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The New Media Landscape in Campaign 2008

The rise in popular distrust of traditional media and dissatisfaction with them has resulted in an explosion of alternative media. Blogs, in particular, have had a great impact on contemporary public opinion and public affairs argumentation. The 2008 U.S. presidential election highlights the dramatic way new media influence politics and raises important questions about the future of journalism.

David D. Perlmutter, Ph.D. is a professor at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. He is the author or editor of seven books on political communication and persuasion and has most recently published Blogwars: The New Political Battleground, which describes the growing impact of bloggers on elections. He has also written several dozen research articles for academic journals, newspapers and magazines and has been interviewed by most major news networks and newspapers, from the New York Times and CNN to The Daily Show. Perlmutter received his B.A. and M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

This webchat will take place at http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/munich. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

Asia-Pacific Policy Debate

What would U.S. foreign policy toward Asia and the Pacific look like if John McCain or Barack Obama were elected as the next president of the United States? On September 22, senior foreign affairs advisers to Obama and McCain will debate on Asia-Pacific policy at the National Press Club in Washington.

The debate, sponsored by the National Bureau of Asian Research, will be webcast on Wednesday, September 24, at 6 a.m. EDT.

McCain-Palin representatives:

Michael J. Green is an associate professor of international relations at Georgetown University, senior adviser and Japan chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and former special assistant to the president and former senior director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council.

Daniel A. Blumenthal is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, and a former senior director for China, Taiwan and Mongolia in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs at the Department of Defense.

Obama-Biden representatives:

Ambassador Robert S. Gelbard is the chairman of Washington Global Partners LLC and former ambassador to Indonesia and Bolivia. He was President Clinton’s special envoy to the Balkans and is former assistant secretary of state for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs at the Department of State. 

Frank Jannuzi is on the staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is a former political-military analyst with the Bureau of Intelligence and Research at the Department of State.

To view this webcast, go to http://www.cpcwebcast.com/state No registration is required.

Elections 2008: The Electoral College

The Electoral College is the system by which each state appoints electors who choose the U.S. president after the popular vote has been cast. Established by the U.S. Constitution in 1787, the Electoral College forces candidates to reach out beyond the large population centers and campaign in places that would be ignored in a direct election system. But has the Electoral College outlived its usefulness?

On September 24, at 9 a.m. EDT (13:00 GMT), ask all your questions concerning the Electoral College to America.gov elections expert Michelle Austein.

Michelle Austein keeps you up to date on the candidates, issues and quirky happenings in the 2008 campaign — the third national election cycle she has covered — on her America.gov blog, Campaign Trail Talk. In addition to bringing you information on the presidential race, she is coordinating coverage of seven congressional districts across America, each offering a different prism through which to view U.S. politics.

This webchat will take place at http://departmentofstate.acrobat.com/elections08. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program. You may also e-mail questions without registering.

Islamic Art

"Islamic art and culture help us understand that Muslims have a very special interest and feeling for spiritual beauty,” museum curator Regine Schulz once told a reporter. "If you are a good Muslim, you’re interested in the beautiful expression of the religion — in its calligraphy or architecture, for example.”

Schulz, curator of ancient art and director of international curatorial relations at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, will make a presentation on Islamic art, some of which will be related to Ramadan. Her lecture will include slides of selected art works.

Regine Schulz's specialty is Near Eastern art, particularly the art of ancient Egypt. Schulz received her Ph.D. from the University of Munich and remains on the faculty there as professor of Egyptology. She also teaches at Johns Hopkins University. She is actively involved with the International Council of Museums and has edited, authored or co-authored numerous publications on ancient Egypt and the Near East, including The World of the Pharaohs and Egypt: Art and Architecture, both translated into more than eight languages. In collaboration with Dr. Matthias Seidel, she has also published a book on the Walters Museum's Egyptian and Near Eastern scarab collection. Since becoming curator of ancient art in 2001, she has curated several small exhibitions, including Alexandria and Egypt (Baltimore City Hall) and Eternal Egypt (Walters).

 

To view this webcast, go to http://www.cpcwebcast.com/state. No registration is required.

Key States: Post-Convention, Pre-Debates

Pollsters Stan Greenberg and Neil Newhouse will discuss the status of the Presidential and Congressional campaigns and what to expect between now and November. They will review polling data and research gathered from both national polls and battleground states.

Stan Greenberg provides strategic advice and research for leaders, companies, campaigns, and NGOs trying to advance their issues in tumultuous times. Greenberg has served as pollster to President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, South African Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Bolivian President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada, and Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer.

Neil Newhouse is a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies, a national political and public affairs survey research firm whose clients include leading political figures, Fortune 500 companies and major trade associations.

Public Opinion Strategies has been described by the New York Times as "the leading Republican polling company" in the country and the firm was named "Pollster of the Year" by the trade publication "Campaigns and Elections" for its work in the 2002 election cycle.

Muslim Family Magazine Celebrates Islam in America

Through its pages, America's Muslim Family Magazine deals with issues pertinent to Muslims living in the United States. Regular features include profiles of Muslims from all walks of life, family-friendly ideas and activities, articles on historical and contemporary issues relating to Islam and Muslims and a special children's section entitled "Hullabaloo -- Serious Fun for Muslim Kids." The magazine encourages Muslims to participate in government, the education system and all aspects of American life. It deals frankly with the social problems that plague all communities, but in the context of Islamic principles. Its mission is to celebrate the fact that Islamic values and a free democratic society are 100 percent compatible. Join Ansari for an online discussion of America's Muslim Family Magazine's features and its contents that highlight past and present Ramadan activities.

Kari Ansari is the editor in chief of America's Muslim Family Magazine, which is based in Chicago and designed to reach the Muslim community and those interested in understanding Islam and Muslims. A convert to Islam, she was born and educated in the United States. She has been an active member of the Muslim community for a dozen years, working toward the positive inclusion of Muslims in mainstream American society. Ansari and her husband began publishing America's Muslim Family Magazine in 2003 to help fill the void of quality Muslim media in America. Published quarterly, it offers a positive and refreshing look at life for Muslims living in America.

This webchat will take place at http://departmentofstate.acrobat.com/ansari. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

Ramadan in America: Through the Lens of a Filmmaker

As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins, Muslim Americans across the United States are gathering in mosques and homes just as Muslims do around the world. Anisa Mehdi will discuss what life is like as an American Muslim and talk about celebrating Ramadan in America and how Islam is being incorporated into the fabric of American religion. She will also discuss her films on Ramadan and how they reflect the diversity of Muslim experiences in America.

Anisa Mehdi is an Emmy award-winning journalist specializing in religion, the arts and people. For more than 20 years she has reported, written, directed and produced television news and documentary programs for major American media outlets, including National Geographic, PBS, ABC News and CBS. Her commentaries are heard on NPR’s award-winning newscast All Things Considered. Mehdi writes perspective pieces for newspapers, magazines and Internet sites and lectures worldwide on Islam and the media. She is adjunct professor of communication at Seton Hall University and teaches at and is a trustee of the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.

Mehdi produced and directed Inside Mecca, the National Geographic special that premiered on PBS on October 22, 2003, and played to audiences worldwide on the National Geographic Channels International. She also led several teams of photojournalists covering the Hajj pilgrimage in February 2003, focusing on the journeys of three individuals from the USA, Malaysia and South Africa. Mehdi has participated in a past webchat and has produced five videos for the U.S. Department of State on the celebration of Ramadan in America.

This webchat will take place at http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/mehdi. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

Review of the 2008 Political Conventions

The 2008 Democratic and Republican party conventions represented the culmination of months of party primaries and caucuses, resulting in the selection of two official candidates for the U.S. presidency. Please join two young party delegates as they review their respective parties' conventions and providing their take on each day's events.

To join the Webchat: http://departmentofstate.acrobat.com/conventions08

See also:
U.S. Elections
America.gov's Elections Blog: Campaign Trail Talk
The Candidates
The Issues

Kim Ahern is a Democratic delegate from the state of Deleware.  Brian Graham is a Republican delegate from the state of Florida.

Keeping Halal: Running a Muslim Business in America

Imran Uddin's unique journey as a first-generation American struggling to take over his father's traditional slaughterhouse business and gain the trust of the immigrant Muslim community in Queens was transformed into the celebrated documentary, A Sons' Sacrifice. The film has been well-received in the U.S., winning the SilverDocs Festival's Audience Award and Best Documentary Short from the Tribeca Film Festival. Join Mr. Uddin for an online discussion of his experiences as a bi-racial Muslim and the challenges he faced when he decided to join his father’s halal slaughterhouse business.

For more information, read:

"Young Muslim Sees Running Family Business as His 'Life’s Journey'” http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/September/20080903133645xlrennef0.3150293.html 

"A Halal Meat Business Thrives in New York" at http://www.america.gov/st/econ-english/2008/August/20080807143304berehellek0.1432611.html

Imran Uddin gave up a high-profile career in advertising to return home to manage his father’s butchering business in Ozone Park, New York, Madani Halal Lamb, Goat & Poultry, which caters to the dietary needs of New York Muslims. With a Puerto-Rican mother and a Bangladeshi father, Mr. Uddin has struggled for acceptance from the local Muslim community. The story of how taking over the family business allowed him to confront his past and his faith and to forge his own identity as an American Muslim was captured in the award-winning documentary, A Son's Sacrifice.

This webchat will take place at http://departmentofstate.acrobat.com/halal/. No registration is needed, simply choose "Enter as a Guest", type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

Advancing Interfaith Relationships

As the first OIC envoy, Sada Cumber plays a vital role in demonstrating the United States’ commitment to strengthening its linkages to Muslims in OIC member states and beyond. Cumber works to facilitate dialogue and cooperation with Muslim communities worldwide. Join him for an online discussion of steps the United States can take to develop an open conversation with Muslims around the world and advance interfaith understanding.

This webchat will take place at http://departmentofstate.acrobat.com/cumber/. No registration is needed; simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion. The chat room will open two hours prior to the live event. Send your early questions to mailto:%20askamerica@state.gov.

Sada Cumber was appointed special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on March 3. Before his appointment, he was an entrepreneur and investor based in Austin, Texas. He has founded 11 technology-based companies, including Texas Global, an international strategic advising firm, and CACH Capital Management, an investment advisory and wealth management firm. Cumber was born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1951 and holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in history from the University of Karachi. He came to the United States in 1978 and has been an American citizen since 1986.

Muslim Teenagers in America

What is it like growing up Muslim in America? That is what brother and sister Imran and Yasmine Hafiz, along with their mother, Dilara Hafiz, try to address in their book, The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook. The young authors sent out surveys to more than 40 Islamic schools across the country and incorporated the responses in quotes and quizzes throughout the book. The handbook was honored as the winner of the 2008 Arizona Book Award for best juvenile/young adult nonfiction and the authors were recipients of the Outstanding Youth Service Award from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Arizona chapter (CAIR-AZ), and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award from the Phoenix Human Relations Commission for their accomplishment.

Imran Hafiz is a junior at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona. He is involved in speech and debate and Weapons of Mass Percussion (a djembe drum club). He enjoys reading, playing video games and discussing politics. He also plays the guitar, piano and drums as well as various other tribal instruments.

