PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION JUNE 2013

AFSA’S PLAQUE CEREMONY: HONORING HEROES

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

THE FOREIGN SERVICE AND CONGRESS

Foreign June 2013 Service Volume 90, No. 6

FOCUS On Working with Congress AFSA News Honoring Heroes: AFSA’s Memorial Plaque Ceremony / 45 Capitol Hill and Foggy Bottom: State VP Voice: Diplomatic Bridging the Cultural Divide / 18 Security from 60,000 Feet / 46 Though the world looks different from the eastern and western ends of the USAID VP Voice: The Everyday National Mall, there are actually many similarities between the congressional Risks of Overseas Service / 47 and diplomatic cultures. AFSA Award Winners BY CHARLES A. STEVENSON Announced / 47 USAID Honors Two of Congressional Relations: Benefits and Pitfalls / 24 Its Own / 50 New Foreign Service FSOs have “street cred” with Congress as the professionals who carry out Program Partnership / 51 U.S. overseas policies and programs. Here are tips for maximizing that entrée. AFSA Goes to Capitol Hill / 52 BY BETTE COOK Help Celebrate Diplomacy in Action / 53 A Human Rights Dialogue with Congress / 30 Unreasonable at State: Policymaking on human rights issues is sometimes hindered by poor relations It’s Not What You Think / 54 between State and Capitol Hill. Fortunately, there are ways to improve cooperation. Active After Active-Duty: BY ROBERT MCMAHON A Non-Retiring Life / 55 Winning One for AFSA / 56 New TLG Intern Comes to Washington / 56 FEATUREs FS Heritage: Ambassadors of Race and Nation / 36 Columns Here is the little-known story of a group of African-American diplomat-writers P resident’s Views / 7 whose late 19th- and early 20th-century work shaped the Harlem Renaissance. Secretary Kerry’s Opportunity BY BRIAN RUSSELL ROBERTS BY SUSAN R. JOHNSON Speaking Out / 15 Shepard C. Lowman (1926-2013): An Appreciation / 41 Iran and the United States: Countless Indochinese-Americans will remember FSO Shepard Lowman for Getting to Yes enabling their admission to the United States. His country should remember him, By George B. Lambrakis as well, for embodying our finest inclinations. DepartmEnts BY LACY WRIGHT L etters / 8 Talking Points / 11 Books / 59 E duCAtional Supplement In Memory / 62 Thinking Through Educational Options Local Lens / 114 for Your Foreign Service Child / 68 Marketplace Choosing a school is not just about feeding the mind, but feeding each young Classifieds / 107 person’s appropriate social and emotional development. Here are some tips on how to make the right choice. Real Estate / 110 BY REBECCA GRAPPO Index to Advertisers / 112

On the cover: Vice President Joseph R. Biden addresses the families of Foreign Service Schools Charts / 76, 78, 80 members killed in the line of duty at AFSA’s Memorial Plaque Ceremony on May 3 at the State Department. Secretary of State Guide to Education and Family Service Providers / 96 John Kerry and AFSA President Susan R. Johnson also spoke on the solemn occasion. Photo by Donna Ayerst. At lower left, the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Anne Wernikoff.

the Foreign Service journal | june 2013 5 Foreign

Service s

Editor Steven Alan Honley: [email protected]

Senior Editor Susan Brady Maitra: [email protected]

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AFSA News Editor AFSA Headquarters: Labor Management Donna Ayerst: [email protected] (202) 338-4045; Fax (202) 338-6820 General Counsel State Department AFSA Office: Sharon Papp: [email protected] Ad & Circulation Manager (202) 647-8160; Fax (202) 647-0265 Deputy General Counsel Ed Miltenberger: [email protected] USAID AFSA Office: Zlatana Badrich: [email protected] (202) 712-1941; Fax (202) 216-3710 Labor Management Specialist Art Director FCS AFSA Office: James Yorke: [email protected] Caryn Suko Smith (202) 482-9088; Fax (202) 482-9087 Labor Management Counselor Editorial Intern Janet Weber: [email protected] Jeff Richards Governing Board Senior Staff Attorney President: Neera Parikh: [email protected] Advertising Intern Susan R. Johnson: [email protected] Staff Attorney Andreas Dorner State VP: Raeka Safai: [email protected] Editorial Board Daniel Hirsch: [email protected] Staff Attorney James P. Seevers, Chairman USAID VP: Andrew Large: [email protected] Judith Baroody Francisco Zamora: [email protected] Office Manager William D. Bent FCS VP: Christine Warren: [email protected] Clayton Bond Keith Curtis: [email protected] USAID Senior Labor Management Adviser Gordon S. Brown FAS VP: Douglas Broome: [email protected] Stephen W. Buck David Mergen: [email protected] Staff Assistant Ruth M. Hall Retiree VP: Alex Nostro: [email protected] Richard McKee Mary Ellen Gilroy: [email protected] USAID Staff Assistant Jed Meline Secretary: Vacant Chioma Dike: [email protected] Gregory L. Naarden Treasurer: Andrew Winter Beth Payne State Reps: Member Services Matthew Asada Member Services Director William Bent Janet Hedrick: [email protected] The Magazine for Foreign Affairs E. Alex Copher Member Services Representative Professionals Tim Corso Kristy Pomes: [email protected] The Foreign Service Journal (ISSN 0146-3543), 2101 E Kenneth Kero-Mentz Administrative Assistant and Office Manager Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037-2990 is published Elise Mellinger Ana Lopez: [email protected] monthly, with a combined July-August issue, by the Joyce Namde American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), a private, Ted Osius Communications, Marketing and nonprofit organization. Material appearing herein repre- Lillian Wahl-Tuco Outreach sents the opinions of the writers and does not necessarily represent the views of the Journal, the Editorial Board or David Zwach Director of New Media AFSA. Writer queries and submissions are invited, prefer- USAID Reps: Ásgeir Sigfússon: [email protected] ably by e-mail. The Journal is not responsible for unso- Jason Singer Director of Communications licited manuscripts, photos or illustrations. Advertising Andrew Levin Vacant inquiries are invited. The appearance of advertisements FCS Rep: Steve Morrison Special Awards and Outreach Coordinator herein does not imply endorsement of the services or FAS Rep: Rachel Nelson Perri Green: [email protected] goods offered. Journal subscription: AFSA member–$20, IBB Rep: Andre de Nesnera Editor/Publisher, FS Books included in annual dues; student–$30; institution–$40; Retiree Reps: Shawn Dorman: [email protected] others–$50. For foreign surface mail, add $18 per year; foreign airmail, $36 per year. Periodical postage paid Robert Houdek Speakers Bureau Director at Washington, D.C., and at additional mailing offices. Edward Marks Thomas Switzer: [email protected] Indexed by the Public Affairs Information Services (PAIS). Hugh Neighbour Web and Graphics Assistant Molly Williamson Jeff Lau: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (202) 338-4045 Staff PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS Fax: (202) 338-8244 Executive Director Coordinator, Retiree Counseling Web: www.afsa.org/fsj Ian Houston: [email protected] and Legislation Executive Assistant to the President Bonnie Brown: [email protected] © American Foreign Service Association, 2013 Patrick Bradley: [email protected] Associate Coordinator, Retiree Counseling Printed in the U.S.A. and Legislation Business Department Matthew Sumrak: [email protected] Postmaster: Send address changes to Director of Finance Advocacy Director AFSA Femi Oshobukola: [email protected] Javier Cuebas: [email protected] Attn: Address Change Controller Scholarship Director 2101 E Street NW Kalpna Srimal: [email protected] Lori Dec: [email protected] Assistant Controller Scholarship Assistant Washington DC 20037-2990 Cory Nishi: [email protected] Jonathan Crawford: [email protected] www.afsa.org

6 June 2013 | the foreign Service journal PRESIDENT’S VIEWS

Secretary Kerry’s Opportunity

BY SUSAN R. JOHNSON

he Sept. 11, 2012, attack on profession and, if so, what are its require- to revitalize it professionally and enable it our mission in Benghazi has ments? Do we not need a strong, profes- to grow a leadership bench with strategic riveted the media once again, sional career cadre for effective diplomacy vision that can deliver objective, non- T as politicians debate whether in an increasingly complex world? And if partisan advice to political leaders and someone in the Obama administration so, what sort of professional development implement foreign policy effectively. For tried to cover up what happened there does it require to meet the challenges of this purpose, the Foreign Service should and a host of related issues. The profes- today and tomorrow? revisit recruitment, assignment and sional concerns of the Foreign Service, Does the State Department really no evaluation policies, assess the long-term however, are focused on a different longer need a strong Foreign Service as the impact of the “cone” system on leadership template. primary vehicle of American diplomacy? development and quality, and commit In its report, the high-powered Must we choose between nurturing a cul- seriously to establishing “training capac- Pickering-Mullen Accountability Review ture of professional excellence, values and ity” and a professional education system Board identified “systemic failures and esprit de corps, and just going along with that is appropriately integrated with career leadership and management deficiencies political ad hoc-ism and acquiescence to advancement. at senior levels within the State Depart- a context that reduces the Foreign Service One possible way forward would be ment,” and raised implicit questions about to a diminished sub-identity? My conclu- the establishment of a high-level commis- interagency coordination. In other words, sion has been that to strengthen American sion to study and recommend institutional Benghazi is a tragic and poignant example diplomacy and the State Department, we reforms to best serve the demands of of institutional leadership dysfunction, one need to strengthen the Foreign Service. American diplomacy in the 21st century. that should be taken as a wake-up call. With that in mind, my columns have Such a commission should include cur- Institutional dysfunction often besets addressed three sets of issues, start- rent and former members of the Foreign several inextricably linked dimensions of ing with the preponderance of political Service, as well as members of Congress, an organic system, organization or institu- appointments in leadership positions at academics and eminent personalities tion. The ARB zeroed in on leadership the State Department and as ambassa- with understanding of foreign policy and and management within the Department dors to important missions abroad. I have diplomatic practice. of State, and highlighted the apparent explained the debilitating impact of this It is time once again to reaffirm the dispersal of responsibility among bureaus practice on the Department of State and value of a merit-based, representative and offices for handling a crisis that, in its Foreign Service, and urged steps to arrest professional career Foreign Service to carry judgment, could and should have been and reverse this trend. out American diplomacy. Secretary of State anticipated and handled better. Second, I have outlined the difficult John Kerry possesses a unique association Analysis of other dimensions of institu- issues connected with adapting the Civil with, and understanding of, the Foreign tional weakness or dysfunction within the Service personnel system to the require- Service. Drawing on his long experience State Department and the For- ments of diplomacy, for better with diplomacy and world affairs, he could eign Service has been the subject complementarity and coordina- leave an important legacy by revitalizing of many of my recent columns. tion between it and the Foreign the Foreign Service and the practice of In these columns, I have Service personnel system within diplomacy, in the true spirit of the Foreign made a case for structural and State. Service Acts of 1924, 1946 and 1980. institutional reform of the State Third, I have called for I welcome your comments at johnson@ Department and the Foreign reform of the Foreign Service afsa.org. n Service, and raised some funda- mental questions. Is diplomacy a Susan R. Johnson is the president of the American Foreign Service Association.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 7 LETTERS

Diplomacy in Action— stand and propagate our collective ambi- ble rivals from either party could be more or Inaction? tions, experiences and organizational familiar with the need for experience and In what may have been just a strange aspirations, everything has finally been demonstrated expertise in diplomacy and coincidence, the April 12 Washington all wrapped up in one brilliant package. policy formulation? Post opinion piece by diplomats Susan Kudos to all the good folks who The American Foreign Service Asso- Johnson, Ronald Neumann and Thomas put it together! ciation must take the lead Pickering (“Bring Back Professional Diplo- Regrettably, it is still not pos- on this, but is unlikely to do macy”) ran on the same day as a full-page sible to assert that all Foreign so absent strong and vocal ad for the HBO series “Veep” depicting Service personnel management support from AFSA members. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character falling goals have been validated, or Every politician seeking the asleep at an international conference. The rendered clear and cogent. presidency—including, most ad’s headline? “Diplomacy in Action.” As a group of government prominently, Clinton—should HBO may amuse its viewers with such employees, we are indeed for- be told in uncompromising portrayals, but the depiction of a bored, tunate that we have not been terms of AFSA’s opposition to disengaged diplomat representing the parodied on “Saturday Night appointments from outside of the United States is nothing to laugh about. Live,” or in a feature film or TV series. Just Foreign Service as representatives of the And that is precisely why Johnson, Neu- a few seconds of reflection by anyone with United States in foreign lands. mann and Pickering are spot on in their embassy experience could produce some The Senate Foreign Relations Com- critique of the current crisis in American award-winning plots. One can also be mittee, and individual senators as well, diplomatic practice. sure that there are presidential aspirants should be left with no doubt on this point, The U.S. Foreign Service is imperiled, out there who would fire the whole U.S. and any and all candidates for AFSA lead- as they explain, by the rising number Foreign Service if they could. ership should get the same message from of short-term and inexperienced politi- Nonetheless, thanks to the Journal, its members. President Barack Obama cal appointees who lack the training, AFSA members now know more about has been as guilty as his predecessors in language skills, on-the-job experience and their union and professional association— the sale of embassies to the highest bid- commitment that distinguish professional and the past, present and future of the ders, so we must look to his successor for diplomats from others. Foreign Service as an institution. the end to this disgraceful and harmful While some political appointees bring John Wellington Macdonald practice. valuable personal assets to the job of Foreign Service Reserve, retired Now is the time to start, before the next representation, most do not. What’s more, Austin, Texas auction begins. their growing presence erodes profession- Alan Berlind alism and costs the State Department in Stop Selling Embassies Senior FSO, retired terms of institutional memory, effective- Your March issue should serve as a Bordeaux, France ness and efficiency. As Johnson, Neu- call to the Foreign Service to take a stand mann and Pickering point out, Secretary on the issue of political appointments to Political Infiltration of State John Kerry can best signal that ambassadorships abroad. The “Talking I read with interest Ambassador diplomacy really matters by taking steps to Point” on the subject by Steve Honley and Charles Ray’s March Speaking Out right this imbalance. the letter from Tom Niles come at a perfect column (“The Foreign Service Needs a Jane C. Loeffler time—before the 2016 potential presiden- Cultural Shift”). Institutional change is Washington, D.C. tial candidates start promising plum posts inevitable, but too often it unfolds at a to potential donors. glacial pace, well behind the curve. Foreign Service, It is a happy coincidence that recently Amb. Ray and I share a common back- Know Yourselves departed Secretary of State Hillary Rod- ground of military service prior to joining The April edition of The Foreign Service ham Clinton is reported to have held off the Foreign Service, and our tenures as Journal is a masterpiece of writing and financial backers pending a decision on FSOs overlapped, as well. Still, despite editing. After 40 years of trying to under- her own candidacy. For who among possi- these commonalities, I must take issue

8 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL with some of his assertions. of them attain positions of too much Amb. Ray is certainly correct in diag- influence. But to suggest that they ever nosing the fundamental issue: Foreign predominated is untrue. Moreover, many Service influence on our foreign policy names leap to mind that dispel this claim. has eroded over the past several decades. Similarly, Amb. Ray’s assertion that the But I would suggest the causes he cites are FS is institutionally risk-averse also strikes largely overstated. In addition, after noting me as a canard. Yes, there are many FSOs what seems to me to be the foremost fac- who fit that description, but by no means tors—the growing polarization of Ameri- a majority (at least in my experience). At can society and the encroachment of every post at which I served, as well as political appointees into State Department back in Foggy Bottom, I was constantly leadership positions—he then dismisses impressed by the thoughtful, innovative them as insignificant. and mold-breaking ideas, suggestions, It is true, as Amb. Ray asserts, that arguments and actions my colleagues political leaders would prefer a career advanced. Foreign Service that carries out its policies After being thoughtfully examined without question. There is nothing new and considered, many—perhaps about that. But what is dif- most—of those ideas failed for what ferent may be the strength seemed perfectly valid reasons. Not with which that preference, all brainstorms are worth adopting, which varies with adminis- after all, and some that do pass trations, is expressed. scrutiny bring significant unin- When I entered the tended consequences. Foreign Service, during the Amb. Ray may nonetheless Kennedy administration, it was be correct that such suggestions a central tenet that we owed are too often dismissed without the political leadership our best adequate examination. But that does analysis and policy options, regardless of not mean that if adopted, they would have domestic politics. This ethic was reiterated been successful. to me at post after post, as well as in Wash- Almost invariably, at least in my experi- ington. Perhaps my supervisors happened ence, the failure to assay these suggestions to be ethical giants, but my experience was driven by political considerations, suggests they were the rule rather than the and by political appointees who were exception. able to stop any process they did not like. They also made clear to me that once I saw this in both the Latin American and a policy decision was made, it was to be European bureaus, and heard of similar carried out to the letter. However, it was situations in most other bureaus. (The acceptable—I cannot say encouraged— Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs was notori- to question the decision before carrying it ous in this regard during the George W. out if one felt strongly, and these chal- Bush administration.) lenges occasionally carried the day. In sum, while I share several of Amb. For that reason, the assertion that the Ray’s concerns, I believe his analysis is Foreign Service as a whole is “conflict flawed. He properly identifies the core averse” is utter nonsense. Certainly, there problems—increased domestic polariza- have always been some FSOs who meet tion and political infiltration at the State that definition, and perhaps too many Department’s policy level, displacing

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 9 FSOs and undercutting the Foreign Ser- unfair labor practices, selection panels, vice’s ability to influence policy discus- precepts, insurance, transportation and sions and decisions—but then tilts at storage, grievances and more. We have windmills. handled all those matters while also I don’t know how this situation can doing our utmost to establish profession- AFSA Scholarship be turned around, or if it can. But I do alism within the Foreign Service. AFSA.org/Scholar know that Phil Habib made the case Besides launching The Foreign Service to then-Secretary of State Cyrus Vance Journal, we have dealt with membership AKA at the onset of the Carter administra- and chapter issues and matters pertain- StayAKA.com tion, and made it stick. I also know that ing to the headquarters building at 2101 when the Reagan administration came E Street NW. We also counseled selected- Clements Worldwide to office with partisan blood in its eye, out personnel who regularly graced “For- clements.com David Newsom failed to stand up for the eign Service Park”—as the little green space Foreign Service. across from headquarters was known. Diplomatic Automobile The senior career officer at a time of There are surely many who could add www.diplosales.com transition has a critical role, but whether to this list of achievements, such as Tom he or she can overcome or reverse this Estes, a key player who began laying the Embassy Risk Management political encroachment is another matter groundwork for our function as a union. Embassyrisk.com entirely. Still, the main problem is not In response to recriminations against with the Foreign Service as an institution, AFSA members with union roles, many of The Hirshorn Company but with the political ideologues at the us became labor union experts and labor hirshorn.com/afsa policy checkpoints. lawyers. Jack R. Binns One elected AFSA president had to be McGrath FSO, retired recalled. Yet even during traumatic peri- McGrathRealEstate.com Tucson, Ariz. ods, the union part of AFSA continued to function smoothly. (It was also during ProMax Becoming a Union that time that AFSA had its first female promaxrealtors.com Many people today seem somewhat president.) These matters all need to be a confused about why AFSA decided to part of our history as a union. Tetratech become a union. More than four decades Roy A. Harrell Jr. Tetratech.com ago, it was no secret why the initial FSO, retired undertakings were so full of acrimony— Ozona, Texas WJD management people throughout Foggy wjdpm.com Bottom wanted a contract similar to that CORRECTION of the American Federation of Govern- Though AFSA purchased its cur- ment Employees, instead of rolling rent headquarters in 1967, as reported negotiations. in “Paving the Way for Unionization” The use of office space was in conten- (April), it was the 1965-1967 AFSA Gov- tion, and there were a large number of erning Board, chaired by Dave McKillop, unfair labor practices. AFSA was operat- that carried out that transaction, not ing with a skeleton crew, so many of us the 1967-1969 board chaired by Lannon had to serve as advisers and attorneys Walker. As the article noted, the Walker while continuing to do our regular jobs. board did complete work on the new What has AFSA accomplished as a Foreign Service Club that opened in the union? Some things that readily come building in March 1969. to mind are framework issues: pursuing We regret the error. n

10 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL TALKING POINTS

How the World Sees United States U.S. Leadership has remained he latest report from the U.S.- relatively stable TGlobal Leadership Project, released throughout on March 13, is a decidedly mixed bag. Barack Obama’s While some regions continue to give presidency, the Obama administration high marks hovering around for its diplomacy, America’s median 37 percent. That global approval rating slipped from 46 figure would to 41 percent over the past year. Still, be even higher the United States continues to be held were it not for in higher international regard than any several countries other major power. that have expe- The project, which has conducted rienced strained surveys in hundreds of countries each relations with Source: U.S. Global Leadership Project year since 2009, is a joint initiative the Washington, such as Iran of the Meridian International Center (12 percent), Pakistan (12 European approval ratings for and Gallup. Its purpose is to analyze percent), the Palestinian Ter- U.S. leadership have dropped 11 points the factors driving global views of U.S. ritories (15 percent), Yemen leadership, create a context for collabo- (18 percent) and Iraq (22 since the start of Barack Obama’s ration on how to improve those views, percent). In contrast, Syria presidency, from 47 to 36 percent. and enhance public and private global has recorded one of the larg- engagement efforts. est increases in approval of came in at 36 percent approval, and Approval of U.S. leadership stands at the United States over the previous year 41 percent of respondents approved of 70 percent in Africa, by far the highest (a jump of 13 points to 29 percent). German diplomacy. of any region. Indeed, seven of the 10 European approval ratings for U.S. The poll also asked participants countries whose respondents are most leadership have dropped 11 points since whether they wanted to permanently positive about America are located on the start of Barack Obama’s presidency, relocate to another country, and if so, that continent. One notable excep- from 47 to 36 percent. The country giv- where. The top destinations for reloca- tion is Egypt, where the U.S. has only a ing the United States the highest marks tion were (in descending order) the 17-percent approval rating—a percent- is Kosovo, while Russia is at the other United States, Britain, France, Canada, age that has remained basically steady end of the spectrum in its assessment. Saudi Arabia and Germany. In Liberia, ever since the fall of former President The U.S.-Global Leadership Project 37 percent of adults polled said they Hosni Mubarak. But in Libya, another also conducted a comparative study, would move to the United States perma- hot spot, the figure stands at 54 percent, asking participants about the leader- nently if they could. the highest anywhere in the Middle East ship Russia, China, the United King- The data used in the report came or North Africa. dom and Germany have shown on the from face-to-face and telephone Closer to home, only 40 percent world stage. Although Beijing received interviews with approximately 1,000 of respondents in Central and South a higher approval rating than did Wash- randomly selected adults (age 15 and America approve of U.S. leadership. ington four years ago, the first time older) in urban and rural areas of 130 But in Haiti, where Washington played Meridian and Gallup conducted this countries. For results based on the total a major role in disbursing relief in the survey, that is no longer the case. China samples, one can say with 95-percent aftermath of the horrific January 2010 now stands at just 29 percent. confidence that the margin of sampling earthquake, approval of American lead- Moscow fared even worse: Only error ranges from 1.7 to 4.8 percentage ership stands at a whopping 79 percent. 13 percent of respondents said they points. In Asia, sentiment toward the approve of Russian leadership. London —Jeff Richards, Editorial Intern

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 11 China: Top Source volume of Chinese cyberintrusions Estimate, a consensus document of of Cyberespionage has made identifying them easier, with U.S. intelligence agencies, and build on riting in the April 23 Washington telltale sections of code sometimes numerous other reports singling out the WPost, Craig Timberg summarizes appearing across different pieces of People’s Republic of China as “uncom- Verizon’s latest Data Breach Investiga- malicious software. But the Verizon monly aggressive in cyberspace.” tions Report. Issued every year since team did not treat the fact that an —Steven Alan Honley, Editor 2008, the study asserts that 96 percent of intrusion emanated from an Internet 120 incidents of governmental cyberes- address in the PRC as sufficient evi- The Rise of the pionage last year originated in Beijing. dence. Instead, they named China only Global South (The source of the other incidents is when they could definitively trace the he impressive economic rise of the unknown.) malicious code or tactics used in the TBRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China Compiled by the company’s RISK attack. and South Africa—has attracted a lot of Team and 19 partners, including federal Though the Chinese Embassy in attention. But the new 2013 officials and several foreign govern- Washington did not Human Development ments, the report identifies 44 million respond to queries Report, titled “Rise of the compromised records from 621 con- about the Verizon South: Human Progress in firmed data breaches in 2012. Of those report, Timberg notes a Diverse World,” cautions breaches, 19 percent were deemed to that Chinese officials that this is not the full be the result of government-affiliated have consistently denied story. espionage. Retail institutions were the allegations that their The United Nations most common victims, with profit- government is a leading Development Program minded hackers most often based in source of cyberespionage. report, published in Romania, the United States, Bulgaria or However, these latest March, agrees that Russia. findings track closely with many countries that Timberg reports that the sheer the National Intelligence are part of the so-called “Global South” (a group of 40 developing SITE OF THE MONTH: www.globalnewsdashboard.com countries) have been enjoying substan- tial growth despite the economic crisis of the last several years. Although the reaking international news gathered by one of the world’s most exten- largest developing economies were the Bsive networks of journalists can now be found in one place, thanks to a main contributors to the phenomenon, new online initiative by the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Global News Bangladesh, Chile, Ghana, Mauritius, Dashboard pulls together the English-language news generated by the BBG’s Rwanda and Tunisia have also made 50-plus bureaus, production centers and offices, which are supported by staff rapid progress. journalists and more than 1,500 stringers across the globe. As the Global North has stagnated, Visitors can search the site by region, network or type of media, and are production rebalancing on a scale not then directed to the original content on the sites of the Voice of America, Radio seen for 150 years is well under way. Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia. The Dashboard also offers links China recently surpassed Japan to to original Spanish-language broadcasts from Radio/TV Martí, and the Arabic- become the second-largest economy, language online offerings of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. while India and Brazil are set to overtake Previously, anyone interested in these broadcasts would have had to visit all of the European economies except the Web sites of five separate broadcasters. This tool, built on the Pangea con- Germany later this decade. In response tent management system developed by RFE/RL and used by the majority of to this economic shift, the UNDP is the BBG’s broadcasters to power their Web sites, makes that search easier. calling for far greater representation of —Steven Alan Honley, Editor the South in global governance systems, including the World Bank, the Inter-

