effort Separately, hundreds of requests are posed to pay FOIA researchers for in FY 2002 through 2004 (Operation resolved by informing the requester the time they spend assessing/evaluat- Due Diligence) handled over 11,500 that there is no such information, ing the requested material as well as requests, reducing the backlog to transferring the request to the agency fees for the material eventually provid- 1,996 at the end of FY 2004. that has the records requested, or not- ed (15 cents per page). However, this However, by FY 2006 it had risen to ing that the information is in the pub- requirement is more pro forma than 3,799. And it rose further, to 4,085 in lic domain (and telling the requester real because requests deemed to be in FY 2007, even though the depart- how to get it). the public interest (e.g., scholarly or ment processed 4,792 requests during To assist in public access, the journalistic) are free of charge. The that year. department established a Web site fact that fees from public requests During FY 2007, according to the (www.foia.state.gov) that received cover only 0.5 percent of total costs department’s “Freedom of Informa- more than 133 million hits during FY suggests that only a handful of tion Act Annual Report; Fiscal Year 2006, according to the FY 2007 FOIA requesters are unable to find a ratio- 2007,” there were 437 total releases, Annual Report. nale for getting material without cost. 925 partial releases and 210 denials. Ostensibly requesters are sup- The FOIA Force Although a wide variety of civil ser- Official Secrecy: A Short History vants, Presidential Management Fel- The American classification system has its origins in the 18th century, when the First lows and local university students have Continental Congress in 1774 bound its members to keep the proceedings secret “until all engaged in FOIA/declassification the majority shall direct them to be made public.” More modern classification systems came into being just prior to World War II: Executive Order 8381, dated March 22, 1940, work, the retired FSO hired while in established a comprehensive classification system with differing levels that included When Actually Employed status work on the Manhattan Project. remains the gold standard for FOIA Following the war, the system split, with control of information about atomic reviewers. Because the requirements weapons and other aspects of atomic energy shifting from the military to the civilian for familiarity with State Department Atomic Energy Commission under the terms of the Atomic Energy Acts of 1946 and material and procedures are unique, 1954. The management of all other types of sensitive information has been governed by the work force concentrates on select- a series of executive orders and associated amendments that form the basis of the National Security Information classification system, and, since 1967, by the Freedom of ing, retaining and, where and when Information Act as well. possible, expanding a contingent of The successive executive orders updating and amending the classification/declassifi- former FSOs. cation regime tend to oscillate between an emphasis on security, or restriction, and an Prospective candidates for review- emphasis on access, depending on recent events and the political party in office. E.O. ers seek formal, written endorsement 12958, signed by President Bill Clinton on April 16, 1995, established comprehensive from individual geographic and sub- changes in the classification system. That order adopted a more liberal policy toward stantive bureaus in which they have declassification, in particular, except where atomic energy and nuclear weapons are con- cerned. labored at some point during their For instance, the previous order, issued during the Reagan administration, had no careers and are thus regarded as “well provision for automatic declassification based on time elapsed from original classifica- and favorably known.” These affi- tion. But E.O. 12958 established automatic declassification times for information desig- davits accompany the application to nated as having permanent historical value. Further, it restored the Carter administration become a FOIA reviewer as an indi- requirement that the original classifier identify or describe what damage could occur if cation of experience and competence the information in question were released. in a particular geographic or substan- Through its “Electronic Freedom of Information Act” amendments to the FOIA in 1996, the Clinton administration also brought FOIA into the electronic age. The mea- tive area. sures mandated establishment of electronic reading rooms for documents released The vast majority of this group live since 1996 and documents of continuing public interest, as well as creation of formats in the Washington area, but others for making FOIA requests electronically. come from considerable distances While essentially maintaining the classification system established in E.O. 12958, the (e.g., Florida and Arizona). The George W. Bush administration added a number of amendments, at least one of which, opportunity to “keep your hand in” is E.O. 13392, re-emphasized security, partly in light of concerns following the events of unique — and, for many, the supple- 9/11. Among other things, the order extended the period for automatic declassification and expanded provisions for classification or reclassification of materials already in the ment to a federal annuity is the differ- public domain. ence between sufficiency and com- — Susan Maitra, Senior Editor fort. Consequently, many of the FOIA reviewers are individuals who
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have worked in this field for years, Some documents are particularly even decades. There are even indi- complex, with multiple agencies and viduals who have done such FOIA Even release of the most even foreign governments having review work as WAEs for longer than equities in the information that need their active-duty careers. complete material, to be consulted regarding whether Any given request can elicit a small they will agree to its release. number of documents or a massive however, does not Having finished recommenda- stack of paper in the hundreds or even tions, the initial reviewer transfers the thousands of pages. Computerized necessarily quell case to a senior reviewer, who again search software based on key words checks the decisions on each docu- and adapted for FOIA processing can controversy. ment. As the referral process can be generate huge amounts of material. time-consuming, the requester is pro- One of the most useful elements of vided with the information that can be the software program (when it works immediately released and a status correctly) informs the reviewer report of what has been denied or whether a document has already been officer, I recall refusing to clear for referred to other agencies. Thus, the released and, if denied in whole or release an assortment of telegrams results of a request can dribble back part, the particulars (date, rationale) written by an ambassador — even to the requester over a period of for the denial. though that individual was the months. To save time and effort, prior to requester. It was an easy call: the A denial by an FOIA reviewer, embarking on a major case, a review- individuals cited in the telegrams however, does not necessarily end the er (particularly if the case is “old”) were still politically active and would case. Every requester enjoys a right may seek to determine whether the not have appreciated their relation- of appeal, and it is a far from hopeless requester still desires the material. ship with the U.S. government being venture. In FY 2007, 110 appeals There have been instances when the made public. were processed (of 390 received). requester had completely forgotten the request, or the project for which it was requested had long gone by the wayside. Each FOIA case is handled by two separate officers to provide the equiv- alent of check and double-check. The second, generally a more senior or experienced officer, reviews for accu- racy and compliance with the declas- sification rules and procedures. In examining a case, each element of each document requires a decision: release in full; deny in full; release in part. For each of the latter two cate- gories, a specific reason must be cited. The most obvious substantive reasons to deny material are that it might still cause damage or that the sources can- not be revealed. Another is that the contents are elements of the “deliber- ative process.” Recent material (within five years, as a rule of thumb, or longer if the issue is sensitive) is referred to the country desk for its agreement if release is recommended. As a desk
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gets with information on how to avoid observation. Or a country may be Whether information generally recognized as having been a host for U.S. nuclear weapons, but ostensibly is widely that fact is not officially acknowledged because the foreign government does known by the not want to address follow-up ques- tions of the “when, where, what kind” public does not by itself nature; other nuclear weapons hosts may not want to face the same ques- justify (or require) tions; or because the United States does not want to begin the “slippery its official release. slope” exercise of identifying some countries as host/former host states for nuclear weapons. In April 2006, reports of the with- drawal of material that earlier had Although 65 were fully upheld, 16 been placed on open shelves at the were partly reversed and six com- National Archives and Records Ad- pletely reversed. This is lower than ministration surfaced in the media. the appeal success rate in FY 2005, Prompted by a FOIA request for in- when the appellant had almost a two- formation on these withdrawals, thirds chance of getting at least some NARA admitted to a secret review of redress, and more information. already publicly available material by several intelligence agencies, includ- The “Oops” Factor ing the CIA and at least one other When millions of pages of materi- agency (perhaps the NSA), beginning al are declassified — under consider- in 1999. Estimates suggest that as able pressure for speed and with clear many as 55,000 pages of material, in- deadlines that are embarrassing to cluding 7,700 from State Department miss — there are going to be mis- documents, have been withdrawn takes. It is these instances of sober from public access. second thought (so to speak) that get The rationales for this program media attention. Critics trumpet var- were rooted both in concern about iously that the U.S. government refus- security lapses — e.g., the 1998-1999 es to release widely known facts and Wen Ho Lee case regarding nuclear material, or material supposedly program documents — and, more released or declassified on “open pertinently, a conviction that the mass shelves” has been taken back. declassification of documents had Whether information ostensibly is included material in which other widely known by the public does not agencies’ equities were not recog- by itself justify (or require) its official nized by the declassifiers. The results release. Until information is formally of the reviews, however, led to efforts acknowledged, it still retains classified to reclassify parts of documents long standing — regardless of whether its in the public domain, making the classified nature may appear ridicu- process look either ham-fisted or risi- lous to some observers. ble, regardless of the effort by the For instance, for years the exis- reclassifiers to stand on principle. tence of satellite photography was Whatever the justification, recap- widely known but not acknowledged, turing horses long out of the stable is to avoid questions regarding precision a hard sell for public relations officers and coverage that might provide tar- — and always will be. I
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APPRECIATION CONSUMMATE DIPLOMAT, EXTRAORDINARY HUMAN BEING
DAVID D. NEWSOM, 1918 – 2008
BY ROSCOE S. SUDDARTH
had the great privilege to work closely with David Newsom claimed he passed because he could tell the exam- Newsom over many years, most of them turbu- iners how to score a fielder’s choice in baseball, thus demon- lent. I interpreted for him with King Idris and strating that he had the grounding in American culture that others in Libya from 1967 to 1969, then served is an essential component of being a Foreign Service officer. under him when he was assistant secretary for I did not know David in his early career. Yet his memoirs, African affairs and, a decade later, when he was due to be posthumously published this fall, show an ability under secretary for political affairs in the midst of to learn from his experiences. He recalls, for instance, a the Iranian Revolution and hostage crisis and the Soviet meeting he attended with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Said in Iinvasion of Afghanistan, among other the early 1950s, when Said warned the major events. I consider David among the American ambassador that if the balance greatest of the “greatest generation.” He He possessed an was ever destroyed among the Kurds, was certainly a hero to me. Shia and Sunnis, “Iraq would become With his family newspaper heritage, his uncanny sensitivity to ungovernable.” This observation may B.A. in English from Berkeley and his have been a factor in Newsom’s opposi- master’s degree in journalism from Col- the requirements — tion to the recent invasion of Iraq. Once umbia, David Newsom began his career in he commented to me, as we entered the publishing. Along with his young bride, foreign and domestic presidential palace in Bucharest in 1980 Jean, he produced a weekly newspaper in on his mission to express appreciation to northern California, the Walnut Creek — of a successful President Nicolae Ceausescu for his op- Courier Journal. In the normal course of foreign policy. position to the Soviet invasion of Afghan- things, he would have become a successful istan: “Have you noticed how dictator- editor/publisher in flourishing postwar ships have no one milling about the dicta- California. tor’s palace, whereas in democracies there Perhaps something from David’s naval intelligence expe- is a hubbub of activity in places like the White House?” rience in the Pacific during World War II (plus the memo- ries of the Pulitzer Traveling Fellowship that had taken him A Gentle Teacher, Astute Observer to troubled Asia in 1940-1941) pushed him to take the As a supervisor, David was a tremendous supporter and a Foreign Service exam in 1947, which he passed — to the gentle teacher — as long as you were serious about your immense benefit of our country. The always modest work. I remember one occasion when he was negotiating with a rough-and-ready Bedouin Libyan defense minister Roscoe (Rocky) Suddarth is a retired Foreign Service offi- over the purchase of some F-5 aircraft. When I quoted the cer who served under David Newsom in three assign- literal translation of the minister’s Arabic expression in my ments: as political officer in Tripoli from 1967 to 1969; as draft cable to Washington, “we have rings and wish to buy,” Libyan desk officer in the Bureau of African Affairs from Newsom kindly suggested Washington would be better 1969 to 1971; and as executive assistant to the under sec- served if we dropped the folklore and merely reported that retary for political affairs from 1979 to 1981. he said, “We have the funds and wish to purchase the F-5s.”