Yasmine Hafiz is a freshman at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. She loves reading, listening to music, sewing and traveling. She also enjoys going to the library and would like to learn more about philosophy and art history.

Learn more about "A Teenager’s View of Islam in America" at: http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/July/20080707155320eahcnyl0.3362543.html

This webchat will take place at http://departmentofstate.acrobat.com/hafiz/. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

A Religiously Diverse Community

There are more than 200 places of worship in the Flushing neighborhood of the borough of Queens in New York City, a community about 10 miles from Manhattan. R. Scott Hanson has noted that within Flushing there are “half a dozen Hindu temples, two Sikh gurdwaras, several mosques, Japanese, Chinese and Korean Buddhist temples, Taoist temples, over 100 Korean churches, Latin American evangelical churches, Falun Gong practitioners, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons … as well as some of the oldest churches and synagogues in the city.” The community is immensely proud of its heritage of religious freedom, and in 2007-2008 the citizens celebrated the 350th anniversary of the Flushing Remonstrance, one of the earliest documents in defense of freedom of worship in the United States. Join Scott Hanson for an online discussion on how the American value of religious freedom is exemplified in Flushing and the entire county of Queens, which the U.S. Census Bureau identifies as the most ethnically diverse county in the United States.

R. Scott Hanson is a visiting assistant professor of history at the State University of New York in Binghamton and an affiliate of the Pluralism Project at Harvard University. He is the author of the forthcoming book, City of Gods: Religious Freedom, Immigration, and Pluralism in Flushing, Queens—New York City, 1945-2001, in which he calls Flushing “perhaps the most extreme case of religious pluralism in the world.” His work is widely cited in scholarly publications and the media, including The New York Times and Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, an online companion to the weekly PBS television news program.

Read More: Religious Freedom Laws Help Create Culture of Tolerance: http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/August/20080825143428xlrennef0.4305994.html

Learn More about "One New York City Neighborhood Is a World of Religious Diversity" at http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/August/20080729171918xlrennef0.9129907.html

This webchat will take place at http://departmentofstate.acrobat.com/flushing/. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

Overview of the Presidential Debates

Presidential debates are a mainstay of the American presidential campaign process. The first televised debate between major party nominees Richard Nixon and John Kennedy in 1960, which was broadcast on both television and radio, illustrated the potential impact of debates and the importance of style and form as well as substance. Even though most of the radio audience believed Nixon had won the debate, the larger television audience thought Kennedy had won, a response that likely contributed to his narrow victory. Janet Brown will discuss the history and importance of the presidential debates, in addition to talking about the credential process and what to expect during the events. This is a briefing from the Washington Foreign Press Center.

Janet Brown is the executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) and has held that position since the CPD was established in 1987. The CPD is a nonpartisan, nonprofit corporation that sponsors and produces televised presidential debates during each general election.

U.S. Elections Your Questions

Wondering about how delegates are counted or how the Electoral College works? Curious where the presidential candidates stand on issues that impact your country? Join America.gov's elections experts Michelle Austein and George Burkes on the first Tuesday of every month to discuss the people, processes and issues that shape the U.S. presidential race. They will answer your questions and talk about the latest events on the 2008 campaign trail.

Like or don't like what you see on America.gov's 2008 Elections Web page? Readers' questions and comments will shape America.gov's elections coverage, so now it is your turn to tell the experts what elections topics you care about.

Transcript: August 5 http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2008/August/20080805153205eaifas4.185122e-02.html  

Transcript: July 1 http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2008/July/20080707193046eaifas0.6749384.html  

Transcript: June 3 http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2008/June/20080603173757eaifas0.6041681.html?CP.rss=true

See also:
U.S. Elections
America.gov's Elections Blog: Campaign Trail Talk
The Candidates
The Issues

Ask the Ambassador: Current Events in Somalia

The United States continues to support efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in Somalia and bring economic development to its people. The United States believes that the key to long-term stability in Somalia and to protecting the country from serving as a safe haven for terrorists is inclusive political dialogue between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and major Somali stakeholders. The United States is the largest bilateral donor of humanitarian assistance to Somalia, having provided more than $180 million in humanitarian and development assistance in the last two years. Please join Ambassador John Yates for a discussion on the new prime minister, the new Cabinet, security in Somalia, and U.S. involvement with the country.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appointed Ambassador (retired) John M. Yates as special envoy for Somalia on May 17, 2007. As special envoy, he plays a critical role in engaging with representatives of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, other key stakeholders and regional and international partners to help Somalia create a stable government as it emerges from more than 14 years of instability and lawlessness.

Ambassador Yates has represented the United States as an observer to the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference at Mbagathi, Kenya, which established the Transitional Federal Charter and the Transitional Federal Institutions, which serve as the framework for the re-establishment of governance in Somalia. A career Foreign Service officer with more than 40 years' experience, he was one of the State Department's leading Africa specialists before his retirement in 2002.

If you would like to participate in this webchat, please sign up on the Ask America webchat http://webchat.state.gov/?tid=unsecure.login&language=english registration page. Please tell us your preferred screen name; use of full names is not required.

If you have participated in one of our previous webchats, use the same e-mail. We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program. You may also e-mail questions without registering to askamerica@state.gov.

Studium, Praktika, Sommerjobs, High School & AuPair Aufenthalten in den USA

Worauf muss bei der Planung eines USA-Aufenthaltes geachtet werden? Wo finde ich Informationen zu Universitäten und wie bewerbe ich mich? Kann ich meinen Zivildienst in den USA machen? Brauche ich ein Visum und wie beantrage ich es? Fragen, die sich jedem vor einem Studium, Arbeits- oder Praktikumsaufenthalt in den USA stellen. Wir freuen uns auf Fragen von Schülern, Studenten, Lehrern und Eltern.

Guest Biography: Der Chat wird moderiert von Fachreferenten für Studium und Austausch der US-Botschaft/US-Generalkonsulate. Mitarbeiter der Visabteilung geben Auskunft über Visa für einen Aufenthalt in den USA.

National Parks Webcast--Rebroadcast

Ken Burns, renowned filmmaker, joined us on July 22 for a discussion of his upcoming film on America's national parks. Please join us for a rebroadcast of that discussion. Like baseball and jazz, the National Park System is an American invention that has been embraced internationally. When the U.S. government created the first national park in 1872, it was the first time in human history that a government decided that a large tract of land -- more than a city park or public garden -- should be saved and kept unmarred for future generations. Governments around the world have now created thousands of such parks, modeling many of them on the U.S. parks.

Ken Burns is one of the world's most celebrated documentary filmmakers. His more than 18 films address a wide range of topics that highlight elements of American culture (e.g., Jazz and Baseball), values (e.g, The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God and Not For Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony) and history (e.g., The War and Empire of the Air: Men Who Made Radio). His films have won various awards, including three Emmys and the Peabody Award, as well as recognition from both professional and scholarly organizations and at international film festivals.

Legal Reform for Afghanistan

An equitable justice system is the cornerstone of any stable democracy. For Afghanistan, overcoming years of war and institutional abuse to introduce legal reform is an important step in raising the accountability of government agencies to Afghans. Join Judge Abdul Hashimi for an online discussion of the justice system in Afghanistan and where it is headed in the future.

Judge Abdul Saboor Hashimi has served as a judge in six different district courts of Balkh province and as chief judge of the Sangcharak district of Saripul province. He earned a bachelor of law and jurisprudence degree from the Sharia Law Faculty of Balkh University in 1997 and holds several certificates from judicial education programs, including: a certificate for a judicial seminar in human rights from the Afghanistan Human Rights Organization (sponsored by the European Union and U.N. Development Programme); a certificate for a judicial seminar in civil and criminal procedure codes (sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development); and a certificate for completing a seminar in the reformation of justice and judiciary and court management. Judge Hashimi also completed a one-month seminar on criminal procedure (sponsored by IDLO-Italy).

If you would like to participate in this webchat, please sign up on the Ask America webchat http://webchat.state.gov/?tid=unsecure.login&language=english registration page. Please tell us your preferred screen name; use of full names is not required. If you have participated in one of our previous webchats, use the same e-mail. We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program. You may also e-mail questions to askamerica@state.gov without registering.

Foreign Press Center: 40th Anniversary Webcast

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Foreign Press Center, a panel discussion, moderated by Stephen Hess of the Brookings Institution will be conducted.

Correspondents Joyce Karam of Al Hayat and Paulo Sotero, Director, Brazil Institute of the Woodrow Wilson Center, and Former FPC Directors Frank Gomez and Jeff Brown will share memories of covering Washington over the last 40 years. FPC Director James Dickmeyer will welcome guests and introduce Under Secretary James K. Glassman who will introduce the panel.

Historical Re-enactments in the U.S.: Making the Past Come Alive

The American Civil War ended 143 years ago, but the fighting lives on through commemorative battles staged by history enthusiasts across the United States. Historical re-enactments are a valuable tool to pass on knowledge and a passion for learning to younger generations. Join Melinda Day and Darrell Cochran for an online discussion of their experiences in re-enactments and how they help make history come alive for participants and spectators alike.

Melinda Day is a ranger at Harper’s Ferry National Park in West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. She and her husband have been actively involved in U.S. Civil War-era historical re-enactments for many years, learning about the pivotal battles that shaped the nation’s fate. Simultaneously, she has become deeply knowledgeable about the customs, social traditions, attire and living conditions of the era, and she has meticulously recreated the clothing styles of the period for her re-enactments, helping to educate visitors to Harper’s Ferry National Park. The park itself was the scene of many important events during the years leading up to, and during, the Civil War.

Darrell Cochran has been involved in U.S. Civil War re-enactments for several years. Portraying a Union soldier, he has “fought” in many of the recreated climactic battles of the Civil War and has acquired an in-depth knowledge of the period’s costumes, military uniforms, firearms, battle strategies and customs.

U.S. Public Diplomacy and the War of Ideas

The Foreign Press Center invites you to an on-the-record, on-camera briefing with newly confirmed Under Secretary James Glassman to discuss the Department of State’s ongoing public diplomacy efforts and goals overseas. U.S. embassies worldwide, directed by Under Secretary Glassman, engage in myriad exchange, educational, and travel programs to introduce international audiences to the United States. Under Secretary Glassman also heads the U.S. Government-wide War of Ideas effort countering violent extremism.

James K. Glassman leads America’s public diplomacy outreach, which includes communications with international audiences, cultural programming, academic grants, educational exchanges, international visitor programs, and U.S. government efforts to confront ideological support for terrorism. He oversees the bureaus of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Public Affairs and International Information Programs, and participates in foreign policy development.

Mr. Glassman previously served as chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the independent federal agency that oversees all U.S. government non-military international broadcasting, including the Voice of America (VOA), Alhurra, Radio Sawa, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and Radio and TV Martí. As the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Mr. Glassman is designated by the Secretary of State to serve as one of nine members of the BBG board.