12 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL national Monetary Fund and the U.N. 50 Years Ago Security Council. Among the report’s highlights: he key to the rebirth of the Foreign Service, to the future of American diplo- • The combined output of the world’s Tmacy and hence to honorable national survival lies not in high-flown foreign three leading developing economies policy pronouncements, but in the homely budget. No single factor over the (Brazil, India and China) is equal to the years has contributed as much to the parlous state of our diplomatic establish- combined gross domestic product of the ment as the perennial financial impoverishment imposed upon successive State “Western” industrial powers (Canada, Department budgets. France, Germany, Italy, the United King- It is truly remarkable that the numerous criticisms and studies of the opera- dom and the United States). tions and organization of the Department of State have uniformly overlooked the • Over the last 30 years, developing real culprit, and seem naively unaware of the strangling effect of lack of funds on countries have increased their share of our diplomacy, a fact of life with which every career Foreign Service officer lives world merchandise trade to 47 percent, from the day he enters the Service. and global output to 45 percent. It is also remarkable that the overwhelming bulk of writings on foreign affairs • More than 80 percent of the world’s has concentrated on policy questions and has failed to explore the mechanics, middle class will reside in the Global organization and facilities for the execution of foreign policy. Here indeed is a South by 2030, when they will account fallow but potentially fruitful field of study. For no policy, however well conceived, for 70 percent of total consumption can be any better than the machinery through which it is executed. … expenditures. This situation requires correction, but it will not come until national values • Because of the rapid growth in and priorities recognize the vital role of the State Department in the national developing countries, the first Millen- security complex and allocate to it an adequate portion of the security budget. nium Development Goal—to halve the Up to now the reflex action to any serious international crisis is to ask for more number of people whose income is less funds to strengthen our military posture. No one thinks of seeking additional than $1.25 a day—has been met three financial support for the diplomatic establishment whose primary concern, after years ahead of its target date. all, is the conduct of our foreign relations. • The economic growth in Latin —From “The Budget and the Future of American Diplomacy (Part I)” America has been led by strong states by Leon B. Poullada; FSJ, June 1963. that implemented a gradual and sequenced integration with the global economy. By 2030, Latin America and education and income indices, used to “Dachshund U.N.,” which ran from Feb. the Caribbean will be home to one in 10 assign countries to four tiers of human 28 to March 3 in Toronto as part of the members of the emerging global middle development.) Harborfront Center’s 2013 World Stage class. • Although Morocco, Algeria and series. The show features 36 adorable • India has averaged income growth Tunisia experienced considerable dachshunds as United Nations Human of nearly 5 percent a year since 1990, but improvement in their human develop- Rights Commission delegates, seated its per capita income is still relatively ment level, the Arab world continues to (most of the time, anyway) in a replica low. Moreover, the country faces signifi- have both the highest rate of unemploy- of the UNHRC’s Geneva forum. cant environmental, demographic and ment and the lowest labor force partici- Meier notes that the show has plenty social challenges in the coming decades. pation rate, especially for women. of barking and biting, and sometimes • While sub-Saharan Africa still has —Jeff Richards, Editorial Intern the “delegates” even lunge at each other. the lowest average national Human But she reassures readers: “Don’t worry. Development Index of any region, it is Diplomacy Goes The dogs are leashed and the owners home to 11 of the 14 countries that have to the Dogs hidden away nearby to keep things from recorded annual HDI gains of at least 2 riting in the March 4 edition of getting too feral.” percent each year since 2000. (HDI is a WSalon.com, Allison Meier reviews Each of the dogs seated behind its composite statistic of life expectancy, Australian artist Bennett Miller’s country sign, such as France, Argentina

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 13 This budget cares for our most valuable resource, and the wrong moment, wrong time. But Anne and Ambassador that’s the personnel, the men and women of the State Chris Stevens represent the same kind of quality of individual Department and USAID who are on the front lines. that comes to work in this endeavor, which is taking America’s We have requested $4.4 billion to fortify our worldwide security values and our interests and trying to share them with other protection and improve our overseas infrastructure. $2.2 billion people in the world, and trying to open up opportunities for of this is set aside for constructing secure diplomatic facilities. them and make the world a safer and better place. And this is part of our commitment to implement in full the This has been a hard year for the State Department family, recommendations of the independent Accountability Review a family that knows exactly how risky the work that we signed Board, so that we can mitigate the risk of future tragedies like up for can be in a dangerous world. As Secretary, my job is to the one we suffered last year in Benghazi. make sure we protect these people, and frankly, it’s all of our I’m not going to come here and promise you we’re not job. I think you know that we cannot do it by retreating from going to see another terrible incident. There’s no way anybody the world. Contemporary Quote Contemporary can promise you that. We can’t have 100-percent security. We We stand for optimism. We stand for opportunity. We stand can do the best we can, and we can probably address some of for equality. And we stand in opposition to all those who would that today. Just two weeks ago I was in Afghanistan, and one replace hope with hate, who replace peace with violence and of my control officers, Anne Smedinghoff, who was just laid war. That’s what we believe. That’s what America to rest today, was a superb, brilliant, bright, committed Foreign is at the best, and those are the values of the State Service officer. Department and USAID that I intend to defend every She took part in a major women’s event that we did there. single day. And she wanted to make a difference in the world, and she — Excerpted from Secretary of State John Kerry’s April 17 opening was delivering books in Urdu to kids among the millions of remarks at hearings on the Fiscal Year 2014 foreign affairs budget, kids going to school because of what we’ve been able to do to held by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and by the House change. And this was the type of thing that’s been happening. Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and There have been a thousand of those events, and it was just Related Programs.

“still very proud and Here is how Emily Senger describes determined and quite the spectacle for the March 1 issue of beautiful animals.” MacLean’s magazine: “When the curtain He adds that there rises, the crowd laughs and applauds. is a “racial diversity in Calls of ‘Ella, over here, Ella!’ and the breed,” with long ‘Walter! Walter!’ punctuate the buzz of and short hair and conversation, as owners in the audience varying colors, that is attempt to get their dogs to perform, or “similar to humanity.” at least look toward the crowd. Dachshund U.N., created by Bennett Miller (Australia) and Miller, who has “After 50 minutes, the curtain drops photographed by Misha Teixeira. previously put on mul- and the audience groans, something timedia installations that never happens at the conclusion of and the United States, was cast from an on greyhounds and reconstructions of a real United Nations Commission on open call for volunteers, although Miller the modernist monkey enclosures at Human Rights [session].” has worked with local dachshund clubs the Berlin Zoo, has presented “Dachs- As we go to press, Miller is in Mon- in the past. In an interview with World hund U.N.” elsewhere, but this was its treal to cast local dogs for a May 24-26 Stage, the artist says he chose dachs- North American debut. It was also the run of “Dachshund U.N.” at the Mon- hunds because they have a “restricted first time it had been performed in an treal Festival TransAmerique. n form” with their tiny legs, but are indoor theater. —Steven Alan Honley, Editor

14 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL SPEAKING OUT

Iran and the United States: Getting to Yes

BY GEORGE B. LAMBRAKIS

s Iran appears to be rushing reign, it can counsel Hezbollah against running out. to obtain nuclear weapons— military attacks on Israel and withhold To conduct meaningful negotiations, less for prestige than as a assistance for them. Such an approach however, Tehran and Washington must Adeterrent against potential would not necessarily entail withdraw- put aside the less-important irritants, attack—President Barack Obama starkly ing general political support for Pales- provocations, “Great Satan” name-call- warns that he will not permit it to do so. tinian and other Arab grievances. ing and pervasive mistrust that contrib- Yet even though the on-again, off-again For their part, American policymak- ute to derailing a peaceful resolution negotiating process continues to floun- ers must be prepared to give explicit of the nuclear issue. And they need to der, buying time for Tehran to pursue assurances that they will not try to recognize that, even after that dispute that goal, there is still a perfectly sane overthrow Iran’s regime, and will end is decided, important differences will way to avoid this looming train wreck. all sanctions, in return for credible persist on many issues. First, Iranian policymakers must evidence that Tehran is abandoning overcome their fears and grasp the real- all nuclear development that is not for A Short Review of ity that America has not tried to reverse legitimate peaceful uses. (The details of Recent History its revolution, now 34 years old. They fuel production, inspections and other Lest this perspective seem to be must also accept that it makes no sense safeguards can be left for the negotia- coming from cloud cuckoo land, let us to seek a nuclear deterrent that raises tors to work out.) remind ourselves that since Iran’s 1979 international alarm and, in the final In addition, Congress and the revolution, the United States has made analysis, will not deter. Obama administration will have to rec- no serious moves to overthrow Ayatol- Iran’s rulers will also have to con- ognize that the future of Iran’s govern- lah Khomeini’s Shiite Islamic regime. front the fact that Israel’s security is a ance must be left to the Iranians them- As Iran’s revolution was building major factor in American politics and selves. There can be no repeat of inter- up momentum in late 1978, the U.S. foreign policy. Given that Iran has no ventions such as the 1953 coup, which embassy in Tehran and the Department permanent conflicts of interest with rankles most Iranians to this day. of State were well aware of how bit- the Jewish state, it must stop the pro- A deal along these lines will become terly most Iranians resented the covert vocative threats that have characterized possible after Iran holds national elec- American intervention of a quarter-cen- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government. tions this month, allowing a new, hope- tury earlier, which restored the shah to Even when rhetoric is not backed up by fully more unified, government to face his throne and ended what many Irani- action, it can still have serious conse- up to the nuclear issue. No matter who ans still see as their best opportunity to quences. leads it, he, his supporters and, most create a viable democracy. The decision Finally, while Tehran cannot aban- importantly, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to let events unfold was facilitated when don its long-time support of Shiites who will remain as Iran’s Supreme the shah confided to the American and in Lebanon, dating back to the shah’s Guide, must accept the fact that time is British ambassadors (and probably to others) that he would under no circum- George B. Lambrakis was a State Department Foreign Service officer from 1956 to 1985, after stances turn his formidable army on his spending two years with the U.S. Information Agency in Vietnam and Laos. He was counselor own people to cling to the throne. for political affairs in Tehran at the time of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and also served as The Carter administration tried sev- chargé d’affaires in Beirut, Bissau and Mbabane, among many other assignments. A professor eral times to establish communications of international relations and diplomacy, he now teaches international negotiation in London. with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini: first

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 15 Iranian policymakers must accept that it makes no sense to seek a nuclear deterrent that raises international alarm and, in the final analysis, will not deter.

through two well-placed merchants have done Tehran the favor of removing a rising internal opposition (even if the from the Tehran bazaar who trav- threats from Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and demonstrations were brutally put down eled to Paris in late 1978 and returned Afghanistan’s Taliban. by the Pasdaran and Basij militias that deeply disappointed; then through the Indeed, in the 1980s, “Irangate” in- protect the regime). This trend could American embassy in Paris; and finally volved Tehran’s leaders in covert trans- prove significant, and disturbing to through my own visit to Khomeini’s actions for American arms with the older hardliners, if a younger genera- right-hand man, Mohammed Beheshti, Reagan administration and Israel, who tion without memories of the revolution after the ayatollah’s return to Iran wanted to procure Iran’s assistance becomes less enamoured of govern- in January 1979. But all these efforts for the release of American hostages ment under the mullahs and their came to naught, for Khomeini was just in Lebanon (dealings which were only paramilitary militias. not interested in talking to the “Great partly effective). I sometimes ride in a London taxi Satan.” (And Beheshti was assassinated Despite some limited congression- driven by a man named Ali. Now in his soon after.) al support (and possibly covert U.S. 40s, Ali left Iran when he was 23, and he Then came Iran’s illegal seizure of financial assistance) for the die-hard, returns to visit his family every few years. the American embassy and imprison- pro-shah opposition that has persisted He told me they were suffering economi- ment of its diplomats for 14 months. In ever since the 1979 revolution, it is only cally. But he is not interested in politics, response to that provocation, the most after the extent of Iran’s nuclear fuel though he hears politics discussed all the U.S. attempted was a limited (and enrichment program came to light that around him when in Iran. For him, the unsuccessful) rescue operation in April American policy began to harden. supreme guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 1980; the hostages were freed in January The threat of an Iranian nuclear is a religious leader, and Islam teaches 1981 pursuant to the Algiers Accords, weapon, coupled with the regime’s calls that its leaders do not lie to their follow- when the U.S. made it clear that it did for the destruction of Israel, its public ers. The ayatollah says that Iran’s nuclear not intend to overthrow the Khomeini support for Hezbollah and (Sunni) fuel is for peaceful purposes, and for Ali, regime. Hamas, and warnings of imaginary plot- that settles the matter. American and Iranian resentments ting by Americans and “Zionists,” has Ali was interested when I explained certainly linger to this day from that mobilized the United States, Israel and that the fuel was being enriched drama, as well as from some other others to wield progressively tougher beyond the level needed for peaceful unfortunate events since then (e.g., sanctions and other pressures against uses. If the ayatollah turned out to be America’s erroneous shooting down of a Tehran. lying, Ali replied after some thought, he civilian Iranian airliner during the 1980- Although these measures seem to would not know what to believe in any 1988 Iraq-Iran War, and Iran’s apparent be hurting more and more of Iran’s more. involvement in some outrages against people, those in power are often able There are probably a lot of people Americans in Lebanon and Europe). But to evade them. Some Iran-watchers like Ali in Iran today—people who neither Ronald Reagan nor any of his in academia and think-tanks believe formed the backbone of “Imam” Kho- successors has ever tried to overthrow this situation, taken together with the meini’s revolution, and on whom the Iran’s regime, despite the heavy pres- serious demonstrations in Tehran fol- regime counts for legitimacy. This, too, ence of U.S. military forces in the region lowing the last national elections, may is something that Tehran’s leaders no since the early 1990s. If anything, they be kindling fears in the government of doubt keep in mind.

16 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Isolation Is Not a Good their suffering. Basis for Decision-Making How governance in Iran develops Those who are dealing with the after that will be for the Iranians them- nuclear issue would do well to consider selves to decide. And those in power in these lessons from the past. In the final Tehran are unlikely to be seriously both- analysis, over three decades, America ered in their internal governance as long has not tried to reverse Iran’s revolution. as they do not threaten others. President Obama has shown reluctance Finally, a word about process. With to pursue more overseas adventures. But time running out, it would be better to he has also surprised observers by his aim higher than the routine step-by-step boldness and determination when chal- process of the past. As the Israeli-Pales- lenged by clear and present dangers to tinian and North Korean negotiations the United States and to world stability. demonstrate, parties that do not trust Iran’s leaders underestimate him at their each other often lose their enthusiasm peril. for reaching the final goal once the lever- Simply to assume that others will act age that has brought them to negotiate in a given situation as you would your- in the first place is relaxed. The Dayton self is akin to what psychologists call agreement that ended the war in the for- “transference.” And in certain circum- mer Yugoslavia, or the rapid, high-level stances, this can be very dangerous. To negotiations with Muammar Qadhafi guard against it, American policymakers that terminated Libya’s quest for nuclear try to learn as much as they can about weapons, are better models to emulate. how differently Iranian leaders may By the same token, the negotiations process information. But it is even more with Iran need to rise quickly to an important for Iran’s leaders to study appropriately high level. Final agree- how American and Israeli leaders might ments can be prepared, but they can only react. be decided after face-to-face meetings of Making decisions based on misinter- the key policymakers. In the case of Iran, pretation of the outside world’s leaders, it is inconceivable that the final arbiter, values and reactions doomed Saddam Ayatollah Khamenei, would expose Hussein—who had little experience of himself personally to direct negotia- the world beyond Iraq and would not tions. Nor does President Obama need to believe unwelcome reports his own participate. people brought him. Today, Iran’s top But the new president of Iran, who rulers are as isolated as he was. Discount- is elected this month, can close the ing unwelcome warnings of how others deal with Secretary of State John Kerry might react could bring an end to Iran’s (joined, if necessary for reasons of proto- regime, as well. col and Persian pride, by Vice President Still, there is a good deal waiting to be Joe Biden). Whatever faction he comes made. For Iran, such an agreement will from, that leader and his supporters, actually improve on the agreement that explicitly backed by the supreme guide, ended the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis by must rise above factional divisions and removing all sanctions—a concession commit the Iranian state to a binding not offered to Havana. This can then be agreement. Discussion of restoring U.S.- presented to the Iranian people as their Iran diplomatic relations might then leaders’ sacrifice (or achievement) to end follow. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 17 FOCUS ON WORKING WITH CONGRESS

CAPITOL HILL AND FOGGY BOTTOM: BRIDGING THE CULTURAL DIVIDE

apitol Hill might as well be a for- Though the world looks different eign country as far as most Foreign from the eastern and western ends Service officers are concerned. of the National Mall, there are actually Whether as an ambassador-des- many similarities between the ignate making the rounds or as an congressional and diplomatic cultures. office director giving a substantive briefing, the average FSO has little BY CHARLES A. STEVENSON understanding of what drives life on the Hill. Equally disconcerting, most members of Congress and their staffs have at best a fuzzy Cidea of what an overseas mission is all about. I’ve worked on the seventh floor of Main State, the Secre- tary of State’s Policy Planning Staff and the Senate floor of the Capitol, and have seen people in all those places regularly misperceive and misunderstand each other. My hope is that dispelling some of the myths each side believes about the other might help to bridge the cultural divide between Capitol Hill and Foggy Bottom.

Myths about the Hill in Foggy Bottom Myth 1: Congress is only beholden to special interests. People at State have a jaded opinion of politicians—not unlike their fellow citizens, who hold Congress in low esteem no matter which party is in control. The prevailing view is that lawmakers

Charles A. Stevenson, a lecturer at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, is the author of America’s Foreign Policy Toolkit: Key Institutions and Processes (CQ Press, 2012). He was a Senate staffer on defense and foreign policy issues for 22 years and served for a year on the State Department’s Policy Plan- ning Staff, handling political-military affairs. He also taught FSOs and military officers at the National War College for 13 years.

18 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Anne Wenikoff AFSA held an educational session on Foreign Service life and work on Capitol Hill on April 26. AFSA State Representative Ken Kero-Mentz, AFSA President Susan R. Johnson, and retired Ambassador Charles A. Ray were among the distinguished Foreign Service officers who described their careers and the challenges of diplomacy in the 21st century. are mainly responsive to “special interests,” especially cam- FSOs need to analyze U.S. politics the way they would poli- paign contributors, and put parochial interests ahead of the tics abroad: Who has power? What do they really want? What national interest, particularly when it comes to foreign policy. goals and concerns are shared by policymakers? How free and Reality: Congress was designed to be responsive to the vot- fair are the elections? How well informed are the voters? How ers, and voters who organize around particular issues are more much corruption is there compared to other places I’ve served? influential than those who don’t. After such analysis, the FSO is likely to see the U.S. system in a The fact is that we, the people, have a First Amendment right more favorable light. to “petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Every Myth 2: Congress ties our hands. Although the executive lawmaker is bombarded with appeals and threats from numer- branch makes foreign policy, over the years lawmakers have ous interest groups, some of which are especially large, well- enacted a large and often confusing array of statutes governing organized and effective. Pro-Israel groups like the American various countries and issues. They also insist on procedures Israel Public Affairs Committee, for example, have grassroots such as advance notification of policy changes and the right of strength, a large Washington, D.C., staff and a clear agenda. particular committees to delay or even veto such actions. Such They and many other groups have the power they’ve earned by congressional restrictions keep America from having a clear, playing by the rules. consistent, agile foreign policy. Moreover, while outsiders may disagree, each group can Reality: While Congress does impose many requirements usually make a case that its “special” interest also serves the and constraints on U.S. foreign policy, it does so because it national interest. Wise diplomats will discover that at least writes the laws and approves the money that constitute the some of these groups can be valuable allies of U.S. policymak- foundation for all policy. The president can make speeches and ers, both in providing information and insights and offering deal with foreign officials without congressional involvement, political support. but if he wants to spend money or take actions not already Instead of bemoaning the effectiveness of citizen groups, authorized by law, he needs legislative support.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 19 Anne Wenikoff State Department FSO Ken Kero-Mentz, a former legislative director in the office of Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, addresses the audience of congressional staffers at AFSA’s educational session in the Cannon Building. Panelists were: from the left, USAID FSO Jason Singer, Commercial Service FSO Steve Morrison, State Department FSO Elisa Mellinger, Kero-Mentz, keynote speaker Ambassador Charles A. Ray (Ret.) and AFSA President Susan R. Johnson.

In fact, one of Congress’ asymmetric threats and greatest shortcomings is Dispelling the myths each side emergent opportunities,” not imposing new restric- contingent on prior noti- tions, but failing to clean perpetuates about the other fication of congressional up the rabbit warren could benefit both the Foreign committees. represented by the Foreign Myth 3: Codels just want Assistance Act of 1961, a Service and Congress. to shop. The most com- 400-page piece of legisla- mon way FSOs encounter tion that has not been systematically amended since 1985. As members of Congress is when they travel abroad in delega- a result of patchwork changes over the years, the law contains tions. These visits impose heavy demands on embassy person- a bewildering array of 33 goals, 75 priority areas and 247 direc- nel, who have to spend long hours arranging appointments and tives. providing support. Instead of complaining about the procedures and laws, U.S. Reality: While some codels do seem to place a priority diplomats should take advantage of them, using Congress as on visiting tourist sites and shopping, the vast majority are the “bad cop” that must be appeased so that the “good cop” interested in gaining firsthand knowledge of the concerns ambassador can maintain friendly relations with the host and challenges facing both the country and the embassy staff government. The annual reports on human rights, counternar- there. cotics and religious freedom that embassy staff members have Instead of begrudging these visits, FSOs should see them to submit are potential leverage to get host governments to do as a great target of opportunity. Where else could they find what they should anyway. members of Congress untethered to their staff, constituents It is true that legislative restrictions on shifting money to and lobbyists? Escort officers get hours of face time with the higher-priority activities, and requirements to give key com- members, not just 15 minutes in their offices. They can show mittees advance notice (and sometimes await their formal the lawmakers proof of how well U.S. programs are going—or approval) before acting, have hampered diplomacy. But evidence of host-government shortcomings, contrary to what Congress has been willing in recent years to allow more flex- the country’s ambassador in Washington might be telling the ibility. Last year, it approved a $350 million Global Security Hill. They can educate the visitors, and maybe even persuade Contingency Fund to “address rapidly changing, transnational, them to view some issues differently.