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David had little time for “career- ists.” For instance, he had an impish way of dealing with subordinates who approached him, hoping to alter his always precise prose in their efficien- cy reports. He would cheerfully agree, only to add something equally critical, or worse. In the end, the hap- less supplicant would abandon his effort, often requesting the original version from the bemused Newsom. He had many occasions to both laugh and suffer during his rich career. The laughter resulted from David’s inveterate punditry and his wry, ironic, self-deprecating sense of humor — often on full display in staff meetings and at the family dinner table. Secretary of State Edmund Muskie said Newsom was the only Californian he knew with the sense of humor of a down-Easterner from Maine. David liked nothing better than getting to know the real character of his country of assignment. He often said he found it more meaningful to sip tea in a Bedouin tent than to swell about in the salons of the capital. I remember one mirthful incident on a two-week Saharan expedition he led. David D. Newsom. At one stop, we had trouble getting the Libyan guard to allow us to enter for instance, one account, in Ethiopia, Yorker series described him. Dealing the Esso oil-drilling compound, of passing a ferocious lion tethered to with Lieutenant Qadhafi’s totally unex- where the American ambassador was a chain on the palace staircase, only to pected coup in Libya and, later, with expected. The guard took one look at find the waiting Emperor Haile the Iranian Revolution and the gruel- the unshaven and burnoos-clad Selassie accompanied by two tiny ing hostage crisis, as well as the Soviet Newsom and said in Arabic: “If that is Chihuahuas. invasion of Afghanistan, brought out the American ambassador, then I am And there is Libyan King Idris’ three of his most sterling qualities: King Idris.” David got a kick out of explanation of the origin of the myth competence, courage and discipline. telling that story over the years. about the Arab host giving the hon- Competence was his hallmark His memoirs — Witness to a ored foreign guest the sheep’s eye to throughout his career, inspiring his Changing World, completed in eat. The actual practice of showing superiors to give him enormous lati- January 2008 at age 90, just prior to the eye to convince a guest that the tude. As the young head of Arabian his death — are a terrific read. Both sheep had been recently killed was peninsular affairs, he negotiated con- personal and serious, the book is a apparently misunderstood by a British tinued access to the Dhahran Airbase great admixture of sage observations envoy — who ate the eyeball, to the in Saudi Arabia and established diplo- and amusing anecdotes, including astonishment of his host! matic relations with Yemen. As head astute personal observations on many of North African affairs, he was given world figures. It also includes many In the Eye of the Storm a virtual free hand by his admirer and delicious sketches illustrating New- David seemed fated to be in the boss, Assistant Secretary for African som’s superb comic sense. There is, “eye of the storm,” as a 1980 New Affairs Mennen “Soapy” Williams, to
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Newsom dealt with the 1969 coup in Libya, the Iranian Revolution and grueling hostage crisis, as well as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
make policy in dealing with issues ranging from Algerian independence to advancing our interests from Mor- occo to Ethiopia. David said his favorite assignment was as assistant secretary for African affairs, where he could really make a difference — and where he could indulge his fondness for travel to exot- ic places, visiting all but two of the countries on the continent (and those two were embargoed international pariahs). In his memoirs, he acknowl- edges that he did not achieve all that he wanted to in bringing change to Africa, but at least maintained some balance in the African policies of the Nixon administration. For instance, even though he made no major advance against South Afri- can apartheid, he did maintain some pressure on the issue by assigning FSO Jim Baker as the first African- American to serve in Pretoria and by having his own charismatic African- American deputy, Beverly Carter, accompany him on the first visit by an assistant secretary for African affairs to apartheid-era South Africa in 1970. In his last press conference there, Newsom declared: “The American official attitude toward the policy of racial discrimination in South Africa
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has been constant. We abhor racial of the last unchallenged forms of policies which by law separate men political patronage.” and deny them rights solely on the As under secretary for He was always generous in praise basis of the color of their skin.” of others: to Deputy Secretary of State David was particularly proud of political affairs, David Warren Christopher and Assist- being the first assistant secretary ant Secretary for Near East and South asked to address the annual meeting liked to call himself Asian Affairs Harold (Hal) Saunders of the African Studies Association — a for their key roles in resolving the Iran group often critical of U.S. policy. It “the utility infielder of crisis; and to Assistant Secretary for was an unusual gesture, and the 1973 African Affairs Chet Crocker for his ASA citation read in part: “He has the seventh floor.” “remarkable feat of diplomacy” in truly earned the admiration and bringing some peace to southern respect of the Africanist community Africa. in this country and abroad for his As under secretary for political forthright exposition of American affairs, David liked to call himself policies and his advocacy, often but requirements — foreign and domes- “the utility infielder of the seventh not always in vain, of proper regard tic — of a successful foreign policy. floor.” His superiors sensed his wis- for African values in American diplo- He had an intuitive grasp of for- dom and wide-ranging experience. matic thinking.” eign cultures — he even wrote a So they threw him into difficult issues: Amb. Newsom was often called major book on the subject, The the Soviet brigade in Cuba; the rise of upon to testify before Congress and Imperial Mantle: The United States, Solidarity in Poland; the death of Tito; sometimes to suffer through tirades Decolonization and the Third World the sanctions imposed on the Soviets from the likes of Rep. Otto Passman, (Indiana University Press, 2001). As after their invasion of Afghanistan; D-La. The House Subcommittee on he put it in his homespun Californian and — toughest of all — the Iranian Africa nevertheless gave him a glow- way: “Always try to find out what the Revolution and hostage crisis. ing certificate of appreciation. Sen. real problem is.” He knew how to William Fulbright, D-Ark., told him talk convincingly to sovereigns. This, Courage he was among the very best State aided by his empathy, allowed him to To me, David’s noblest quality was Department officials who had ever make some difficult points — for his courage — combined with his dis- testified before him. instance, on corruption in Libya — cipline. He showed it throughout his Overseas, he was a model ambas- without destroying a relationship. In career: for example, in rejecting ill- sador, ably supported by his smart, the department, he had to find considered proposals to invade Libya beautiful and stylish wife, Jean, even approaches to an idiosyncratic leader- after Qadhafi’s 1969 coup and in as she oversaw the welfare of their five ship in Libya and to salvaging a rela- resisting congressional pressure to talented children. One senior CIA tionship with Nigeria during the recognize Biafra’s secession from officer told me David was the best of Biafran crisis. As under secretary, he Nigeria. But nowhere was it in great- nine ambassadors under whom he had sometimes had to impart unwelcome er evidence than in his conduct dur- served. With those piercing blue eyes views to the U.S. political level when ing the Iranian Revolution. and that firm handshake, one could their wishful thinking did not match Despite the fact that Embassy sense his drive and determination, the situation on the ground. Tehran had previously been briefly which he combined with — well — He could be equally blunt with the overrun by revolutionaries, the Carter just plain decency. Foreign Service, lamenting its disre- administration gave in to political gard for the context in which our pressure to admit the former shah to An Uncanny Sensitivity political leaders operate and decrying the U.S. for medical treatment. George Kennan once said that the its cavalier attitude at times toward David aroused hostility in this town greatest weakness of American for- Congress and the press. This did not and elsewhere for consistently being eign policy is our failure to under- prevent him, however, from question- opposed to admitting the shah — and stand and factor into our policy the ing, as a founder of the American perhaps doubly so when his predic- fact that foreign countries often look Academy of Diplomacy, the large tion of trouble turned out to be true. at the world differently than we do. number of ambassadorial political He withstood this hostility heroically To my mind, David Newsom pos- appointees. He called the appoint- and never took an “I-told-you-so” atti- sessed an uncanny sensitivity to the ment of non-career ambassadors “one tude — either publicly or privately.