Windows on America: World Heritage Convention

This second Windows on America broadcast will look at the U.N. Economic, Social and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO's) World Heritage Convention in a discussion with U.S. Park Service officials attending the World Heritage Convention meeting in Quebec July 2-10. The July 10 discussion at 10 a.m. EDT (14:00 GMT/UTC) will focus on how the convention encourages parties to identify, protect and preserve cultural and natural heritage around the world. Park officials will answer questions related to their efforts and those of the almost 180 participating countries to protect and preserve nearly 800 natural and cultural sites around the world. The upcoming electronic journal National Parks, National Legacy will also explore the convention, American World Heritage sites and the ethic of preservation.

No registration is needed. To view this webcast, go to www.cpcwebcast.com/state and log in. Send questions before the broadcast to webcast@state.gov. Questions can also be submitted during the webcast.

English Roundtable

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of English in our next English Roundtable on September 9 at 2pm Beijing time (0600 GMT). We hope to see you online!

This month's topic: Coming soon!

Transcript of our September 9 Roundtable (PDF)  Emotions in Learning

Transcript of our July 8 Roundtable (PDF)

Transcript of our June 3 Roundtable (PDF)

Transcript of our May 13 Roundtable (PDF)

Elections 2008 Webcast: Key States & Key Issues

Two prominent pollsters (one Democrat and one Republican) with extensive backgrounds in national political campaigns, Mrs. Conway and Mr. Pollock will have the latest numbers and an insider’s analysis of the issues in key states, and will answer questions on everything to do with the upcoming fall campaign between Barack Obama and John McCain.

Kellyanne Elizabeth Conway is CEO and President of the polling company™, inc. a privately-held, woman-owned corporation founded in 1995. Mrs. Conway is one of the most quoted and noted pollsters on the national scene.  Among her accomplishments, she was recognized as the most accurate predictor of the 2004 elections and received The Washington Post’s “Crystal Ball” award and co-author of What Women Really Want: How American Women Are Quietly Erasing Political, Racial, Class, and Religious Lines to Change the Way We Live (Free Press, 2005). 

Jefrey Pollock is the president of Global Strategy Group, LLC (GSG). Since its inception, Jefrey has helped build GSG into a premier strategic research and consulting company that has been named one of the country's "powerhouse" political consulting firms.

Basketball: An American Export to the Olympics

This summer, the U.S. Olympic basketball team will travel to Beijing on a mission to return with the gold. An Olympic victory is especially important to American fans, who consider basketball an iconic American game. The sport was invented in Massachusetts and gained popularity throughout the 20th century, eventually earning a spot in the Olympic Games, where the United States has traditionally enjoyed unparalleled success. Nonetheless, this year's team will face a stronger set of teams, many fielding NBA players, and the outcome of the games will largely depend on the ability of Coach Mike Krzyzewski to mold a cohesive team capable of standing up to the international competition. Join Coach K for an online discussion of the U.S. Olympic basketball team's upcoming games.

Read about this webchat at: "U.S. Men’s Basketball Team Aims for Olympic Glory" http://www.america.gov/st/sports-english/2008/July/20080703120115xkknorb0.2252466.html 

Read about the 2008 USA Men's Olympic basketball roster at: http://www.america.gov/st/sports-english/2008/June/20080625100331xkknorb0.5909845.html

Mike Krzyzewski Mike Krzyzewski is a renowned basketball coach at Duke University and for the U.S. men's team in the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. He has been named the National Coach of the Year 12 times and has received numerous additional honors, most notably his inclusion in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition to having more than three decades of coaching experience, Krzyzewski also has written and co-authored several books, including Leading with the Heart," a New York Times best-seller in 2000.

This webchat will take place at http://state.acrobat.com/basketball/. No registration is needed, simply choose "Enter as a Guest", type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion.

Music in America

This year marks the 175th anniversary of relations between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Thailand. In commemoration of this milestone event, Horseshoe Road, an eclectic American country music group, will visit Thailand for a special, country-wide “175 Years of U.S.-Thai Friendship” tour from June 23 to July 2, 2008. Join U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Eric G. John and the members of Horseshoe Road for an online discussion of the importance and diversity of music in American culture. Questions accepted in English and Thai.

 ในปีนี้ ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างประเทศไทยและสหรัฐอเมริกาได้ดำเนินมาครบ 175 ปี เพื่อฉลองโอกาสพิเศษในประวัติศาสตร์ครั้งนี้ วงดนตรีโฟล์คอเมริกัน ฮอร์สชู โร้ด (Horseshoe Road) จะเดินทางมาเปิดการแสดง “คอนเสิร์ต 175 ปีมิตรภาพไทย-สหรัฐฯ”ตามสถานที่ต่างๆ ในประเทศไทยระหว่างวันที่ 23 มิถุนายน -2 กรกฎาคมศกนี้ ขอเชิญผู้สนใจร่วมเสวนาทางอินเทอร์เน็ตกับเอกอัครราชทูต เอริค จี. จอห์น และสมาชิกวงฮอร์สชู โร้ด เกี่ยวกับความสำคัญและความหลากหลายของดนตรีในวัฒนธรรมอเมริกัน โดยท่านสามารถส่งคำถามของท่านมาเป็นภาษาอังกฤษหรือภาษาไทยก็ได้

Ambassador Eric G. John was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand in 2007. Previously, he was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southeast Asia from 2005 to 2007. In that capacity, he coordinated policy in Washington with regard to the eleven nations in that region, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He was the lead negotiator of the 2006 U.S.-ASEAN Enhanced Partnership, the chief vehicle for improving political, economic, and cultural relations between the United States and the region. He has also served extensively throughout East Asia. Ambassador John is a native of Indiana. His hobbies include visual arts, theater, golf and tennis. Ambassador John is also an avid music lover, whose interests span from playing the trombone to dabbling as a DJ during his college days.

Kyle Dillingham, on fiddle and vocals for Horseshoe Road, is a native of Oklahoma. In addition to touring major American cities like Nashville and Oklahoma City, Dillingham has represented the U.S. in performances in over 25 countries, earning himself the nickname of Oklahoma's Musical Ambassador.

Brad Benge plays guitar and also does vocals in Horseshoe Road. He has performed for most of his life with various artists including Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Toby Keith, and when not on tour himself, currently works as a tour sound engineer for Australian guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel. Together as Horseshoe Road, Kyle and Brad form a unique collaboration of eclectic musical styles expressed in an acoustic setting. Full of surprises, the group’s passion for music can be seen in their performances, which are always high energy, uplifting musical experiences that blend captivating virtuosity and heartfelt sincerity.

เอกอัครราชทูตเอริค จี. จอห์น สาบานตนเข้ารับตำแหน่งเอกอัครราชทูตสหรัฐฯ ประจำประเทศไทยในปี พ.ศ. 2550 ระหว่างปี พ.ศ. 2548-2550 ท่านดำรงตำแหน่งรองผู้ช่วยรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการต่างประเทศฝ่ายกิจการเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ ในตำแหน่งนี้ ท่านได้เป็นผู้ประสานงานด้านนโยบายระหว่างสหรัฐฯ กับ 11 ประเทศในภูมิภาคนี้ รวมทั้งกับกลุ่มอาเซียน ท่านเป็นหัวหน้าคณะเจรจาเพื่อพัฒนาความร่วมมือระหว่างสหรัฐฯ และอาเซียนในปี พ.ศ. 2549 (2006 U.S.-ASEAN Enhanced Partnership) ซึ่งเป็นตัวขับเคลื่อนหลักในการพัฒนาความสัมพันธ์ทางการเมือง เศรษฐกิจ และวัฒนธรรมระหว่างสหรัฐฯ และภูมิภาคเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ เอกอัครราชทูตจอห์นเคยปฏิบัติหน้าที่ในหลายประเทศในเอเชียตะวันออก ท่านเป็นชาวรัฐอินเดียนา และสนใจงานทัศนศิลป์ การละคร กอล์ฟ เทนนิส และหลงใหลในดนตรี ท่านเคยเล่นทรอมโบนและเป็นดีเจสมัครเล่นในสมัยเรียนมหาวิทยาลัยด้วย ไคล์ ดิลลิงแฮม (ตำหน่งไวโอลินและนักร้อง) เป็นชาวโอคลาโฮมา เคยแสดงดนตรีที่แนชวิลล์และโอคลาโฮมาซิตี้มาแล้ว และยังเคยเป็นตัวแทนของสหรัฐฯ ในการแสดงดนตรีในกว่า 25 ประเทศ ทำให้เขาได้สมญานามว่าเป็นทูตสันถวไมตรีด้านดนตรีของโอคลาโฮมา แบรด เบนจ์ (ตำแหน่งกีตาร์และนักร้อง) เคยเล่นดนตรีกับศิลปินมีชื่ออย่าง Vince Gill, Amy Grant, และ Toby Keith เวลาที่เขาไม่ได้แสดงดนตรี เขายังทำหน้าที่ซาวน์เอ็นจิเนียร์ให้กับ Tommy Emmanuel นักกีตาร์มือฉมังชาวออสเตรเลียนด้วย ไคล์และแบรดภายใต้ชื่อฮอร์สชู โร้ด ร่วมกันผลิตดนตรีอะคูสติกที่มีสไตล์หลากหลาย ทั้งคู่มักสร้างความประหลาดใจให้ผู้ฟัง ซึ่งสามารถสัมผัสได้ถึงความหลงใหลในดนตรีของพวกเขาเมื่ออยู่บนเวที ดนตรีของพวกเขาเต็มไปด้วยพลัง และเป็นการผสมผสานระหว่างความเก่งกาจทางดนตรีและความจริงใจ

Predicting Changing Health and Climate Patterns

This June, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt joins leading national scientists for a conference to address on-the-ground implications of climate change and ways to find workable solutions and get "ahead of the curve" of resulting weather and health issues. With the challenge of making informed decisions without history as a guide, the assembled experts will discuss ways in which global organizations are coming together in an approach that is revolutionizing our understanding of Earth and how it works. Join conference moderator Leonard Hirsch for an online discussion focusing on the conference's outcomes and next steps in a global effort to protect people in an atmosphere of changing environmental and health patterns.

Leonard P. Hirsch is a senior policy adviser at the Smithsonian Institution, where he supports the Smithsonian's scientific programs, with an emphasis on global environmental concerns. He is a member of the White House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the National Science and Technology Council, where he works on issues of biological diversity informatics and helps coordinate government research on land and seascape change. He works with the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity as deputy head of the U.S. delegation, and he helps coordinate the Conventions on Combating Desertification and Climate Change and the U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development.

Elections Update Webcast

Join us for another in our series of online video webcasts covering the issues and personalities of the 2008 election.

Chuck Todd became NBC News’ political director in March 2007. He also serves as NBC News' on-air political analyst for NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, Today and Meet the Press with Tim Russert and analyzes politics for MSNBC, including Hardball with Chris Matthews.

Child Soldiers Around the World

An estimated 300,000 children under the age of 18 serve as soldiers in 30 countries around the world. Child soldiering has been designated as one of the “worst forms” of child labor by the United Nations in the International Labour Organization’s International Convention 182, which was adopted in 1999. Join former child soldier and author Ishmael Beah and psychlogist and professor Michael Wessells for an online discussion as they address the problem of child soldiers and ways to combat this scourge.