20 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL I remember see- civilian officials have ing attitudinal changes One of Congress’ greatest been more hawkish, more among senators who shortcomings is failing to ready to use military force, visited the Soviet Union than the military. Diplo- during the Cold War. The clean up the rabbit warren mats aren’t afraid of the doves, hoping to reach application of force; they arms control agreements, represented by the Foreign just want that option to be often commented, “The Assistance Act of 1961. in the background to give Russians really are nasty them leverage for agree- and uncooperative.” The ments that can make force hawks, previously convinced of Soviet military superiority, now unnecessary. noticed that the elevators didn’t even work. Lawmakers need to understand that diplomacy—just like legislation—requires contact and nuance, as well as the explo- Myths about Foggy Bottom on the Hill ration of options in a search for areas of agreement. Sometimes Myth 1: State is disloyal to the administration or has clienti- bluster works, but it can also be counterproductive. tis. The late Senator Jesse Helms, R-N.C., a lifelong critic of the Myth 3: We spend too much on foreign aid and other inter- State Department, used to complain that “there’s no American national activities. Opinion polls repeatedly show that the desk at State.” He viewed FSOs as lobbyists for foreign govern- American people stubbornly believe that foreign aid accounts ments rather than advocates to those governments for U.S. for between 10 and 20 percent of the federal budget. It is the policies and interests. only federal program that regularly receives “cut” judgments Sad to say, there is a long record of presidential distrust of from overwhelming majorities in those surveys. the Foreign Service and the State Department, as well. FDR, Reality: Total allocations for all U.S. international activities— JFK and Richard Nixon all disparaged U.S. diplomats. Former including running the State Department and related agencies, Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich famously complained that foreign assistance, contributions to international organizations, Secretary Colin Powell had “gone native” and was insufficiently etc.—amount to only about 1 percent of federal spending. supportive of President George W. Bush. The politicians should know this, since they appropriate Reality: FSOs are professionals who loyally serve whoever the funds, but many of them apparently don’t. It will take a is in the White House. Career officials have a duty to give sustained education campaign to overcome the public igno- advice when asked (and, equally important, without being rance about the level of spending on foreign relations. It will be asked)—but also to carry out approved policies. The occasional even harder to overcome public anger over examples of failed official who leaks damaging information, or otherwise tries to programs and scandals, which seem to be unavoidable in for- undermine presidential policy, is the very rare exception—and eign assistance. In the short run, lawmakers need to focus on certainly not unique to the State Department. specific programs, and their strengths and weaknesses, rather Diplomats can overcome suspicions of clientitis by address- than just criticizing generic “foreign aid.” ing local concerns in terms of U.S. interests and opportunities. It also is wise to be careful with wording, making sure “we” Two Cultures that Don’t Always Clash always refers to America, not the other country. While the world looks different from the eastern and Myth 2: Diplomats always favor appeasement; they’re not western ends of the National Mall, there are actually many tough. This misguided view arises because diplomats tend to similarities between the congressional and diplomatic prefer engagement and continued discussion with an adver- cultures. Both diplomats and legislators are dealmakers: the sary instead of a severing of relations. The essence of diplo- former with other nations and their interagency counterparts, macy is discussion leading to negotiations and compromises. the latter with their colleagues from other states, districts and Hardliners and purists never want to talk to bad guys; they parties. Each holds reaching agreements as a major measure hope that threats and ultimatums will be sufficient. Rarely is of merit. that true. Both groups—unlike, say, the uniformed military—are Reality: There is ample evidence in recent U.S. history that comfortable with ambiguity. Nuance is not a dirty word, for

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 21 Capitol Hill staffers register for AFSA’s April 26 educational session on the Foreign Service in the Cannon Building. Anne Wernikoff many deals depend on What FSOs Need to artful ambiguity or creative U.S. diplomats should use Know about the Hill vagueness. And both sides Congress wants to be know that geography Congress as the “bad cop” that consulted about foreign matters greatly: lawmak- must be appeased so that the policy decisions. The classic ers represent their home formulation was expressed turf vigorously, just as “good cop” ambassador can by Senator Arthur Vanden- diplomats represent their maintain friendly relations with berg, R-Mich., who was an home countries’ interests isolationist before World and reflect their regional the host government. War II but became a key perspectives on who are partner with President allies and adversaries. Harry Truman in the late 1940s. Vandenberg said, “We want Still, on Capitol Hill everything is political, and “all politics is to be in on the takeoff, and not just the crash landing.” Many local.” In contrast, FSOs are required to avoid partisan political of the restrictions written into law were put there by angry activities. Government officials are supposed to advocate official lawmakers who hadn’t been consulted, or heeded when they policy in dealing with other nations, not their personal views. objected to some administration’s policy. Another area where the two cultures seem to differ is in Congress wants to be treated as a co-equal branch of govern- personality type. Tests for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ment. It can be hard for an official to suffer fools gladly when show nearly half of all FSOs are INTJs, a type found in only 1 an ill-informed member of Congress raises a dumb question in percent of tested Americans. (The MBTI typology contrasts a hearing, but arrogance and condescension invite blowback Introversion and Extroversion, iNtuition and Sensation, from people with the power of the purse and the ability to make Thinking and Feeling, and Judging versus Perceiving.) INTJs life miserable for a mere bureaucrat. Yes, it may seem demean- are “theory-based, very independent, with a high need for ing for a respected career ambassador to have to explain some- competency.” Strong individuals, they aren’t necessarily good thing to a Hill staffer barely out of college. But those staffers team players. usually have the respect of their bosses and the power to advise Politicians, by contrast, tend to be ENFPs: “people-oriented, them, so beware. creative, seeking harmony, the life of the party, most optimis- Appropriators are different from authorizers. This is one tic, with more starts than finishes.” example of why FSOs need to learn as much as possible about

22 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL how the Hill works, and to come from the 2011 who has what kind of Instead of begrudging visits Wikileaks disclosure power and prejudice—just by codels and staffdels, of more than 200,000 as they would want to State Department clas- know about officials in FSOs should see them as sified cables was that it the country where they’re demonstrated the skill of posted. opportunities to deepen foreign reporting by our The appropriations support for the Foreign Service. diplomats. Because these committees are extremely officers were telling Wash- powerful because no ington unvarnished truths, money can be spent by the executive branch except through with no expectation they would be broadcast to the world, the their bills. Members of the foreign policy (authorizing) com- leaks were harmful to U.S. interests in many countries. Confi- mittees have different ways to influence the State Depart- dential informants were exposed; U.S. officials had to continue ment, and they are more concerned with policy than money dealing with officials they had secretly labeled corrupt; and issues. To paraphrase Sun Tzu, “Know your overseer, or he may various nations retaliated against America or its diplomats. become your enemy.” Members of Congress may feel free to offer their own opin- ions on U.S. foreign policy, but they need to treat secrets as What Congress Needs to Know about State secret, especially during the course of diplomacy. Premature State needs resources, authority and maneuvering room to disclosure of a policy change can be just as detrimental to U.S. be effective. Just before the Korean War, the State Department interests as discussing military plans and maneuvers. budget, including foreign aid and other international activities, Letters aren’t laws; congressional statements aren’t official equaled half the Pentagon budget. Now it’s about 6 percent policy. Many foreign governments overreact to statements of it. The nearly 7,000 generalists in the Foreign Service are made by members of Congress, treating them as if they reflect outnumbered by the members of military bands, or the military presidential policies. Those lawmakers want to be influential, officers at the rank of colonel or Navy captain. They carry of course; they want to be heard and heeded. Letters, hearings almost the whole load of diplomacy and international engage- and group statements are all part of the congressional toolkit ment on their shoulders, flying coach when their military to influence policymakers at home and abroad. Sometimes equivalents have their own jets. that’s all that’s necessary to nudge a foreign leader or the U.S. Quality people cost money. More secure embassies cost president to do what the person on the Hill wants. money. Simply handling the routine diplomacy of a super- Above all, lawmakers need to remember that, unless the power that has recognized 185 countries costs money. And if law is changed or the money specifically approved for some State is to do what many commissions and think-tanks recom- new purpose, the executive branch is in charge of U.S. foreign mend, it needs even more money to create mid-career training policy. Too often legislators like to posture, passing “sense of and interagency assignment opportunities. Congress” measures that have no real force and effect on policy In exchange for the consultation Congress demands, State but cause problems abroad for America and its diplomats. also wants and needs legal authority to act quickly and flex- Whatever you think of Armenian genocide, for example, a ibly when international conditions require. Former Defense formal congressional vote on the issue wouldn’t help anyone Secretary Robert Gates frequently lamented the “militarization caught up in the ethnic atrocities nearly a century ago. But it of foreign policy” that has resulted because the Pentagon had would likely immediately endanger U.S. relations with Turkey more resources and fewer constraints on using them. today. Although Congress likes to send signals and draw red lines There are many more issues that could be addressed by peo- to coerce foreign governments to do what we’d like, diplomats ple on Capitol Hill and in Foggy Bottom to improve relations often need maneuvering room. Premature sanctions imposed and bridge the cultural divide. But my hope is that identifying by Congress can prevent agreements that might otherwise and debunking myths held by both sides will help clear the air, achieve most, if not all, of what lawmakers want. and these tips for improving interactions between lawmakers State needs secrecy for effective diplomacy. The only good and diplomats will help everyone play nicer together. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 23 FOCUS ON WORKING WITH CONGRESS

CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONS: BENEFITS AND PITFALLS

FSOs have “street cred” with Congress as the professionals who carry out U.S. overseas policies and programs. Here are tips for maximizing that entrée.

BY BETTE COOK

he U.S. Air Force plane touched down starving to death. The international aid agencies were sub- on the runway, quickly offloaded its ject to looting and extortion by militants driving “technicals,” passengers and cargo through the vehicles mounted with machine guns and other weapons. rear exit, and took off. Watching it The aid agencies’ local staff rapidly completed the loading fly away, I realized: We’re alone in a of cargo and passengers, and we sped away to the compound dangerous conflict zone! of a U.S. private voluntary organization. There we met with The cargo consisted of bags of relief workers and visited a couple of distribution centers to food labeled “USAID FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.” And we pas- Bette Cook joined the International Cooperation Administration, sengers were part of a bipartisan congressional delegation the a predecessor of the U.S. Agency for International Development, in Tleadership of the House of Representatives had dispatched to 1959. Her 42-year federal government career spanned the Foreign Ser- Somalia to see the crisis firsthand. vice (Tunisia and Vietnam) and the Civil Service (the bureaus respon- Two U.S. Agency for International Development officials sible for Vietnam, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Legislative were accompanying the delegation: a Foreign Service officer and Public Affairs). Among other responsibilities, Ms. Cook man- who had previously been mission director in Mogadishu and aged the preparation and submission to Congress of USAID’s budget now directed the U.S. humanitarian relief effort, and me, a request for 23 years, and maintained a continuous flow of informa- congressional liaison officer. For security reasons, the delega- tion to Capitol Hill on the agency’s development and humanitarian tion had split into two groups bound for separate locations, assistance programs. Baidoa and Mogadishu. After a brief retirement, Ms. Cook rejoined USAID in 2008 for It was November 1992. A civil war that had been raging another four years as a consultant for strategic communications with among clan-based warlords ever since the collapse of the Congress. She is now a Red Cross volunteer at the Fort Belvoir, Va., military government the previous year was still in full swing. hospital that provides medical care to the nation’s wounded warriors, Displaced by the chaos, hundreds of thousands of people were service members and their families.

24 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Anne Wenikoff

talk with recipients. After led to creation of the first a sobering day of learning Careful preparation can U.N. mission to provide about the heartrending humanitarian relief and crisis and witnessing its make meetings and help restore order in the devastating effects, we hearings on the Hill as country. That two-year were driven back to the effort guaranteed the runway for the return to successful as possible. delivery of humanitarian Kismayo, Kenya. relief, saving an estimated In Kenya and Egypt, the 100,000 lives. delegation met with other entities organizing humanitarian relief for Somalia to gain a broader perspective. The meetings Building and Maintaining Partnerships in both countries included representatives of other African I tell this story more than 20 years later to exemplify how governments, the United Nations, European countries, the U.S. Congress and the executive branch can work together to embassy and USAID (and the U.S. military in Kenya), as well address overseas crises. USAID’s initial briefings on the Somali as international nongovernmental organizations and Somali crisis helped motivate Capitol Hill to send a delegation, and refugees. its report was the catalyst for the president and Capitol Hill to On our return to Washington, we met with President work with the international community on a response. George H.W. Bush and President-elect Bill Clinton, both of The sustained support over the years by many members whom concurred with the congressional delegation’s find- of Congress for U.S. humanitarian relief overseas is, in large ings and recommendations. The Bush administration quickly part, the result of USAID maintaining a flow of information on made a significant troop contribution to a United Nations overseas disasters and U.S. efforts in response to the crises. effort to create a secure environment for humanitarian relief A well-informed legislative branch is a good partner for U.S. in Somalia. A December 1992 Security Council resolution foreign policy and foreign assistance programs.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 25 AFSA’s book, Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work, is an essential guide to American diplomacy that answers the question of what diplomats do. The book is circulating on Capitol Hill. Anne Wenikoff

In 1981, when I first Foreign Service officers transferred to the agency’s A well-informed legislative play a key role in efforts to legislative affairs office, the maintain good relations director schooled me in the branch is a good partner for with Congress, particularly importance of developing U.S. foreign policy and foreign given the respect that most and maintaining good rela- members have for the tions. As he pointed out, assistance programs. “street cred” of the men members of Congress and and women who carry their staff are our strongest supporters, as well as our sever- out our overseas policies and programs. The legislative affairs est critics. With that in mind, he strongly encouraged us to go offices at State and USAID take full advantage of that resource on daily Hill “walkarounds” to chat with staff on our oversight to advance each administration’s programs and goals, both by committees and respond to their requests. coordinating visits to Capitol Hill by Washington and overseas As a career liaison officer, I always articulated the current staff, and by facilitating overseas travel by congressional del- administration’s position on the issues. I still recall staffers egations and staffers to U.S. project sites. saying jokingly, “I liked you better when you were in the other Members of codels and staffdels, as these groups are famil- party.” iarly known, nearly always return with a greater appreciation The Department of State and USAID have four principal for the development and humanitarian activities we are under- oversight committees: the House Foreign Affairs and Senate taking around the world. But because of legislators’ fears that Foreign Relations authorization committees, and the House primary election challengers will malign any overseas travel and Senate Foreign Operations appropriations subcommit- as “junkets,” the number of such delegations has declined in tees. We also work with other committees that have oversight recent years. (In fact, some members of Congress even take responsibilities or particular interests in our programs, includ- pride in not owning a U.S. passport.) This discouraging trend ing the House and Senate agriculture committees (for the P.L. makes it all the more imperative for Foreign Service personnel 480 Food for Peace program), armed services committees in the field to make the most of such visits. (military cooperation), and governmental oversight commit- tees (general oversight and investigation). And we reach out to The Value of Firsthand Accounts other members and their personal staff to address any specific Whenever individual FSOs are back in the United States on concerns. home leave, it is often useful and desirable for them to sched-

26 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL ule Capitol Hill or hometown meetings through their legisla- tive affairs office. Drawing on their field experience and area expertise, they are excellent advocates for what they and all Foreign Service personnel do. Here are just a few examples of tangible benefits from such conversations that I experienced while working with Congress on USAID’s behalf. • During the November 2011 USAID mission directors bian- nual conference, the legislative affairs office set aside a “Hill Day” for scheduled meetings with members and staff, includ- ing not only those who serve on the agency’s oversight commit- tees, but a broader outreach as well. Mission directors held 50 meetings with congressional members and staff that advanced the administration’s international development goals and funding needs. • Two years ago, following the advent of the Arab Spring, an oversight committee member questioned USAID about the wisdom of starting a new transition initiative in a North African country in conflict. An agency field representative, along with USAID and State Department officers in Washington, held several meetings with committee staff to explain the program’s value to U.S. foreign policy. The senator agreed that the pro- gram could proceed, and it soon achieved success. • A few years ago, a Senate appropriations committee was planning to sharply reduce the funding level for a rapid- response account. An authorization committee staffer, who had just returned from a visit to two countries where he had witnessed the rapid, effective and flexible response to a crisis afforded by the account, expressed his support for the pro- gram to the appropriations committee staff. This intervention helped achieve full funding for the account at the president’s requested level. • Several years ago, an oversight committee member had placed a hold on USAID’s plans to initiate a pilot program to use the Internet for development purposes in four West African countries. After holding several meetings with committee staff about their concerns, the agency arranged a staff delegation visit to the countries. Mission officers explained the proposed activities and the expected benefits for both the recipients and the agency’s overall program. This led the committee to lift its hold, and all four country programs were successful.

Avoiding Traps While codels and staffdels represent opportunities, they can pose pitfalls for the unwary, as well. There are plenty of examples of this. Some time ago, during a defense committee delegation’s visit to a country in conflict,

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 27 a USAID development officer, then seconded to a Defense Department’s combat command, discussed the value of USAID staff receiving some of the training provided to military personnel in that country. Delegation members recognized the benefits of this idea for both the U.S. military and Foreign Service officers in that environment and, on return to Wash- ington, drafted language to do this as part of a defense bill. However, the provision was subsequently deleted from the bill when another committee of jurisdiction voiced its concern about not having been consulted. Referring the proposal to Washington to facilitate consultations with the other commit- tee might have produced a more favorable outcome. In another instance a few years ago, a USAID mission direc- tor, who was briefing a staff delegation visiting one of several African countries included in a regional assistance program notification then pending before Congress, asserted that the program was not a priority for his mission. This led the com- mittee to place a hold on the proposed expenditure. In fact, the proposal was very much an administration pri- ority. Moreover, USAID had already determined the program was a good fit for both that particular country and the others. It took several meetings with congressional staff, as well as a follow-up conversation with the mission director, before the committee lifted the hold. Careful preparation can avert these pitfalls, and make meetings and hearings on the Hill as successful as possible. USAID’s legislative affairs office conducts training sessions that give employees the following tips.

Preparation: Purpose, Focus and Practice • Carefully review who has requested the briefing and why. • Review material in the context of the budget cycle, agency priorities, Hill perspectives, controversial topics and media reports. • Establish goals, expectations and outcomes. • Finalize talking points, main message and “asks” ahead of time. • Double-check all handouts. • Determine the presentation order, including who speaks and the key points to be made by each speaker. • Prepare potential questions and answers. Do— • Get to the point quickly and concisely. • Say, “I will get an answer for you” if necessary. • Be cognizant of your audience. • Make eye contact.

28 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL • Be professional and courteous. • Be an agency advocate. • Listen and make note of Congress’ concerns. • Work out message, roles and materials with fellow briefers and Washington beforehand. Don’t— • Use jargon, acronyms or USAID-speak. • Condescend or offer personal opinions. • Answer questions outside the scope of your work. • Provide or promise information that may be internal. • Ask for or criticize earmarks or funding levels. • Blame other agencies, departments or the White House. • Be partisan, interrupt or get into an argument. • Check your watch or BlackBerry during a meeting. • Talk about sensitive matters in the lobby, hallway or elevators.

Maximizing the Value of Codels and Staffdels When codels and staffdels visit your country, consider the following suggestions: • Know your audience. State and USAID’s legislative affairs offices can provide background on the interests and concerns of delegation members, as well as biographical information. • Familiarize yourself with the Washington position on each issue and any information previously submitted to Congress on the subject. Headquarters can help with this research, as well. • Identify one or two main points you wish to make in your briefing and the results you hope to achieve. Remember that members of Congress and their staff have limited time. • Avoid requests to the delegation for legislative initiatives not previously cleared with Washington. • Report any significant issues that arise during a delega- tion’s visit. Congressional oversight committee members and staff are generally supportive of effective, efficient U.S. foreign policy and international development and humanitarian assistance programs. But some may be critical of certain policies and programs. State and USAID are committed to developing and main- taining congressional support, and to responding to concerns in an open and transparent manner. Foreign Service officers, both in the field and in Washington, play an important role in this effort, in coordination with State’s and USAID’s legislative affairs offices.n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 29 FOCUS ON WORKING WITH CONGRESS

A HUMAN RIGHTS DIALOGUE WITH CONGRESS

Policymaking on human rights issues is sometimes hindered by poor relations between State and Capitol Hill. Fortunately, there are ways to improve cooperation.

BY ROBERT MCMAHON

uman rights activists wel- The mixed messaging from Washington on the Magnitsky comed passage of the Ser- Act marked another familiar chapter in a sometimes tense gei Magnitsky Rule of Law debate between the executive and the legislature over human Accountability Act at the end rights policy. The State Department, of course, is the admin- of 2012, hailing it as a lever for istration’s standard-bearer on global human rights issues, the United States to press Rus- monitoring and reporting on each country and articulating sia on its obligation to be a bet- the administration’s policy on the international stage. But for ter global citizen and respect nearly four decades, Congress has also been a major player on the rights of its citizens. The human rights. It requires annual reporting on each country’s act requires the executive branch to bar travel to the United performance, establishes special mandates, and sanctions HStates by top Russian officials implicated in the death of lawyer nations and individuals seen as rights abusers. Sergei Magnitsky, who was detained and died in custody after In a period when bipartisan initiatives are increasingly blowing the whistle on a massive tax fraud with reputed links rare, human rights causes can still unite lawmakers from both to the Kremlin, and to seize their U.S. assets. (On April 12, the parties on subjects like halting human trafficking or sanc- State Department published the names of 18 Russian officials tioning repressive regimes. “There are many issues where whose names have been added to the sanctions list overseen Congress is paralyzed and dysfunctional, but on the issue of by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Con- human rights, there are people from [one] end of the spec- trol.) trum to the other who have an interest,” Michael Posner, a Although President Barack Obama ultimately signed the former assistant secretary of State for democracy, human measure into law, his administration had actually opposed the rights and labor, told a Council on Foreign Relations meet- measure over concerns that it compromised the president’s abil- ing in March. “So the challenge is just to figure out what’s the ity to manage a crucial relationship through a rough phase. But members of Congress said human rights trumped such con- Robert McMahon is editor of CFR.org, the Web site of the Council on cerns, and asserted that the bill “fills many of the gaps in Presi- Foreign Relations. Before that, he was director of central news for Ra- dent Obama’s policy toward Russia,” as Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, dio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and has been writting about human the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, put it. rights in transitional societies since 1995.

30 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Anne Wenikoff FSO Elise Mellinger, right, who currently serves as a Pearson Fellow in the office of Senator Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., discusses the Foreign Service with Elise Egan, a staffer in the office of Congressman Keith Ellison, D-Minn., following AFSA’s April 26 educational session on Capitol Hill. issue that’s motivating them, of small, relatively less and then go figure out how The Magnitsky Act is the important countries that the you work with them.” United States holds them Experts familiar with latest chapter in the perennial to a higher standard simply how human rights issues are debate between the executive because it can. handled both on Capitol Hill and in the State Department and the legislature over Congress and say policymaking is hin- human rights policy. Human Rights dered by mistrust and poor Congressional activism communication between the on human rights policy can two branches. The differences are attributable to departmental be traced back to the 1970s, when a variety of factors—includ- culture, politics and, in some cases, ignorance about the other ing the Watergate scandal and U.S. interventions in Southeast side’s motives and methods. Moreover, some members of Asia and Latin America—prompted increased oversight of the Congress see their role as upholding American values abroad, executive branch in areas like intelligence and human rights. while the State Department is responsible for maintaining a It was also during this period that some lawmakers, fore- balance of principles with core national interests. most Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson, D-Wash., challenged the “Congress plays a very valuable role in reflecting the basic Nixon and Ford administrations on détente, an initiative to values of the American people,” says Mark Lagon, a former direc- ease relations with the Soviet Union through linkages in areas tor of State’s office to monitor and combat human trafficking and such as arms control and trade. The fruit of their efforts was a former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer. Still, he the Jackson-Vanik Amendment linking trade to the emigration says, “Congress makes mistakes. It needs to hear from the execu- of Soviet Jews, which passed over the objections of Secretary of tive branch about [policy] subtleties.” State Henry Kissinger. Congress also established a commission Some experts on human rights policymaking also point out to oversee the 1975 Helsinki Accords, a set of agreements that that measures like the Magnitsky Act give the White House sought to commit the Soviet Union and its satellites to allow leverage to take on major powers like Russia and China, small openings for civil society in return for increased trade thereby countering perennial complaints from governments with the West.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 31 In 1976 Congress passed catalogs each country’s an amendment to the The Obama administration’s record on respecting norms Foreign Assistance Act experiences with Congress for civil and political rights. that mandated an annual Other notable con- report by the Secretary on human rights during its gressionally instigated of State tracking the way actions on human rights countries that received U.S. first term echo those of its include annual reporting aid observe internationally predecessors. on religious freedom and recognized human rights. human trafficking, and the This led the Carter admin- appointment of a special istration to create what became the Bureau of Democracy, rights monitor for North Korea. Human Rights and Labor. DRL’s annual report has grown to a vast undertaking that How Effective a Watchdog? Many rights activists regard the annual U.S. country reports as the most thorough of their kind, even while a number of allies and partners regularly protest them. Though the impact of the reports is hard to measure, they are generally seen as helpful for maintaining a steady spotlight on abusive practices. Other reports have sharper teeth. The annual survey on human trafficking, for instance, threatens to impose sanc- tions on countries that fail to act to curb the practice and has the potential to move the needle, say scholars Judith Kelley of Duke University and Beth Simmons at Harvard University. They found in a 2012 study that “merely being included in the report motivates countries to criminalize human trafficking.” The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is credited with even more sweeping results. The legislation helped lead to the free emi- gration of hundreds of thousands of people, and human rights proponents say the measure served to underpin U.S. concerns over human rights in the Soviet Union through the end of the Cold War. Congress has continued to be an important monitor of human rights issues in the former Soviet bloc and beyond through its involvement in the Helsinki Commission, a government agency established in 1976 to press for compli- ance with rights principles in the 57-nation Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The commission holds regular public hearings and briefings with expert witnesses to assess developments involving rights, security, and economic and democratic developments. Still, some experts accuse members of Congress of over- zealousness on rights issues, pointing to the creation of scores of mandates, some seeming to duplicate reporting already carried out in the annual global rights survey, which must be handled by an overtaxed State Department. Diplomats have also expressed deep frustration at the failure of the Senate to Anne Wenikoff

32 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL “Administration of Justice: Due process was denied during the detentions and trials of protesters arrested. ... Individuals responsible for the deaths of prominent journalists, activists and whistleblowers, notably Sergey Magnitskiy, have yet to be brought to be brought to justice.”

— From “Russia,” in the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012.

Each year since 1977, the State Department has submitted a report to Congress on the human rights conditions in countries and regions around the world, as mandated by Congress in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Trade Act of 1974.

approve treaties they say the Geneva-based Human are consistent with U.S. Both State and Congress would Rights Council, which the values and human rights Bush administration had practices at home. For benefit from more frequent derided as stacked with instance, late last year the contact through existing abusers intent on singling U.S. Senate failed to muster out Israel. As part of its U.N. the two-thirds vote needed channels, such as the Pearson re-engagement, the admin- to approve a United Nations Fellowship Program. istration has opened up U.S. treaty banning discrimina- practices to the council’s tion against people with periodic review mechanism, disabilities, a measure patterned after the Americans with a step applauded by many rights activists as a sign of U.S. Disabilities Act. transparency and one that has bolstered Washington’s cred- ibility as a rights standard-bearer. A More Pragmatic Approach The administration also introduced a new strategy in 2011 The Obama administration took office notably cool to the aimed at preventing atrocities, including the establishment democracy promotion policies of the George W. Bush admin- of an Atrocities Prevention Board and expansion of executive istration, preferring a more pragmatic approach to democrati- branch tools to combat rights abuses, including executive zation. It has taken heat from the human rights community for orders imposing sanctions. In April 2012, Pres. Obama signed its counterterrorism moves, including failure to follow through an executive order permitting sanctions against companies on announced intentions to close the Guantanamo Bay deten- and visa bans against those helping Syria and Iran to use tech- tion facility and stepping up drone attacks against suspected nology like cell-phone monitoring to carry out human rights terrorists. abuses. Yet the administration has led on some issues, such as The Obama administration’s experiences with Congress advancing Internet freedom. The administration also revived on human rights during its first term echo those of its pre- U.S. membership in the main United Nations rights agency, decessors for the past several decades. Each administration,

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 33 whether the president was a Democrat or Republican, has alternated between sparring with Capitol Hill and making common cause on key issues.

A Russian Rights Watershed The case of Russia provides a useful example. Determined to “reset” relations to advance arms control and other initia- tives that eroded during the Bush administration, the Obama administration promised a different sort of engagement, while pledging to maintain support for allies in the Russian orbit, like Georgia. The administration was also eager to wind down Jackson- Vanik, which prevented the United States from granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations status to Russia, even though Moscow had long ago lifted restrictions on citizens who wished to leave the country. The measure mainly served to create barriers for American exporters seeking access to Russian markets. A number of lawmakers had been equally determined to make sure any plan to wind down Jackson-Vanik included new levers for pressing Russia on a backsliding human rights record. As early as 2010, U.S. lawmakers were vowing to hold Moscow accountable for Magnitsky’s death. For the administration, there was a precedent of sorts in the way Congress treated China’s application to join the World Trade Organization in 2001. In exchange for agreeing to lift the provisions of Jackson-Vanik, which barred U.S. approval of Beijing’s accession, it created two commissions to review U.S.- China relations, Beijing’s observance of WTO commitments and the status of human rights in China. In the case of Russia, members of the Obama administra- tion and Congress shared deep misgivings about Moscow’s ongoing crackdown on political and other freedoms. But in dealing with the Magnitsky matter, the administration indicated a preference for exercising a travel ban on Russians implicated in the case through existing visa powers, or issuing an executive order freezing the travel of some individuals. Nonetheless, Congress voted overwhelmingly to restrict travel and threaten to freeze the assets of Russians tied to the case. Some administration officials say the inclusion of asset controls adds unnecessary complications, while rights activ- ists say the asset controls were important to give the measure bite. “For this to be an effective mechanism for supporting and promoting human rights in Russia, it is important to fully implement it,” says Susan Corke, director for Eurasia programs at U.S.-based rights watchdog Freedom House.

