U.S. Image
Carnegie's Husain Haqqani analyzes (
An American on Muslim Street) the efforts of the newly appointed Under-Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Karen Hughes, in communicating with the Muslim world. How is she doing so far? If you are interested in learning more about public diplomacy, Voice of America has put together
this guide with links to recent news, a bio on Karen Hughes, and related links.
For Discussion: How should we seek to improve the image of the U.S. abroad? Does imagery even matter in foreign affairs?
U.S. Role & Religious FreedomThe U.S. Department of State released the seventh annual International Religious Freedom Report this week, it examines the status of religious freedom around the world. The 2005 report redesignates Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Vietnam as "Countries of Particular Concern" for severe violations of religious freedom. As Secretary Rice heads back to the Middle East later this week, she will have an opportunity to gauge for herself how well this report is being received in the region. The full text of the 2005 report and previous reports are available on the
State Department Web site.
For Discussion: The U.S. values religious freedom and tolerance. Is promoting U.S. values abroad a proper role and goal of American foreign policy? Should the U.S. establish itself as the judge of other countries religious freedom?