A follow-up article about this webchat is now available at: Reintegration a Major Issue for Former Child Soldiers

Ishmael Beah was born in Sierra Leone. At age 12, Beah lost his family when the rebel army, known as the Revolutionary United Front, attacked his town. Running away from the carnage, he wandered the countryside for nearly a year until he was recruited by the government as a soldier to fight in the war. At 15 he was removed from the battlefields by UNICEF and rehabilitated in a facility run by a nongovernmental organization known as “Children Associated With the War.” Eventually, he made his way to the United States, where he graduated from college and wrote his poignant memoirs, A Long Way Gone which received international acclaim. Beah is the UNICEF advocate for children affected by war and travels the world to lobby for government and private support to rehabilitate and reintegrate former child soldiers into society.

Michael Wessells is a psychologist and professor at Columbia University and Randolph-Macon College. Wessells has many years of experience working as a child-protection practitioner with Christian Children’s Fund, a nonprofit organization that assists some 13 million children and their families in 31 countries. The fund helps children of all faiths. He is the author of the book Child Soldiers: From Violence to Protection.

Food Versus Fuel

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE

With worldwide demand for energy increasing every day, the development of new, clean, renewable energy sources is critical to Earth's environment. In the United States, work is under way on a variety of potential answers to the global energy challenge including biofuels.  Join under Secretary for Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture Thomas Dorr who will discuss biofuels, the impact of ethanol manufacture on food prices and its global ramifications.  

Thomas C. Dorr was appointed Under Secretary for Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2002 by President Bush. He oversees three program areas that provide up to $18 billion annual funding authority for loans, grants, and technical assistance to rural residents, communities, and businesses. He also serves as the Chairman of the USDA Energy Council which is responsible for advancing the President’s Energy Initiative. He took an active role in the recent Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC) which continues life in the form of renewable energy pledges from more than 100 nations, states, communities and businesses internationally. As president of a family farming and agribusiness company for 30 years, Dorr has broad agricultural, financial and business experience.

U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference

In his capacity as Special Envoy, Sada Cumber works to facilitate dialogue and cooperation with Muslim communities worldwide. Join Mr. Cumber for a video webchat during which he will discuss his role in developing new, lasting links among diverse communities and his impressions of the Muslim communities with which he has interacted over the first two months of his appointment.

This video webchat will take place at http://state.acrobat.com/SadaCumber/. No registration is needed, simply choose "Enter as a Guest", type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion. The chat room will open two hours prior to the live event. Send your early questions to askamerica@state.gov.

See also: Sada Cumber Discusses New Role as U.S. Envoy to the OIC

Sada Cumber was appointed special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on March 3. He serves as the U.S. representative to the OIC, seeking to promote mutual understanding and dialogue between the United States and Muslim communities around the world. Before his appointment, Cumber was an entrepreneur and investor based in Austin, Texas. He has founded 11 technology-based companies, including Texas Global, an international strategic advising firm, and CACH Capital Management, an investment advisory and wealth management firm. Cumber was born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1951 and holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in history from the University of Karachi. He came to the United States in 1978 and has been an American citizen since 1986.

Women Entrepreneurs: Challenges and Success in Business

When two women looked at the transportation problems faced by urban dwellers in the United States they saw a business opportunity, as well as a way to help the planet. Together they founded Zipcar Inc., the world's largest car-sharing business. In another corner of the globe, a woman entrepreneur used her skills and determination to create and run a successful printing company. Join entrepreneurs Robin Chase (ZipCar) and Ilham Zhiri (Impremerie el Maarif Al Jadida) who will discuss the ins and outs of envisioning, starting, and managing successful business ventures.

This video webchat will take place at http://state.acrobat.com/WomenInBusiness/. No registration is needed, simply choose "Enter as a Guest", type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion. The chat room will open two hours prior to the live event. Send your early questions to askamerica@state.gov.

Robin Chase is the co-founder and former CEO of Zipcar, a car sharing service, and is currently the CEO of GoLoco.org, an online social networking service that helps people create transportation networks. She is also founder of Meadow Networks, a transportation consulting firm, and maintains a blog Network Musings. Chase has lived throughout the Middle East including Morrocco. Ilham Zhiri is the founder of a successful printing company in Morocco, Impremerie el Maarif Al Jadida. Zhiri also participated in a U.S. State Department business development program called the Middle East Entrepreneurship Training (MEET) conducted at the Beyster Institute at the University of San Diego.

An Afghan Perspective on American Academia, Education and Society

Learn about the experiences of one young professional studying in the United States and what opportunities exist for qualified Afghans. Dr. Sibghatullah, a Humphrey fellow from Afghanistan, will discuss his educational experiences in the United States, as well as his general impression of life in America and the status of education in Afghanistan.

PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME: 10:30GMT

Dr. Sibghatullah is studying at Johns Hopkins University under the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. He received his medical training in Pakistan, where he and his family lived until recently. From September 2006 to August 2007, he was program manager for a primary health care project in Ghazni province and a midwifery training program in Jalalabad. He also has worked on a household food security and nutrition project with the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and was a provincial adviser with the Afghanistan Stabilization Program in Kandahar province for the Ministry of Interior.

Proceso electoral presidencial de los Estados Unidos. Una visión general.

El Profesor de la Garza abordará los temas más importantes del proceso electoral presidencial de los Estados Unidos. Entre otros él hablará sobre el financiamiento, los debates presidenciales, las primarias y caucos, "el super martes", el Colegio Electoral, las convenciones y plataformas de cada partido, el voto por ausencia y otros. Aproveche esta oportunidad para chatear con un experto sobre el tema.

Rodolfo de la Garza, professor en ciencias politicas en Columbia University en Nueva York y director de investigaciones del instituto Tomas Rivera, se especializa en estudios electorales del pueblo estadounidense en general y de los grupos etnicos y raciales de ese pais en particular. Autor o editor de 18 libros y de un gran numero de articulos en revistas y libros profesionales, fue elegido Vicepresidente del American Political Science Association y nombrado dos veces como uno de los 100 Hispanos mas influentes del pais.

El proceso de Aplicación de visa en la ciudad de México

La sección consular de la Embajada de los Estados Unidos en la ciudad de México. Lo invita a participar en el web chat con el tema de “El proceso de Aplicación de visa en la ciudad de México”

Este Chat será una excelente oportunidad para que el publico en general realice al vice-cónsul preguntas con respecto al proceso de aplicación de visa en la ciudad de México , Esperamos ansiosamente su participación.

The Consular Section of the US Embassy in Mexico City Invites you to participate in a web chat on the “Visa Application Process in Mexico City”

This web chat will be a wonderful opportunity for the general public to ask a vice consul questions related to the visa application process in Mexico City. We look forward to your participation!!!!

Soccer Star Eddie Henderson & Youth Outreach

Sports are a great pastime for many Americans, but they can also be a positive instrument of change in underprivileged communities. Join Eddie Henderson to discuss his career as a soccer player, as well as his inspiring outreach work in Peru building cooperation and solidarity with Afro-Peruvian youth.

Eddie Henderson is a retired U.S. soccer player and current state technical director of coaching education and player development for Nevada Youth Soccer. His successes as an athlete include playing 11 years professionally and being a member of the U.S. U-17 and U.S. U-18 national teams. He also played for the United States at the 1987 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile. He recently traveled to Peru to conduct clinics and other outreach efforts for underprivileged communities, aiming to help Afro-Peruvian at-risk youth change negative conduct by positively influencing them through street soccer and soccer clinics.

Video Webcast: Elections Update

View Thomas Schaller, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, who will discuss the “2008 U.S. Presidential Elections” with an audience in Pretoria, South Africa.

Thomas F. Schaller, Ph.D., is associate professor in the Department of Political Science at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Earth Day Webcast

Join Maureen Guttman, Executive Director, Governor’s Green Government Council of Pennsylvania and Marc Heisterkemp, U.S. Green Building Council, for a program with Taipei and the American Corner in Kaohsiung on “Making Your Building Green” – from Harrisburg, PA and Washington, DC. Webcast.

The 90-minute dialogue will introduce the concept of green buildings and sharing the U.S. experience in converting existing buildings into green ones.

Environmental Concerns--New Partnerships

Although their friendship is relatively new, nongovernmental organizations and the business community are working together these days to forge partnerships that last. Chat with Brad Kenney about the connection between rising concerns about global issues such as climate change and resource conservation and the new relationships developing among NGOs and the global business community.

IndustryWeek’s technology and environment editor Brad Kenney is a multiple award-winning writer with fifteen years of journalism experience covering technology, design and sustainable business. He oversees IW’s coverage of IT hardware and software tools for increasing manufacturing efficiency and productivity, and manages this leading manufacturing magazine’s coverage of sustainable manufacturing techniques, products and services at IW's Making Green section. Kenney has a bachelor's from University of Michigan and is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Kent State University.

U.S. Voting Patterns

Join Dr. Clyde Wilcox, Professor at Georgetown University, who will talk to an audience of post-graduate university students about “Changes in U.S. Voting Patterns in the 2008 Elections: Race, Religion and Gender Issues”. 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

More than 70 countries participated in the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008), held March 4-6 in Washington. WIREC’s trade show was the largest exposition on renewable energy ever held in the United States. Chat with Dr. Dan Arvizu about the importance of renewable energy.

Dan Arvizu became the eighth director of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on January 15, 2005. He serves on a number of boards, panels and advisory committees, including the advisory board of the American Council on Renewable Energy and the board of directors of HENAAC, a national organization that encourages achievement in science, technology, engineering and math, particularly among Hispanics. He has been selected as one of the "50 Most Important Hispanics in Technology and Business" by Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology magazine for the past four years.

U.S. Elections

Wondering about how delegates are counted or how the Electoral College works? Curious where the presidential candidates stand on issues that impact your country? Join America.gov's elections experts Michelle Austein and George Burkes on the first Tuesday of every month to discuss the people, processes and issues that shape the U.S. presidential race. They will answer your questions and talk about the latest events on the 2008 campaign trail.

Like or don't like what you see on America.gov's 2008 Elections Web page? Readers' questions and comments will shape America.gov's elections coverage, so now it is your turn to tell the experts what elections topics you care about.

See also:
U.S. Elections
America.gov's Elections Blog: Campaign Trail Talk
The Candidates
The Issues

Ask the Ambassador: U.S-Kenya Relations

Kenya has been a longtime ally of the United States that can be turned to for assistance in resolving crises elsewhere in Africa. The United States praises the power-sharing accord reached February 28 between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga, who will become the new prime minister under the terms of the agreement. The United States believes the agreement is an important step in sustaining Kenya's democratic government and free-market economy, proving that the most profound crises can be resolved if there is political will to do so. Please join Ambassador to Kenya Michael E. Ranneberger for an online discussion of U.S.-Kenya relations, focusing on the need for reconciliation in the months and years ahead.

Michael E. Ranneberger  has served as U.S. ambassador to Kenya since August 11, 2006. He has also served as ambassador to Mali, as senior representative and as special adviser on Sudan, and as principal deputy assistant secretary in the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs. He is a member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of minister-counselor.

See also:
Ambassador Ranneberger Discusses U.S.-Kenya Relations March 12, 2008

Islamic Conference Envoy Sada Cumber

Promoting international understanding and peaceful interactions worldwide, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations. Chat with Sada Cumber, newly appointed special envoy to the OIC, to discuss his mandate, his thoughts on U.S. relations with the Muslim world, and his early impressions of potential U.S. cooperation with the OIC.