34 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Association for Diplomatic Study and Training (ADST) Got an interesting story to tell? Bridging the Divide Want to read one? Experts with experience working with both U.S. govern- The Association for ment branches say the relationship suffers from a lack of Diplomatic Studies sustained contact on human rights and other issues. Posner, and Training is a non-gov- speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, described an ernmental, nonprofit organi- aversion in the State Department to testifying and congressional zation located at the State briefings. He said he found it helpful to spend at least one day Department’s Foreign Service Institute. Founded in 1986, per week on the Hill, when not on official travel, to discuss rights ADST advances understand- issues with members of both parties. ing of American diplomacy and “There is huge risk aversion at the State Department in supports training of foreign engaging Capitol Hill,” says Lagon, the former director of State’s affairs personnel. We sponsor a publishing program and trafficking in persons’ office. “The State Department engaging our collection of more than 1800 oral history interviews the Hill is much like engaging the press. One out of 20 times it includes such fascinating interviewees as Prudence Bushnell, Terence Todman, and Kathleen Turner. will bite you in the rear. But for the other 19 times, greater things Excerpts from the collection highlight the monumental, ensue.” the horrifying, the thought-provoking, and the absurd. Adds Barry Lowenkron, who served as assistant secretary They reflect the reality of diplomacy, warts and all, mak- for democracy, human rights and labor in the George W. Bush ing them a great resource for foreign affairs profession- administration: “Sometimes it can just mean going up and hav- als, scholars, journalists, and anyone else who likes a great read. ing conversations with staffers and walking through what the Check us out at www.adst.org. issues are.” Lowenkron adds that avoiding Congress can backfire. “I think the more Congress is ignored or shunted aside, the more it will legislate additional reporting.” Easing relations between the two branches will involve mak- ing policies and personalities less foreign to each side. The steps that can be taken include embedding more Foreign Service officers on the Hill. Currently, a small number of FSOs every year have the opportunity to spend a year acquiring legislative experi- ence while working as congressional staff. These opportunities are made available through either a Pearson Amendment assign- ment or a training assignment through the American Political Science Association’s Congressional Fellowship Program. Both programs are well regarded and would benefit from participation by a larger pool of rotated FSOs. Also helpful would be the establishment of a program that sends congressional staff to State Department bureaus involved in human rights work, to gain an appreciation for how such issues are handled there. But deploying more personnel to each branch has its limits. Most FSOs are focused on training for rotations abroad, and congressional staff members are increasingly stretched thin coping with an array of new foreign policy issues, ranging from geo-economics to asymmetric security threats. Clearly, though, both the State Department and Congress would benefit from more frequent contact through existing channels to negotiate smoother landings—and present a more consistent voice internationally—for initiatives like the Mag- nitsky Act. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 35 FEATURE

FS HERITAGE Ambs as adors of Race and Nation

Here is the little-known story of a group of African-American diplomat-writers whose late 19th- and early 20th-century work shaped the Harlem Renaissance.

By Brian Russell Roberts

he decades of the 1920s and 1930s are Their ranks included Frederick Douglass, the famous famous for an unprecedented flowering of abolitionist and social reformer, who served as U.S. minister to African-American writing, with many black Haiti from 1889 to 1891, and was the first African-American to authors fighting against racial discrimina- detail his diplomatic work in an autobiography, Life and Times tion by publishing novels, poems, plays of Frederick Douglass (1893). and essays that argued for their entitlement James Weldon Johnson, whose “Lift Every Voice and to full civil rights. Among them, Langston Sing” is still widely sung as “The African-American National THughes and Zora Neale Hurston have emerged as the most Anthem,” worked as a consular officer in Venezuela and Nica- enduringly famous. Hughes’s 1921 poem, “The Negro Speaks ragua from 1906 to 1913. During these years, Johnson wrote of Rivers,” is widely read in American high schools and uni- most of his first book of poetry and completed a novel. versities to this day, and Hurston’s 1937 novel, Their Eyes Were W.E.B. Du Bois also briefly represented the United States Watching God, was adapted as a made-for-TV movie by Oprah abroad. Co-founder of the National Association for the Winfrey in 2005. Advancement of Colored People and a longtime editor of the Less well known is the fact that the Harlem Renaissance— NAACP’s magazine, The Crisis, Du Bois spent December 1923 the literary movement those authors have come to represent— was built upon the late 19th- and early 20th-century work of Brian Russell Roberts is a professor of American literature at Brigham a vibrant group of African-American writers who represented Young University, with a focus on African-American literature. The the United States overseas as diplomatic and consular officers. University of Virginia Press just published his book, Artistic Ambas- Beginning during the Reconstruction era, U.S. presidents sadors: Literary and International Representation of the New Negro courted and rewarded their black voting constituencies by Era, which examines the intersecting literary and diplomatic work of appointing African-Americans to diplomatic and consular African-American writers who traveled as U.S. diplomats during the posts, primarily in nations and colonies of color. late 19th and early 20th centuries.

36 JUNE 2013 | the foreign Service journal through January 1924 as President Calvin Coolidge’s envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Liberia. This stint as a diplomat came to inflect Du Bois’s later political and literary endeavors. These figures worked side-by-side with lesser-known State Department-affiliated authors of African descent, who served in places like Angola, Madagascar, France and the Dominican Republic. This corps of black writer-diplomats used their over- seas experience to develop strategies for racial representation at home, a move that pivotally shaped literature in the run-up to the Harlem Renaissance.

The Question of Representative Character After the Civil War, black men and women in the United States worried that white Americans tended to dismiss high achievements by African-Americans. In a lecture delivered in 1865, Douglass declared that the white public “has sternly denied the representative character of our distinguished men. They are treated as exceptions, individual cases and the like.” During the late 19th century, as black men received appointments to serve as diplomats abroad, they drew on diplomacy’s notion of “representative character” to certify their capacity to speak on behalf of America’s larger black pop- ulation. Through their distinguished work in diplomacy, black men were transforming themselves from African-American representatives abroad to representative African-Americans at home. A. Muller & Co., c1883/Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division This chromolithograph made in 1883 contains the portraits of This movement is illustrated in the 1883 chromolithograph 11 prominent African-Americans, five of whom were diplomats. shown here, “Distinguished Colored Men,” which showcases At the center, Frederick Douglass (1818-1895); top right, 11 of the most distinguished African-American men of the day, Blanche Kelso Bruce (1841-1898); top left, Robert Brown Elliott five of whom at one point worked as American ministers or (1842-1884); and clockwise from top of the oval, William Wells Brown (1814-1888), Prof. Richard T. Greener (1844-1922), Rt. consuls: Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett (minister to Haiti, 1869– Rev. Richard Allen (1760-1831), Joseph H. Rainey (1832-1887), 1877), John Mercer Langston (minister to Haiti, 1877–1885), Ebenezer D. Bassett (1833-1908), John Mercer Langston (1829- Henry Highland Garnet (minister to Liberia, 1882–1883), 1897), P.B.S. Pinchback (1837-1921) and Henry Highland Garnet (1815-1882). Frederick Douglass (minister to Haiti, 1889–1891) and Richard T. Greener (consul in Vladivostok, 1898–1905). One black diplomat of the era, John Stephens Durham (minister to Haiti, 1891–1893), actually used the phrase “representative character” in an 1894 letter to the New York States in Haiti, Durham published a 1902 novel, Diane: Priest- Times in attempting to certify his ability to speak on behalf of ess of Haiti, which pushes the notion of representative charac- America’s larger black population. The next year, on the death ter into the literary realm. The preoccupation with who could of Frederick Douglass, Durham again drew on the notion of speak on behalf of the United States’ larger black population diplomatic representation to reaffirm what he described as became a major concern during the Harlem Renaissance, as Douglass’ “representative character.” Douglass, said Durham, writers attempted to position themselves as “artistic ambas- was “the ambassador of the oppressed everywhere.” sadors” (to borrow a phrase from the famous black author Further drawing on his experiences representing the United Richard Wright). the Foreign Service journal | JUNE 2013 37 The preoccupation with who could speak on behalf of the United States’ larger black population became a major concern during the Harlem Renaissance.

Diplomacy or Directness? Shortly after the novel’s publication, Johnson resigned If work in international diplomacy had a hand in influenc- from his post because of disagreements with, and apparent ing African-American discussions of who was authorized to pressure from, the new Woodrow Wilson administration. He speak for the race, then a second discussion arose concern- later became a major figure of the Harlem Renaissance, not ing the methods that those representatives ought to use. only republishing his novel in 1927 but also affixing his name W.E.B. Du Bois powerfully weighed in on this question in his to it. Yet he continued to be known for tact and diplomacy in 1903 essay collection, The Souls of Black Folk. Balking at the advancing the cause of African-Americans, an approach he idea that African-American citizens could expect to improve had honed while serving his country overseas two decades American racial conditions through rhetorical “diplomacy earlier. and suaveness,” Du Bois declared that black race representa- tives should “state plainly and unequivocally the legitimate Diplomatic Representation in Africa, demands of their people.” Literary Representation of Africa Some of his peers dismissed the value of direct protests, Commenting on the racial politics of the early 20th-century however. James Weldon Johnson maintained that African- State Department’s appointment practices, Langston Hughes Americans could change their status in the United States once spoke cynically of the United States’ preference for through “a demonstration of intellectual parity by the Negro sending black men “to any little old colored country.” Clearly through the production of literature and art.” Hughes was not dismissing the importance of nations and In fact, Johnson’s literary and diplomatic work was inter- colonies of color. Rather, his cynicism stemmed from what he twined. In Latin America, he wrote poetry that seemed to sup- (though a diplomatic outsider) identified as an early 20th- port the United States’ orchestration of revolutions in Nicara- century State Department culture that harbored biases against gua. “Tropical constitutions / Call for occasional revolutions,” black nations and colonies, as well as against the black repre- wrote Johnson, drawing attention away from the United States’ sentatives it sent to these locales. role in orchestrating these revolutions and instead using a pun The case of George Washington Ellis (secretary of the (“constitutions”) to suggest that the root of recurrent Latin United States’ Liberian legation, 1902–1910) illustrates some American revolutions could be located either in local modes of these racial difficulties. Over the course of a few years, Ellis of government or in the very nature of the residents of these grew tired of his unchallenging work at the legation and put tropical lands. in repeated requests for transfers, sometimes threatening to Johnson also used indirect tactics in his 1912 novel, The resign if his requests were not granted. In discussing Ellis’s Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. In this work, the narra- case with the Bureau of Appointments, Assistant Secretary of tor rails against the United States for permitting the lynching State Robert Bacon saw that Ellis either needed to be trans- of African-Americans in the South. At first glance, this facet of ferred or permitted to resign. Yet, appallingly, he wondered: the novel makes the book look as if it were wholly inspired by “Would [Ellis] be better than some new coon?” Du Bois’ cry against “diplomacy and suaveness.” But Johnson In a powerfully disappointing way, Bacon’s words point to a believed he could best be a missionary for the race by continu- derisive disregard for the State Department’s black personnel, ing to work for the State Department. And, apparently to avoid as well as for nations and colonies with predominantly black upsetting white Americans at home (which could possibly lead populations. Bacon’s words project an image not of interna- to his recall), he published his novel anonymously. As a fam- tional representation but of international misrepresentation. ily friend and biographer observed, Johnson “felt a diplomat His chosen racial slur framed American relationships with should not affix his name to so controversial a book.” nations and colonies of color in terms of the degrading tradi-

38 JUNE 2013| the foreign Service journal Early 20th-century State Department culture harbored biases against black nations and colonies, as well as against the black representatives it sent to these locales.

tion of the blackface minstrel show—a type of variety show fashions himself as a “hip-to-mat.” The hip-to-mat imagines in which white actors put on black makeup and performed addressing an international group of diplomats: “Gentlemens as subhuman buffoons while purportedly acting like African- of the Summit, I want you-all to think of how you can pro- Americans. vide everybody in the world with bread and meat. Civil rights Ellis was most likely unaware of Bacon’s comment to the comes next. Let everybody have civil rights, white, black, yel- Bureau of Appointments, but he was certainly aware that low, brown, gray, grizzle or green.” such stereotypes pervaded white American culture of the In coining the term hip-to-mat, Hughes spliced the word day. In Liberia, he devoted his spare time to studying the diplomat into the phrase “hip to that,” thereby integrating the culture of the Vai-speaking people of West Africa. After hir- hip “knowingness” of black vernacular culture into diplo- ing Vai scholars to instruct him, Ellis published a 1914 book macy’s traditionally regimented approach to internationalism. titled Negro Culture in West Africa, which he wrote, as stated Because several black Foreign Service authors at the turn of in the preface, out of a conviction that “the Negro should the 20th century integrated the culture of international diplo- explain his own culture and interpret his own thought and macy into their approaches to racial diplomacy, they, too, soul life, if the complete truth is to be given to the other races might be thought of as hip-to-mats. of the earth.” A particularly intriguing example is Ida Gibbs Hunt, daugh- Reviewing Negro Culture in The Crisis, Du Bois could see ter of Mifflin Wistar Gibbs (consul in Madagascar, 1898–1901) that Ellis’s book pushed against misrepresentative stereo- and wife of William Henry Hunt, who served at posts in types like those embraced by Bacon; Du Bois asserted that Madagascar (1898–1907), France (1907–1927), Guadaloupe the book “ought to be in every colored American’s library.” Of (1927–1929), the Azores (1929–1931) and Liberia (1931–1932). course, Ellis’s book did not lay to rest the question of accurate Significantly, Ida Gibbs Hunt was living with her husband representation for people of African descent. To continue the at his consular post in Saint-Étienne, France, when Du Bois fight, Ellis published a 1917 novel set in West Africa titled The arrived in Paris to organize the 1919 Pan-African Congress, Leopard’s Claw. which was supposed to give a voice to people of African Similar literary efforts were made by Henry Francis Down- descent in the context of the power realignments taking place ing, who, like Ellis, had been sent by the State Department to after the First World War. West Africa. After serving as a consul in Luanda, Angola, in Although the State Department had denied passports to 1887 and 1888, Downing eventually wrote several plays, as many African-Americans who wanted to attend the Pan-Afri- well as a 1917 novel, The American Cavalryman: A Liberian can Congress, it was Gibbs Hunt, the wife of an American con- Romance. Today neither Ellis nor Downing is well-known, but sul, who collaborated with Du Bois to organize and publicize their literary works once shared space with those of famous the meeting, with Du Bois as the Congress’s founding secretary figures such as Du Bois and Johnson in The Crisis’s monthly and Gibbs Hunt as the assistant secretary. Even as Gibbs Hunt “Selected List of Books.” It is important to recognize these served as co-organizer of a group seeking to insert itself into Foreign Service authors’ contributions to discussions about negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference and the League of accurately representing people of African descent in the run- Nations, she wrote two poems that borrowed from the mode of up to the Harlem Renaissance. international diplomatic address that she was acquainted with through her ties to diplomacy. From Diplomacy to Hip-to-macy In an implicit critique of the United States’ dismal record Langston Hughes once wrote a short story featuring a on race relations, Gibbs Hunt began her poem “To France” black Harlem resident who dislikes the term “diplomat” and with the following lines: “O land of right and justice! / O land the Foreign Service journal | JUNE 2013 39 Langston Hughes once wrote a short story featuring a black Harlem resident who dislikes the term “diplomat” and fashions himself as a “hip-to-mat.”

of people true! / Here is a hearty handshake, / And homage due to you.” She also wrote a poem titled “To Belgium,” which celebrated the role of colonial soldiers from Africa, Asia and India in the Allies’ fight on behalf of Belgium in the face of its World War I invasion by Germany. A few years later, during the Harlem Renaissance, Gibbs Hunt’s hip-to-matic work for the Pan-African Congress seems to have found fictionalization in Du Bois’s 1928 novel, Dark Princess, which tells the story of an African-American charac- ter named Matthew Towns and his work with a woman named Kautilya (a princess from India) to promote an international council of people of color. For decades, the political and liter- ary work of Ida Gibbs Hunt, who hailed from an early black Foreign Service family, has remained a forgotten influence on this major Harlem Renaissance novel, which Du Bois once called his favorite book.

The Past Lives On In the preface to his 2004 memoir, Dreams from My Father, then-State Senator Barack Obama cites William Faulkner’s observation that “the past is never dead and buried—it isn’t even past.” In a 21st-century world that has seen America’s first two African-American Secretaries of State and the elec- tion and re-election of its first black president, remembering the work of early black Foreign Service authors (which also requires remembering virulent racism in America gener- ally and the State Department in particular) can be painful enough that some might wish that the past could be dead and buried. Yet doing so would also require burying the extraordinary resilience and truly admirable achievements of a vibrant group of writer-diplomats who helped shape one of the most important literary movements of the 20th century. n

40 JUNE 2013 | the foreign Service journal FEATURE

Serh pa d C. Lowman (1926-2013) An Appreciation

Countless Indochinese-Americans will remember FSO Shepard Lowman for enabling their admission to the United States. His country should remember him, as well, for embodying our finest inclinations.

By Lacy Wright

he presence in our country of well He was an unlikely leader, though, at least initially. I first over a million Americans of Vietnam- met him in 1970 at the apartment of my then-boss, Cal Mehlert, ese, Cambodian and Lao origin owes above the Eden Gallery in downtown Saigon (after which the much to the determination of a single Eden Center in Falls Church, Va., is named). He was visiting, as I Foreign Service officer. Shep Low- recall, and seemed dispirited. Notwithstanding his Harvard law man made it his life’s work to seek education and sharp mind, he made a lackluster impression. resettlement in the United States and Four years later, in 1974, Shep returned to South Vietnam, this elsewhere for the Indochinese who time as chief of the internal unit of the embassy’s very large polit- were our allies during the long, brutal ical section. That fall, I became his deputy. Together, we came to war in Vietnam. know many of the country’s politicians and other leaders. TA longtime director of the State Department’s Office of Asian Refugees in the Bureau for Refugee Programs (now the Bureau The Fall of Saigon of Population, Refugees and Migration), Shep later served as the Months before the April 1975 evacuation of Saigon, it had bureau’s deputy assistant secretary. And he continued his work become clear that the U.S. Congress was unwilling to allocate the long after his official career had ended. resources that would have allowed South Vietnam to continue The success of those former refugees is his epitaph. its struggle against the North Vietnamese. President Nguyen Shep died peacefully at his home in Fairfax, Va., on the Van Thieu’s decision to pull back his forces from the north had evening of March 2, leaving his family, his many friends and his provoked a debacle, and the fall of Saigon was not far off. abundant admirers in deep mourning (see In Memory, p. 66). Ambassador Graham Martin gave our unit a major role in the His loss deprives us of a major humanitarian and a man of great evacuation, with particular responsibility for the Vietnamese decency and warmth. who had been on our side. Our first job was to make lists of the I worked for Shep twice, succeeded him in another job after categories of people who would be most at risk in a communist our retirements, and traveled with him to the Balkans during the takeover, an effort that proved of dubious utility as the clock Kosovo crisis. He was at once mentor, inspiration and friend. wound down and disorder increased. But we were able to evacuate many Vietnamese families of Lacy Wright, a Foreign Service officer for 30 years, now works as Americans. Shep worked almost around the clock, and we both director of the INL section at Embassy Vientiane. left Saigon by helicopter from the embassy roof on the last day.

the Foreign Service journal | JUNE 2013 41 Photo Left: Shep Lowman with a group of amputees in Nha Trang, Vietnam, in February 2001.

Photo at right: Shep Lowman at a refugee camp. Courtesy Hiep Lowman. Hiep Courtesy

Finding His Calling When Shep’s State Department career came to an end, he was Back in Washington Shep, like many of the FSOs who had not finished. From positions at the U.S. Conference of Catholic been evacuated, was assigned to help resettle the 130,000 Indo- Bishops, the Jesuit Refugee Service and Refugees International, chinese refugees who were streaming into the United States. he continued his advocacy for the admission of Indochinese It was not a glamorous job, but it was there that he found his call- refugees. ing. Indeed, Shep Lowman caught fire. He became a source of occasional irritation to more than one By 1981, he had become deputy assistant secretary in the of his Refugee Bureau successors. They could not, because of State Department’s Bureau of Refugee Programs, where he his stature, refuse his requests for appointments; but they must exerted a major influence on the U.S. refugee resettlement have dreaded receiving him, since they were well aware that his program. The Orderly Departure Program, which brought mastery of the subject far exceeded their own. many thousands of relatives of Vietnamese refugees to the United States; the Humanitarian Operation program for A Passion for Vietnam released political prisoners; and the Amerasian program, for Resettlement was Shep’s passion, but not his only one. children of Vietnamese and American parentage left in Viet- Another was Vietnam itself, where he and his wife, Hiep, spent nam—all bore his imprint. He long periods over the last two was well known in the halls of decades of his life and where Congress, both among mem- Shep worked almost around he continued his humanitarian bers and staff, for his advocacy work. and expertise. the clock, and we both left In 1991, he joined the board Shep also worked on other Saigon by helicopter from the of Vietnam Aid to the Handi- crises during this period, of embassy roof on the last day. capped. On personal trips to course, such as the Cambodian Vietnam, he and Hiep helped exodus into Thailand that saw oversee the distribution of more than 200,000 Khmer flee into Khao-I-Dang and other large wheelchairs to thousands of Vietnamese veterans wounded dur- refugee camps. The Hmong from Laos were another major con- ing the war. He also helped the Vietnamese government write cern; those mountain people, who fled into northern Thailand in legislation and develop accessible facilities for the handicapped. 1975, needed and deserved our assistance. Shep worked well beyond the normal age of retirement. In But it was Shep’s advocacy for the acceptance of Indochinese 1998, when he was a Jesuit Refugee Service staff member and into third countries, mainly our own, that became his hallmark. I was doing similar work for the U.S. Conference of Catholic It was a commitment that lasted well after “compassion fatigue” Bishops, the Kosovo crisis erupted. Shep suggested that he and for the Indochinese had caused some former colleagues to criti- I travel to the region to report on how our respective agencies cize his singlemindedness. might assist the Kosovar refugees streaming into Macedonia and

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Courtesy Hiep Lowman. Hiep Courtesy AFSA Membership Department 2101 E Street NW Albania. He was over 70 at the time, but neither asked for, nor Washington, DC 20037 got, any special treatment as we made our way among the aid workers and journalists flocking to the scene. Our first night in Skopje was spent in a box of a room that I told him was the worst place I had ever stayed. Shep replied laconically that he could not make the same claim. From Tirana, we hitched a four-hour ride to Albania’s largest refugee camp, near the Kosovo border. We traveled the same treacherous mountain road where, several weeks later, the new chairman of Refugees International, his wife, and RI’s European representa- tive would be killed when their vehicle plunged over a cliff. We got back the same way. For Shep, it was all in a day’s work.

A Fine Public Servant Not all extraordinary people can laugh at themselves, but Shep could. On a trip to Bangkok to visit a program under his responsibility as deputy assistant secretary, he later recounted, he and his local program director were walking along one of the city’s notoriously dangerous sidewalks when he fell into an open sewer manhole and literally disappeared from sight. He chuckled at the plight of his subordinate, swerving around and finding his big boss from Washington missing. “The poor guy must have thought, ‘My God, I’ve lost my deputy assistant secretary!’” Although Shep’s health began to falter several years ago, he enjoyed an esteem in the Washington area’s Indochinese com- munities that was palpable. Time and again, he and Hiep could be found at Vietnamese functions or in Vietnamese homes, where they enjoyed the status of honored guests. That may say it all. Despite his achievements, Shep Lowman was a modest man with no taste for ostentation. His friends will remember him for his intense loyalty to his family, his seriousness of purpose and his unwavering honesty. Untold numbers of Americans of Vietnamese, Cambodian and Lao descent will remember him for making possible their admission to the United States. His country should remember him, as well, for embodying our finest inclinations. n the Foreign Service journal | JUNE 2013 43 44 JUNE 2013 | the foreign Service journal AFSAFOCUS WOMEN NEWS IN SECURITYTHE AND OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATIONAFSA NEWS

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6/6/2013 9:00 AM Deadline for Completing AFSA Governing Board Election Ballot

6/7/2013 12:00 - 1:30 PM

PHOTO BY DONNA AYERST DONNA BY PHOTO Luncheon: Incoming Vice President Joseph Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and AFSA President Susan R. Johnson at the FCS Class Memorial Plaque Ceremony on May 3. On May 3, Foreign Affairs Day, and commitment to service, The Memorial 6/27/2013 AFSA held its 80th annual despite the risks and dangers Plaque Honors: 4:00 - 6:00 PM Memorial Plaque ceremony, a career in the Foreign Ser- AFSA Awards Ceremony honoring eight fallen Foreign vice may present. They were Anne T. Smedinghoff Service personnel who gave also remembered as sons, joined the State Depart- 7/4/2013 their lives in service to the daughter, husbands, fathers, ment immediately following Independence Day: United States and the Ameri- sister, brothers, friends and graduation from The Johns AFSA Offices Closed can people. AFSA President colleagues to the hundreds Hopkins University. Her first Susan R. Johnson introduced of people their lives touched. assignment was in Caracas. 7/10/2013 Vice President Joseph Biden Together, their deaths span When her tour ended, she 12:00 - 2:00 PM and Secretary of State John 46 years from 1967 to 2013. volunteered to go to Afghani- AFSA Governing Board Kerry to the 110 family mem- AFSA’s memorial plaques stan. She had been working Meeting bers and friends seated in are a somber reminder of with schools and local busi- the Department of State’s C the precarious, yet heroic nesses to improve the lives 7/11/2013 Street lobby. nature of the Foreign Service, of girls and women in the 2:00 - 3:30 PM It was a solemn and and of the men and women province of Zabul. On April AFSA Book Notes: historic occasion, marked who served. The ceremony 6, she was killed in a terror- “50 Years in USAID” by the words of condolence provides a unique moment ist bombing while delivering spoken by the vice president to celebrate their accom- books to a local school. Sec- 7/15/2013 and secretary of state. Each plishments and recognize retary of State John Kerry The 2013-2015 of the heroes, whose names the significant contributions remarked, “She gave her AFSA Governing Board are now inscribed in marble, they have made to American young life working to give Assumes Office were remembered for their diplomacy. Heroes continued on page 48 dedication, fearlessness

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 45 AFSA NEWSSTATE VP VOICE | BY DANIEL HIRSCH AFSA NEWS

Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA State VP.