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Instead, he devoted himself night and Newsom’s greatness: day to securing the safe return of the This book is being written in 2008, hostages. Only in his memoirs did David often said when the force of an aggressive nation- Newsom publicly acknowledge his alistic ideology has temporarily side- personal opposition to the shah’s entry. he found it more tracked a more studied approach to I kept in touch with David through- international relations. It has always out his remarkable 27-year post-retire- meaningful to sip tea been my belief that the United States ment career as a teacher and author. has within it a balancing wheel that His six books and numerous case in a Bedouin tent than saves it from the danger of suspicion, studies in foreign affairs, and his work hatred and conflict that ravage other at Georgetown University and the to swell about in the countries. It is my hope that the bal- University of Virginia, where he was ance wheel will again be lubricated to often given the “best teacher” award, salons of the capital. save us from this fate. I would be add up to an achievement rivaling that deeply disturbed to feel that my gener- of George Kennan. A re-reading of ation was passing on to those who will his frequent columns in the Christian follow a nation vulnerable to the trag- Science Monitor provides an educa- ic instability I have observed in so tion in foreign affairs. invade Iraq — which he vigorously many other societies in the six decades Known for discretion during his opposed — was that it was the result of my adult life. career, David was outrageously out- of an internal coup d’état within the David, we — and your country — spoken in retirement when the occa- Bush administration by the neocons. will miss you dearly. sion demanded. He got a kick out of I would like to end by quoting the Editor’s Note: The obituary for provocatively writing that the only way final paragraph of my friend’s mem- Amb. Newsom appeared in the July- he could understand the decision to oirs. It gives a fine insight into David August issue of the FSJ. I
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AFSAAmerican Foreign ServiceNEWS Association • September 2008
2008 AFSA AWARDS CEREMONY Thomas Jr. for co-sponsoring the event. The ceremony marked the 40th anniversary of Honoring Dissent and Performance the establishment of the first AFSA dissent award, the William R. Rivkin Award for in the Foreign Service Constructive Dissent. BY SHAWN DORMAN Robert Rivkin, a son of William Rivkin, presented the award for constructive dissent “Our Foreign Service is currently facing some of the most challenging times in its history. by a mid-level officer to this year’s winner, Our Service is stretched nearly to the breaking point serving in increasing numbers of danger- Rachel Schneller. She was honored for her ous and difficult posts where our members are using their diplomatic skills to promote our nation’s courage in speaking out about the sensitive vital interests. The situation facing today’s Foreign Service makes AFSA’s awards program more issue of the occurrence of Post-Traumatic relevant than ever. Now is the time to honor those who have the professional courage and integri- Stress Disorder in Foreign Service person- ty to speak out forthrightly by taking a stand for what they believe is right; by confronting the nel returning from war zones. She spoke status quo; by asking tough questions; by offering alternative solutions; and by giving the best eloquently of the need to speak openly about possible counsel that we are trained to give.” — AFSA President John Naland PTSD and for the department to provide adequate mental health services for those n June 19, John Naland welcomed the Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic who serve in war zones. (Note: Articles on approximately 300 guests to the Reception Room of the State Department each award winner were published in the Oannual AFSA Awards Ceremony in and thanked Director General Harry K. Continued on page 74
GEORGE AND MATTIE NEWMAN FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIP FOREIGN SERVICE OVERSEAS AFSA Scholarship Fund Receives Major Gift PAY EQUITY ACT OF 2008 BY LORI DEC, SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTOR Committee Acts on n July, AFSA received a substantial Newman Financial Aid Scholarship in 2003, the Pay Gap bequest — $658,000 — from the when his wife passed away. These new IMartha “Mattie” Newman Trust. monies will be added to this need-based col- n July 16, the House Foreign Retired Foreign Service officer George lege scholarship for Foreign Service children. Affairs Committee approved the Newman, who passed away in April, On July 14, AFSA hosted a lunch for O“Foreign Service Overseas Pay established the AFSA George and Mattie Janet Bayless, the foster daughter of George Equity Act of 2008” (H.R. 3202) on a voice and Mattie Newman, to celebrate the vote with no opposition. HFAC bequest to the AFSA Scholarship Fund, Chairman Howard Berman, D-Calif.; which is receiving a substantial portion of Ranking Republican Member Rep. Ileana the proceeds from the late couple’s estate. Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla.; Rep. Chris Smith, Mr. Newman also designated the AFSA R-N.J.; Rep. Don Payne, D-N.J.; and Rep. Scholarship Fund as a beneficiary on his two Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, all made Veterans Administration life insurance extremely favorable comments in support policies. of the bill and of the Foreign Service. AFSA The Newmans were not able to have is grateful for their bipartisan support and children of their own and Janet Bayless — to the many members on the committee the daughter of their close friends, Alvin and who actively promoted this legislation and Undated photo of George and Mattie Newman. Continued on page 73 Continued on page 77
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A F S A N AFSANEWSBRIEFS E W Life in the Foreign Service Board Changes The AFSA Governing Board welcomed several new S I BY BRIAN AGGELER members in recent months and bid farewell to those heading off to new pursuits. FCS Vice President Don Businger and FCS Representative Stephen Anderson moved on to overseas assignments this summer. Ambassador Harry Geisel resigned as retiree repre- sentative in June to take up the position of acting inspector general. He has not been replaced. Rebecca Balogh joined the Governing Board as the FCS representative in July, shortly after transferring from an assignment at the Northern Virginia Export Assistance Center to her current assignment as com- mercial service liaison to the National Association of Manufacturers. Her prior FCS tours were in Mexico and West Africa. Before joining the Commercial Service, she worked for both the Peace Corps and USAID. She spent five years in Albania, first as administrative officer for Peace Corps Albania and then as director of a USAID-funded development program. She then served as an FSO with USAID in Abidjan. Henry Schmick was appointed Foreign Agricultural Service vice president, effective Aug. 11. He has worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture since 1985. Overseas assignments include Buenos Aires, Nairobi, Hanoi and Geneva. Elaine Tiang-Chu joined the AFSA Governing Board as a State Department representative in May. An Information Resources Management specialist since 1999, she has served in Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Washington, D.C. She is currently assigned to the Office of Enterprise Architecture and Planning in IRM, working on IT strategic planning issues. Her husband, also a Foreign Service specialist, serves in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
AFSA HEADQUARTERS: Staff: Governing Board:
s: Executive Director John Mamone: [email protected] (202) 338-4045; Fax: (202) 338-6820 PRESIDENT: John Naland STATE DEPARTMENT AFSA OFFICE: Business Department Controller: Vacant STATE VP: Steve Kashkett (202) 647-8160; Fax: (202) 647-0265 Accounting Assistant Cory Nishi: [email protected] USAID VP: Francisco Zamora USAID AFSA OFFICE: Labor Management t U (202) 712-1941; Fax: (202) 216-3710 General Counsel Sharon Papp: [email protected] FAS VP: Henry Schmick FCS AFSA OFFICE: Labor Management Attorney Zlatana Badrich: [email protected] FCS VP: Vacant Labor Management Specialist James Yorke: [email protected] (202) 482-9088; Fax: (202) 482-9087 RETIREE VP: Robert W. Farrand AFSA WEB SITE: www.afsa.org Grievance Attorneys Neera Parikh: [email protected] and Holly Rich: [email protected] FSJ: [email protected] Office Manager Christine Warren: [email protected] SECRETARY: F.A. “Tex” Harris USAID Senior Labor Management Adviser Douglas Broome: [email protected] PRESIDENT: [email protected] TREASURER: Andrew Winter
ontac USAID Office Manager Asgeir Sigfusson: [email protected] STATE VP: [email protected] Member Services STATE REPS: Anne Aguilera, Oscar DeSoto, RETIREE VP: [email protected] Member Services Director Janet Hedrick: [email protected] David Firestein, Sandy Robinson, USAID VP: [email protected] Member Services Representative Michael Laiacona: [email protected] FCS VP: [email protected] Web-site & Database Associate: vacant Shayna Steinger, Elaine Tiang-Chu, o C Administrative Assistant Ana Lopez: [email protected] Daphne Titus, Andrea Tomaszewicz, Outreach Programs AFSA News USAID REP: Michael Henning Editor Shawn Dorman: [email protected] Retiree Liaison Bonnie Brown: [email protected] Director of Communications Thomas Switzer: [email protected] FCS REP: Rebecca Balogh
w t (202) 338-4045 x 503; Fax: (202) 338-8244 Congressional Affairs Director Ian Houston: [email protected] FAS REP: Vacant
o Executive Assistant to the President Austin Tracy: [email protected] On the Web: Scholarship Director Lori Dec: [email protected] IBB REP: Al Pessin www.afsa.org/fsj and Professional Issues Coordinator Barbara Berger: [email protected] RETIREE REPS: Janice Bay, Herman Cohen, H www.fsjournal.org Elderhostel Coordinator Janice Bay: [email protected] David Passage
70 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2008
A F V.P. VOICE: STATE I BY STEVE KASHKETT S A