Sada Cumber was appointed special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on March 3. He serves as the U.S. representative to the OIC, seeking to promote mutual understanding and dialogue between the United States and Muslim communities around the world. Before his appointment, Cumber was an entrepreneur and investor based in Austin, Texas. He has founded 11 technology-based companies, including Texas Global, an international strategic advising firm, and CACH Capital Management, an investment advisory and wealth management firm. Cumber was born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1951 and holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in history from the University of Karachi. He came to the United States in 1978 and has been an American citizen since 1986.

Renewable Energy

With worldwide demand for energy increasing every day, the development of new, clean, renewable energy sources is critical to Earth's environment. In the United States, work is under way on a variety of potential answers to the global energy challenge. Join David Sandalow, an expert on energy policy and global warming at the Brookings Institution, for an online discussion of renewable energy and what it can mean for the environment.

David Sandalow is an expert on energy policy and global warming.  He is a former assistant secretary of state and senior director on the National Security Council staff and the author of Freedom from Oil.

2008 Geneva Conference on Disarmament

Disarmament and nonproliferation remain key subjects dealt with in a number of international fora, including the U.N. First Committee in New York. Join the U.S. representative to the Conference on Disarmament, Ambassador Christina Rocca, as she discusses U.S. goals and expectations for the 2008 Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ambassador Christina B. Rocca is the United States representative to the Conference on Disarmament. She served as assistant secretary of state for South Asian affairs from 2001 to 2006. Before joining the State Department, she was foreign affairs adviser to Senator Sam Brownback, specializing in issues related to South Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East.  From 1982 to 1997 Ambassador Rocca was an intelligence officer with the Central Intelligence Agency.

The Significance of America's Women Inventors

Throughout the 20th century, innovation was greatly enhanced by the imagination of women inventors -- and their vital contributions continue in the 21st century. Celebrate and learn more about the significance of women inventors with author Ethlie Ann Vare.

Ethlie Ann Vare is the author of the first book written in the 20th century about women inventors: Mothers of Invention -- From the Bra to the Bomb, Forgotten Women and Their Unforgettable Ideas. Vare is well-known as a television personality and for her work a writer of TV shows, including CSI, Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda, Renegade and Silk Stalkings. She is currently consulting with Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry for a major exhibit about women inventors, to be displayed in 2009.

U.S. Support of Women Worldwide

The United States has a positive, forward-looking story to tell regarding its commitment to women’s empowerment. Join Ambassador Patricia Brister to chat about U.S. achievements in advancing the status of women in America and around the world, including in the areas of violence against women, health care for women, humanitarian assistance, women’s economic empowerment and women in conflict situations.

Ambassador Patricia Brister is the U.S. head of delegation to the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women. She served as a White House-appointed public delegate to the commission in 2005, and in 2006 President Bush appointed her as the U.S. representative. Brister was a successful businesswoman for more than 30 years.

Diversity, Complexity and Culture

Though we are all different on the outside, our differences can be beneficial at a macro level, thereby producing a greater societal good. Join Scott Page to chat about how collective diversity matters more than individual ability.

Scott Page is a professor of complex systems, political science and economics at the University of Michigan and a senior research scientist at the university's Institute for Social Research. He is also an external faculty member at the Santa Fe Institute. Page is interested in how diversity improves performance and decision making, when '"diversity" means what we look like on the outside, rather than what we look like within — the tools and abilities that make each of us unique. He is the author of The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies.

Martin Luther King’s Legacy in U.S. Society

More than 40 years have passed since an estimated 250,000 people marched to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, where they heard Martin Luther King Jr. give a speech of unsurpassable eloquence. Known ever since from its "I Have a Dream" passages, the speech gave impassioned voice to the demands of the U.S. civil rights movement: equal rights for all citizens, including those who were born black and brown. Join this webchat for a discussion of where these ideas fit into contemporary U.S. society.

Click HERE to submit your questions now!

Guest Biographies:

Whitney Mero is representative from Descendants of African People in Taiwan. Jean Pierre-Louis is chief of the Consular Section and Economic Section, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Kaohsiung Branch. Janee Pierre-Louis is chief of the Commercial Section, AIT Kaohsiung Branch.

Immigrants and the 2008 Elections

As America heads into the presidential elections, one of the issues at stake is the treatment and rights of immigrants. Who are the immigrants in America, and what are the issues and challenges they face? What are some of the policies being implemented at the local and national levels that are affecting immigrants? Join Deepa Iyer for a discussion about immigrants in the United States, with an emphasis on the Asian American community.

Deepa Iyer is executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to civic and political participation by South Asians in America. A lawyer, she has more than eight years' experience in civil and immigrants' rights issues. Iyer immigrated to the United States from India when she was 12.

U.S. Diversity: Immigration and Assimilation

America is a nation of immigrants. As these "waves" of immigrants arrive, they are shaped by American values and traditions. In turn, immigrants change and reshape America. Please join Hasia Diner for a discussion of the ways in which assimilation and immigration intertwine to form the American identity. 

Hasia Diner is Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg professor of American Jewish history and professor of Hebrew and Judaic studies at New York University. She holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Her research interests include American Jewish history, American immigration history and women's history.

Video Webcast: Elections 2008

Join Amy Walter, Editor in Chief, National Journal who will discuss the latest news in the U.S. Presidential Elections.

Following this Webcast join the following Webchat:

Beyond Super Tuesday

Kosovo: The Way Forward

On February 17, after lengthy negotiations with Serbia led by the EU/Russia/U.S. troika, the elected representatives of the people of Kosovo declared that province’s independence.

Please join Under Secretary of State R. Nicholas Burns for an online discussion about the significance of Kosovo’s independence and the way forward to lasting stability and prosperity in the Balkans.

R. Nicholas Burns is the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, the Department of State’s third ranking official. Appointed by President Bush, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 17, 2005 and was sworn into office by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. As Under Secretary, he oversees U.S. policy in each region of the world and serves in the senior career Foreign Service position at the Department.

Programas de becas de la Comisión México – Estados Unidos

La Comisión México-Estados Unidos para el Intercambio Educativo y Cultural (Comexus) es la principal organización binacional dedicada a promover el entendimiento entre México y los Estados Unidos a través de los intercambios educativos entre ciudadanos de los dos países que demuestren excelencia académica. La Comisión administra los programas de becas Fulbright-García Robles con la convicción de que los individuos con experiencia internacional son piezas clave para cimentar y promover las relaciones bilaterales entre México y los Estados Unidos en el contexto de una creciente integración hemisférica.

Si eres ciudadano mexicano y estás interesado en estudiar una maestría o un doctorado en universidades de los Estados Unidos, participa en el webchat para que conozcas los programas que ofrece Comexus.

Miércoles 13 de febrero de 2008 a las 12:00 horas. (Hora del centro de México)

The Next New Thing--Innovation Trends

Super Tuesday and the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election

Join Us on Super Tuesday

America.gov is partnering with the Washington Foreign Press Center to bring you live coverage of Super Tuesday events February 5, 2008. Learn about the upcoming speakers and the schedule of events:

3:30-4:00 pm (2030-2100 GMT)	Jonathan Margolis, Deputy Coordinator, Bureau of International Information Programs and Jim Dickmeyer, Director of the Foreign Press Centers - "Welcome and Introduction to America.gov"
4:00-5:00 pm (2100-2200 GMT)	Thomas Mann, Brookings Institution - "Super Tuesday: The End of the Presidential Nominating Process or a Waystation on the Route to the National Party Conventions?"
5:30-6:30 pm (2230-2330 GMT)	John Mercurio, The Hotline - "The 2008 Campaign: Covering the Coverage"
7:00-8:00 pm (0000-0100 GMT)	John Zogby, Zogby International - "Elections 2008 - The Battle for the Middle Ground"
8:00-9:00 pm (0100-0200 GMT)	John Fortier, American Enterprise Institute - "Winning the delegate count on Super Tuesday: An assessment of the candidates' prospects."

The Next New Thing: How to Innovate, Right Now

According to author Scott Berkun, "The biggest secret of innovation is that anyone can do it." How to be successful at innovation and innovative thinking is the subject of an Ask America webchat with Berkun, a best-selling author and writer on the topic of innovation. In this discussion, Berkun will address your questions about what it takes to succeed as an innovator and how thinking “outside the box” is changing the world around us.

Guest Biography: Scott Berkun is the author of the bestseller The Myths of Innovation (O'Reilly Media, Inc., 2007). He writes about creative thinking and innovation at http://www.scottberkun.com.

The Next New Thing: Teaching Innovation

Each year the United States issues more than 180,000 patents to scientists, students, corporations and everyday people so that they can protect and build on their ideas and introduce them to the world. But there is no typical American innovator. Innovators come in all shapes and sizes; they might work in large office buildings, laboratories or even the smallest garages attached to their homes. What unites these innovators is the knowledge that the road to innovation might be long and checkered with failure, but success will come to those who believe in an idea and have the passion to follow through. So how do these innovator's obtain the skills needed to make their visions a reality? Join Professor of Marketing Rajesh Chandy as he discusses how America's educators are helping to foster the next great generation of thinkers and innovators.

Guest Biography: Rajesh K. Chandy is James D. Watkins Professor of Marketing and co-director of the Institute for Research in Marketing at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. His research and publications on innovation have received a number of awards, including the Journal of Marketing's Harold Maynard Award for contributions to marketing theory and thought, the American Marketing Association's Early Career Award for Contributions to Marketing Strategy and the TechSIG Award for the best article on technology and innovation. He was named a 2003 Young Scholar by the Marketing Science Institute, and Fortune magazine described his findings on innovation as "an unorthodox and bracing set of management principles." Chandy is a member of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez's Advisory Committee on Measuring Innovation in the 21st Century Economy and an award-winning instructor in the Carlson School's MBA and executive programs.

Fighting Corruption: Moving Forward on the Global Framework

The United States is committed to strengthening the fight against corruption. In recent years, through a series of international agreements culminating in the UN Convention against Corruption, a global framework for combating corruption has emerged. Individual countries can now make their anticorruption efforts more effective by vigorously implementing globally agreed anticorruption measures and drawing on international cooperation to support them. From January 28 to February 1, 2008 in Bali, Indonesia, the United States and other countries that have signed or ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption will meet to discuss implementation of the Convention and consider ways to boost international efforts to prevent and fight corruption. Join Elizabeth Verville for a preview of the 2008 UNCAC 2nd Conference of States Parties and how the U.S. maintains a leadership role in anticorruption activities.

Guest Biography: Elizabeth G. Verville became deputy assistant secretary of state for crime in December 2006. She is responsible for developing and implementing foreign policy initiatives to counter international criminal threats to U.S. national interests and programs to strengthen law enforcement institutions. She has headed the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee in Vienna to negotiate the U.N. Convention Against Corruption, as well as the U.N. Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and its three supplemental protocols to combat trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling and illicit trafficking in firearms. She also has headed the U.S. delegation to the Conferences of States Parties to these conventions as well as to U.N. crime meetings. Before joining the government, Verville practiced law with a private firm in Boston, Massachusetts, and was an assistant attorney general for the state.