Diplomatic Security from 60,000 Feet

The Bureau of Diplomatic Even so, few officers have has seen occasional indica- of DS employees. Security is the largest bureau the full range of information, tions of assignments being For a number of reasons, in the department, and one knowledge and experience to made to reward or punish including limited resources, of the fastest growing. It is weigh the risks completely— employees. the need to prioritize basic home to a wide variety of nor the resources or author- DS's mission also requires training of new hires, the specialists, including special ity to address every risk. procedures and certifications need to staff high-risk posts, agents, security engineers, Washington must therefore that impact duty-station, and perception among SAs security technical special- either more forcefully back availability, work-life balance, that other work is more ists and couriers. Its role the decisions of those that Special-Agent Law Enforce- “promotable,” most SAs do has evolved substantially do, or, with full input from ment Availability Pay and not receive adequate con- over the past decade, and all players, transparently do other issues. Several func- tinuing training in criminal its relationship with the so itself. Either way, it must tions require special suit- investigations, and only rest of the department is so ensure that the decision ability determinations, such superficial training, if any, complex that I have put off makers have the authority to as fitness-for-duty examina- in the separate discipline of writing about it because even effect change, and not merely tions. Others impose unique security clearance investiga- a dozen monthly columns responsibility for doing so. reporting requirements; tions. The domestic offices would barely scratch the The bureau’s mission for example, a requirement where such skills are honed surface. requires specialized and, that special agents report are equally considered less- But DS employees make sometimes, proprietary skills medications they are taking desirable postings. A lower up a significant number of not generally possessed by to supervisors and the Office focus on investigations than AFSA's constituents, and DS employees outside DS. Many of Medical Services. These on management or protec- is central to State’s mission. of these skills are minimally may be written into standard tion affects all subjects of DS So, as I near the end of my introduced in schools or operating procedures, or the investigations—DS and other term, I want to devote this training and, instead, must Foreign Affairs Manual sec- employees alike. column to a brief overview of be mastered through experi- tions, or left undefined, and Finally, AFSA has concerns the issues it handles. ence. An ever-increasing may even give an individual about techniques some- There is an inherent and range of responsibilities the ability to decide the fate times used in investigations, necessary tension between necessarily requires exposing of a subordinate at will. On and about instances where the core mission of DS and RSOs—the generalists of the the whole, our concern is that investigative reports seem the practice of diplomacy. DS world—to take on an ever- DS employees do not always narrowly focused or contain DS is, appropriately, uncom- increasing range of duties. appear to enjoy the protec- opinions that could preju- promising in its efforts to For these reasons, DS tions guaranteed by stan- dice a case. The Office of the protect safety and national manages the careers and dardized human resources Inspector General has noted security. But other sections assignments of its employ- practices. a lack of standardization and of each post must be equally ees more tightly than other DS special agents may the possibility for influence uncompromising in seeking bureaus. Its leadership face legal issues other FS by others in the chain of to interact with host-country asserts that the process is members do not, including command. This is especially populations. Balancing collaborative, transparent rules for carrying firearms. important in administra- these conflicting missions is and necessary to ensure that Unique rules apply to tive cases, which offer fewer achieved, in part, by having all employees gain needed employees authorized to safeguards and protections the regional security officer experience—but employees carry arms. For these rea- to the employee than crimi- report to the deputy chief complain of limited bidding sons, among others, SAs are nal cases. The long-planned of mission, rather than the options, reduced ability to held to “higher standards” in construction of a DS training management officer, and by chart their own careers, certain areas of conduct. This facility and greater focus on, greater delegation of authori- fewer out-of-cone possi- makes it all the more vital to and institutional support for, ties to emergency action bilities and susceptibility to ensure transparent, written the investigative function, committees. front-office favorites. AFSA explanations of expectations would help. n

46 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL USAID VP VOICE | BY FRANCISCO ZAMORA AFSA NEWS

Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA USAID VP.

The Everyday Risks of Overseas Service

Foreign Affairs Day was com- the Foreign Service makes stories to tell. risks, and fully understand memorated on May 3, with this clear, “Is a plaque really Both AFSA’s and USAID’s that acceptable medical care a series of events including justified just because you are criteria for recognition spe- may be lacking. This is a memorial ceremonies at overseas? After all, I work in cifically cover death caused message others also need to the State Department’s C Washington and if I die of a by lack of adequate medical understand to better appreci- Street lobby and at USAID in heart attack or car accident, treatment. As Vice President ate the risks taken by FSOs the Ronald Reagan Building. I am not recognized with a Biden noted, Foreign Service and their family members Eight individuals’ names were memorial plaque. Why is it employees volunteer for the assigned overseas. n added to AFSA’s memorial justified for overseas employ- job despite the dangers and plaques at State, while two ees?” Foreign Service officers were Many of the places where memorialized at USAID. Foreign Service personnel It was a day that made and their families serve, are it clear that our profession much more dangerous than AFSA Scholarships Established, carries risks not always in the United States. Access Renewed or Added in May recognized by our citizens. to services we take for The causes of death of those granted here are nonexistent • An anonymous donor pledged a substantial gift whose lives we celebrated at most overseas posts. In to the financial aid scholarship she established in ranged from explosions and the U.S., we call 911 and an 2009. A portion of the funds were received in May, terrorist attacks to malaria ambulance and emergency with the remaining sums arriving over the next four and inadequate medical care. medical technicians arrive NEWS BRIEF years. This gift will increase AFSA’s endowment and At the State Department, to treat us and take us to the size of the scholarships bestowed in her name. Vice President Joseph Biden a modern, well-equipped • Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and his siblings, and Secretary of State John hospital. Overseas, we might along with donations from friends and colleagues, Kerry gave moving eulogies be lucky to have a decent have established a perpetual financial aid scholar- whose empathy comforted medical clinic, much less ship in their parents' names. The Christopher and the attending family mem- ambulance service. Eliza Van Hollen Memorial Scholarship honors bers. Biden declared that For- While the State Depart- their Foreign Service careers and will be awarded for eign Service officers should ment’s Office of Medical the first time in the 2013-2014 year. receive the same respect Programs can be a lifesaver • Stephen Hubler renewed the annual Alice and that we give our military overseas, it cannot compare John Hubler Financial Aid Scholarship dedicated personnel for contributing so to the options for care we to his parents. Mr. Hubler originally established the much to our national security receive stateside. In the event scholarship in 2005. It will be bestowed in 2013- and progress without car- of a medical emergency 2014. As a past AFSA scholarship recipient, he feels rying a weapon. At USAID, overseas, depending on the giving back is important. Administrator Rajiv Shah post, we are better off being • Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield Federal emphasized the fact that flown out of the country to a Employee Program sponsored two AFSA academic the Foreign Service officers location where the care won’t merit awards for the first time in May 2013. The we were honoring had given kill us. I say this from my own awards were bestowed on Meredith Hilton and Lee their lives so that our mission medical emergency, which Ellen Myles, both high school seniors and children could move forward. caused me to be transported of AFSA members. While many of the causes by a rickety and poorly • The Public Members Association of the of Foreign Service employ- equipped ambulance over Foreign Service renewed its annual financial aid ees’ deaths are easily under- a torturous drive of several scholarship for 2013-2014 for a student pursuing a stood by most, others are hours to Cairo from the Sinai career in the Foreign Service. questioned. A recent com- Peninsula. I am sure many ment by someone outside of of you have similar horror

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 47 AFSA NEWS

Heroes Ty Woods spent 20 years in attack in Kunar province, Civil Operations and Revo- Continued from page 45 the U.S. Navy before becom- Afghanistan. A native of lutionary and Development ing a security specialist in Egypt and a naturalized Support program in Vietnam. young Afghans the opportu- 2010. As a Navy SEAL, Woods American citizen who strove He was first an ethnic affairs nity to have a better life.” was awarded the Bronze to represent U.S. core values officer stationed in Xuan Loc, Star Medal with combat ‘V’ abroad, Abdelfattah believed Long Khanh province, and Ambassador John Device for valor in Iraq. He in the importance of Afghans then at Bien Hoa Air Force Christopher Stevens served led 12 direct action raids and having opportunities to bet- Base outside of Saigon. He as the U.S. ambassador to 10 reconnaissance missions ter their lives—from Afghan died there on June 27, 1972, Libya from June to Septem- that resulted in the capture girls having access to school, in the line of duty. ber 2012. Killed on Sept. 11, of 34 enemy insurgents in to poor farmers having the 2012, in a terrorist attack in the volatile Al Anbar province. ability to register family- Francis J. Savage’s Foreign Benghazi, Amb. Stevens was Upon retirement as a senior owned land. Prior to joining Service career began fol- the first U.S. ambassador to chief petty officer in 2007, USAID, Abdelfattah had lowing two years in the U.S. die on duty since 1988, and Woods joined DS, serving accrued more than 15 years Navy. He was first assigned the eighth U.S. ambassador multiple tours in Iraq and of professional development to Iceland in 1950, where he to be killed in the line of duty. Afghanistan, and Central experience working for the worked in the mailroom. He Stevens joined the Foreign America and the Middle East. United Nations Development was then transferred to Mar- Service in 1991, and served Woods was killed in the Sept. Program in Egypt and the seilles, where he met his wife, in Jerusalem, Damascus, 11, 2012, terrorist attack in Maryland-National Capital Doreen Welsh. Shortly there- Cairo and Riyadh early in his Benghazi. Park and Planning Commis- after, Savage and his family career, in addition to assign- sion in the Washington, D.C., were transferred to Trinidad, ments in Washington, D.C. Glen Doherty served for area. Abdelfattah used his followed by Tripoli. After He had served in Libya twice nine years in the U.S. Navy architecture and urban plan- working for the Department previously, first as the deputy as a Navy SEAL with multiple ning knowledge and skills of State for several years, chief of mission from 2007 combat deployments. In to help others in every way Savage switched to USAID. to 2009, and then as special 2005 he left the Navy and he could. At the time of his His first assignment with representative to the national spent the next four years death, he was also working the agency was as general transitional council during working as a security and on a Ph.D. at Virginia Tech services officer in Mogadishu. the 2011 Libyan Revolution. intelligence specialist for University. He volunteered to serve as a various federal agencies provincial representative in Sean Patrick Smith was conducting operations in Joseph Gregory Fandino Vietnam, only to be injured serving as a Foreign Service such high-threat regions as joined the Foreign Service in a bombing at the My Canh information technology Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan and immediately following floating restaurant. After a specialist when he was killed Afghanistan. He had exten- completion of law school at year in and out of Bethesda during the Sept. 11, 2012 sive experience teaching and Columbia University, becom- Naval Hospital, he volun- terrorist attacks in Beng- training operators around the ing one of the first Hispanic teered to return to Quang hazi. Smith, originally from world in a range of disci- American Foreign Service Tri Province, Vietnam. Within San Diego, enlisted in the plines, and was an accom- officers. His first post was three months, he became Air Force in July 1995, and plished pilot and nationally Santo Domingo, followed by critically ill from his original served for six years, first as certified paramedic. Doherty Ciudad Trujillo, also in the wounds and died in Saigon a ground radio maintenance was on a mission when he Dominican Republic. He then Hospital in the spring of 1967. specialist before being was killed in a terrorist attack served in Ottawa, followed promoted to staff sergeant on Sept. 11, 2012. by the Miami Reception To view AFSA’s Memo- in August 2000. Smith was Center, where he assisted rial Plaque Ceremony in its awarded the Air Force Com- Ragaei S. Abdelfattah was a Cuban refugees and visit- entirety, please see www. mendation Medal. He joined U.S. Agency for International ing dignitaries from Latin cspanvideo.org/program/ the Foreign Service in 2002, Development Foreign Service America, then Bilbao and PlaqueC. n serving in Baghdad, Pretoria, officer. He died on Aug. 8, Madrid. In September 1971, Montreal and The Hague. 2012, in a suicide bombing he was assigned to USAID’s

48 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS

AFSA’s Memorial Plaque Ceremony PHOTOS BY DONNA AYERST DONNA BY PHOTOS

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 49 AFSA NEWS

USAID Honors Two of Its Own on Foreign Affairs Day

On May 3, the U.S. Agency for International Develop- ment honored Dale J. Gredler and Eugene F. Sullivan, two Foreign Service officers who died while serving their country, during a memorial plaque ceremony held in the agency’s lobby in the Ronald Reagan Building. Family members, friends and former colleagues joined represen- tatives from the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees to hear USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah pay tribute to the FSOs. Before the ceremony, Administrator Shah invited family members to meet with him privately in his office. Dale J. Gredler joined USAID in 2001 after working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an emergency manage- ment program specialist. He started out as a financial management specialist before becoming a Foreign Service contracting officer in 2004. Dale and his fam- ily’s first overseas post was Jakarta, where he fulfilled a critical role during the recon- struction efforts following Top, Eugene F. Sullivan’s the devastating earthquake family with Mrs. Sullivan in and tsunami. the middle; Caroline Gredler with Administrator Raj Shah; In 2009, Dale and his Robert Sullivan affixes his family transferred to USAID’s father’s plaque, as Raj Shah Central Asian Republics looks on; Caroline Gredler addresses friends and family; regional mission in Almaty. opera singer Bumie Dada After a few months at post, opens the ceremony with the Dale was evacuated to Lon- National Anthem. don for medical treatment, Continued on page 57 PHOTOS BY DONNA AYERST DONNA BY PHOTOS

50 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS

AFSA Launches New Foreign Service Program Partnership BY TOM SWITZER, SPEAKERS BUREAU DIRECTOR

On March 21 and 22, AFSA encouraged the students to launched a partnership with read AFSA’s popular book the University of St. Thomas on the topic, “Inside a U.S. in Houston, aimed at enhanc- Embassy.” ing the efforts of its 40-year- old Center for International Keen Interest Studies to train the next The main kickoff lecture, generation of diplomats. The evening reception and dinner program will focus on key were attended by prominent aspects of Foreign Service Houstonians from academia, careers, as well as on Ameri- business and government, can diplomacy overall. many of whom expressed Under this partnership, keen interest in supporting AFSA will recruit a well- this new partnership. The known, senior U.S. diplomat following day, Johnson spoke to address deans, faculty and at a breakfast meeting of students on the challenges SWITZER TOM BY PHOTO local Foreign Service retirees facing U.S. diplomacy in the On March 21, University of St. Thomas Assistant Professor Richard to detail AFSA’s persistent 21st century. The speech will Sindelar introduces “Distinguished Diplomat” lecturer Ambassador John D. efforts in assisting retirees take place at the CIS follow- Negroponte. with benefits and other ing each biennial national concerns, and explain the election. The University of St. East Coast, for example, or of growing competition from challenges U.S. diplomacy Thomas is the first institution the West Coast. We want to many countries. and development face with chosen for this program and have regional diversity. We limited budgets. In view of has agreed to bear most of want the State Department What Diplomats Do the success of these inaugu- the costs via a newly cre- to look like America when it’s AFSA President Susan ral programs, going forward, ated endowment of up to representing us abroad.” R. Johnson also addressed AFSA will also seek opportu- $100,000. Ambassador Negro- the group, commenting that nities to establish similarly ponte stressed that those AFSA has expanded its reach endowed partnerships with Program Kick-Off interested in Foreign Ser- to smaller regional schools other regional universities Former Deputy Secretary vice careers should study and emerging international around the nation. of State John Negroponte’s languages and cultures programs by sending diplo- Media coverage of these inaugural address on March through schoolwork, intern- mats and other practitioners events was heavy, and culmi- 21 officially kicked-off the ships and travel. He added to speak and meet with stu- nated with the opportunity to new “Distinguished Diplo- that, “Speaking to people in dents to give them a sense of meet with the chief editors of mat” lecture series and the their local tongue makes an what diplomacy is all about, the Houston Chronicle, laying partnership between the incredible impression.” He what diplomats do, why it’s the groundwork for future university and AFSA. Negro- went on to opine that the important for our national AFSA press placements ponte emphasized, “We want U.S., with all the advantages interests and what roles there. n to make sure American stu- it enjoys, could well remain they can aspire to through dents are aware of the oppor- the leader of the free world diplomatic careers. Negro- tunities for service to their for decades to come, but that ponte and Johnson also country abroad; we don’t it is essential that we get our spoke to students from three want them all to be from a fiscal and economic houses area universities on careers handful of universities on the in order, especially in the face in the Foreign Service. They

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 51 AFSA NEWS

AFSA Goes to Capitol Hill

BY SHAYE HUGGINS, AFSA STAFF

On April 26, AFSA held an educational event on Capitol Hill for congressional staff, fellows and interns. The ses- sion, “Diplomacy in the 21st Century: Life of Challenges and Opportunities in the Foreign Service,” gave more than 30 attendees a unique opportunity to get to know Foreign Service representa- tives on a personal level. The event featured retired Ambassador Charles Ray as the keynote speaker, and a panel comprised of AFSA President Susan Johnson; Ken Kero-Mentz, president of Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies; Elise Mel- linger, a Pearson Fellow and State Department represen- tative on the AFSA Governing Board; Steve Morrison, a ANNE WERNIKOFF BY PHOTO (Left to Right) On April 26, AFSA President Susan R. Johnson, AFSA Governing Board State Representative Elise Foreign Commercial Service Mellinger, Ambassador Charles Ray, GLIFAA President and AFSA Governing Board State Representative Ken Kero- representative; and Jason Mentz, AFSA Governing Board Foreign Commercial Service Representative Steve Morrison and AFSA Governing Singer, a U.S. Agency for Board USAID Representative Jason Singer participate in AFSA’s educational event on Capitol Hill. International Development representative. become FSOs themselves. audience members, some of The feedback from Panelists shared their Amazingly, some audi- whom expressed interest in attendees has spurred stories of living and working ence members seemed pursuing a career in the For- AFSA’s advocacy department overseas. Morrison described shocked to hear about the eign Service. Others simply on to plan a similar event how difficult it was to find very real dangers and threats came to learn more about the in September, in collabora- help for a son with learning the panelists had faced every different roles FS employees tion with affinity groups in disabilities in a multilingual day while serving overseas. perform. Congress. school system, while Kero- For example, Kero-Mentz This type of educational Whether you are an Mentz told attendees how was given a helmet and flak event is a key component of active-duty or retired mem- he met his partner while jacket to wear while serving AFSA’s advocacy and con- ber of the Foreign Service, working abroad. Johnson in Baghdad. He also kept gressional outreach efforts. we are looking for compelling and Singer described what it a personal weapon on the It is instrumental in helping stories for our future event was like for each of them to driver’s seat in case he was members of Congress and and invite you to share yours. grow up as a child of Foreign captured. their staff better understand Please contact advocacy@ Service parents, and how The panelists’ anecdotes the realities and challenges afsa.org to find out how you those experiences shaped and discussion prompted that affect Foreign Service can help. n their respective decisions to insightful questions from members and their families.

52 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS

Save the Date: 2013 AAFSW Art and Book Fair

The 2013 Art & Book Fair of the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide will take place from Friday, Oct.18 to NEWS BRIEF Sunday, Oct. 27, in the Diplomatic Exhibit Hall in the Harry S Truman building. The fair will feature books, jewelry, art, collect- ibles, stamps and coins from all over the world. Proceeds benefit Foreign Service families and the AAFSW Scholarship Fund. Donations of rare books, jewelry, art items, stamps and coins are now being accepted. To have your donations picked-up, please call (202) 223- 5796 or e-mail [email protected]. If you are interested in volunteering to help us out during this annual event, please contact Art and Book Fair Chairperson Judy Felt at (703) 370-1414. If you love books and exotic items, you won’t be disappointed! PHOTO BY JAVIER CUEBAS JAVIER BY PHOTO As part of the association’s congressional outreach efforts, AFSA President Susan R. Johnson meets with Congressman Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., on May 14.

Help Celebrate Diplomacy In Action

This year marks the 65th tographs and memorabilia anniversary, please contact depicts. Please note that anniversary of the State of conferences they have IO/C Director Rick Weston at IO/C will return your materi- Department’s Office of attended. IO/C is seeking [email protected] with als upon request. International Conferences. photos or artifacts show- your list of possible items We know that AFSA mem- Commemorative events in ing multilateral diplomacy to loan. Contributions after bers have a treasure trove September will mark the in action—negotiations, 1948 and from any interna- of memorabilia from their occasion with highlights of meetings, treaty signings tional/multilateral organiza- careers. We are counting on IO/C’s long history of accred- and anything else you might tion will be accepted. Ideally, you to come forward with iting delegates to multilateral come up with. The proposed you were accredited to that wonderful material to make conferences. exhibition will also include organization or conference IO/C’s 65th-anniversary cel- AFSA members can written materials. and can provide a short ebration a truly memorable provide assistance to our If you would like to be caption or description of occasion. n colleagues by lending pho- a part of this significant what your photo or artifact

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 53 AFSA NEWS

Unreasonable at State: It’s Not What You Think BY DONNA AYERST, AFSA NEWS EDITOR

Definition of UNREASON- ABLE- 1. a : not governed by or acting according to reason b : not conformable to reason : absurd 2 : exceeding the bounds of reason or moderation SEA AT ANDRADE,ISE/SEMESTER RICO BY PHOTO Unreasonable hangs out with a lot of negative words, such as ridiculous, nuts, crazy and impossible, to name just a few. Daniel Epstein—along with George Bernard Shaw— decided that unreasonable didn’t have to hang with the aforementioned words. Instead, it belonged with

words like brilliant, exciting, AYERST DONNA BY PHOTOS innovative, boundless—you (From top left, clockwise) Solar Ear makes the world’s first solar rechargeable hearing aids; Daniel Epstein (in blue) works with entrpreneurs aboard the M.V. Explorer during Unreasonable@Sea; USAID’s Chief Innovation Officer get the idea. Maura O’Neill, Raabia Budhwani from State’s Global Initiative Program, Unreasonable Institute founder Daniel Or do you? Epstein, State’s Acting Special Representative for Global Partnerships Thomas Debass and Institute for Shipboard Here’s what Shaw had to Education President Les McCabe; a State employee puts pipe cleaners to use to solve a d.school problem. say about unreasonable and age and molded it into the roof for six weeks in Boulder, is to bring all the resources how it equates to man: “The Unreasonable Institute. Colo. These entrepreneurs to accelerate these ventures reasonable man adapts him- Things started getting receive customized train- so they can scale to meet the self to the world; the unrea- exciting (see new definition ing and support from 50 needs of at least one million sonable one persists in trying of unreasonable above). “If world-class mentors, ranging people each.” (source: www. to adapt the world to himself. George Bernard Shaw is from a Time magazine Hero unreasonableinstitute.org) Therefore, all progress right, if all progress depends of the Planet, to the head of Sounds unreasonable, depends on the unreason- on the unreasonable person, user experience at Google X, unless the notion excites you. able man (and woman).” than we cannot afford to not to an entrepreneur who has So, on May 1-2, the Enter Epstein, a college bet on unreasonable people,” enabled more than 20 million Department of State’s Global kid in 2007, who spent a the institute postulates. farmers to escape poverty. Initiative Program partnered semester on the shipboard For background, this is In the process, they form with the Unreasonable program, Semester at Sea. what the institute does: relationships with corpo- Institute, Stanford Univer- He says it changed his life (as “Each year, we unite 10 to rations and international sity’s d.school and the Aspen do most of the students who 30 entrepreneurs (called organizations, receive legal Institute to present two days spend 3½ months traveling “Unreasonable Fellows”) advice and design consulting, of mind-boggling presen- the globe). But then Epstein from every corner of the and get in front of hundreds tations from 15 startups. took that life-changing voy- globe to live under the same of potential funders. Our goal Unreasonable continued on page 58

54 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS

ACTIVE AFTER ACTIVE-DUTY A Non-Retiring Life BY AMBASSADOR CHARLES RAY

When I retired from the In 1982, I retired from the when I was ambassador to tions site and I manage two Foreign Service in September army and joined the Foreign Cambodia. I have a rather blogs. My blogs reflect the 2012, I think I worried for all Service. My writing slacked homespun leadership style way my mind works—they’re of two days about whether off a bit, especially in the (a la Will Rogers and Mark all over the place with pho- or not I’d be able to maintain early years as I established Twain), and he suggested tography, art, advice on writ- the schedule of activity I’d my new career. I still did the I write a book about it. It ing, my personal philosophy become accustomed to over occasional travel article or seemed an interesting and, at times, strong doses of the past 30 years. Then, my poem, and in the early 2000s project, so in 2003 I began humor. two-day vacation was over I began working on my first a draft, and in 2008 it was Am I worried about run- and I promptly forgot I’d ever novel, a mystery set in Wash- published. The following ning out of something to had such strange thoughts. ington, D.C. I love mysteries, year, I did a follow-on, “Taking do and being bored? I don’t I’ve been more or less but those with a D.C. setting Charge: Effective Leadership think so. I have a quota of full-time employed since were, in my view, populated for the Twenty-first Century.” 1,000 words per day—some- I was thirteen, the year I with too many politicians, Both books can be found thing I learned from a veteran started high school. During lobbyists, spies and high roll- in the State Department journalist in North Carolina— those four years, I worked ers. I wanted to see some- Library—something I’m quite and now I’m able to manage nights for a poultry com- thing that showed the amaz- proud of. more than five times that pany, studied during the ing diversity of the ‘common’ I’ve always been an on a daily basis. At that rate, day and was a stringer for citizens of the area. eclectic reader, and my writ- my list of pending writing my local newspaper. My It took me nearly ten years ing reflects that. In addition projects will be exhausted first published fiction was in to get that first one done. to my mystery series and sometime in the next cen- 1957, when I won a Sunday “Color Me Dead” was pub- three books on leadership, tury—maybe. n school magazine short story lished in 2008, and was the I’ve done a photo-journal of contest. After high school, I start of a series that is now my travels through southern joined the army, and for the up to number 16. The story Africa, a two-book sword next 20 years, wherever I was of Al Pennyback, a retired and sorcery fantasy series, stationed, I moonlighted for army officer turned private a book of short stories, an local newspapers and maga- detective—a man who hates urban comedy/fantasy about zines as a writer, photogra- guns and injustice, and views a 40-year-old loser who is pher or artist. politicians and bureaucrats bedeviled by the spirit of his During the late 1970s, with disdain—seems to reso- grandmother, and a parody when I was assistant public nate with a rather loyal cadre of “Alice in Wonderland,” Amb. Ray joined the Foreign affairs officer for the 18th of readers on both sides of which features a young inner Service in 1982. He served Airborne Corps at Ft. Bragg, the Atlantic. Sales are mod- city kid who stumbles down in Freetown, Guangzhou, North Carolina, I did news estly steady and most of the a rat hole and discovers a Shenyang and Ho Chi Minh and photo essays, theatrical reviews have been good. fantastic world beneath the City and as ambassador reviews, historical and travel My first published book, city. “Wallace in Underland” is to Cambodia from 2003 to articles for local newspapers though, was a small tome on probably one of the most fun 2005, and to Zimbabwe from and regional magazines, and leadership, “Things I Learned things I’ve written. 2009 to 2012. He retired was editorial cartoonist for from My Grandmother About Oh, and I also still do ad from the Foreign Service in a weekly in a small town just Leadership and Life,” which writing and various articles September 2012. To keep up outside the base. I also con- grew out of conversations I for the Yahoo news site. I’m with Amb. Ray, please see tributed poetry to a number had with a young econom- a content manager for an charlesaray.blogspot.com of anthologies. ics officer and speechwriter online Texas travel destina- and charlieray45.wordpress.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 55 AFSA NEWS

Winning One for AFSA

On May 13, AFSA participated in Senator Barbara Mikulski's, 23rd annual golf tournament at the Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Maryland. Sen. Mikulski, D-Md., serves as chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The tournament con- sisted of golfers representing a number of industries, associa- tions and private sector groups. Playing for AFSA, Executive Director Ian Houston landed on the team that eventually took first place honors after shoot- ing a 64. "It doesn't get much better than making birdies and winning a tournament for the Foreign Service," he commented afterwards. The AFSA-PAC, which sponsored the tournament entry, is led by Ambassador Tom Boyatt, with staff support from AFSA Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., is joined by the winners of her 23rd Advocacy Director Javier Cuebas. It continues to provide annual golf tournament on May 13. AFSA Executive Director Ian Houston unique access to key decision-makers in both parties. n (on the right) played on behalf of the Foreign Service and was happy to be on the winning team.