N The Dark Ages E W S he U.S. government’s medieval attitude towards mater- assigned overseas. Most of them can- nity/paternity leave for employees is one of the most regres- not stay at their duty station and keep T sive aspects of our personnel system, and it creates unique working until their delivery date — and hardships for Foreign Service members assigned overseas. have no option to return to work soon Ironically, the people of the Foreign Service are better placed to after the birth — because they are understand just how unfair these policies are because most of ordered on mandatory medevac to a different location for a min- us have had first-hand exposure to the vastly more progressive imum of three full months, usually from six weeks prior to the policies of other countries. delivery date until six weeks afterwards. During this forced three- While paid maternity/paternity leave is almost unheard-of month absence from work, there is no paid maternity leave avail- in the United States — and nonexistent for federal employees able to that employee. She can continue to collect her salary for — it is absolutely the norm in virtually every other Western as long as her accrued annual or sick leave hours last, but then democracy. In places like the U.K., France, Germany and our must go on leave without pay. neighbor Canada, female employees are guaranteed generous This harsh approach to maternity hits more junior employ- amounts of paid leave when they ees hardest because they typically have lit- become pregnant and understandably tle annual/sick leave saved. And why want to spend a considerable period of don’t we ask the most fundamental ques- time caring for the new baby. While paid maternity/paternity tion: why should an employee who wants Women in these other civilized soci- to have a baby be forced to exhaust her eties receive full or nearly full salary while leave is almost unheard-of in the annual and sick leave anyway? Childbirth taking off many months — in some coun- is neither a vacation nor an illness. And United States — and nonexistent tries as much as a year — for labor/deliv- what about female Foreign Service ery and newborn care, and their jobs are for federal employees — it is employees who have to go on leave with- waiting for them upon their return to the out pay for as much as three months dur- work force. Fathers enjoy similar bene- absolutely the norm in virtually ing their medevac and are the primary fits. No one questions the right of employ- every other Western democracy. (or sole) income-earners in the family? ees to leave the workplace for significant Things are only marginally better for amounts of time for childbirth, and no male Foreign Service employees assigned one expects them to have to sacrifice their overseas. When their wives get pregnant income during this period. and are medevaced away from post for three months, they do In sharp contrast, American employers, including the U.S. have the option of using annual and sick leave to accompany government, have a longstanding tradition of stinginess and hos- them for all or part of that period without loss of salary. But tility towards employees starting families. They treat pregnan- again, it all depends on how much leave they have accrued and cy as a disease that they reluctantly accept will inevitably cause are willing to deplete. employee absences, but require the employee to cover with what- In a halting first step towards an attempt to rectify this injus- ever vacation time or sick leave she may happen to have saved tice, the U.S. House of Representatives, voting largely along party up. If she should want to stay out of work longer than her accrued lines, recently passed a bill that would authorize four weeks of paid leave, our Congress has generously guaranteed through pas- paid maternity leave for federal employees. Foreign Service mem- sage of the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act that she has the bers applauded this albeit limited measure, but were appalled right to go on leave without pay for up to three months. when the White House promptly threatened a veto, saying that Under these circumstances, it is typical for working women the proposed legislation would “create a costly, unnecessary, new in our country to stay on the job up to their delivery dates, then paid leave entitlement” for something that is no different from to plan on squeezing in maybe a month or two with the new any other “serious health condition.” baby before returning to the workplace. Staying out any longer The people of the Foreign Service can only hope that the next would be prohibitively expensive. resident of the White House will have a more progressive, broad- Herein lies the dilemma for female Foreign Service members minded view of pregnancy and childbirth. J
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A F S V.P. VOICE: RETIREE I BY ROBERT W. “BILL” FARRAND A N Retiree Membership Task Force Launched E W aybe I am being overly pessimistic, but I think the egy for dealing with our common S Foreign Service retiree benefits package as currently employer (and paymaster). Mconfigured may be heading for a time of close scruti- To lift a line from Forrest Gump, ny on Capitol Hill. Several months ago I wrote that the bipar- small is as small does. So we accept our tisan Iraq Study Group 2004 report had estimated the total cost size and get on with the business of of the Iraq war as around $2 trillion. Economist Joseph Stiglitz making our voice heard in places that of Columbia University now reckons that figure, including count. In this, we regularly punch above our weight. But we Afghanistan, may even reach $3 trillion. Add the adverse fall- need to do more. out from the current economic slowdown and the stage is set The Governing Board has formed a task force on retiree for fiscal trimming. membership comprised of retiree representatives Hank Virtually no provision has been made to cover the costs of Cohen, Janice Bay, David Passage and me. Member Services the Iraq and Afghanistan wars in real time, and no one is able Director Janet Hedrick, Labor Management Specialist James to predict when the economic downturn will bottom out. The Yorke and Bonnie Brown sit in as advisers. Our goal is to per- logical result will be a period of belt-tightening throughout the suade at least 500 retirees from the more than 7,000 Foreign civilian agencies of the federal government shortly after a new Service annuitants who are not AFSA members to join (or rejoin) administration takes office in January. AFSA this year. My point is, if ever we needed an organization like AFSA to look after our interests on Capitol Hill — “to watch our col- lective backs,” as a Governing Board colleague recently said — Virtually no provision has been made to cover the it is now. As I see it, the advocacy aspect of AFSA’s role in the lives of its members has become far and away its most valu- costs of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars in real time, able attribute. and no one is able to predict when the economic As AFSA Retiree Coordinator Bonnie Brown recently report- ed in her bimonthly newsletter, notable changes to the feder- downturn will bottom out. The logical result will be al health care system — in which most of us are enrolled — a period of belt-tightening throughout the civilian are being suggested that bear close watching. The main drift of these modifications as the system braces for the first wave agencies of the federal government. of baby-boomers to retire is to limit services provided and to increase participants’ cost of enrollment. Ms. Brown, draw- ing upon the resources of our entire AFSA team, stays on top We are considering a wide range of strategies to reach this of these issues for you and me. And that is only one of the watch- ambitious, but hopefully achievable, goal. Regrettably, the State dog services the AFSA staff renders for us all. Department is barred by law from sharing with us its master As the voice of the Foreign Service, AFSA is devoted to pro- address list for annuitants. So we are faced with the challenge tecting and improving employment benefits — in what has of how to communicate with these non-member annuitants become an increasingly dangerous career — both for its active- who, incidentally, benefit equally with the rest of us from AFSA’s duty members and for those of us who have gone on to sec- advocacy. ond careers or simply to a well-earned retirement. The thought occurs that you, loyal members, might have Alone we can do little to protect our interests, but togeth- an idea or two on how we might crack this nut. If we could er we can do a lot. As professional associations around bring in 500 new members we could, in addition to increas- Washington go, AFSA is not particularly large. In fact, we are ing our clout when we speak out on issues, improve retiree ser- quite small (with just over 13,000 members) in comparison to vices by hiring an assistant for Ms. Brown as we enter what is such behemoths as the National Association of Retired Federal likely to be a period of retrenchment across the federal gov- Employees with 340,000 members, the Military Officers ernment. Association of America with 370,000 members and, of course, If you have ideas or would like to recommend an annui- AARP, which needs no description. It is a compliment to AFSA’s tant friend for membership, we’d be delighted to follow up. My good reputation around town that both NARFE and MOAA AFSA e-mail address is: [email protected]. Or contact Ms. Brown are in regular contact with our staff, exchanging views on strat- at [email protected]. J
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A F FALLEN DIPLOMATS SCHOLARSHIP CAMPAIGN of Field Operations Robyn L. Kehoe pre- S sented FEEA’s matching $37,500 check. A AFSA Donates $37,500 to Scholarship Fund Guests of honor were Mr. Milton Green and his son Zach Green, surviving family n June 24, AFSA donated $37,500 members of Barbara Green and her N to the Federal Employee Education daughter Kristen Wormsley, who were E Oand Assistance Fund’s Diplomatic killed by terrorists in Islamabad on March W Fund to provide college scholarships for the 7, 2002. S seven young children who lost a diplomatic This $75,000 total donation increased the parent to terrorism between 1998 and 2003. Diplomatic Fund balance to approximate-
Five of those children come from Foreign AUSTIN TRACY ly $325,000, which is $425,000 short of the Service families. AFSA’s donation was AFSA presents donation to the Federal Employee fundraising goal. AFSA encourages active- matched dollar-for-dollar by FEEA, result- Education and Assistance Fund. From left: AFSA duty and retired Foreign Service members President John Naland, Zach Green, Director ing in a total donation of $75,000 that kicks to contribute to this extraordinarily worthy General Harry K. Thomas Jr., Milton Green and off a fundraising drive by FEEA and the State FEEA’s Robyn Kehoe. cause. Donations are also welcomed from Department. groups such as Foreign Service retiree asso- FEEA is a nonprofit organization found- diplomatic missions in the future. Sadly, ciations, A-100 and specialist orientation ed in 1986. Its current activities include pro- such an ongoing fund will likely be neces- classes, Senior Seminar alumni groups, ad viding scholarships for the children of fed- sary. hoc groups at employees at post, private eral employees killed in the 1995 Oklahoma Upon learning of this fundraising effort, foundations and other foreign affairs- City bombing and the 9/11 terrorist attack AFSA’s Governing Board unanimously related organizations. All donations will be on the Pentagon. After the 1998 bombings agreed to make a one-time donation of matched dollar-for-dollar by FEEA, thus at the U.S. embassies in East Africa, FEEA $37,500 taken from the AFSA Scholarship doubling the impact of each individual established a special Diplomatic Fund to Fund’s endowment principal. While this donation. cover the college costs of children who lost donation will slightly reduce the funds avail- Donations are tax-deductible and may a parent in those attacks. For more infor- able for AFSA’s own annual merit- and be made by sending a check payable to mation, go to www.feea.org. financial need-based scholarships, the “FEEA–Fallen Diplomats” to: FEEA– FEEA has now started a Fallen impact will be more than offset by new Fallen Diplomats Campaign, 8441 W. Diplomats Campaign to raise $750,000 in donations that the Scholarship Fund has Bowles Avenue, Suite 200, Littleton CO private donations to provide full college received this year. 80123-9501; by making a credit-card dona- scholarships to the seven children in college On June 24, AFSA President John tion by phone to FEEA at (800) 323-4140, (or not yet entered) who lost a diplomatic Naland presented a check for $37,500 to or (303) 933-7580; or by making an online parent to terrorism between 1998 and 2003. Director General of the Foreign Service and credit-card donation on FEEA’s Web site If this fundraising goal is reached, then FEEA Director of Human Resources Harry K. at: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/Fed hopes to extend eligibility to children who Thomas Jr., at a ceremony in front of the eralEmployeeEducationand/OnlineDonatio may lose a parent to terrorist acts while on AFSA Memorial Plaques. FEEA Director n.html. J