Social Networking Sites: On the Campaign Trail & Beyond

The term “social networking” brings to mind Web sites like Bebo and MySpace, but the practice of making personal connections via the internet is driving a wave of technological innovation through American companies and organizations. The new social networks don’t rely on advertising revenue and rediscovering childhood friends. They are being designed with specific purposes in mind, from fighting poverty to bringing political campaign supporters together. Join technology writer and expert Jessica Hilberman for a discussion of social networking sites and how they are changing the nature of human interaction on the internet.

Guest Biography: Jessica Hilberman is a writer and editor who has published widely on the subjects of technology, health, popular culture, and urban issues. She lives in Northern California.

The U.S. View on Current Events in Somalia

The United States continues to support efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in Somalia and bring economic development to its people. The United States believes that the key to long-term stability in Somalia and to protecting the country from serving as a safe haven for terrorists is inclusive political dialogue between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and key Somali stakeholders. The United States is the largest bilateral donor of humanitarian assistance to Somalia, providing more than $180 million in humanitarian and development assistance in the last two years. Please join Ambassador John Yates for a discussion on the new prime minister and Cabinet, security and U.S. involvement with the country.

Guest Biography: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appointed Ambassador (retired) John M. Yates as special envoy for Somalia on May 17, 2007. As special envoy, Yates plays a critical role in engaging with representatives of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, other key stakeholders, and regional and international partners to help Somalia create a stable government as it emerges from more than 14 years of instability and lawlessness.

Ambassador Yates comes to this post with considerable experience, having represented the United States as an observer to the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference at Mbagathi, Kenya, which established the Transitional Federal Charter and the Transitional Federal Institutions, which serve as the framework for the reestablishment of governance in Somalia. A career Foreign Service officer with more than 40 years' experience, Yates was one of the State Department's leading Africa specialists prior to his retirement in 2002. Yates has a B.A. in international relations from Stanford University and two master's degrees and a doctorate in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Media Making Change: New Technology, New Voices

Blogging, online video, and rapid-fire text messaging are new media technologies that have become widely used and adapted in the last few years. Savvy users have applied these technologies in unexpected ways to achieve political goals. Governments are struggling to respond, some with repression, some with reforms. Join Patrick Butler for a discussion of how technology is allowing new voices to create and join a global discussion.

Guest Biography: Patrick Butler is vice president for programs at the International Center for Journalists, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization that "promotes quality journalism worldwide in the belief that independent, vigorous media are crucial in improving the human condition," according to its mission statement.

U.S. Foreign Policy Towards Pakistan

The current political crisis in Pakistan is the topic of a USINFO Webchat with international affairs specialist Walter Russell Mead. Fallout from the Bhutto assassination and the delay of national elections will be among the topics Mr. Mead will cover during this discussion of U.S. foreign policy towards Pakistan in a rapidly changing environment. In addition Mead will touch upon the U.S. stance towards the democratic process in Pakistan, the fight against extremists and the safe management of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

Guest Biography: Walter Russell Mead is the Henry A. Kissinger senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations and one of the country’s leading students of American foreign policy. His book, Special Providence: American Foreign Policy and How It Changed the World (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004), was widely hailed as an important study that will change the way Americans and others think about American foreign policy. His most recent book, God and Gold: Britain, America and the Making of the Modern World (Alfred A. Knopf, 2007), is a major study of 400 years of conflict between Anglophone powers and rivals ranging from absolute monarchies like Spain and France through Communist and Fascist enemies in the twentieth century to al-Qaeda today. Mr. Mead’s chief intellectual interests involve the rise and development of a liberal, capitalist world order based on the economic, social, and military power of the United States and its closest allies. He is interested in the implications of this evolving world order for American foreign policy and for American and international society. He is an honors graduate of Groton and Yale. He has traveled widely in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. He is a founding board member of the New America Foundation.

Media Making Change: New Media Versus Old Media

New technologies lead to new media platforms and styles. As new forms gain a greater audience share, the debate grows more intense about whether practitioners of the new media honor the time-honored professional standards that separate journalism from the gossip sheets. Join David Vaina for a webchat discussing these and other topics related to new media platforms and how they are shaping today's journalism.

Guest Biography: David Vaina is a research associate at the Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization devoted to evaluation and study of the performance of the news media. PEJ describes itself as nonpartisan, nonideological, and nonpolitical. The organization is affiliated with the Pew Research Center.

After Annapolis: The U.S. Commitment to the Palestinian People

In support of the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP) and with the approval of Congress, the United States intends to provide over $550 million to the Palestinian people, including budget support and assistance for development projects and for security sector reform activities to bolster security in the West Bank. The United States will also ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable in Palestinian society are met by continuing our humanitarian assistance through the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other international organizations.

Please join Tom Goldberger, director of the U.S. State Department's Israel and Palestinian Affairs office, for questions and answers on the U.S. commitment, including emerging public-private partnerships and the changing face of international aid.

Guest Biography: Thomas Goldberger is a career Foreign Service Officer currently serving as Director of the Israel Palestinian Affairs Officer in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. Tom’s two previous postings were as Economic Counselor in Ankara, Turkey and Amman, Jordan. He has also served in the U.S. Embassies in Paris, France and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and in various capacities in the State Department in Washington.

Middle East Partnership Initiative: Strengthening Democratic Participation Through the Empowerment of Civil Society

Over 300 civil society leaders from throughout the BMENA region convened in Sanaa, Yemen between November 30 and December 2 for the fourth Civil Society Parallel Forum. Organized by a cross-cutting coalition of Yemeni civil society leaders, with support from MEPI, the Parallel Forum represents a locally-driven initiative in which civic leaders from the BMENA region outline tangible, action-oriented strategies to advance reform in the Middle East and North Africa.

Please join Laura Schulz in a discussion of the Parallel Forum and its significance as it relates to MEPI's support to indigenous civil society organizations in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Guest Biography: Laura A. Schulz is the Civil Society and Rule of Law Manager at the Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), U.S. Department of State, where she has developed and oversees a portfolio of nearly 30 programs throughout the Middle East and North Africa that amplify and strengthen local democratization efforts. She has worked for more than a decade with civil society organizations in the Middle East. In 2006, she received a Superior Honor Award, for demonstrating U.S. Government commitment to civil society in the Middle East.

Getting Out the Vote: Text Messages and Political Campaigns

In a fast-paced technological environment, every political candidate is looking for an edge on how to mobilize voters. Please join Matt Bieber of Mobile Commons, a mobile messaging software firm, to discuss the way political campaigns are using targeted text messaging and other new media techniques to reach, influence and interact with young voters in the United States and abroad.

Guest Biography: Matt Bieber is the director of mobile community for Mobile Commons, a firm that makes software that allows organizations to create and manage their own mobile messaging campaigns. Mobile Commons works with campaigns of every size -- including those of leading presidential candidates, big city mayors and contenders for local office -- as well as nonprofits, advocacy groups and corporations. Before joining Mobile Commons, Bieber was finance director for a congressional campaign in Pennsylvania.

Museums and the Importance of Documenting the Indigenous Experience

Elections 2008: Beyond Super Tuesday

The results of Super Tuesday are known, and the remaining primaries and caucuses are to come. Join two political analysts as they provide their perspective on what is in store for the remaining candidates in the race for the U.S. presidency.

Thomas F. Schaller is associate professor of political science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and co-author of Devolution and Black State Legislators. The weekly national political columnist for The Baltimore Sun, Schaller has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times and has appeared on Comedy Central's The Colbert Report. Schaller earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Ann Stone is an entrepreneur and activist who heads The Stone Group Inc. (TSG), which has built a name as an innovative, cutting-edge campaign strategy, public affairs and public relations firm. Active in politics since age 12, she has worked in more than 450 campaigns as everything from precinct worker to campaign manager. In 1989, she launched a national political group, "Republicans for Choice." This group is locating and mobilizing the pro-choice majority in the Republican Party, in order to change the party platform and elect pro-choice Republicans at the federal, state and local levels. In 1996, Stone joined with two other women to form the National Women’s History Museum, and she works with women’s groups worldwide to foster women’s history movements across the globe.

Summer Work and Travel in the U.S.

In 2007, more than 5,000 Romanian college students spent their summer vacation working and traveling in the United States through the Summer Work & Travel program. If you are interested in participating in the 2008 program, please join us for an online discussion!

The webchat will cover details about the Summer Work & Travel program including who is qualified to participate, rules & regulations, how to apply, your visa interview and more.

Join Vice Consul Heather Steil who will discuss the Summer Work & Travel program with college students in Romania.

On Common Ground: America & Islam

Diversity is a corner stone of American society. In fact, U.S. citizens come from virtually every ethnic and religious community in the world. As the face of America changes, Americans of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are making efforts to better understand each other. Join Courtney Erwin, who will discuss Islam-West engagement and the ways in which Americans of various backgrounds are discussing and acting on their common and unique values.

Courtney Erwin is chief of staff and director of programs at the Cordoba Initiative, an international, multi-faith organization founded in 2002 committed to healing divisions between Muslim and Western societies.  It does this through civil dialogue, policy initiatives, education, and cultural programs. Prior to joining the Cordoba Initiative, Courtney worked at the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington as their Coordinator for Religious Freedom. Courtney holds a Juris Doctor in international law and mediation; a Master of Arts in Islamic law; and a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, with a concentration on Muslim-Christian Understanding.

Innovation: What Makes a Great Inventor?

Innovation is the art of creating something new, and every day in the United States and around the world, scientists, students and everyday people are working to bring to life an idea that is theirs alone. Join inventor Ronald Riley for a discussion of what it takes to be a great inventor and innovator.

Guest Biography: Ronald J. Riley is a prolific inventor and president of Riley Consulting Inc., Riley & Associates Inc. (licenses his intellectual property) and Riley Enterprises Inc. As an inventor, he specializes in industrial controls and product development, but also has patents in process in such diverse consumer areas as footwear, telecommunications, exercise equipment and biotechnology. Riley founded the Professional Inventors Alliance (PIA) in 1993 to help inventors who faced difficulties with infringement of their patents share information and network with other inventors facing similar problems.

African Americans and U.S. Foreign Policy

As African-American History Month continues, please join professor and author Clarence Lusane as he discusses the influence and role of African Americans in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Professor Clarence Lusane  teaches courses at American University in comparative race relations; modern social movements; comparative politics of Africa, the Caribbean and Europe; black political theory and political behavior; international drug politics; and jazz and international relations. His current research interests are international race politics, human rights and electoral politics. His most recent book is Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice: Foreign Policy, Race, and the New American Century (2006). Lusane received his Ph.D. in political science from Howard University in 1997.

Bangladeshi-American Military Imam

A man who came to the United States as a student from Bangladesh has become a U.S. Navy Chaplain. He uses his love for God and humanity to counsel and assist U.S. military personnel of all faiths and backgrounds. Join Imam Abuhena Saifulislam for an online discussion that will cover the chaplaincy program in the U.S. Military, Islam in the U.S. military, and his role in promoting religious tolerance.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Lieutenant Commander Abuhena Saifulislam was the second Muslim chaplain commissioned in the U.S. Navy. He immigrated to the United States in 1999, after earning a master's degree in business in Bangladesh. He enlisted in the Navy in 1992, and was the first Muslim chaplain at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, when the detention facility first opened in 2001.