New TLG Intern Comes to LIFE IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE Washington BY ÁSGEIR SIGFÚSSON, DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA

This summer, AFSA and the Thursday Luncheon Group will welcome the 26th AFSA/TLG intern to the Department of State. This partnership, which dates back to 1992, brings a minority college student to Washington for an enriching and educational internship in foreign affairs. Leah Castleberry is this year’s lucky student. Leah is a rising junior at Howard University, where she studies Inter- national Business. She is a Legacy Scholar, a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She has also received numer- ous awards at Howard, including the Walter Payton Award for Excellence in Leadership and Citizenship. Originally from Chicago, she recently traveled to Morocco for a Sister Cities Committee project. She speaks Spanish and some Arabic. Continuing our relationship with the Bureau for South and Central Asian Affairs, Leah will be an intern on the India desk this summer. Previous interns have also been placed in that office and have reported a meaningful experience in every respect. AFSA welcomes Leah and looks forward to her contribu- tions. We also appreciate the partnership with TLG, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Learn more at www. afsa.org/tlg. n

56 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS

USAID HONORS by the Central Intelligence Continued from page 50 Agency. In 1957, Eugene FSI/Family Liaison Office FS joined USAID’s predecessor Family Member Employment Event but died enroute. His wife agency, the International Caroline, and their two young Cooperation Administration, On July 10, from 1 to 4 p.m., FSI & FLO presents daughters, Alyson and Sarah, as a chemical engineer. In Employment Tools for Foreign Service Life and survive him. 1962, he was assigned to Meet-Up Event at the Foreign Service Institute. Eugene F. Sullivan Seoul, followed by Taipei, Meet with multinational and nongovernmental attended Tufts University Manila and Bangkok. organization employers who hire overseas, and take NEWS BRIEF in Medford, Mass. He was In 1968, he moved to FSI’s course, MQ704, covering resumes, interview enrolled in the Navy’s col- Addis Ababa, where he skills and more. lege training program and served until Jan. 21, 1972, To register for MQ704 see www.state.gov/m/fsi/ became a commissioned when he died at the age of tc/fslstraining/c48159.htm. To RSVP for the Meet- officer upon completion. He 47 of blackwater fever, a par- Up, please send your name, summer e-mail address was adept at learning foreign ticularly serious side effect and sponsoring employee’s name and agency to languages, he was fluent in of malaria. He was married [email protected] with MEET UP 13. After his naval service, he to Hope Arlene Corkin for EVENT in the subject line. first worked for the National 26 years, with whom he had Security Agency, followed seven children. n

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THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 57 AFSA NEWS

Unreasonable insights from Unreasonable unreasonable, full circle. ate students from over 250 Continued from page 54 at Sea’s global experiment as Reflecting on the voyage, universities.” a startup accelerator having Epstein said, “We welcomed The Unreasonable Insti- The Dean Acheson Audito- sailed over 25,000 nautical 20 mentors to sail with us for tute’s mission statement: rium was full. miles and into 13 countries. stints as long as a month— We exist today to support “Unreasonable@State Workshops on the second from the Prince of Saudi and accelerate the growth of was a convening of global day allowed the diverse Arabia, Archbishop Desmond the world’s most unreason- startups, policymakers, group of global influencers to Tutu, the founder of Word- able tech-entrepreneurs (i.e., investors and development further explore challenges to Press and Time magazine those hellbent on solving the practitioners who explored reach scale and to rethink the Heroes. We collaborated with hardest problem-sets of the how entrepreneurship and future of diplomacy, educa- executives from some of the 21st century and who will design-thinking can be tion, healthcare, capital mar- largest multinationals on settle for nothing less than leveraged to solve pressing kets, poverty and the planet.” earth, including Microsoft’s global scale). global challenges. The main (source: www.state.gov) Innovation Studios and the Sounds pretty reasonable event showcased technol- The young entrepreneurs innovations team at SAP (a to me. n ogy startups with innova- who presented had just multinational corporation tive development solutions; returned from a voyage on that makes enterprise soft- For more information, see highlighted the State Depart- Semester at Sea, bringing ware). And most notably for unreasonableinstitute.org, ment’s efforts to support Daniel Epstein, founder and me, we set sail with a mix of semesteratsea.org and unrea- entrepreneurs; and offered driving force behind all things more than 630 undergradu- [email protected] Web sites.

58 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL books

A Man with a Mission time in Zanzibar and friendship with process. These were useful during the New Hampshire Senator Levi Wood- surprisingly active debate over the trea- Early American Diplomacy bury led Roberts to propose leading a ties in several American newspapers. in the Near and Far East: mission to Muscat (which controlled Following his travels to Southeast The Diplomatic and Personal History Zanzibar) to conclude a commercial Asia, Roberts continued to Muscat, of Edmund Q. Roberts (1784-1836) treaty. where he was able to conclude a treaty Hermann Frederick Eilts, Woodbury, who had become Pres. of commerce relatively quickly. Once New Academia Publishing, 2012, Jackson’s Secretary of the Navy, suc- the Senate had ratified both treaties, $34, hardcover, 255 pages. ceeded in having Roberts named as a Roberts was tapped to return to the Reviewed by Jason Vorderstrasse special diplomatic agent empowered to same countries to deliver the instru- negotiate such agreements. The govern- ments of ratification. He departed for Hermann Frederick Eilts’ final book, ment also asked him to pursue treaties Muscat on this second mission, which completed before his 2006 death but of commerce with Cochin-China (Viet- also included the possibility of a visit to only recently published, fills a sizable nam) and Siam (Thailand). His mission Japan, in April 1835. gap in our knowledge of Edmund Q. departed in early 1832. While the delivery of instruments Roberts, a key diplomat during the of ratification sounds simple, it was administration of President Andrew Roberts crafted detailed anything but. For instance, because of Jackson. Any student of U.S. rela- accounts of his negotiations for the reverence given official documents tions with Southeast Asia, the Arabian in Siam, a special stand was constructed the ratification process, which Peninsula or East Africa will greatly to hold the box containing the signed were useful during the debate benefit from reading Early American treaty. Diplomacy in the Near and Far East: over the treaties. Roberts died in Macau of dysentery The Diplomatic and Personal History of on June 12, 1836, before reaching Japan. Edmund Q. Roberts (1784-1836). But thanks to his complicated financial Until now, anyone wishing to learn Drawing on accounts of affairs, his death is far from the end of about Roberts’ exploits previous visits to Cochin- the saga. Drawing on Roberts’ diaries had to read his own China and Siam, primar- and letters and other primary docu- Embassy to the Eastern ily by Britons and Ameri- ments, Eilts concludes this account by Courts of Cochin-China, cans, Eilts illustrates thoughtfully assessing his legacy. Siam and Muscat; Ben- the many challenges Anyone interested in the history of jamin Ticknor’s Voyage of 19th-century diplomats U.S. diplomatic relations in the Middle the Peacock: A Journal; or faced. For instance, East and East Asia, or early American W.S.W. Ruschenberger’s A Roberts encountered history, will be grateful that Eilts’ fam- Voyage Around the World. severe cultural misun- ily pushed for this book’s posthumous While all three books have derstandings because publication as part of the ADST-DACOR merit, the fact that they are his information about Diplomats and Diplomacy series. contemporaneous accounts the countries he deprives them of the historical visited was inaccu- Jason Vorderstrasse, an FSO since 2004, is perspective found in Eilts’ new rate or outdated. Although he currently the Chile desk officer; he previ- work. He also does an excellent job of was not successful in Cochin-China, he ously served in Hong Kong and Kingston. furnishing details on Roberts’ per- did conclude a commercial treaty with In 2009, he successfully nominated Ed- sonal life that is lacking in those other Siam. mund Q. Roberts for inclusion in the AFSA accounts. Extremely slow communication Memorial Plaques. The views expressed in Edmund Q. Roberts’ family was constrained Roberts in his negotiations, this article are his own and do not neces- active in the shipping industry, and he leading him to craft extensive explana- sarily reflect the views of the Department of traveled widely from an early age. His tions of his work for the ratification State or the United States government. the Foreign Service journal | June 2013 59 The Persistence of Hope riveting series of vignettes about This brutal backdrop millions of civilians living in the only serves to underscore Radio Congo: Signals of Hope midst of a deadly war. Yet while the generosity Rawlence from Africa’s Deadliest War the daily struggle to find food repeatedly encounters. Ben Rawlence, Oneworld Publications, and safety shapes their lives, After a punishing motorcy- 2012, $16, paperback, 300 pages. it never completely defines or cle ride, he stops at a village Reviewed by David Boyle overwhelms them. where “the people do not know us, yet have dropped In 2007, while planning a trip to the Rawlence shows us a wartorn, everything to talk to us, warm us, feed us, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ben yet still vibrant society. house us.” Near the Zambian border, he Rawlence, a senior researcher for Human speaks with Congolese refugees who risk Rights Watch, came across a 50-year-old Although the book contains ugly their lives to return home to regain some brochure promoting the city of Manono, scenes, Rawlence prefers to focus on the measure of autonomy and self-respect; in the country’s southeastern corner. hope displayed by ordinary Congolese their children ask only for the opportu- He decided to visit “to see how people going about their lives: “In their faith nity to attend school. And in an isolated are coping after the war…in villages that that life will continue and, moreover, that town, he finds an immigration officer with nobody hears about.” things can improve, a peaceful future for polished shoes and impeccable manners, The result is Radio Congo: Signals Congo will be found.” prompting him to reflect: “Self-respect, of Hope from Africa’s Deadliest War, a The book touches only briefly on the manners and hospitality are makers of fighting that broke out in the DRC in 1996 hope, refusals to capitulate” to the war. (a spillover from the 1994 genocide in A captivating narrator, Rawlence man- Rwanda), and continues to this day. Per- ages to find humor in the most unlikely haps as many as four million people have places. A difficult aid worker “may work died as a result, but no one knows for sure. for a charity, but won’t exercise any char- Rawlence tries to put a human face on ity herself.” On the door of a bar, he sees the suffering and the societal breakdown a sign, “No vests, no sandals, no machine that ensued. Near the city of Goma, for guns,”—and adds, “in that order.” And he instance, he lunches with a Congolese concludes one misadventure with this Army colonel who suddenly interrupts sage advice: “Often, the best way to solve a You Are Our Eyes & Ears! their meal to beat two soldiers for trying difficult problem in Congo is to get drunk.” to steal food—and then darkly hints Raw- Near the end of the book, Rawlence Dear Readers: lence may be next. finally reaches Manano, a hollow shell of In order to produce a high-quality Outside Virunga National Park, he the prosperous city that existed 50 years product, the FSJ depends on the runs across two girls detained by park ago. He doesn’t shy away from describing revenue it earns from advertising. rangers for collecting charcoal. The the ruins he found there, or the human You can help with this. girls wail hysterically at their plight, and suffering 17 years of war have inflicted Please let us know the names of Rawlence fears what will happen to them on the whole country. But he chooses companies that have provided good service to you — a hotel, once the rangers get them alone. His to spotlight the signs of a still-vibrant insurance company, auto traveling companion warns him not to society brimming with hope, and held dealership, or other concern. interfere. Later in the book, Rawlence together by the heroism of ordinary men A referral from our readers meets survivors and ex-members of the and women. n is the best entrée! Congolese Mai-Mai (not to be confused Ed Miltenberger with the Kenyan Mau-Mau), a militia that David Boyle is the deputy chief of the po- Advertising & Circulation Manager “ate infants, burned parents and forced litical section in San Salvador. He has also Tel: (202) 944-5507 E-mail: [email protected] sons to kill their fathers and rape their served in Toronto, Malabo, Manila, Lagos, mothers.” Lima and Kinshasa.

60 June 2013 | the foreign Service journal

IN MEMORY

Anne Smedinghoff, 25, a Foreign working with the Afghan women’s soc- our shared future. That was Anne’s Service officer, died in the line of duty cer team to help it gain greater accep- mission.” on April 6 in a terrorist attack in the tance; she even honed her own soccer In memorial gatherings in the Zabul province of Afghanistan while skills by practicing on her days off. Chicago area, Baltimore and Washing- delivering textbooks to Afghan school While in Kabul, she also served ton, D.C., Ms. Smedinghoff’s talent, children. Four other Americans and as the control officer for Secretary of kindness, generosity, enthusiasm, an Afghan doctor also perished in the State John Kerry’s visit to the country, adventurousness and commitment to attack. Ms. Smedinghoff is the first just weeks before her death. making the world a better place for all State Department Foreign Service Scheduled to complete the Afghan- was recalled and honored. casualty of the 12-year-long war in istan tour in July, she was looking At Fenwick High School, where Ms. Afghanistan, and the first FSO to die forward to spending a year learning Smedinghoff had returned in Decem- on the job since last year’s attack in Arabic in the United States and Cairo ber to speak to students about her Benghazi. before a two-year assignment in Alge- diplomatic career, Associate Principal The daughter of an attorney and ria. She was already fluent in Spanish. Richard Borsch remembered her as the second of four children, Anne By all accounts, Anne Smeding- a cross-country runner. “That par- Smedinghoff grew up in River For- hoff had a promising Foreign Service ticular sport often produces some of est, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. An avid career ahead of her. the best students. Perhaps it’s all the reader, she had a lively and curious “We are consoled knowing that she discipline, the routine, the attention to mind. She graduated from Fenwick was doing what she loved, and that detail when training.” High School in Oak Park, Ill., where she was serving her country by help- Her former Spanish teacher, Irene she was an officer in the International ing to make a positive different in the Drago, recalled Smedinghoff’s gift for Relations Club, and went on to attend world,” Tom and Mary Beth Smed- foreign languages and quiet intelli- The Johns Hopkins University, where inghoff said in a moving statement gence. She also observed that teachers she majored in international stud- on learning of their daughter’s death. are supposed to inspire students, but ies. In 2008, she helped organize the “It was a great adventure for her. She sometimes the reverse is true. “Anne university’s annual Foreign Affairs loved it,” her father, Tom Smedinghoff, inspired me,” she stated. Symposium, which draws high-profile told AP later. “She was tailor-made for In Baltimore, at a celebration of her speakers from around the world, this job.” life at Johns Hopkins University on among other on-campus and off-cam- In a statement to the press on April April 27, a group of friends and former pus activities. 6 from Istanbul, where he learned of classmates recalled adventures with Following graduation in 2009, she the tragedy, Secretary of State John Anne—from sky diving in Arizona and joined the Foreign Service. Her first Kerry condemned the “cowardly” being caught in a Jordanian sand- overseas assignment was Caracas, and terrorists responsible for the attack, storm during a biking trip, to the 2009 she then applied for the Afghanistan declaring that America “does not and cross-country biking trek, known as position as a press officer. A colleague will not cower before terrorism.” the Hopkins 4K, for the Ulman Cancer at the embassy, Solmaz Sharisi, told Kerry added: “We put ourselves in Fund for Young Adults. The group the Associated Press: “What I admired harm’s way because we believe in giv- launched a drive to gather books for most was her energy and enthusiasm, ing hope to our brothers and sisters all Baltimore public school children in and an unwavering commitment over the world, knowing that we share her memory. to the work she was doing. She was universal human values. So it is now Also at Johns Hopkins, friends young, but she almost seemed like a up to us to determine what the legacy and family have established the Anne seasoned foreign diplomat.” of this tragedy will be. Where others Smedinghoff Memorial Scholarship According to Sharisi, one of Ms. seek to destroy, we intend to show a Fund to help support students who Smedinghoff’s favorite projects was stronger determination to brighten wish to study abroad but need finan-

62 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL n Arthur A. Bardos, 91, a retired years, Lola Arnold Bardos of Chevy cial help to do so. Foreign Service officer with the U.S. Chase; two daughters, Catherine Mack The State Department held a Information Agency, died on March 7 at of Lakeland, Fla., and Jennifer Graham Memorial Service on May 2, at his home in Chevy Chase, Md. of Albuquerque. N.M.; and four grand- which Tom Smedinghoff, Under Arthur Alexander Bardos was born in children. Secretary of State for Public Budapest and came to the United States Diplomacy and Public Affairs Tara when he was 17. After graduating from n Betty Lea Andersen Burgess, 88, Sonenshine and Secretary of State the University of Southern California wife of the late FSO Harrison Burgess, John Kerry spoke. in 1943 with a bachelor’s degree in died on March 16 in Reston, Va. In addition, the Delta Phi Epsi- cinematography, he served in the U.S. Mrs. Burgess was born in Superior, lon Professional Foreign Service Army in Europe. He was a member of Neb., on March 21, 1924, to Andrew and sorority at The George Washington a mobile broadcasting group that pro- Edna Andersen. She had eight siblings. University held a candlelight vigil duced German-language programming The family later moved to Colorado. for Ms. Smedinghoff on May 3. It as part of the psychological warfare During World War II she served as a was attended by her family and effort aimed at German youth. nurse at Kelly Field, Texas, where she several AFSA representatives. Mr. Bardos, who was fluent in Ger- met her husband. Harrison Burgess of In River Forest, a group of man, French and Hungarian, received Charlottesville, Va., was stationed at 13-year-old girls, one of whom a master’s degree in comparative Kelly Field in the Air Force. The couple remembers Anne as her babysitter, literature from USC in 1948. He was married on March 27, 1943, and, fol- spearheaded an area-wide effort to enrolled in a Ph.D. program and teach- lowing the war, moved back to Charlot- collect and donate 10,000 books to ing German at Harvard University when tesville. children. he entered the Foreign Service in 1951. After the birth of their two sons, Bob At the April 17 funeral in Ms. Harvard awarded him a master’s degree and Scott, Mr. Burgess joined the U.S. Smedinghoff’s hometown, hun- in comparative literature in 1968. State Department as a Foreign Ser- dreds of family members and During a 35-year diplomatic career, vice officer. Over the next 25 years, the friends, including AFSA President Mr. Bardos served overseas in Austria, Burgesses served in diplomatic posts in Susan Johnson and several State Vietnam, Guinea, Morocco, France, Bel- Beirut, Salzburg, Belize City, Montreal Department officials, gathered gium, Germany and Turkey. He worked and Ankara. to remember the brave, selfless largely on cultural, educational and In addition to her diplomatic, social woman who did not let fear stop her broadcasting programs. and support efforts as an American from trying to make a difference in Mr. Bardos’ assignments also “ambassador” in these countries and faraway places. included two teaching stints: one at when the family was in the United Anne Smedinghoff is survived The George Washington University from States, Mrs. Burgess was active in many by her parents and three siblings, 1959 to 1961, and one at the Fletcher community activities, including the Mark, Regina and Joan Smeding- School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts Belize Hospital Auxiliary and the Con- hoff of River Forest; grandmothers University in Massachusetts from 1981 temporary Club and Bailey Museum at Dorothy Smedinghoff and Bernice to 1983. He retired from the Foreign the University of Virginia. She was also Tokarski; numerous aunts and Service in 1986. a skater, fencer, skier, master bridge uncles; and 22 cousins. Mr. Bardos was a member of Diplo- player, tennis buff and golfer. Her family requests that memo- matic and Consular Officers Retired and Most importantly, family and friends rial contributions to honor Anne served on the board of Bethesda United remember, Mrs. Burgess was a loving and her work be made to organiza- Church of Christ, where he volunteered mother and wife, as well as a gracious tions listed at www.annesmeding with many programs. He was a past hostess and steadfast friend. hoff.com. president of a neighborhood association Her husband predeceased her in in Bethesda. 1999. Mrs. Burgess is survived by their Survivors include his wife of 64 sons, Bob of Falls Church, Va., and Scott

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 63 and his wife, Paula, of Atascadero, Calif.; Netherlands and Belgium. arts, especially opera and ballet. He a daughter-in-law, Michelle Hartz; At war’s end, he helped the Haganah enjoyed travel, especially the many grandchildren Dylan, Sasha and Joe; smuggle Jewish refugees into Palestine. cruises the couple took on the great a niece Linda (and her husband, Ron) He then returned to Palestine to fight in rivers of Europe, experiencing historic Bulmer and their children, Heather and Israel’s War of Independence, serving as towns, cathedrals and galleries, and Heidi and their families. an ambulance driver and medical aide. visiting Italy. It was Mrs. Burgess’s wish that any In 1952, Embassy Tel Aviv hired Mr. He also enjoyed a good game of memorial gifts be donations to the Cardoso as a local employee. There he Scrabble, despite English not being his Macular Degeneration Association met his future wife, FSO Mary Randall first language, and was an avid reader at macular.org/howhelp.html. of San Antonio, Texas. In 1955, when of world news. He spoke little of his Mary was transferred to Rome, he wartime experiences, but took great n Ariel S. Cardoso, 94, a retired resigned his position in Tel Aviv and pride in his service to the United States Foreign Service staff employee and the followed her, working in Rome at the and Israel. spouse of FSO Mary Randall Carsoso, United Nations Food and Agriculture Mr. Cardoso is survived by his wife, died peacefully on March 9 at his home Organization. Mary, and several nephews and nieces. in Washington, D.C. He was a Holocaust In the spring of 1960, he was instru- Contributions in his memory may be survivor. mental in organizing a community-wide made to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Mr. Cardoso was born in 1918 in Passover seder at the FAO that hun- Museum, of which he was a charter Florence, Italy, to Jewish parents who dreds attended, including government member. later moved to Rome. In 1936, he was officials, international personalities admitted to the pre-med program of the and tourists. The couple was married in n Carolina Handall, 33, the wife Liceo Scientifico of Rome. His ambition Rome in 1960, and Mr. Cardoso became of USAID FSO Daniel Sanchez-Busta- to be a physician was thwarted before a U.S. citizen a year later. mante, died on March 4 in Fairfax, Va., he could enter medical school, when When his wife was transferred to the of pancreatic cancer. the fascist government enacted racial consulate in Enugu, Nigeria, Mr. Car- Ms. Handall was born on Oct. 22, laws prohibiting Jews from attending doso took a job with the U.S. Informa- 1979, in La Paz, Bolivia, of Bolivian par- public and private educational institu- tion Service there. They chose to serve ents. After studying at the Catholic Uni- tions. as a couple in “hardship posts,” taking versity of Bolivia in La Paz, she attended Following German occupation of assignments in Africa, Indonesia and the University of Arizona, where she Italy in late 1943, Mr. Cardoso joined Europe. Mr. Cardoso became a regu- received her bachelor’s degree in the partisans, and the family went into lar employee of the Foreign Service in economics in 2001. She received her hiding among Christian neighbors who 1967. master’s degree in development eco- refused to report them. He prepared During the next 12 years, he served nomics at the University of Maryland in escape plans should they learn of in Zanzibar, Jakarta, Lesotho, Gambia, 2005, and became a U.S. citizen in that imminent arrest. For example, he wore Budapest and East Berlin, the couple’s same year. an armband that “identified” him as a last duty station, where he was vice In 2003, Carolina Handall married member of the Rome municipal mili- consul. In Budapest, he participated Daniel Sanchez-Bustamante. Mr. San- tary. in the return to Hungary of the his- chez-Bustamante, who had worked for After the liberation of Rome in 1944, toric Crown of St. Stephen, leading to USAID since 2000, joined the Foreign Mr. Cardoso served with the British improved U.S.-Hungarian relations. Service in 2003. The couple undertook Eighth Army, simultaneously applying The Cardosos retired to Washington, three tours overseas, the first in 2005 to British authorities to immigrate to D.C., in 1979. to San Salvador, where their daughter Palestine to join the Jewish Brigade. He Family and friends remember Mr. Luciana was born. In 2007 they were trained with the brigade at Sarafano and Cardoso as a man of quiet dignity and posted to Quito, where their second Ismailia, both in Egypt, before being gentlemanly bearing, with a keen mind daughter, Christina, was born in 2009. sent to Italy and then to France, the and a concern for others. He loved the They were assigned to Accra in 2011.