Newman • Continued from page 69 Janet Bayless presenting Edith Roseman, who are both deceased — Newman Trust donation to AFSA. From left: Chairman was like a daughter to them. George New- of AFSA Committee on man joined the Foreign Service in 1951 at Education Amb. C. Edward the urging of Alvin Roseman. The New- Dillery, Scholarship Director mans’ overseas posts included Manila, Lori Dec, Treasurer Andrew London, Seoul, Saigon and Bangkok. Winter, Bayless, AFSA During her high school years, Ms. President John Naland
Bayless lived with the Newmans in Man- JOHN MAMONE and Amb. Thomas Boyatt. ila while her parents were posted to Cam- Mr. Newman told Ms. Bayless that he Those interested in applying for a schol- bodia. She remembers that they deeply wanted to make sure Foreign Service arship or donating to the AFSA Scholarship cared about helping and nurturing youth “were going to be taken care of.” Program may contact AFSA Scholarship young people and fondly recalls the Mr. Newman was cremated, and his Director Lori Dec at (202) 944-5504 or Newmans’ looking after many children ashes will be scattered around the world [email protected], or visit the AFSA Web site at post. Even in the last days of his life, as Ms. Bayless travels. at www.afsa.org/scholar. J
SEPTEMBER 2008/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 73
A F S Awards • Continued from page 69 A July-August Journal, available online at www. fsjournal.org.) AFSA State VP Steve Kashkett present- N ed the Christian Herter Award E for constructive dissent by a W senior-level officer to Jeffrey S Feltman, ambassador to Leban- on, who was honored for chal- lenging a State Department decision to proceed with con- PHOTOS: MIKKELA THOMPSON struction of a new embassy Award winners (top photo) from right: Amb. Jeffrey Feltman, Rachel Schneller, Luke compound on a site in Beirut Zahner, Victor Williams, Virginia Gregory, Craig Gerard and Megan Myers (for Julie Eadeh). that he recognized would put the VP Kashkett and Amb. Feltman (middle photo) and Robert Rivkin with Schneller. lives of American and Lebanese employees at risk. As Kashkett we agreed on almost every- explained, “He argued persua- thing else.” He credits sively to Washington that the Amb. Boyatt for helping to proposed new site would be transform AFSA from “a unsafe. ... When Amb. Feltman ran into lunch club” to a strong and powerful orga- opposition at various levels of department nization and advocate for the Foreign management, he took his deeply-felt con- Service. Amb. Pickering acknowledged the cerns directly to the under secretary for man- contributions of Amb. Boyatt’s wife, agement and the Secretary of State. Maxine, who received enthusiastic applause. Although plans for the proposed new Amb. Boyatt gave a moving acceptance embassy were already at an advanced stage, speech, describing what he sees as two par- the ambassador successfully convinced allel universes within the Foreign Service — Maxine and Thomas Boyatt. them that a decision to proceed with the one being the formal universe of rank and project at that location would place the lives promotions and assignments; the other being Gerard of Embassy Cairo received the M. of his employees in grave danger. As a result the world of esprit de corps, of AFSA and Juanita Guess Award for, among other of Amb. Feltman’s outspoken dissent, the the Foreign Affairs Council, the people and accomplishments, his leadership role in cre- plans were shelved.” Amb. Feltman accept- institutions that protect and support the ating support systems for families of ed the award on behalf of the embassy’s Foreign Service. He played a pivotal role in employees serving unaccompanied tours Emergency Action Committee, which had creating institutions to defend the career elsewhere. In his remarks, Craig spoke about been unanimous in support of the effort to Foreign Service — beginning early in his the way the face of the Foreign Service is halt the construction. career as a leader of the “Young Turk” move- changing, noting the importance of improv- The third dissent winner, for an entry- ment (see the interview with Amb. Boyatt ing spouse employment opportunities. level FSO, went to Luke Zahner for his in the July-August FSJ, p. 13; www.fsjour The Guess Award was presented by the son human rights reporting in Bangladesh dur- nal.org) — and continuing today in his role of M. Juanita Guess, Jon B. Clements. ing an especially challenging period. Robert at the Foreign Affairs Council and AFSA. A special award for AFSA Post Fisk, the grandson of Averell Harriman, pre- Representative of the Year was given to Julie sented the award. Outstanding Performance A. Eadeh of Embassy Baghdad for her work The Avis Bohlen Award was presented on behalf of AFSA members and AFSA Lifetime Achievement by Robert Fisk to Foreign Service family headquarters in the largest U.S. mission in Ambassador Thomas Pickering pre- member Victor Williams of Embassy the world. She could not be at the cere- sented the Award for Lifetime Contri- Pretoria in honor of his extraordinary work mony, so AFSA VP Kashkett presented the butions to American Diplomacy to creating educational opportunities for award to her colleague, Megan Myers, who Ambassador Thomas D. Boyatt. The two South African students. The Delavan Award read remarks from Eadeh. Eadeh said that men began their distinguished Foreign was presented by George Harrop to Office she appreciated the dedication of Foreign Service careers in the same A-100 class. Management Specialist Virginia Gregory of Service members serving in Iraq, and that Amb. Pickering described Amb. Boyatt as Embassy Caracas for her wide-ranging activ- in such a challenging environment, the one a man of integrity, noting that they “found ities in support of improving post morale. thing people could count on was support it hard to agree on anything in politics, but Community Liaison Officer Craig from AFSA. J
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A F S A AFSANEWSBRIEFS N E W Foreign Service Journal AFSA Bids Fond Farewell S on the Web to Amb. Heather Hodges www.fsjournal.org AFSA State VP Steve Kashkett presents a The recent FSJ reader survey showed plaque to Heather Hodges, the outgoing prin- that many of our readers do not know cipal deputy assistant secretary of State for that the entire Journal is posted online human resources, for the positive collabora- every month. We began posting selected tion that AFSA enjoyed with her over the past articles from each FSJ in 2000 and have two years. Ambassador Hodges has left that been posting the whole issue each month position to take up her duties as chief of mis- since June 2005. Given the sometimes ZLATANA BADRICH sion in Ecuador. lengthy period it takes mail to reach far- flung posts, you may be able to get to the Baggage Fees current issue more quickly through the BOOKFAIR The 48th annual BOOKFAIR of the Reimbursed Web edition. Associates of the American Foreign Service Important information on baggage fees, In 2007, we updated the FSJ site, Worldwide opens on Friday, Oct. 17, in the adding categories of articles to the home Exhibit Hall of the Harry S. Truman Building from unclassified message State 78335: page to help people find articles of partic- (Main State). In addition to secondhand Most major U.S. carriers have modified ular interest, such as those on Iraq service books from all over the world, BOOKFAIR will their checked baggage policies by eliminat- and professional issues, as well as once again feature the Art Corner, Collectors’ ing the practice of allowing free checked Corner and an assortment of coins and bags for some flights and are charging “News You Can Use” and the obituaries. stamps. It is open from 2-5 p.m. for all additional fees for all checked baggage. Classifieds are online now as well, as are badge holders and escorted guests. BOOK- special advertising sections including the FAIR continues from Oct. 20-24 from 11 a.m. All U.S. government travelers on official school supplement. to 3 p.m. for this same group. During the orders may be reimbursed for fees charged We hope to improve the site further weekends of Oct. 18-19 and 25-26, the sale by an airline for checking in a first and/or during the coming months, aiming to is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. second piece of luggage. These additional Access is through the C Street entrance. switch to a more searchable format. charges on a first and/or second checked VISA, MASTERCARD and personal checks Please visit us on the Web and send your accepted. Please call (202) 223- 5796 bag that is not overweight or oversized, suggestions for improving your access to with questions, or consult the Web site when actually incurred and necessary, can the Journal. at www.aafsw.org. be itemized and reimbursed per 14 FAM 562.2(3). Please note that the weight and dimensions of checked baggage and the Spouse Employment Gets a Boost chargeable first and/or second bag have not In July, Under Secretary for Management Patrick Kennedy sent out a worldwide message changed and may be viewed at the respec- announcing an expansion of the Professional Associates Program, a program that provides tive U.S carrier Web site. “professional-level, full-time employment opportunities overseas for appointment-eligible family members.” Thanks to congressional support through supplemental appropriations, the depart- Seeking AFSA Post Reps ment plans to address the current Foreign Service shortfall in the field by filling up to 105 Help serve your community by volunteer- Professional Associate positions starting immediately. The majority of the PA positions will be ing to be the AFSA representative for your compensated at the FS-4 through the FS-6 levels and may be available immediately and through post. Post reps help keep headquarters con- the summer of 2009, depending on each post’s specific needs. Regional bureaus will be work- nected to the 70 percent of AFSA member- ing with posts to identify and finalize the list of potential PA positions. ship overseas. The authority and responsi- Consistent with the existing PA program, appointment-eligible family members selected for PA bilities of a post rep are spelled out in the positions will be expected to serve for a minimum of one year. AEFMs already at post will be eligible to apply through HR/CDA. AEFMs will be hired under a Family Member Appointment. AFSA Chapter Manual (www.afsa.org/post Questions can be directed to [email protected]. reps/manual.cfm). For more information, or AFSA supported this decision to increase professional opportunities for spouses, but contin- if you don’t know if your post currently has ues to urge increased funding to boost Foreign Service hiring to overcome long-term staffing an AFSA rep, check in with the AFSA mem- shortages. bership department at [email protected]. J