Interfaith Understanding

America is a wonderfully diverse nation, encompassing multiple ethnic groups and religious backgrounds. Though this diversity is a significant asset to the country's character, it creates the need for a peaceful dialogue among religious institutions. Join Mike Goggin to discuss the importance of understanding and a sense of community among persons of diverse faiths to enable them to work cooperatively for social and economic justice.

Guest Biography Mike Goggin is assistant director of the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington. He is also president of the North American Interfaith Network, an umbrella group of 75 interfaith organizations. He has a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University's school of foreign service and a master's degree in theology from the Washington Theological Union. He recently contributed a chapter to the new book Building the Interfaith Youth Movement: Beyond Dialogue to Action.

Ambassador Robert Tuttle Answers Your Questions

The U.S. presidential election has been a hot topic for months. Become part of the continuing debate as Ambassador Robert Tuttle answers questions about the 2008 presidential race.

Ambassador Robert Tuttle began his career in the public sector when he joined the White House staff in 1982 as special assistant to President Ronald Reagan. In 1985, he was appointed director of presidential personnel. He has been serving as ambassador to London since 2005.

Ask America Arabic Service

Join our online community of experts, business leaders and government officials in a Arabic-language webchat.  The webchats take place at: http://webchat.state.gov/?tid=unsecure.login&language=arabic

OUR NEXT CHATS:

August 27

Walter Douglas U.S. Department of State - "Perceptions of the U.S. in the Middle East"

TRANSCRIPTS OF PAST CHATS: 

August 13	Hassan Abassy U.S. Department of State - "Life as a Muslim Federal Employee"
August 6	Alon Sachar, U.S. Department of State - "U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to the Palestinians"
July 30	Faiza Ali, U.S. Department of State - "U.S. Efforts for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons and, also, a Personal Discussion with an American Muslim Employee of the United States Government"
July 23	Joe Mellot, U.S. Department of State - "U.S. Wartime Detention Policy"
July 16	Susan Crystal, U.S. Department of State - "International Exchange Program Alumni: Building Mutual Understanding"
July 9	Mark Lagon, U.S. Department of State - "Trafficking in Persons Update"
June 25	Alina Romanowski, U.S. Department of State - "International Exchange Programs"
June 18	Francisco Palmieri, U.S. Department of State - "Democratic Reform and Human Rights Conditions in the Arab World"
June 11	Greg Schulte, U.S. Department of State - "Iran's Illicit Nuclear Pursuits: Implications for the Arab World"
May 28	Jim Flowers, U.S. Department of State - "U.S. Counter Terrorism Policy in the Maghreb"
May 21	James Foley, U.S. Department of State - "U.S. Help for Iraqi refugees"
May 14	James Garry, U.S. Department of State - "Inflation in the Gulf States"
May 7	Joe Mellott, U.S. Department of State - " U.S. Wartime Detention Policy and Military Commissions"
April 10	John Riddle, U.S. Department of State - " Economic Cost of the Iraq Insurgency"
April 8	Joe Mellott, U.S. Department of State - " U.S Wartime Detention Policy"
April 3	Theresa Whelean, U.S. Department of Defense - " What is AFRICOM?"
March 27	Mary Alexander, U.S. Department of State - "Effects of Iraq's De-Baathification Law"
March 18	Gregg Quinn, British Foreign Service - "Handover of Power to Iraqi Forces in Basra"
March 11	Laura Schulz, Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) - "The Freedom Agenda"
March 6	Matt Rosenstock, U.S. Department of State - "The Freedom Agenda"
March 4	Salam Al-Marayati, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) - "Muslims and Political Participation in the U.S."
February 28	Farah Pandith, U.S. Department of State - "(English) U.S. Official Discusses Muslim Life in America" "(Arabic) U.S. Official Discusses Muslim Life in America" -
February 26	Max Primorac, U.S. Department of State - "What is a Provincial Reconstruction Team"
February 21	Randall Kaailau, U.S. Department of State - "Solving the Western Sahara Dilemma"
February 19	Ellen Conway, U.S. Department of State - "Namechecks and the Visa Process"

Covering the Conventions

The Nuts and Bolts of Covering the 2008 National Conventions.

The Senate and House press galleries have been responsible for media credentialing for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions since 1912.  The current leaders of each gallery will be at the Foreign Press Center to share their wisdom and answer questions on credentialing and housing in addition to workspace, security considerations, transportation and parking. This briefing should not be missed if you plan on covering one or both Conventions.

Please join Jerry Gallegos, Superintendent, House Press Gallery, Joe Keenan, Superintendent, Senate Press Gallery, and  Olga Ramirez Kornacki, Director, Radio-TV Correspondents’ Gallery.

Servicios de bibliotecas para jóvenes y niños

Comparta con Mariela Aguilar, Bibliotecóloga de la Biblioteca Central de Arlington y Maria E. Gentle, Bibliotecóloga, Servicios para jóvenes de la Biblioteca Pública de Arlington, Virginia quienes participaran de la Video Conferencia "Servicios de bibliotecas para jóvenes y niños."

Las dos trataran el tema de programas y actividades en bibliotecas para jóvenes y niños quienes están fascinados con las nuevas tecnologías. Esta webcast será en Español.

Join Mariela Aguilar, Librarian from the Arlington Central Library and Maria E. Gentle, Youth Services Librarian at the Arlington County Public Library who will participate in a video conference with San Jose, Costa Rica.  The topic of their talk is “Library Services for Youth Audiences.”  This video webcast will be conducted in Spanish.

Abidjan Discusses America's Women Inventors

The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan hosts a special webchat with author Ethlie Ann Vare to discuss the imagination of women inventors and their vital contributions in the 21st century.

Ethlie Ann Vare is the author of the first book written in the 20th century about women inventors: Mothers of Invention -- From the Bra to the Bomb, Forgotten Women and Their Unforgettable Ideas. Vare is well-known as a television personality and for her work a writer of TV shows, including CSI, Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda, Renegade and Silk Stalkings. She is currently consulting with Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry for a major exhibit about women inventors, to be displayed in 2009.

Video Webcast: 2008 Election Update

Political pollster Frank Luntz was a primary night and election night commentator for The News with Brian Williams on MSNBC in 2000 and for Hardball in 2004 and has conducted focus group sessions for all three major television networks, two of the three cable news channels, PBS and the BBC. He has also conducted focus groups for The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The New Yorker, and U.S. News & World Report. The “Instant Response” focus group technique pioneered by Mr. Luntz was profiled on 60 Minutes. He has also been a guest on Meet the Press, Nightline, The Today Show, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, Good Morning America, Hannity and Colmes, Charlie Rose, Real Time with Bill Maher, and Hardball with Chris Matthews. He also served as a consultant to the award-winning NBC hit show “The West Wing”.

60 Years: Universal Declaration of Human Rights

To celebrate the 60th anniversary year of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, join scholar Allida Black to discuss the importance and relevance of the declaration and the leading role played by Eleanor Roosevelt in its creation.

Allida Black is a research professor of history and international affairs at The George Washington University. She is the editor of the university's Eleanor Roosevelt papers and the director of its project to preserve, teach and apply Eleanor Roosevelt’s writings and discussions of human rights and democratic politics. She has received the university's Millennium Medal, as well as the 2001 Person of Vision Award from the Arlington County, Virginia, Commission on the Status of Women and the James A. Jordan Award for Outstanding Dedication and Excellence in Teaching from Penn State University, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Related Article: Universal Declaration of Human Rights Remains Relevant

Olympic Swimming Star Janet Evans

Janet Evans is a true legend in women’s sports. Despite her small size, she is considered the greatest female distance swimmer of all time. She is a four-time Olympic medalist, making the U.S. Olympic team three consecutive times. Becoming an Olympic athlete takes determination and dedication. Chat with Janet Evans about her struggles toward greatness, her international competitive experiences, and the lessons she learned along the way.

U.S. Olympic swimming star Janet Evans is known for her exceptional speed and her dedication to the sport. In three consecutive Olympic Games, she brought home a total of four gold medals. At only 17, she won her first three gold medals at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. In addition to a record-setting fourth gold medal, Evans holds six American records, two world records, 45 national titles, 17 international titles,and 5 NCAA titles. In 1989 she was honored with the Sullivan Award as the most outstanding amateur athlete. Evans is currently a highly requested public speaker and businesswoman.

Trafficking in Persons Update

Ambassador Mark P. Lagon, director of the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), discussed strategies to help fight modern-day slavery around the world in an April 10 Ask America video webchat.

Cursos de verano y programas de inglés intensivo en los Estados Unidos

Durante el verano, la mayoría de las instituciones educativas en los Estados Unidos ofrecen cursos de corto plazo en diferentes áreas. Los estudiantes pueden mejorar su nivel de inglés mediante cursos intensivos sobre temas específicos de acuerdo con sus necesidades académicas y profesionales. También existen diplomados, programas interdisciplinarios, entrenamientos técnicos y de desarrollo profesional.

Acompáñanos en este webchat en donde expertos del Centro de Asesoría Educativa (EducationUSA Mexico) te proporcionarán información para que te familiarices con las escuelas, y procesos de solicitud y admisión a los diferentes programas cortos disponibles en los Estados Unidos.

Earth Day 2008 and The Global Climate Crisis

Join Elliot Diringer, Director for International Strategies at the Pew Center for Global Climate Change in Arlington, VA. The 60 minute dialogue will examine the global ramifications of climate change. As the leader in greenhouse emissions and the largest economy, the future of international climate efforts depends in large measure on the actions of the United States. Mr. Diringer will also examine the question, "Can nations agree on how to address climate change?"

Elliot Diringer is Director of International Strategies at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. He oversees the Center's analysis of the international challenges posed by climate change and strategies for meeting them, and directs the Center's outreach to key governments and actors involved in international climate change negotiations. Mr. Diringer came to the Pew Center from the White House, where he was Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary.

Elections Update Webcast

How does the convention process work? What are party platforms and are they meaningful? What are the laws, regulations and guidelines for making political contributions? What is the relationship of funding to election outcomes? View a video webcast as expert James Thurber discusses these questions and more.

James A. Thurber is Distinguished Professor of Government and Director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University. He was the principal investigator of a seven year grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts to the Campaign Management Institute to study campaign conduct.

U.S.-Taiwan Relations in a Time of Political Change

A 90-minute digital video conference with Taipei, Kaohsiung and Washington on the next stage of the U.S.-Taiwan relationshop, given changing presidential leadership in both the United States and Taiwan. The program's purpose is to increase interest, awareness and knowledge among Taiwan's professors, scholars, students, think tanks and media by highlighting the importance of future U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Bonnie S. Glaser is senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and also with the Pacific Forum CSIS in Honolulu. Alan D. Romberg is senior associate and director of the East Asia Program at the Henry L. Stimson Center, former principal deputy director of the State Department's Policy Planning Staff and deputy spokesman of the department. Dr. Robert Sutter of Georgetown University has been a very well-received State Department speaker in East Asia.

Opportunities and Challenges of Creating a Society of Hope in Honduras

Join U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Charles A. Ford for an online discussion in which he will highlight issues of mutual concern to the U.S. and Honduras.  Topics available for discussion will include security, economic growth, social justice, and immigration, among others. Ambassador Ford will answer your questions live online.

**Ambassador Ford will take your questions in English and Spanish.**

Charles A. Ford began his duties as Ambassador of the United States in Honduras on November 8, 2005. Mr. Ford most recently served as a Senior Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Operations, at the United States Foreign Commercial Service, and as the Vice President of the American Foreign Service Association. As a member of the United States Foreign Service since 1982, Ambassador Ford has had extensive experience in Latin America.

Studium, Praktika, Sommerjobs, High School & AuPair Aufenthalten in den USA

Worauf muss bei der Planung eines USA-Aufenthaltes geachtet werden? Wo finde ich Informationen zu Universitäten und wie bewerbe ich mich? Kann ich meinen Zivildienst in den USA machen? Brauche ich ein Visum und wie beantrage ich es? Fragen, die sich jedem vor einem Studium, Arbeits- oder Praktikumsaufenthalt in den USA stellen. Wir freuen uns auf Fragen von Schülern, Studenten, Lehrern und Eltern.

Guest Biography: Der Chat wird moderiert von Fachreferenten für Studium und Austausch der US-Botschaft/US-Generalkonsulate. Mitarbeiter der Visabteilung geben Auskunft über Visa für einen Aufenthalt in den USA.

CANCELLED The Future of Kenya: Reforms and Coalition Building

We regret to announce the cancellation of this webchat program.

 The United States welcomes Kenya’s power-sharing agreement, calling it an “important first step” toward solving the country’s political crisis. Now that the coalition cabinet has been agreed upon, the U.S. hopes that Kenya’s leaders can move quickly to carry out institutional reforms, particularly with respect to revising the constitution, improving the electoral process, and land issues.

This month’s webchat with Kenya’s U.S. Ambassador Michael Ranneberger will focus on the steps Kenya can take to solidify its newly created political coalition in the weeks and months ahead.

Michael E. Ranneberger  has served as U.S. ambassador to Kenya since August 11, 2006. He has also served as ambassador to Mali, as senior representative and as special adviser on Sudan, and as principal deputy assistant secretary in the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs. He is a member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of minister-counselor.

See also:
Ambassador Ranneberger Discusses U.S.-Kenya Relations April 9, 2008

Ambassador Ranneberger Discusses U.S.-Kenya Relations March 12, 2008

U.S. & International Strategy to Combat Terrorist Organizations' Exploitation of Charities

Charitable giving is an important American value, and charities are a vital mechanism by which average citizens can make an impact on the lives of others in the U.S. and around the world. At the same time, there is a global recognition that many terrorist organizations use charities to raise and move funds as well as deliberately exploit the social services provided by charities in order to propagate extremist ideology.

The U.S. Treasury Department safeguards financial systems against illicit use such as terrorist financing, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferators, money launderers, drug kingpins and other national security threats. In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department provides guidance to U.S-based charities on how to minimize the risk of terrorist exploitation. Join Michael Rosen, Policy Advisor, Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, who will discuss the Treasury Department and the international community’s strategy and response to this complex issue.

Michael Rosen is a policy advisor in the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes (TFFC).

TFFC's mission is to address systemic threats to the U.S. financial systems, including nuclear proliferation financing, public corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing. TFFC also works with Office of Foreign Asset Control and other agencies to develop policies on implementing targeted financial measures against terrorist financiers and their support networks. In addition, TFFC works across the international community to implement anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) recommendations through such organizations as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the United Nations.

Michael's portfolio includes a wide range of issues such as developing policies to minimize the risk of terrorist exploitation of charities; outreach to the Arab/Muslim-American communities; developing AML/CFT guidance for attorneys, accountants, casinos and other designated professionals; and working on a United States Government's initiative to combat public corruption in the international financial community. He received his Juris Doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Law, and a Masters in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

Press Freedom: Journalists Facing Threats Worldwide

Recent global events marking the May 3 World Press Freedom Day helped to spotlight repression and violence against journalists. The day also reminds the world that free expression is guaranteed under the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Threats to journalists' safety remain an unfortunate but very real concern around the globe today. While war reporting is currently the biggest threat to journalists' safety, publishing stories critical of government or of certain political figures also represents a safety risk in some countries. Sherry Ricchiardi will be available to answer your questions about current threats to journalists and media professionals the world over and the role of journalists in contemporary society.

Sherry Ricchiardi is a senior writer for American Journalism Review magazine, specializing in international issues and a professor at the Indiana School of Journalism at Indianapolis where she works on international affairs and teaches international communication courses. Dr. Ricchiardi is a former member of the Society of Profession Journalists' international committee and a former consultant with Crimes of War. With grants from the International Media Fund from 1991- 1995, she developed mid-career training for journalists in Croatia and organized a Media Resource Center at Zagreb University. She also currently serves as a consultant to the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma at the University of Washington.

Webcast: Politics and Pundits – The Influence of the Media

Join the second Elections 08 online simulcast hosted by the U.S. Embassy London!

"Politics and Pundits The Influence of the Media on Elections and Democracy" will take place on Wednesday 16th July at the United States Embassy in London.

Chair:		John Lloyd Contributing Editor, Financial Times
Panel:		Yasmin Alibhai-Brown - UK Broadcaster, Writer & Columnist, The Independent & The Evening Standard
		Neal Boortz - US Host of nationally-syndicated U.S. talk-radio show with over 4 million listeners
		Nick Ferrari - UK LBC 97.3 Breakfast Show Host
		Stephanie Miller - US Host of top-ranked nationally-syndicated U.S. progressive talk-radio show

The expert panel will examine what impact talk media may be having on the 2008 U.S. election campaign, as well as its impact on recent elections in the U.S. and on politics in the UK. There is some thought that the tremendous popularity of nationally-syndicated talk-radio programs featuring hosts that have clear political orientation has an impact on how average voters view political issues and personalities. Some feel that this phenomenon represents a more recent shift toward opinion-based commentary, rather than "objective" fact-based news reporting as the source for citizens' opinions about political issues. Is this true? Is this a new phenomenon or has it always been so? Does such talk mass media strengthen democracy by providing a more informed electorate? Or do commentators act as Pied Pipers, mixing opinion and fact in leading citizens to support the commentators' own political preferences? These are some of the questions to be examined.

Advancing Renewable Energy: After WIREC -- Next Steps

At the close of the recent successful Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008), more than 100 pledges had been received from nations around the world to increase their use of renewables. In fact, interest was so strong that the deadline for accepting pledges was extended by a month. Since that time, nearly 30 additional pledges have been submitted to the Washington International Action Program. Join Ambassador Reno Harnish for an online chat to discuss the next steps and ways to continue the positive momentum from WIREC.

Ambassador Reno Harnish is principal deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, where he has served since 2006. He also has served as chief of mission in Baku, Azerbaijan, and as designated chief of mission at the U.S. Office Pristina, Kosovo. In earlier assignments, he was environment, science and technology counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Rome and economic and commercial counselor at the U.S. Embassy to the German Democratic Republic. Before entering the Foreign Service, he worked as a research assistant at the American Enterprise Institute, as an international economist at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and as a clerk for Representative Dave Martin of Nebraska.

The 2008 Elections and the Hispanic Vote

As the 2008 Election campaign continues, join Susan Minushkin for a discussion of the role and influence played by America's growing Latino community in the electoral process.

To participate in this video webcast, please go to http://www.cpcwebcast.com/state/. No registration is necessary.

Susan Minushkin is Deputy Director of the Pew Hispanic Center whose mission is to improve understanding of the U.S. Hispanic population and to chronicle Latinos' growing impact on the entire nation. The Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, is a nonpartisan research organization supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts. It does not advocate for or take positions on policy issues.

Previously, she was a professor of international studies at the Centro de Investigaciones y Docencia Economicas (CIDE) in Mexico City and director of the first, ongoing public and elite survey in Mexico on foreign policy and Mexican attitudes toward international issues. Her research expertise includes Mexican public opinion and foreign policy, Latin American politics and economic globalization in developing countries. She has a PhD in political science from Columbia University.

Markets and Democracy Webcast

How do free markets and democracy work together? Join us for an online discussion to coincide with the launch of America.gov's June theme on “Democracies Around the World.” Questions for Dr. Mandelbaum can be submitted during the live broadcast and before the event using the webcast@state.gov mailbox. 

Michael Mandelbaum is Christian A. Herter Professor and director of the American Foreign Policy Program at the Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. Mandelbaum is a contributor for the upcoming eJournalUSA on Markets and Democracy. His essay focuses on the proper understanding of democracy, encompassing both popular sovereignty and liberty and the ways in which free markets promote political democracy.

U.S. Elections Your Questions

Wondering about how delegates are counted or how the Electoral College works? Curious where the presidential candidates stand on issues that impact your country? Join America.gov's elections experts Michelle Austein and George Burkes on the first Tuesday of every month to discuss the people, processes and issues that shape the U.S. presidential race. They will answer your questions and talk about the latest events on the 2008 campaign trail.

Like or don't like what you see on America.gov's 2008 Elections Web page? Readers' questions and comments will shape America.gov's elections coverage, so now it is your turn to tell the experts what elections topics you care about.

See also:
U.S. Elections
America.gov's Elections Blog: Campaign Trail Talk
The Candidates
The Issues

American Women in Politics: Issues and Challenges

This is the webcast of a digital videoconference (DVC) on the U.S. presidential election of 2008. The DVC is part of a series that provides a platform to bring together student communication and public affairs contacts in an interactive discussion of the electoral processes in the United States. This program is sponsored by the American Consulate in Mumbai, India.

Geraldine A. Ferraro is a principal with Blank Rome Government Relations LLC and is associated with Blank Rome, LLP. Before joining Blank Rome, she chaired the public affairs practice of the Global Consulting Group (GCG), a leading international communications firm.

Ferraro has counseled clients on a wide range of public policy issues, not only giving strategic advice but also providing lobbying support when needed. She has handled matters before agencies of the United Nations, the U.S. government, the Congress and the U.S. Conference of Mayors as well as certain state and local entities. Her extensive work with the NGO community over her years in public service allows her the access necessary to build strategic alliances on behalf of her clients.

Ferraro earned a place in history as the first woman vice presidential candidate on a national party ticket when she was the Democratic Party's nominee in 1984. She was first elected to Congress from New York’s 9th Congressional District in Queens in 1978 and served three terms in the House of Representatives. Her committee assignments in Congress included the Public Works Committee, the Post Office and Civil Service Committee, and the Budget Committee. She also served on the Select Committee on Aging.

Russian-Georgian Relations

Mr. Boot will discuss the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia and its implications on regional security.

Max Boot is Olin Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations. He is an award-winning author and former editorial features editor, the Wall Street Journal, expert on national security policy and U.S. military history and technology. Mr. Boot is currently the contributing editor to the Weekly Standard; editorial features editor (1997 to 2002), the Wall Street Journal, and writer and editor, (1994 to 1997); writer and editor, the Christian Science Monitor (1992-94).