64 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL A time of service…a time of need Help for Seniors May During Washington, D.C., postings and overseas, Ms. Handall pursued her Be Just a Phone Call Away— career as an economist with the Inter- The Senior Living Foundation may be American Development Bank in Wash- able to help you or someone you know. ington, with CARE in El Salvador and Some examples of assistance are: as an economic specialist at Embassy Quito. N Home Health Care Ms. Handall was an avid tennis N Adult Day Care & Respite Care player, a dedicated mother and wife, N Prescription Drug Copayments and she loved to dance. She was hap- piest when surrounded by her many N Transportation to Medical Appointments friends and family, who remember her N Durable Medical Equipment generosity, compassion and positive, life-affirming spirit (see “Remembering For more information, please contact the SENIOR LIVING FOUNDATION Carolina” in the May edition of AFSA OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE News). 1716 N Street, NW N Washington, DC 20036-2902 She is survived by her parents, Phone: (202) 887-8170 N Fax: (202) 872-9320 E-Mail: [email protected] N Web Site: www.SLFoundation.org Juan Carlos and Liliana Handall, and her brother, Juan Pablo, of La Paz; her SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION husband, Daniel, and their daughters, Luciana and Christina, of Fairfax, Va.

n John James Keith, 32, beloved son of retired FSO and former Ambas- sador James Keith and his wife, Jan, died on Jan. 18 at his parents’ home in Reston, Va. John was born Park Jung-hyun in southwestern South Korea in 1980. Soon thereafter, his parents died of tubercu- losis. At about age 5 John suffered an accidental fall at an orphanage, result- ing in brain damage, cerebral palsy and seizure disorder. He first met the Keith family at age 14 in an orphanage in South Korea, when Mr. Keith was posted there as a political officer. The Keith family first fostered and then adopted John in 1995. John received numerous surgeries to help him walk while living with the Keiths in Seoul, and he became a popu- lar target of affection and attention at embassy events. While recovering from surgery, John received care and support from the pastoral community in Seoul

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 65 at Yongsan base. Father Erhart, a U.S. their families became John’s supporters, Virginia, which works to support adults Army Catholic priest, would regularly as well, including Jason’s wife, Annie, with lifelong disabilities, at www.sparc visit and offer Communion to John. and their daughter, Lily. John was proud solutions.org or by mail to SPARC, In 1997 John transferred to the to be an uncle and doted on his niece, P.O. Box 10797, Burke VA 22009. United States with his new family, set- much to the delight of Jason and Annie, tling into the Reston, Va., community who had both served in Korea with the n Shepard C. “Shep” Lowman, 86, that had been home to the Keiths since U.S. Army. a retired Foreign Service officer, died on 1983. John attended Marshall High Emily and Spencer were married in March 2 at his home in Fairfax, Va. School’s Davis Learning Center and 2011, providing John the opportunity to Born and raised in New York and eventually found his dream job, working sport a tuxedo and serve as one of the Oklahoma, Mr. Lowman served in at a movie theater. There he met and ushers, handing out programs from his the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. He befriended Phat Khomp, who was to wheelchair. received a B.A. degree from the Uni- become a faithful friend and mentor for When Scott was married to Barbara versity of Kentucky in 1952 and an LLB the rest of John’s life. in the fall of 2012, John’s health was from Harvard Law School in 1953. He John moved with his family to Hong already in decline, but he played his worked in the private sector until 1956. Kong, where he became a favorite of part in the wedding party, dancing in Mr. Lowman joined the State Depart- the consul general’s residence staff and his wheelchair along with his friends ment Foreign Service in 1957. After his volunteered, with his mother, at a local and family. first posting, to Vienna, he returned to orphanage. John similarly endeared Andrew was engaged to be married the department. In 1961 he was detailed himself to the residence staff in Kuala on New Year’s Eve 2012. While John was to Harvard University for advanced eco- Lumpur, where Mr. Keith served as at home under hospice care, on Jan. 17, nomic studies, and posted to Stuttgart ambassador. the day before he died, he was best man in 1962. In 1966, he was sent to Viet- The tropical heat was a challenge to Andrew and Kate at a marriage cer- nam, where he fell almost instantly in for John, who with his mother took up emony conducted in John’s bedroom at love with the country and its people. He the art of batik at the Kuala Lumpur the Keiths’ Reston home, with families met his future wife, Hiep, in Chau Doc Crafts Center. John enjoyed drawing of both bride and groom in attendance. in 1968. and developed a distinctive style. His Elizabeth (Lizzie) never knew family After several assignments in the pieces became treasured gifts to family life without John, because she was born department, in 1974 Mr. Lowman and friends, and his work was recog- in Seoul while he was being adopted returned to South Vietnam, this time nized by AFSA as one of their holiday and he left this world before she left as chief of the internal unit of Embassy postcards. their Reston home to make her own Saigon’s political section. There he was On return to Virginia from Kuala way in life. She and he shared a special charged with assisting with the 1975 Lumpur, while Mr. Keith served in bond. American evacuation, with particular Afghanistan, John’s health began to Mr. Keith and his wife, Jan, are responsibility for the family members of decline. His routine of exercising by grateful to the many Foreign Service American citizens and Vietnamese who walking the block in the Keiths’ Reston colleagues in Washington and scattered had been on our side. neighborhood began to erode. By the across Asia who embraced John with Back in Washington, Mr. Low- late fall of 2012, he was hospitalized. warmth and love. He had a difficult man was assigned to help resettle the Diagnosed with aplastic anemia, he life, but it was a life that brought grace 130,000 Indochinese refugees who were came home from the hospital under to others through his suffering. He streaming into the United States. There, hospice care in January. touched many people, helping all of as his colleague Lacy Wright puts it in John is survived by five siblings: them to gain perspective on their own the Appreciation on p. 41, he found his Jason, Emily, Scott, Andrew and Eliza- lives. calling. beth. They loved him dearly and were The family requests that donations By 1981 Mr. Lowman had become his protectors, his co-conspirators and in John’s name be made to the SPARC deputy assistant secretary in the State his best friends. When they married, Solutions organization in Northern Department’s Bureau of Refugee

66 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Programs. During this period he also American studies. n Virginia A. Weyres, 87, a retired worked to address the Cambodian In 1950 Mr. Rodgers took a leave Foreign Service officer, died on Nov. 19, exodus into Thailand, during which of absence to accept a State Depart- 2012, in Chapel Hill, N.C. more than 200,000 Khmer fled into ment grant to serve as director of the Ms. Weyres was born in Racine, Wis., Khao-I-Dang and other large refugee Nicaraguan-American Cultural Center on Jan. 28, 1925. She spent her child- camps, and with the Hmong refugees in Managua. From there he was trans- hood in West Bend, Wis., where she from Laos. ferred to Guatemala to serve as director worked as a bank teller until she passed His advocacy for the acceptance of of the Guatemalan-American Institute. the Foreign Service exam. She was one Indochinese refugees into third coun- There he met and married Mary Jea- of the few, and perhaps one of the first tries became a lifelong passion, which nette Kohler in 1952. women, to pass the exam without hav- he continued after his State Department After a year of further graduate ing gone to college. career ended, through positions at the study at the University of Minnesota, he She joined the Foreign Service in U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops, joined the Foreign Service of the United 1954. Her first posting was to Amman, the Jesuit Refugee Service and Refugees States Information Agency. His first after which she was transferred to Bue- International. It is a lasting hallmark of posting was as cultural attaché in San nos Aires in 1957 and then to Saigon in his accomplishments. Salvador. He was then assigned to Lima 1959. She was assigned to Oslo in 1962, Mr. Lowman is survived by his wife, to serve for two years as cultural affairs returning to the department in 1968. Hiep, of Fairfax, Va.; their children, officer and two years as information She ended her career as a State Depart- Kate, Thomas Trinh, Dinh Phuc Nguyen, officer. ment inspector. John Trink, Mary, Lina, Mark Nguyen Other foreign assignments included After retiring to Washington, D.C., and Lisa Lowman; 20 grandchildren; Santiago, Buenos Aires and San José. she continued to work as a consular and one great-grandson. During two tours at USIA in Washing- inspector for several years and was ton, D.C., he served as country affairs actively involved in various political and n William Henry Rodgers, 96, a officer for Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Venezu- charitable causes. retired Foreign Service officer, died on ela and the Caribbean area. Ms. Weyres had spent a month each Feb. 23 in Peoria, Ariz. After retirement from the Foreign winter on an island off the coast of Mr. Rodgers was born in Benton, Service in 1976, Mr. and Mrs. Rodg- North Carolina, and decided about a Mo., in 1916, and was raised there ers settled in Sun City, Ariz., in 1977. year ago to move to Chapel Hill, where until the last year of high school, He taught Spanish for five years at Rio several of her State Department friends which he spent at Central High in Cape Salado Community College and for 16 had already settled. Unfortunately, she Girardeau, Mo., graduating in 1934. years at the College of Extended Educa- was able to enjoy her new home for After two years at what is now tion of ASU (formally the Sun Cities only eight months, when she suffered a Southeast Missouri State University, he Center for Lifelong Learning at Arizona stroke from which she never recovered. transferred to the University of Wiscon- State University). Family members recall that Ms. sin in Madison, where he received a Mr. Rodgers was a volunteer instruc- Weyres loved her career, and considered bachelor’s degree in 1938 and a master’s tor in Spanish conversation for the herself blessed to have chosen it instead degree in 1939. His area of specializa- Circulo Español and was president of of the more conventional marriage and tion was Hispanic studies. that organization for two years. Other family. Her nieces and nephews credit He then taught Spanish at Kemper volunteer activities included tutoring her for the fact that they grew up with a Military School in Boonville, Mo., and at at the Dysart Community Center and greater awareness of the world, because the Lakeside School for Boys in Seattle, recording Spanish textbooks for the of the exotic gifts she sent from the Wash., until 1946, when he became an Recording for the Blind organization. places she was posted and her compel- instructor in the Romance languages He is survived by his beloved wife of ling stories about her years of service. department at the University of Min- 60 years, Mary K. Rodgers of Sun City; Ms. Weyres leaves two siblings and nesota. There he did further graduate a nephew, Daniel Miller; and a cousin, numerous nieces and nephews who work in Spanish literature and Latin Jack Helm. cherish her memory. n

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THINKING THROUGH EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS FOR YOUR FOREIGN SERVICE CHILD

Choosing a school for your FS child is not just about feeding the mind, but also feeding the young person’s appropriate social and emotional development. Here are some tips on how to make the right choice.

BY REBECCA GRAPPO

t’s hard to predict how a teen- bidding on posts while trying to find the Choosing a School ager will react to the idea of an right school for your child is a challenge. Though there are many benchmarks international move. Some see it The bid list of possible posts around the for determining the suitability of a as a grand adventure and look world comes out, and you have a tight school, it is important to keep in mind forward to the change of lifestyle turnaround time to figure out whether that every individual has their own with eagerness and enthusiasm. the job is right, the post is right, and needs. A school that is great for one stu- IYet many parents worry that they might the school is right. If you have to find dent may be a disaster for another. Here face the opposite reaction: open mutiny, a school that will meet the needs of an are some of the things to consider: complete with accusations of ruining the exceptional child, your anxiety can be Size. Larger schools tend to have more child’s life. Of course, the reaction could thrown into the red zone. academic and extracurricular offer- also be somewhere in between—or both, depending on the day. Each teenager is different, but one Rebecca Grappo, a certified educational planner, is the founder of RNG International Educa- thing is universal: Choosing a school is tional Consultants, LLC. She works with Third Culture Kids around the world and is a frequent not only about feeding the mind, but also presenter on the topic of global mobility and its impact on children and teens. Ms. Grappo feeding the young person’s appropriate does placements for international schools and boarding schools, including those for students social and emotional development. That with learning disabilities, as well as for therapeutic schools and programs. She also works with makes it a doubly important decision, students from around the world on college applications, and is an instructor with the Univer- one for which consideration of the child’s sity of California-Irvine, where she teaches other consultants how to work with international resilience is essential. students. Married to a retired career Foreign Service officer, she has raised their three children Even under the best of conditions, internationally. You can reach her at [email protected].

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Whether or not a large school is right mainly particular curriculum and stick with it. It is very difficult to switch between types of depends on the personality of the child. curricula without losing credits, or even the foundational work that is needed to ings, as well as a larger pool of students schools that feature a standard U.S. succeed in a course. in which newcomers can find friends curriculum with Advanced Placement If the student is thinking about col- like themselves—or what I like to call a courses or the International Baccalau- lege after high school, curriculum is an suitable peer group. But whether a large reate program. Other options typically even more important concern. Because school is right for a child mainly depends include local schools and, perhaps, Eng- many colleges are looking for a particular on his or her personality. Some students lish, French or German schools. sequence of courses and hours com- need a bigger stage and thrive in larger The language of instruction must pleted in each subject area, the student schools. Others may feel lost and invis- also be addressed. French and German and family are well-advised to start with ible in a large school, but thrive in the schools offer baccalaureate programs, the end goal and then work backward to intimacy of a smaller setting. but the medium of instruction is French ensure that all requirements will be met. Curriculum. Making a decision about and German respectively. So academic, Extracurricular activities. Not all the appropriate school should include a as well as social, fluency in those lan- cultures value extracurricular activities thorough look at the curriculum that is guages is imperative. as highly as Americans do. Many schools offered. Most families are familiar with Once students approach the high overseas do not even understand the the traditional American international school years, it is important to pick one concept, and it is normal for students to

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If the student is thinking about college after high school, curriculum is an even more important concern.

attend classes during the day and then go home. But as Dr. Madeline Levine, a child and adolescent psychologist, notes in Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success (Harper, 2012), extracurricular activities “contribute to many of the skills kids are developing— self-esteem, self-reliance, enthusiasm and a good work ethic, to name a few.” This experience is important in middle school, and the process continues into high school, helping adolescents develop a healthy self-concept and identity. By pursuing interests that foster per- sonal growth, students are also acquiring transferable skills that will help them plug into their new communities and make those vital social connections. If the school has no activities or the student is homeschooled, it can be challenging to find alternative ways to connect and stay active. But many teens get very involved in dance, music, sports, horsemanship, local leagues, church or other religious activities, and community service. As it happens, many of the young people who struggle most with moving are the ones who have not been involved in after-school activities. Perhaps they didn’t want to participate, had no way to get home after school, couldn’t find anything that interested them, or felt they had too much homework. Whatever the reason, too much time alone without positive peer relationships can lead to

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As it happens, many of the young people fortable. Still other teens may be in the cultural and linguistic minority, and find who struggle most with moving are the it hard to break into a well-established ones who have not been involved in social circle of local teens. after-school activities. Because healthy peer relationships are so important to adolescent develop- ment, this factor can be a deal breaker— feelings of loneliness and isolation—two academics would be unacceptably whether the school in question is at post very prominent risk factors for adoles- restricted at the school at post. or not. cents. Peer group. A related factor in select- School culture. Like any institution, In sum, when evaluating a future ing a particular school is whether or not schools have their own cultures. We assignment, it’s important to think a supportive and positive peer group can would like all schools to foster a culture about the availability of extracurricular be found there. Perhaps the social group of kindness, warmth, fairness, equality activities and the logistics of participa- in the school is a bit too fast and socially and acceptance. But not all schools do tion. Countries beset with civil unrest or sophisticated for your teen’s needs. Per- this well—and some might be quite sur- extreme transportation issues may create haps it’s not fast enough. prised if you even raise the subject. barriers for kids. Some families decide on Some Foreign Service children and As a result of working closely with boarding school because they realize that teens may feel bullied, left out or pres- students and families, I have heard a lot the opportunities for activities beyond sured in ways that make them uncom- Continued on p. 82

74 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 75 SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE Go to our webpage at www.afsa.org/fsj and search on “Schools”

76 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL

SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE Go to our webpage at www.afsa.org/fsj and search on “Schools”

78 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 79 SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE Go to our webpage at www.afsa.org/fsj and search on “Schools”

The Foreign Service Youth Foundation presents

The Kid’s Guide to Here Today, There Tomorrow: Of Many Lands: Living Abroad A Training Manual for Working Journal of a By Martine Zoer with Internationally Mobile Youth Traveling Childhood illus. M. Christensen By E. Parker & K. Rumrill-Teece By Martine Zoer ISBN 096585384-5 ISBN 0-9658538-3-7 ISBN 0-9658538-0-2 159 pages, $12.00 81 pages, $15.00 73 pages, $10.95

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The books are offered from FSYF and sold via amazon.com or via the FSYF Web site. FSYF earns a royalty for any purchase you make from Amazon when you enter via the online bookstore.

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Like any institution, schools have their own counseling process for U.S. colleges or universities. cultures. Since transitioning to the next phase of education is so important, it is benefi- Continued from page 74 in the school. Is there a healthy balance cial for students who don’t have access about the “inside story” at many schools, between nationalities? Does one group to college counseling to work with an and it used to surprise me to find out how dominate the others? Will your teen find independent educational consultant many schools don’t have these values. friends, or will your teen be on the out- who is familiar with students who have At some schools, the students are side looking in? lived abroad. The same can be said for so highly motivated and achievement- College counseling. Most of the students who wish to study outside the driven that they create a culture that is American international schools sup- United States, those who are seeking a hyper-competitive and filled with pres- ported by the Office of Overseas Schools, nontraditional postsecondary course of sure. The student who responds well in or accredited by an American accredita- study and, perhaps, special education such an environment may find that he tion agency, offer American-style college students seeking to learn more about or she likes being pushed to achieve. But counseling. However, many Foreign their options apart from a traditional those with a different temperament may Service students are enrolled in non- four-year college. shrink from the fray. American schools, and therefore may Safety. Students need to feel emotion- It is also important to consider the not have access to counselors at all, ally safe in order to learn. Beyond that, host-country culture and its influence much less ones who are familiar with the they also need to feel a sense of physical

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Not all families feel that the “American” According to DSSR 271.b, an “ade- quate school” is one that does not require school is the best fit for their child. “mandatory denominational religious instruction” and provides “an educa- security. With many more posts around during your tour. But given the effect on tional curriculum and services reason- the world considered dangerous, this is children, boarding school may be a better ably comparable to those normally pro- an increasingly relevant issue. Even if a option to consider in such circumstances. vided without charge in public schools in post has been secure in the past, it is not the United States.” immune from current events. Types of Schools Regional Education Officers from the As any family that has been evacuated American international schools are Office of Overseas Schools visit regularly knows, living under a security threat can very often the preference for Foreign and offer logistical and financial support have a very negative effect on students, Service families. The Department of to these schools. Families choose them and restricting their actions due to secu- State Office of Overseas Schools deter- for their quality, curriculum offerings, rity concerns may have a stunting effect mines the “adequacy” of elementary and extracurricular activities and college on their normal trajectory of develop- secondary schools at posts that are not counseling, and because they are most ment. Department of Defense schools, on the like the public schools their children Perhaps there are compelling reasons basis of whether they offer an education might find in the United States. to accept an assignment at a danger post; equivalent to that found in an American However, not all families feel that the or perhaps the post becomes dangerous public school. “American” school is the best fit for their

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Successful completion of the International external exams in those subject areas, and the scores are submitted to British Baccalaureate diploma requirements is universities. greatly respected by college admissions In general, there is also less focus on offices in the United States, but this course daily classroom work and more focus on exams in British schools. End-of-term of study is not for the faint of heart. exams are also externally graded (i.e., not by the same teacher who taught the course or knows the student). It is all very child. Teens with the profile of an “excep- many international capitals have schools different from what families are used to tional learner”—i.e., either gifted and that offer a British curriculum, helping to in American schools. talented, or with learning differences, ensure continuity for the student. Some families choose the French or ADHD, etc.—may find that they will be When students reach the equivalent German system. French Baccalaureate more readily accepted and better able to of grades 11 and 12 in the British system, and German Arbitur schools are known thrive in an alternative setting. they choose their A-level subjects, and for being very rigorous and demanding, Families may use the education allow- most students focus more narrowly and a student needs to be highly moti- ance to choose a different school. British on either a math/science track or an vated to push through the many require- schools are often a viable choice, because English/history/geography track. At the ments in these schools. English is the medium of instruction and end of the course of study, they are given Like their British school counterparts,

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Too often parents, educators and society Theory of Knowledge class and Creativ- ity, Action and Service hours. Final exams expect the gifted child to be able to fend are externally evaluated by the Interna- for himself or herself. After all, they’re tional Baccalaureate Organization, and bright, right? grades are given on a seven-point scale (not the 0-100 point scale used in most American schools). students are also asked to choose a ous college preparatory curriculum with Successful completion of the IB course of study that will emphasize either in-depth and integrated study of the core Diploma requirements is greatly math and science or the humanities. As subject areas (i.e., mathematics, science, respected by college admissions offices in the British system, math and science language arts, social sciences and foreign in the United States, but this course of subjects are approached differently, so it languages) at either the Higher Level or study is not for the faint of heart. One might be difficult to transfer such credits. Standard Level. common misunderstanding about the IB Students may take individual IB program is that it is transferable wherever IB and AP Programs courses, opting for certificates for those one goes in the world. This is not exactly Both American and other interna- they have completed, or they can seek true: in fact, the diploma program is cus- tional high schools are increasingly to obtain the IB Diploma. The diploma tomized in each country and geographic offering the International Baccalaureate requires additional work, consisting of area to reflect the local culture and program. The IB program is a very rigor- an Extended Essay, completion of the history. Families need to confirm that all

88 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL From the FSJ Education Supplement December 2009 The ABCs of Education Allowances BY PAMELA WARD

mployees of government agencies assigned overseas are granted allowances to help defray the cost of education Efor their children in kindergarten through 12th grade, one equivalent to that provided by public school systems in the United States. In most cases, posts abroad are served by one or more English-language schools with an American curriculum. The majority of these are nongovernmental, nonprofit, nondenominational, independent schools, usually with a board of directors establishing policy and a superintendent, headmaster or principal as the senior administrator. Even though these schools may be called American, they are not entities of the U.S. government. Some receive government grants for specific purposes, but these grants represent a small percentage of the overall budget. Children of many nationalities attend these schools—including, in most schools, a significant percentage of host-country students. The allowances for a specific post are determined by the fees charged by a school identified as providing a basic U.S.- type education. Parents may use this allowance to send their children to a different school of their choice, say a parochial or foreign-language institution, as long as the cost does not exceed that of the “base” school. If the alternative school is more expensive than the “base” model, the difference would be an out-of-pocket expense for the parents. An allowance covers only expenses for those services usually available without cost in American public schools, including tuition, transportation and textbooks. There are several offices in the Department of State prepared to help you understand how the educational allowances work. These include the Office of Overseas Schools (www.state.gov/m/a/os), the Office of Allowances (http://aoprals. state.gov) and the Family Liaison Office (www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c1958.htm).

Excerpted from the article by Pamela Ward, a regional education officer in the State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools, in the December 2009 FSJ. The complete article is available online at www.afsa.org/fsj.

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The line between homeschooling and One point of caution for parents moving with high school students is that distance learning and online schools is it can be very difficult to move from an starting to blur. IB school to a school with AP courses or vice versa—especially between 11th and 12th grades. In some cases, schools will credits will transfer if the student moves that college’s grade requirement (usually not admit students to an IB program for between the junior and senior year, and a score of 4 or 5). just one year; in other cases, the course they need to determine what credits Whereas the IB Diploma program credits do not align, making it difficult and courses remain to meet graduation involves an integrated group of courses, to graduate on time. So it’s important to requirements. the AP program consists of a menu of investigate these questions thoroughly The other college preparatory course 31 possible courses (not all courses are before making any decisions about a new of study commonly found at American offered by all schools). Depending on assignment. international schools is the Advanced their capacity for hard work, their apti- Placement program. AP courses, and tude and their interests, a student might Exceptional Learning Needs the exams, are designed by the College choose to take one or more AP courses Exceptional learners include students Board in the United States. Some colleges (rarely more than four or five at a time, with learning differences as well as those accept AP credits when students meet however). who are extraordinarily gifted. Profes-

From the FSJ Education Supplement June 2009 A Vital Point of Contact: The Office of Overseas Schools BY KRISTIN GRASSO AND CAROL SUTHERLAND stablished in 1964, the Office of Overseas Schools coordinates This information is available from the Community Liaison Officer Eand administers the Department of State’s Overseas Schools at each post and on the A/OPR/OS intranet site. Copies of the CD- Assistance Program. A/OPR/OS works to ensure that the best pos- ROM are also available to individuals upon request. In addition, A/ sible educational opportunities are available for dependents of U.S. OPR/OS maintains a resource center on schools at each post includ- government personnel while stationed abroad. ing yearbooks, newsletters, school profiles and a few videotapes. While the office’s primary goal in supporting schools abroad is As all Foreign Service parents know, the quality of education avail- to promote quality, American-style educational opportunities, it also able is a major factor they consider in the bidding process for over- increases mutual understanding between the people of the United seas assignments. Foreign Service personnel being posted overseas States and those from other countries through its assistance to who have school-age children should therefore make A/OPR/OS one overseas schools by demonstrating American educational ideas, of their first points of contact. principles and methods. To reach the Office of Overseas Schools, you can use any of the The schools A/OPR/OS assists are independent, nonprofit and following methods: nondenominational. In most cases, they were established on a coop- Tel: (202) 261-8200 erative basis by U.S. citizens residing in foreign communities. The Fax: (202) 261-8224 schools vary widely in historical background, size and complexity, E-Mail: [email protected] ranging from tiny primary schools with fewer than a dozen students Internet: www.state.gov/m/a/os to large K-12 schools with enrollments approaching 4,000. (Contains the list of REOs and their regions) The Department of State does not operate these schools; instead, Intranet: http://aopros.a.state.gov ownership and policy control are typically in the hands of parent (Contains the list of REOs and their regions) associations that elect school boards. The boards then develop Address: 2401 E Street NW (SA-1) school policies and select administrators, who oversee day-to-day Room H328 operations. Washington DC 20241-0003 In the 2008-2009 academic year, the State Department assisted Resource Center Hours: 196 schools, and A/OPR/OS publishes a one-page fact sheet on Monday thru Friday, each of them. The office also compiles a CD-ROM of detailed reports 8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on more than 500 preschools, elementary schools and secondary schools. These backgrounders bring together information on course Excerpted from the article of the same title by Kristin Grasso and offerings, special programs, programs for children with special needs, Carol Sutherland of the Office of Overseas Schools. The complete article extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, etc. may be accessed online at www.afsa.org/fsj.