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A F S AFSA-STATE FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROFESSIONAL READING LIST A Start a (Funded) Book Club at Your Post N E nder Secretary of State for Political To further assist busy employees, sources. Thus, if a post expends $100 from W Affairs Bill Burns and AFSA appropriated funds or other authorized S UPresident John Naland have co- the list designates “highly sources, funds from AFSA will add a match- sponsored the creation of a Foreign Affairs recommended” books that are ing $100 in the form of a gift card. Professional Reading List to serve as a The one requirement is that the AFSA resource for Foreign Service and Civil must-reads for any well-rounded gift card must be spent on the titles singled Service employees of the foreign affairs foreign affairs professional. out as “highly recommended.” Thus, if a agencies. The initiative was launched on post decides to order $200 worth of books June 17 along with an accompanying ini- with half of that amount funded through tiative to encourage employees to form employees to discuss books from the list. this initiative, $100 worth would need to Professional Development Discussion AFSA suggests that each group select one be from the “highly recommended” list. Groups. or more titles and then meet once a quar- The remainder could be other titles that AFSA, the Association for Diplomatic ter to discuss what they have read. post’s book club members wanted, but Studies and Training, and the State Supervisors are encouraged to participate those would need to be funded by appro- Department’s Ralph J. Bunche Library, in the discussions, but may wish to allow priated funds or other authorized sources Office of the Historian and Office of E- entry-level employees to coordinate the and would need to be purchased through Diplomacy all collaborated to compile the groups. a normal procurement mechanism. list, with input from regional and functional To help launch this effort, the Una To apply for an AFSA gift card, a post bureaus. The list seeks to identify useful Chapman Cox Foundation generously should first form a book club and then fill books and Web sites to serve as a point of granted $5,000 to AFSA for a pilot project out AFSA’s online funding application at departure for career-long, self-directed pro- in which AFSA will provide funding to assist www.afsa.org/bookclub.cfm. Funding is fessional development. To further assist employees at approximately 45 Foreign not guaranteed until confirmed by reply e- busy employees, the list designates a small Service posts in purchasing books to start mail from AFSA. Once AFSA confirms core group of “highly recommended” a professional reading library to be main- receipt, it should take about 30 days for the books that are must-reads for any well- tained permanently at post. Funds will also post to receive the gift card. Only official rounded foreign affairs professional. The be provided to the Ralph J. Bunche book clubs may apply for the matching list is posted on AFSA’s Web site at Library to facilitate the purchase of books funds. Ad hoc employee book clubs are still www.afsa.org/readinglist.cfm and on the for use by Washington-based discussion encouraged, but are not eligible for the State Department’s intranet at http://diplo groups. matching funds. Please e-mail any ques- pedia.state.gov/index.php?title=Foreign_Aff Because the initial funding is limited, tions to [email protected]. airs_Professional_Reading_List. The list AFSA is accepting applications on a first- Funding is not available for domestically was visited online over 9,000 times during come, first-served basis, anticipating assis- organized book clubs. Instead, AFSA will the first month after it was posted. tance to 45 Foreign Service posts and the provide approximately $500 to the State The list is a live document, and employ- State Department’s Ralph J. Bunche Department to be given to the department’s ees and retirees are encouraged to nomi- Library in purchasing books for a perma- Ralph J. Bunche Library to facilitate the pur- nate additional titles. Please visit the Web nent lending library. As of July 18, AFSA chase of books for use by Washington- sites for nomination guidelines. Suggestions had already distributed $1,900 to assist 15 based discussion groups. Book clubs form- for books to add and comments about the Foreign Service posts and the State library. ed at bureaus and other large domestic books listed can be e-mailed to book Here’s how it works: If an overseas post offices should contact the Bunche Library [email protected]. wishes to create a professional reading to borrow titles from the Foreign Affairs library to be maintained permanently as Professional Reading List. Support for Creation of Book post property (for example, by the DCM Categories of books include: diplomacy Discussion Groups or CLO) for use by current and future col- theory and practice: U.S. foreign policy and AFSA invites supervisors with mentor- leagues, then AFSA will provide a gift card international relations; public diplomacy; ship responsibilities or ad hoc groups of of up to $100 per post usable at an online U.S. diplomatic and consular history; glob- employees at overseas posts and domestic bookseller on a one-for-one matching basis al issues; economics, trade and commerce; offices to form Professional Development for funds raised by allocations from appro- science, technology and industry; and Discussion Groups (“book clubs”) for priated post funds or other authorized diplomatic biographies and memoirs. J
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A F Pay Equity Act • Continued from page 69 Chairman Berman and Ranking Member ing on the State Department staffing crisis S demonstrated their support of the Foreign Ros-Lehtinen. in July, held just a few hours after the com- A Service. In past years, AFSA sought to advance mittee’s vote, AFSA President John Naland The bill, originally offered and cham- this issue as part of a larger State stressed the need for Congress to address pioned by Rep. Smith, would give entry- Department authorization bill. Uncertain this long-standing pay disparity. AFSA will N and mid-level Foreign Service members that such a multi-issue bill would move not give up on this session despite the long E serving overseas the same comparability pay this year, AFSA took on the difficult task odds. W adjustment afforded to colleagues assigned of promoting a standalone bill. The fact For its part, the State Department has S to the District of Columbia (the Senior that such legislation has now passed out also restated its strong support for fixing the Foreign Service began to receive this equal of the HFAC highlights the fact that AFSA problem. At the same July Senate hearing, treatment several years ago). The bill would made significant inroads over the last year Director General Harry K. Thomas Jr. tes- close one-third of the gap in October 2009, in isolating the problem, raising its pro- tified that Foreign Service compensation another third in October 2010, and the final file and connecting directly with key law- reform is one of the department’s top leg- third in October 2011. The bill also increas- makers. islative priorities. He pointed out that both es the death gratuity for Foreign Service That said, there is still a difficult chal- the pending Fiscal Year 2009 budget members killed overseas. lenge ahead. To become law, the full House request and the department’s pending Fiscal AFSA has worked hard for many and Senate must pass the bill and the pres- Year 2008-2009 authorization package seek months to achieve this crucial success in the ident must sign it. Many observers doubt to end the overseas pay disparity. The legislative process. Even though many peo- that those steps can be accomplished dur- administration continues to support fully ple (even some supporters) thought at the ing this election-shortened legislative year. closing the pay gap, albeit with a pay-for- outset of this legislative session that no However, AFSA is working to focus key performance component — a mechanism movement would be possible, H.R. 3202 decision makers on the fact that the ever- that is not found in H.R. 3202. now has been voted out of committee. By widening pay gap must be fixed now; oth- Find backgroundmaterial on the AFSA the end of July, it had 28 House co-spon- erwise, it will only deepen. For example, Web site or contact Legislative Director Ian sors plus the full support of HFAC testifying at a Senate subcommittee hear- Houston for updated information. J
NEWS FROM THE HILL Naland told the committee that the title online at www.afsa.org/congress/071608tes for the hearing could not have been more timony.cfm.) AFSA Testifies accurate. He spelled out several of the fac- Neumann, who most recently served on Staffing Crisis tors that have led to what is now being called as U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, rec- a crisis. These include significant vacancies ognized the critical need for State BY KIM HAYWARD, in Foreign Service positions worldwide, lack Department reform to address the staffing AFSA LEGISLATIVE STAFF of sufficient training, increased dangers of crisis and the need for training through- n July 16, the Senate Subcommittee overseas postings and a steady decline in out the Foreign Service career. He on Oversight of Government morale. “Due to the mismatch between emphasized the Service’s need for addi- OManagement (part of the resources and requirements, hundreds of tional resources and training, especially Committee on Homeland Security and Foreign Service positions worldwide are now as current foreign policy challenges cause Government Affairs) examined the human vacant. … All together, 12 percent of over- it to be stretched thinner than ever. capital crisis at the Department of State seas Foreign Service positions are now Amb. Boyatt’s written testimony echoed during a hearing titled “A Domestic vacant.” those same sentiments. He stated: “These Crisis with Global Implications: Reviewing Naland’s key emphasis was to urge the critical challenges and opportunities can only the Human Capital Crisis at the State 110th Congress to reverse years of under- be met effectively through a significantly Department.” AFSA President John investment in the Foreign Service. Increased more robust foreign affairs capacity that fea- Naland and Ambassador Ronald Neu- funding is needed to address the significant tures skilled diplomats and foreign assistance mann, president of the American Academy staffing shortfall and to train career diplo- professionals.” Chairman Daniel Akaka, D- of Diplomacy, testified at the hearing, giv- mats to conduct 21st-century diplomacy. Hawaii, and ranking Republican Member ing their accounts of the current crisis and “I am confident that my colleagues would Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, both their recommendations for the foreign pol- welcome a ‘grand bargain’,” Naland stated, strong supporters of the Foreign Service, icy challenges that the next administration “that coupled a significant expansion of sought to fully understand the needs of the will face. Ambassador Thomas Boyatt, pres- Foreign Service staffing with a strengthen- Foreign Service as the United States faces ident of the Foreign Affairs Council, pro- ing of their professional development sys- ever-increasing foreign policy challenges vided written testimony. tem.” (Naland’s full testimony can be found abroad. J
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A F S FS VOICE: FAMILY MEMBER MATTERS I BY MICHELE HOPPER A N Keeping the Home Culture Alive E W ome of our kids only see our official We should prepare our There are a number of magazines available S “home” once every two or three years. for all ages. One called American History is SOften, temporary repatriation to a place children to embrace all that geared for high-school students and offers a that’s supposed to be familiar and comfort- our country is, and in turn thorough overview of topical subjects. An issue able is just another international move, and with “Epidemic” blazoned on the cover con- sometimes even more difficult when the ensure that “home” leave is nects influenza deaths in World War I to avian neighbors don’t understand why we’re so dif- just that — a place our flu, an issue with which we are all familiar. For ferent. those with an even more specific interest, the So what do we do? How do we bring our children feel they belong. same publisher offers specific titles such as American history and culture to the forefront America’s Civil War and Wild West. It’s well worth the effort. so the Fourth of July gets equal face time with For the middle school set, Cobblestone mag- Diwali or Eid al-Fitr? How do we get kids excit- azine brings American history to life with let- ed about Thanksgiving when it’s not even a day off from regu- ters from the past and interviews with historians, as well as a touch larly scheduled classes? on current events. A sister magazine, Calliope, covers world his- Bringing kids to the United States for every home leave and tory in the same manner. R&R is one option. It’s expensive and time-consuming, but worth For current events, Time for Kids is indispensable and has it to see the kids watch Independence Day fireworks from the three subscription options: one for kindergarten and first grade, Capitol steps. Making kids understand their history, their her- one for second and third grades, and one for fourth through itage and, indeed, their home, however, takes more than that. It’s sixth grade. The Web site (www.timeforkids.com) also includes an effort on our part as parents that extends beyond summer vaca- teacher resources with worksheets and mini-lessons to accom- tions and Christmas holidays. pany each issue. Last year, the community liaison officer for Consulate General There is so much material available on the Web. Often there Chennai instituted a “USA Fun Day” for consulate kids. Each are too many sites to wade through, but some of our favorites month we gather informally at one family’s home and share infor- include those on Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestown, mation about a specific topic. The kids do most of the research Alcatraz Island, the Smithsonian Institution and Acadia National and presenting. This year we’ve covered black history, the Park. Finding Web sites about places in your hometown and about Revolutionary War, Pilgrims, women’s history and family geneal- famous landmarks is key to getting your kids interested in their ogy, along with Christopher Columbus and other explorers. Last American heritage. year, we did our home states, famous Americans and the Pledge And if you’re like me, summertime isn’t a time off for the kids’ of Allegiance. After we’re done, the posters and reports go to our learning. Flag Day falls on June 14, so we create a flag and recall playroom and bedroom walls so the kids see them daily. its history and symbolism. One year we made a flag out of paper Printed materials are an invaluable source for keeping our home chains. We also pull out the Complete Book of United States History and heritage alive overseas. Book series like American Girl put and the Complete Book of Presidents and States workbooks as refresh- our children right in the thick of American history. ers on subjects covered before. Our lifestyle demands flexibility and global awareness, but we also have a duty to provide a sense of belonging A Selection from the Web: to something bigger than our mobile family and smaller American History: www.historynet.com/magazines/american_history than the world. America is the home country for our Cobblestone: www.cobblestonepub.com/magazine/COB/ Foreign Service. We should prepare our children to embrace Time for Kids: www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids all that our country is, and in turn ensure that “home” leave Colonial Williamsburg: www.history.org/kids/games is just that — a place our children feel they belong. It’s well Jamestown Settlement: www.historyisfun.org/Jamestown-Settlement.htm worth the effort. Ì Alcatraz Island: www.nps.gov/alca/historyculture/index.htm Michele Hopper was raised overseas as an Army brat and contin- Smithsonian Institution: www.smithsonianeducation.org/students/ ues the overseas life as a Foreign Service spouse. Currently in India, Acadia National Park: www.nps.gov/archive/acad/kids/main.htm she’s also lived in Togo, the Philippines, England, Niger, Algeria, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Belgium. After six years out, her four kids are asking for a tour back home.
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Two Views of Lydia bachelor Belgian ambassador in Kirk’s descriptions Washington as he received President and Mrs. Truman during the Belgian Distinguished Service: of diplomatic life prince’s state visit, she did such a good Lydia Chapin Kirk, sparkle with color job that the Prince sent her a silver Partner in Diplomacy cigarette box inscribed “Pour la Roger Kirk, editor; Syracuse and wit. Grande Maitresse del la Cour.” University Press, 2007, $22.95, Her husband’s Moscow appoint- hardcover, 273 pages. u ment in 1949 came as a complete sur- REVIEWED BY TED WILKINSON witness history. While her father was prise, and the change from Brussels naval attaché in Paris just before was brusque. Stalinist paranoia was at When Lydia Chapin Kirk pub- World War I, she was delighted to its peak. Lydia Kirk was determined lished a selection of her letters in 1952 hear visiting ex-president Theodore to “make it work,” but the challenges as Postmarked Moscow — the first of Roosevelt hail him as one of the finest were enormous. Once, when Soviet her four books — Americans were naval officers he had known. Later, Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko enthralled with her vivid depiction of when her husband was naval attaché and his wife Ludmila came to lunch, the challenges of life as an ambas- to Ambassador Joseph Kennedy in Mrs. Kirk asked if their son Anatoli sador’s wife and the chatelaine of London, the couple heard Neville had been able to keep up his English Spaso House. Her experience Chamberlain proclaim that he had since their time in the U.S. Mrs. seemed as adventurous and exotic to achieved “peace in our time” at Gromyko replied that he practiced in Americans as a trip to the moon, and Munich. his room, since “he has no one to talk the book was a bestseller. Having commanded U.S. naval to here.” Mrs. Kirk refrained from In fact, the Moscow tour was only forces for the Normandy landing, suggesting that he get together with one phase in an extraordinarily rich Adm. Kirk was a hero in postwar her son Roger, who was taking a year and accomplished life. As her son Europe, and he and his wife received off from college to work with Russian Roger documents in this collection of an unusually warm reception upon his staff in the embassy, lest the sugges- her memories, service came naturally appointment as ambassador in Bel- tion be seen as “a crude American to her. Born into a Navy family, she gium in 1946. attempt” at subversion. relished the challenges of accompany- Ideally prepared as a diplomatic The Korean War only increased ing her husband, Admiral Alan Kirk, partner, Lydia Kirk stepped into her the frostiness of the Cold War, but to his three post-retirement embas- new role with gusto. Her descriptions Lydia Kirk, determined not to let the sies. Yet far from stifling other inter- of life in Brussels sparkle with color embassy’s spirits sag, kept Spaso ests, Lydia Kirk also excelled as an and wit, covering such figures as House humming with social activities. artist, a activist for the Red Cross and Princess Elizabeth Ruspoli, a “minia- Still, the contrast was stark. At a New Junior League, a lecturer and a novel- ture Marlene Dietrich,” who was said Year’s ball, “we managed to forget ist — all the while she was a devoted to have “held court to German offi- how far away from home we were mother to three children. cers in her bathtub … [while] she until we opened the windows at mid- Beyond mere duties, service gave refuge to English aviators in a night to let the New Year in, and no abroad brought Lydia Kirk challenge, back room.” sound came through — no bells, no glamour, adventure and the chance to Asked to serve as hostess for the singing, no whistles, only a draft of
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chill Moscow air. …” attaché. Her husband was ambas- Later, when it was almost time to sador to three countries, and her son leave post, Amb. Kirk gave thanks to I have to admit to sighs also served as ambassador three times. the assembled staff of the residence at But the book also underscores the 4 a.m., after a costume ball. In a sen- of regret as I read the fact that these diplomatic dynasties timental response, the pantry man tended to be based on the East Coast, said “never before had there been book. Lydia Kirk had comprised of men from the right fam- such happiness in Spaso House.” ilies who went to the right boarding Ten years later Adm. Kirk, then 74, the chance to live the schools and the right universities. was called back from retirement for While I am more than happy that service in Taipei by President Ken- “high life.” the Foreign Service is much more nedy, who said he needed “an older diverse nowadays, I have to admit to man with diplomatic experience and a sighs of regret as I read this book. military background … to face up to Lydia Kirk had the chance to live the Chiang [Kai-shek].” Lydia Kirk found “high life,” with servants, and summer the assignment less welcome than in previous eras or enjoy learning vacations at exclusive beach resorts, earlier ones, but as always she rose about dynamic women. and dinner parties with Very Very buoyantly to new challenges, such as But reading these memoirs was Important People, and luxurious dealing with the redoubtable Mme. not the unalloyed pleasure I had ocean liner crossings. Chiang. Unfortunately, Adm. Kirk’s anticipated. Although the book illu- The book also makes clear what assignment was curtailed by illness, minates some ways in which the high value an accomplished wife rep- and he died in October 1963. Foreign Service has improved, it also resented, both for a career military Returning to New York as a widow, reveals some respects in which our man and a diplomat. Kirk published Lydia Kirk turned next to writing and institution is less than it used to be. four books, but not until her family produced three imaginative mystery This book is based on a draft mem- was grown and her husband’s career a novels before beginning her memoirs. oir that Lydia Chapin Kirk began success. Her role in making the After her death in 1984, the task of working on in the 1960s and on letters embassy in Moscow bearable — by editing the incomplete manuscript she sent from Moscow and Taipei. organizing parties for the staff and fell to Roger Kirk, who used her let- Those documents were all woven going out to explore the city and serv- ters, the recollections of his sisters and together by her son Roger Kirk, a for- ing as hostess for official events — is his own memories to cover several mer ambassador to Somalia, Romania quite clear. long periods that his mother had not and the U.N. organizations in Vienna, I found it interesting that, while written about. who is the editor of this volume. Lydia Kirk was quite broadminded The result is a smooth and fasci- Ambassador Kirk has also written a about foreign ways, the one group she nating narrative, full of interesting preface to the book, while Robert ridicules is U.S. Southerners, whose insights from a woman who had a Orris Blake, a career FSO currently accent and opinions she mimics in a front-row seat in the theater of histo- serving as ambassador to Sri Lanka very unflattering way. ry. and the Maldives, has contributed a So who should read this book? I u very revealing and laudatory sketch of would recommend it for Foreign Lydia Kirk in a foreword. But it is still Service spouses, who can make their REVIEWED BY a very-first-person account that covers own judgments about whether they JULIE GIANELLONI CONNOR 86 years of Mrs. Kirk’s life. prefer the modern Foreign Service or It is not uncommon nowadays to would have liked Lydia Kirk’s lifestyle I took this book for review thinking hear about U.S. military dynasties: better. Those interested in England it was the sort of biography I would generals who are sons of generals who during World War II or in Russia just really enjoy reading, and to which I were sons of generals. This book high- after the war would benefit from could give a big thumbs-up. And I did lights a similar tendency in diplomacy. reading her first-hand accounts. enjoy it, as will those who love history, Lydia Kirk’s father was posted with his Finally, to any Foreign Service par- like to read about the Foreign Service family to the embassy in Paris as naval ents who despair about how their chil-
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dren will turn out, this book offers gestures, that the purple tie she had hope that your son (or daughter!) handed him was not the sweater he might also one day grow up to be an This delightful book had brought in to get cleaned. She ambassador. was less than polite, and the people in should be required the line behind him became aggravat- Ted Wilkinson, a Foreign Service ed. He held his ground, and eventu- officer from 1961 to 1996, is the chair- reading for anyone ally got his sweater. But the man of the FSJ Editorial Board. encounter left him absolutely con- Julie Gianelloni Connor, a mem- living in Moscow or vinced that Russian sales personnel ber of the Senior Foreign Service, has are all trained to scowl at customers. served overseas nine times in her 27- going there. Daniels was always able to find an year career. During her career, she English-speaking student to take him has been on an unaccompanied tour, around Moscow, so he gives a helpful had a trailing spouse, been part of a overview of the capital’s many sights. tandem couple, and been a single (He resisted the lure of the Arbat for mother with dependent — but never The only problem was that he had a while, but eventually succumbed.) yet a dependent herself. She is a only visited Russia once and did not And his discussion of tipping etiquette member of the FSJ Editorial Board. even know the Cyrillic alphabet. But demonstrates the generation gap in lest the reader get the wrong impres- Russian society: older individuals sion, that is precisely what makes this seem to be against it, younger ones Decoding the account so interesting. Instead of expect it. looking at the city from the standpoint In short, this delightful book Russian Enigma of an academic expert or an FSO back should be required reading for any- for a third tour, Daniels freely admits one living in Moscow or going there. Living With Stalin’s Ghost: that he knew almost nothing about Come to think of it, I think I will A Fulbright Memoir of Moscow Russia, and certainly nothing about require my students to read it next and the New Russia the trials and tribulations of living on year. It is a far cry from the articles Bruce C. Daniels, Connecticut the local economy. and books they read on things like sys- Academy of Arts & Sciences, 2008, Contrary to the book’s title, tem maintenance, interest aggrega- $10.00, paperback, 150 pages. Daniels does not focus on Stalin’s tion or articulation, not to mention a Russia — at least not in the formal hundred other conceptual frame- REVIEWED BY DALE HERSPRING sense. But as he astutely observes, works. the dictator’s “legacy haunts the new Even though some of my col- This book was a welcome change Russia and is shorthand for the Soviet leagues would disown me for saying it, from the weighty political science legacy.” one cannot really hope to understand publications I normally find myself One of Daniels’ chapter headings a country if one cannot make sense critiquing. At just 150 pages, it is an makes a point I wish my students out of its cultural idiosyncracies. And easy read, but is also very informative. understood: “Russia Is a Hard as anyone who has dealt with Russia Professor Bruce Daniels normally Country to Know: Do Not Trust First knows, it has a lot of them. I teaches 16th- and 17th-century histo- Impressions.” To support that thesis, ry at the University of Texas at San he cites a wealth of examples from Dale Herspring, a Foreign Service Antonio, where he is the Gilbert M. daily life in Moscow. One of the fun- officer from 1971 to 1991, served Denman Endowed Professor of niest parts of this chapter is his mainly in Eastern Europe and the American History. However, one day account of getting his rather modest Soviet Union, specializing in political- in 2006 he woke up to discover that he (but very expensive) apartment wired military affairs. A university distin- had been selected to spend six so he could get CNN. guished professor of political science months at Moscow State University Then there was the time at the dry at Kansas State University since 1993, teaching some of Russia’s best and cleaner’s he spent an hour trying to he is the author or editor of 12 books brightest on a Fulbright grant. explain to the clerk, mainly through and numerous articles.
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REFLECTIONS Balkan Babas
BY STEPHANIE ROWLANDS
s I left the house with my 18- I also recalled the time Toni walked month-old daughter, Haley, Here I am, thousands me over to the outdoor market, Aone morning, my neighbor, of miles from my instead of just telling me the direc- Baba Florika, was out pruning her tions. And often at the market I’ve rosemary bush. She opened her gate parents, with a whole heard “Dobra Majka” (good mother) to get a better look at Haley in the neighborhood in hushed approval from the babas stroller. watching my back! and vegetable salesmen as I walk by, “Oh no, no, no,” she tsked. Lean- pushing my stroller with one hand and ing over, she took off my daughter’s w Kai’s trike with the other. shoes. “The feet need to air,” she said. Today Baba Nada calls to me from “It’s better for the baby. It’s much too her gate as I walk up to my house. warm to be out walking with a baby bor, Toni, frets about Haley’s “How are you feeling?” she asks. like that.” “exposed” back. He is certain that “Better, thanks,” I croak. I actually I smiled, nodded, and bit my because she’s not in a onesie, some sound worse than I feel. tongue. Haley and I continued walk- sort of terrible malady will consume “Tsst. Tsst, you must drink lots of ing down the street. Not half a block her. And an older gentleman on the tea, the mountain tea,” she shakes her down, Baba Danche was out sweeping bus scolded me for not making my finger at me. the sidewalk. sweating son, Kai, wear a jacket. “I am, I am. It’s perfect for this “Oh, Stephanie,” she crowed. On one particularly trying day, cough,” I nod. “Isn’t Haley cold? You must cover her after at least 10 people had pointed “And put your head over a steam- feet.” She leaned over and put the out some fault in my parenting, I rue- ing pot of water, like this,” she holds shoes back on. fully bemoaned what appeared to me her hands to the side of her face and I coughed heartily to cover my as my obvious look of inadequacy to bends forward, almost bumping her laughter, but then had to listen to how another neighbor, a Macedonian head on the fence. to prepare mountain tea that would mother with a 14-year-old and a 3- “Yes, yes, I will, right away.” help my cough. year-old. “Good, good,” she nods. “Then you I might be 36 years old, have an “Oh, they do that to everyone,” she will feel better.” advanced degree, two healthy, happy assured me. “It’s their way of showing I smile. Here I am, thousands of children and a somewhat sane house- you they like you.” miles from my parents, with a whole hold — but here in Skopje, the advice Her comment gave me pause. I neighborhood watching my back! No never stops flowing. I receive helpful remembered the time Nada cut the wonder I feel so safe here. hints every day. On every outing some last rose of the season from her garden My mother can rest easy knowing well-meaning person will suggest a and gave it to me to adorn my table for that the Balkan babas will look out for better way to live my life — from child a work-related reception I hosted at me. I care, husband care and personal care my house. And the time Florika rang to gardening and cooking. Inevitably, my doorbell at 7:30 a.m. with a plate Stephanie Rowlands teaches English someone or something is either too full of warm bread, fresh from the to preschoolers and is a freelance hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. oven, for our breakfast. And the time writer. She and her FSO husband Babas — grandmothers — don’t Danche ushered me into her house and their two children currently live have a corner on the advice market, to for homemade burek, a Macedonian in Skopje. They previously lived in be sure. My 40-year-old single neigh- savory pastry. Mexico and Guatemala.
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