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It can be difficult to find the right level the highly gifted. Often they have dif- ficulty relating to their peers—whether it of mental health or counseling support involves everyday conversation, social- at many posts, so the special education izing or sharing age-appropriate jokes. As allowance also supports therapeutic schools a result, many exceptional students also face social isolation, which can be a risk and programs as an option. factor for mental health and behavioral issues. Teens with learning differences need to find not only learning support, sionals describe students who are both is 100 points, a child with one standard but activities where they can feel suc- as “2E” or “twice exceptional.” (Another deviation of 15 points would have an IQ cessful. term for this is GT/LD, which stands for of 85 points or 115. Two standard devia- Bidders with an exceptional children, “gifted and talented/learning disabled.”) tions would be 70 or 130. Clearly, we should contact each school, present the Too often parents, educators and would educate the student with a 70 IQ documentation you have defining your society expect the gifted child to be able differently, so why would we ignore the child’s special needs, and then determine to fend for himself or herself. After all, unique needs of the student with a 130 whether it can meet those needs. I rec- they’re bright, right? They should be able IQ? ommend contacting the special educa- to just get on with it. An additional factor is how best to tion coordinator or school counselor But consider this: If the average IQ meet the social and emotional needs of as a first step. A phone call will allow

92 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL From the FSJ Education Supplement December 2012 No, Really, the World Is My Classroom! Homeschooling in the Foreign Service BY ELIZABETH POWER

hen they are out and about in the middle of a Wweekday, my three kids are routinely asked by con- fused and curious strangers, “What are you doing out of school?” Their confusion only grows when my kids answer proudly, “We don’t go to school—we homeschool.” We are one of many Foreign Service families that have made the choice to educate their children at home over the years, following a general trend in the U.S. population. The Family Liaison Office estimates that approximately 1,000 FS children are currently homeschooled overseas. Homeschooling can include a wide variety of educational styles and practices. An excerpt from the article by the same title by Elizabeth Power, an FSO who, with her husband, Conor, homeschools their three children. The complete article can be accessed online at www.afsa.org/fsj.

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The regulation states that the course of study moderate learning differences in the lower grades. However, once they become older must either be accredited or be approved by and enter high school, the work becomes the school district in the child’s home school more complex, the tasks required of district in the United States. students are more demanding, and the ability of most international schools to meet those needs diminishes. This is when you to explain the circumstances more conversations. Yes, you want your child to a boarding school that truly understands effectively than just sending an e-mail. be admitted. But the more important goal and welcomes a child with exceptional It’s easier to say no to an e-mail than it is is for your child to be in an environment needs may be the best possible option. after listening to a person’s story. Be sure where he or she will thrive. Do not with- Fortunately, the away-from-post allow- to highlight any strength that your child hold information. Once you disclose your ance for students with special needs is has so that the focus is not solely on the child’s learning differences, be alert to the generous and will generally cover the cost psychological-educational evaluation. response. If the school is negative or not of a first-class education. School records with teacher comments willing to embrace your child, you need to are also important. think twice about that school. Other Educational Options It is extremely important to be as In my experience, many international Homeschooling. Many more families honest and forthright as possible in these schools can now accommodate mild to are choosing the option of homeschool- Continued on p. 98

94 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL From the FSJ Education Supplement June 2010 Online Education: Unprecedented Opportunities BY KRISTI STREIFFERT

ust as today’s Foreign Service Jfamilies cannot imagine how their predecessors lived without the Internet, we may soon be wondering how we ever got along without online education. Distance learning, as it is sometimes called, offers an unparalleled opportunity for FS family members to target and tailor their educational needs to their circumstances. Universities offer online undergraduate degrees in nearly every possible topic—from interior design to accounting. There is no one set of programs that works best for FS families—to suggest otherwise would be to ignore the wide array of circumstances of family members (age, educational level, English-language abilities, and interests and talents, to name a few). In fact, the plethora of oppor- tunities for online students means that the buyer must beware. The online student must identify his or her educational goals clearly—A degree? A postgraduate degree? A certificate? Continuing education credits? Then he or she carefully chooses the appropriate institution and program. This is excerpted from the article of the same title by Kristi Strei- ffert, a Foreign Service spouse and freelance writer, that was published in the June 2010 Schools Supple- ment. The complete article can be accessed online at www.afsa.org/ fsj.

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The special education allowance also supports therapeutic schools and programs as an option for families.

Continued from p.94 ing, and the education allowance sup- they can take a single class that may not be ports this (see Department of State Stan- offered in their school overseas. Distance dardized Regulations 277.3). The children learning is making the world of educa- of some Foreign Service families who have tional opportunities accessible from the taken this option do extremely well in comfort of one’s home. academic achievement and development Boarding schools. Boarding schools of talents, to the benefit of their college are often a wonderful option for students applications. who need consistency in the curriculum, Some students follow a prepared friends and activities to thrive. Many posts curriculum that is packaged by a home- around the world simply do not offer schooling company. Others cobble the high school program that will meet together their own program by combining a student’s educational needs. In those classes and courses from different home- situations, a boarding school can be the schooling curricula. The State Department solution. regulation states that the course of study There are all kinds of schools, each must be either accredited or approved with a different focus, culture and niche. by the child’s home school district in the They can be small, medium or large, and United States. can focus on the arts, a sport or a certain Other families create a hybrid model element of academics. Students with that combines homeschooling with learning differences might also thrive participation in a few classes or activi- more in the supportive atmosphere of ties at the school at post. Whether or not a school with a specialized program to the school at post will agree to such a address their needs. hybrid arrangement must be determined Therapeutic schools and programs. beforehand. Some families have done this Adolescence can be a difficult and chal- successfully to help their children with lenging time for most students, but some special learning needs. young people struggle more than others Distance learning. The line between with the normal trajectory of develop- homeschooling and distance learning and ment. Many teenagers today are at risk for online schools is starting to blur. School mental health issues such as depression, districts themselves offer classes online, anxiety, eating disorders, cutting, suicidal and there are also distance learning thoughts, substance use, oppositional schools that offer a full array of classes for behavior and other self-harming behav- the online student. These might include iors. Studies indicate that students with virtual academies such as Laurel Springs ADHD and learning differences can be or K12, and even schools for the gifted especially at risk. student such as EPGY, offered through It can be extremely difficult to find the Stanford University. right level of mental health or counseling Students can either enroll for the entire support at many posts around the world. school year or for a semester online, or Therefore, the special education allow-

98 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL From the FSJ Education Supplement June 2011 Promoting Your Child’s Emotional Health BY REBECCA GRAPPO

espite the spread of globalization and the sharp Dincrease in the size of the American expatriate population around the world, a clear understanding of the emotional and psychological demands and implications of an internationally mobile lifestyle—for children, in particu- lar—is still at a premium. And, at one time or another, most Foreign Service par- ents ask themselves the same questions: What am I doing to my kid? Is this globally nomadic lifestyle a good thing or a bad thing? There are no right or wrong answers to these ques- tions; but there are ways to protect and promote the emotional well-being and resilience of internationally mobile children. This is excerpted from the article by the same title by Rebecca Grappo, an FS spouse and certified educational planner. The complete article can be accessed online at www.afsa.org/fsj.

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100 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Moving overseas with teenagers can be a great adventure, and many students thrive in this lifestyle of global mobility.

ance also supports therapeutic schools and programs as an option for families. The right therapeutic intervention might make all the difference between a student who learns how to cope with the chal- lenges and one who suffers.

Some Closing Thoughts Moving overseas with teenagers can be a great adventure, and many students thrive in this lifestyle of global mobility. They love the thrill of adventure, appreci- ate cultural diversity and embrace the life of the expat teen. Teens who have portable interests and talents or skills seem to be able to adapt more easily to new aca- demic, social and physical environments. However, not all teens are able to cope with the changes that come with an international move. In particular, students who have difficulty learning, interacting with peers or interpreting social cues often struggle more. Sometimes the inability to adjust to a new environment results in maladaptive behaviors, self-harm and mental health issues. No parents want their child to suffer, and no parents move with the intent of hurting their child’s development. But it is essential for parents to look at “the big picture” when bidding on posts overseas, to be sure that their teenager’s academic, social and emotional needs will be met. Selecting the right school can make all the difference. n

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Putting College Rankings into Perspective nnual college rankings is a cut- Athroat business that has led many schools to shun student needs and the needs of society in favour of maintaining or increasing “prestige.” According to Rachel Fishman and Robert Kelchen in the September/ October 2012 Washington Monthly, many schools have moved up the U.S. News & World Report rankings by increasing their spending and raising admissions standards and tuition rates to recruit “a better sort” of student, abandoning all but the most privileged students. In response to this trend, in 2005 Washington Monthly began publish- ing its own ranking system to evalu- ate schools’ effectiveness rather than their status. WM’s “different kind of college ranking” looks at how well a school performs with the students it has in terms of metrics that measure the widely shared national goal of increasing social mobility, producing research and inspiring public service. “What are colleges doing for the country?” WM asks. This year, with the cost of educa- tion becoming an ever more serious crisis, WM has introduced a new factor into its unique rankings that evaluates a school’s cost-effective- ness. The “cost-adjusted gradua- tion rate” gives the highest rank- ings to schools that have not only better-than-expected graduation rates (measured by comparing the school’s expected and actual gradu- ation rate) but at the same time keep the prices low. WM’s complete 2012 college rankings, as well as insightful discus- sion of the most recent trends in education, can be found online in the College Guide section of the publica- tion’s Web site (WashingtonMonthly. com/College_Guide). —Susan Brady Maitra, Senior Editor

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From the December 2011 FSJ Education Supplement College Applications Checklist for 11th-Graders BY FRANCESCA KELLY

hen it comes to college admissions, junior year Wof high school is crunch time. This is when you’re expected to take the most challenging courses, get the best grades and start racking up those SAT or ACT scores. Junior year is the last full academic year that factors into acceptance decisions from colleges. It also provides an opportunity to bring up a mediocre grade point average and polish your resumé. In addition, you can finish—yes, finish—a whole swath of the applications process in 11th grade so that you do not get hit with a ton of pressure the next fall. This no-nonsense, month-by-month guide from December through August of your junior year will help you get a head start on the college application process and sail through your senior year. Francesca Kelly, a Foreign Service spouse, is a col- lege applications essay tutor and writes frequently on educational issues. The college applications checklist for 11th-graders in the December 2011 issue of the FSJ is available online at www.afsa.org/fsj.

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EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

106 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS n LEGAL SERVICES FREE TAX CONSULTATION for overseas personnel. We process federal and state returns as received, without delay. Preparation and representa- ATTORNEY WITH 32 YEARS’ successful experience SPECIALIZING tion by enrolled agents includes “TAX TRAX”—a unique mini-financial FULL-TIME IN FS GRIEVANCES will more than double your chance of planning review with recommendations. Full financial planning also winning: 30% of grievants win before the Grievance Board; 85% of my available. Get the most from your financial dollar! clients win. Only a private attorney can adequately develop and present Financial Forecasts Inc., Barry B. De Marr, CFP, EA and Bryan F. De Marr, your case, including necessary regs, arcane legal doctrines, precedents principals. and rules. 3918 Prosperity Avenue #318, Fairfax VA 22031. Call Bridget R. Mugane at: Tel: (703) 289-1167. Tel: (301) 596-0175 or (202) 387-4383. Fax: (703) 289-1178. Free initial telephone consultation. E-mail: [email protected]

EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING FS officers in griev- TAXES FOR US EXPATS: Brenner & Elsea-Mandojana, LLC is a profes- ances, performance, promotion and tenure, financial claims, discrimina- sional services firm that specializes in the tax, financial planning and tion and disciplinary actions. We represent FS officers at all stages of the business advisory needs of U.S. expatriates. Managing member Jim proceedings from an investigation, issuance of proposed discipline or Brenner, CPA/ABV, has been a certified public accountant for over 30 the initiation of a grievance, through to a hearing before the FSGB. We years. He provides U.S. individual tax planning, tax preparation and busi- provide experienced, timely and knowledgeable advice to employees ness consulting services tailored to the needs of U.S. expatriates. from junior untenured officers through the Senior FS, and often work Jim is also an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent for persons needing assis- closely with AFSA. Kalijarvi, Chuzi & Newman. tance with taxpayer ID numbers. Tel: (202) 331-9260. Tel: (281) 360-2800. E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (281) 359-6080. Email: jim@globaltaxconsult WILLS/ESTATE PLANNING by attorney who is a former FSO. Have your Web site: www.globaltaxconsult.com will reviewed and updated, or a new one prepared. No charge for initial consultation. FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR FS FAMILIES. Carrington Financial M. Bruce Hirshorn, Boring & Pilger, P.C. Planning, LLC of Arlington, Va., provides financial planning services 307 Maple Ave. W., Suite D, Vienna VA 22180. to Foreign Service families worldwide. Principal William Carrington Tel: (703) 281-2161. Fax: (703) 281-9464. is a Foreign Service spouse with 19 years of FS experience. Web-based E-mail: [email protected] process provides customized, collaborative, financial planning services. Specially approved to use Dimensional Funds. Fee-Only, Fiduciary-Stan- ATTORNEYS EXPERIENCED IN representing Foreign Service officers dard, Registered Investment Adviser (RIA). Licensed and insured. and intelligence community members in civil and criminal investi- E-mail: [email protected] gations, administrative inquiries, IG issues, grievances, disciplinary Web site: www.CarringtonFP.com investigations and security clearance issues. Extensive State Depart- ment experience, both as counsel to the IG and in L, and in represent- n TAX PREPARATION SERVICE ing individual officers. We have handled successfully some particularly difficult cases confronting Foreign Service and intelligence officers, both BACTRIAN TAX AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES: Experienced, IRS- before the Foreign Service Grievance Board and in the federal and local registered tax accountant with 7+ years of experience preparing U.S. courts. We work closely with AFSA when appropriate and cost-effective. federal and state individual income tax returns for federal employees, Doumar Martin PLLC. contractors and military personnel overseas. Specialized in preparing tax Tel: (703) 243-3737. Fax: (703) 524-7610. returns for overseas taxpayers with foreign earned income, foreign pas- E-mail: [email protected] sive income and foreign tax-paid credit, Foreign Bank Accounts Reports, Web site: www.doumarmartin.com and foreign corporations owned by U.S. persons (Form 5471). Help to deal with IRS notices and delinquent taxes. Fees start from $150 for basic n TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES returns; call or e-mail Ulzii Seitz for a quote and file your tax by June 15 deadline for overseas taxpayers. DAVID L. MORTIMER, CPA: Income tax planning and Tel: (224) 616-9125. preparation for 20 years in Alexandria, VA. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Free consultation. Tel: (703) 743-0272. EXPAT COUNSELING AND COACHING SERVICES offers individual E-mail: [email protected] counseling and psychotherapy, marriage counseling, and executive Web site: www.mytaxcpa.net coaching to the FS community worldwide using Skype. Dhyan Summers, LMFT, founder, and lead therapist has been a California state-licensed psychotherapist for 35 years. She has been working with the FS com- PROFESSIONAL TAX RETURN PREPARATION munity for 5 years and is an American expat based in New Delhi, India. Forty years in public tax practice. Arthur A. Granberg, EA, ATA, ATP. Our Please see her article in Dec 2012 FSJ, The Impact of Transitions on charges are $95 per hour. Most FS returns take 3 to 4 hours. Our office is Foreign Service Families. 100 feet from Virginia Square Metro Station. Tax Matters Associates PC, Tel: (91) 9871232 747. 3601 North Fairfax Dr., Arlington VA 22201. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (703) 522-3828. Fax: (703) 522-5726. Web site: www.expatcounselingandcoaching.com E-mail: [email protected]

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 107 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

n TEMPORARY HOUSING CAPITOL HILL, FURNISHED housing: 1-3 blocks to Capitol. Nice places, great location. Well below per diem. Short-term OK. GSA small ENJOY YOUR STAY in Washington in historic guest rooms just blocks business and veteran-owned. from the White House! Rooms available to DACOR members and their Tel: (202) 544-4419. guests, $119/night/single, $135/night/double, all taxes and continental [email protected] breakfast (M-F) included. Web site: www.capitolhillstay.com For reservations call: (202) 682-0500, ext. 11. E-mail: [email protected] DC GUEST APARTMENTS: Not your typical “corporate” apartments— Web site: www.dacorbacon.org we’re different! Located in Dupont Circle, we designed our apartments as places where we’d like to live and work—beautifully furnished and fully equipped (including Internet & satellite TV). Most importantly, we FURNISHED LUXURY APARTMENTS: Short/long-term. Best locations: understand that occasionally needs change, so we never penalize you if Dupont Circle, Georgetown. Utilities included. All price ranges/sizes. you leave early. You only pay for the nights you stay, even if your plans Parking available. change at the last minute. We also don’t believe in minimum stays or Tel: (202) 296-4989. extra charges like application or cleaning fees. And we always work with E-mail: [email protected] you on per diem. Tel: (202) 536-2500. PIED-A-TERRE PROPERTIES, LTD: Select from our unique inventory of E-mail: [email protected] completely furnished & tastefully decorated apartments & townhouses, Web site: www.dcguestapartments.com all located in D.C.’s best in-town neighborhoods: Dupont, Georgetown, Foggy Bottom & the West End. Mother-daughter owned and operated. FIND PERFECT HOUSING by using the free Reservation Service Tel: (202) 462-0200. Fax: (202) 332-1406. Agency, Accommodations 4 U. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (843) 347-8900. Web site: www.piedaterredc.com E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.accommodations4u.net CORPORATE APARTMENT SPECIALISTS: Abundant experience working with Foreign Service professionals and the locations to best SERVING FOREIGN SERVICE PERSONNEL FOR 25 YEARS, serve you: Foggy Bottom, Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, Chevy Chase, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH PETS. Selection of condos, townhouses and Rosslyn, Ballston, Pentagon City. Our office is a short walk from NFATC. single-family homes accommodates most breeds and sizes. All within a One-month minimum. All furnishings, houseware, utilities, telephone short walk of Metro stations in Arlington. Fully furnished and equipped and cable included. 1-4 bedrooms, within per diem rates. Tel: (703) 979-2830 or (800) 914-2802. Fax: (703) 979-2813. EXECUTIVE LODGING ALTERNATIVES. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.corporateapartments.com TURNKEY HOUSING SOLUTIONS. Experience working with Foreign SHORT-TERM RENTALS • TEMPORARY HOUSING Service professionals on standard and distinctive temporary housing solutions in the D.C. area’s best locations (NW DC, North Arlington, WASHINGTON, D.C., or NFATC TOUR? EXECUTIVE HOUSING Crystal/Pentagon City, Suburban Maryland). Northern Virginia-based CONSULTANTS offers Metropolitan Washington, D.C.’s finest port- company offers local customer service and a personalized touch. folio of short-term, fully furnished and equipped apartments, town- Tel: (703) 615-6591. homes and single-family residences in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. E-mail: [email protected] In Virginia: “River Place’s Finest” is steps to Rosslyn Metro and Web site: www.tkhousing.com Georgetown, and 15 minutes on Metro bus or State Department shuttle to NFATC. For more info, please call (301) 951-4111, or visit TOWNHOME FOR RENT. Bright end unit in quiet, gated development our Web site at www.executivehousing.com. Washington, D.C. Two bedrooms, office, and garage; convenient to shop- ping and transportation (10-minute walk to Union Station). All utilities n TEMPORARY HOUSING included; rent depends on length of stay (one-month minimum); will tailor to per diem. For details, please e-mail [email protected] or ARLINGTON FLATS: 1-BR, 2-BR, and 4-BR flats in 2 beautiful buildings call (202) 552-9873. 3 blocks from Clarendon Metro. Newly renovated, completely furnished, n PROPERTY MANAGEMENT incl. all utilities/Internet/HDTV w/DVR. Parking, maid service, gym, rental car available. Rates start at $2,600/month. Per diem OK. NORTHERN VIRGINIA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. Are you look- Min. 30 days. ing for a competent manager to take care of your home when you go to Tel: (571) 235-4289. post this summer? Based in McLean, Va., Peake Management, Inc. has E-mail: [email protected] worked with Foreign Service officers for over 30 years. We are active See 2-BR at Web site: http://www.postlets.com/rtpb/1908292 board members of the Foreign Service Youth Foundation and many other community organizations. We really care about doing a good job in DC FURNISHED EXTENDED STAY in Penn Quarter/Chinatown. The renting and managing your home, so we’re always seeking cutting-edge Lansburgh, 425 8th Street NW. 1-BR and 2-BR apartments w/fully technology to improve service to our clients, from innovative market- equipped kitchens, CAC & heat, high-speed Internet, digital cable TV ing to active online access to your account. We offer a free, copyrighted w/HBO, fitness center w/indoor pool, resident business center, 24-hour Landlord Reference Manual to guide you through the entire preparation, reception desk, full concierge service, secure parking available, con- rental and management process, or just give our office a call to talk to the trolled-entry building, 30-day minimum stay. Walk to Metro, FBI, DOJ, agent specializing in your area. Peake Management, Inc. is a licensed, EPA, IRS, DOE, DHH, U.S. Capitol. Rates within government per diem. full-service real estate broker. Discount for government, diplomats. Visit our Web site at: 6842 Elm St., Suite 303, McLean VA 22101. www.TheLansburgh.com or call the leasing office at (888) 313-6240. Tel: (703) 448-0212. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.peakeinc.com

108 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL n REAL ESTATE n USAID ONLINE DIRECTORY

LOOKING TO BUY, sell or rent property in THE USAID ALUMNI ASSOCIATION encourages all former agency Northern Virginia? This former FSO understands employees to register with its online directory and become contribut- your needs and can help. References available. ing members. The UAA Web site (www.usaidalumni.org) and monthly David Olinger, GRI Long & Foster, Realtors. e-mail newsletters will keep you up-to-date on international develop- Tel: (703) 864-3196. ment issues, networking and discussion events, as well as the activities of E-mail: [email protected] your colleagues. UAA welcomes retired USAID FSOs, General Schedule employees, Web site: www.davidolinger.lnf.com political appointees, Foreign Service Nationals and Third-Country Nationals from around the globe, as well as those employed through HEADED TO MAIN STATE? Time to Buy or Sell in DC or Virginia? Tap interagency service agreements (e.g., RASA, PASA) and personal services into my 25+ years of experience providing FS personnel with exclusive contractors with at least two years of USAID service. representation. By focusing on your needs, my effective approach makes Since UAA is a nonprofit organization, all membership contributions the transition easier for you and your family. References gladly provided. are tax-deductible. Contact Marilyn Cantrell, Associate Broker (licensed in VA and DC), Join UAA today! McEnearney Associates, McLean VA. Tel: (703) 860-2096. n INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.MarilynCantrell.com ADOPT WHILE POSTED OVERSEAS! Adopt Abroad, Incorporated was created to assist expatriates with their adoption needs. U.S.-licensed and Hague-accredited, we conduct adoption home studies and child place- PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE services provided by John Kozyn of ment services, using caseworkers based worldwide. Coldwell Banker in Arlington, Va. Need to buy or sell? My expertise will Adopt Abroad, Inc. serve your specific needs and time frame. FSO references gladly pro- 1424 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA vided. Licensed in VA and DC. 7501 Snow Pea Court Alexandria, VA Tel: (202) 288-6026. Tel: (888) 687-3644. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.adopt-abroad.com Web site: www.cbmove.com/johnkozyn n ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE n REAL ESTATE PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: $1.45/word (10-word min). Hyperlink $11 SARASOTA, FLA. PAUL BYRNES, FSO retired, and Loretta Friedman, in online edition. Bold text 85¢/word. Header or box-shading $11 each. Coldwell Banker, offer vast real estate experience in assisting diplomats. Deadline: Five weeks ahead of publication. Enjoy gracious living, no state income tax, and an exciting market. Tel: (202) 944-5507. Fax: (202) 338-8244. Tel: (941) 377-8181. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] (Paul) or [email protected] (Loretta) n HOME REPAIRS

NOW IS THE time to think about getting your home in NORTHERN VIRGINIA ready to occupy or put on the market. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or a bathroom and/or kitchen remodel, Door2Door Designs will do the work for you while you’re away. We specialize in working with Foreign Service and military families living abroad. Many wonderful references from happy families. Contact Nancy Sheehy. Tel: (703) 244-3843. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.DOOR2DOORDESIGNS.COM n SHOPPING

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THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 109 REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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112 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2013 113 LOCAL LENS

BY DEBI DEMETRION n LAHORE, PAKISTAN

little girl rests against the tiles of a pillar during play at the Tomb of Jahangir, the Mughal emperor who ruled what is now Pakistan from 1605 to 1627. Wherever I’ve served, I’ve Abeen fascinated with the children I’ve encountered. Their innocence and love of life, even in poverty, are inspiring. n

Debi Demetrion is an Office Management Specialist in the Regional Secu- rity Office of Consulate Lahore. She has served previously in Honduras and Oman. Lahore is Ms. Demetrion’s last posting, as she will reach mandatory retirement age in 2014. Wishing she had discovered this career earlier in her life, she vows to use her remaining 15 months to travel the region, capturing more of the youth of the world with her camera, a Sony a55.

Enter your photography to be featured in Local Lens! Images must be high resolution (at least 300 dpi at 8 x 10”). Please submit a short description of the scene/event, as well as your name, brief biodata and the type of camera used, to [email protected].

114 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL