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Welcome Back to DipNote
Posted by Robert Wood on Jan 20, 2009 - 11:39 AM

Acting Department Spokesman Robert Wood types at his computer, Jan. 14, 2008. [State Photo]

About the Author: Robert Wood serves as Acting Department Spokesman and Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs.

Welcome to DipNote, the State Department’s official blog. DipNote gives context, clarity and other behind the scenes insights on the foreign policy headlines in which you’re most interested. The information is provided to you by those actually doing the work.

The term “DipNote” refers to a diplomatic note, one of the many means by which governments formally communicate with one another. Aside from the title, we make every effort to minimize the use of jargon and acronyms. When they’re unavoidable, we explain them. We want this blog to be as accessible and user-friendly as possible. This blog represents your opportunity to engage State Department officials, to contribute to the discussion of U.S. foreign policy. We want you to be active participants in a community focused on some of the most important international issues of today.

We live in an age in which there is a greater need for you to be aware of what is happening around the world, and in a time when everyone should be able to contribute to the dialogue. You can join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and submit your video question on the State Department’s YouTube Channel. I encourage you to explore DipNote and these other resources and to provide us your thoughts and feedback. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Comments

Michael in U.S.A. writes:

A Final Rule was posted in the Federal Register of 22 July 2009 with a new definition of what constitutes an 'immediate family member' for the purposes of issuing visas to foreign government officials. It looked like the U.S. Government was preparing to offer reciprocity to those foreign states that provided Vienna Convention privileges and immunities and employment authorization to unmarried opposite-sex and same-sex partners of U.S. Government officials assigned to those states, in accordance with Secretary Clinton's announcement of 18 June 2009. Is this the case? Or will State extend privileges and immunities only to unmarried opposite-sex partners (as it does now) and Homeland Security extend employment authorization only to those lawfully married and of opposite sex (as it does now?

Posted on Tue Aug 04, 2009

Susan in Florida writes:

@ John in Greece -- Missing your posts again. I took a short vacation and am now catching up on the blog postings. I hope all is well with you. I miss your thoughtful voice. Best regards.

Posted on Thu Jul 30, 2009

Cynthia in Oregon writes:

Dear Mr. Wood,

Thank you and everyone at State who maintains the encyclopedic, invaluable resource that is state.gov and DipNote.

Sadly, I do not read DipNote except when a particularly pertinent note is posted -- or when it's forwarded to me -- because reading white type on a black background is terrible on the eyes, especially if you must read all day, which I do.

Would you please consider switching to the more traditional black type on white, or perhaps a subtle gray background? Or, as some bloggers do, make it possible to select the b-on-w version.

Thanks again

Posted on Mon Jul 27, 2009

Jary in North Carolina writes:

I just read an article by Fox News regarding the Islamic Supremacist group "Hizb-ut-Tahrir". It states how the group actively recruits terrorists and advocates terrorist acts. Additionally, the article states that the group is not even on the terror watch list. I'm in disbelief and completely apalled that such an organization like this one is permitted to operate so freely on our own soil. I can only hope that our government is taking measures to protect us from this threat. As a member of the military, it sickens me to think that my friends die overseas fighting terrorism simply to have terrorists freely operating and recruiting on the homeland.

Posted on Sat Jul 18, 2009

Robert in North Carolina writes:

Please read Mary Anastasia O'Grady's commentary on the Opinion Page of today's Wall Street Journal. It seems that Honduras did not have a Military Coup as all the news journalist wrote on the front page of our local newspaper and on the front page of the WSJ. The Military was simply carrying out an order from the Honduran Supreme Court.

Posted on Mon Jun 29, 2009

Susan in Florida writes:

@John in Greece--

I was just going to say the same thing to you that you said to Kirk in KY! I must be missing your posts. I was concerned about you. It was so good to see your post to Kirk from yesterday. I always appreciate your comments. I hope all is well with you. Best regards. What has become of Kirk?! I hope he is okay, too.

Posted on Sun Jun 28, 2009

John in Greece writes:

@ Kirk in KY -- What has become of you KY? I miss your excellent posts and analysis.

I hope you are dong fine! I wish you the best!

Al's voice: we need you here! (although 4-5 staff... great brains though)

Best regards my dear friend Kirk!

Looking forward to "read" from you.

Posted on Sat Jun 27, 2009

David in Wisconsin writes:

Dear Madame Secretary:

You're doing a fantastic job and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Kind regards.

Posted on Sat Jun 20, 2009

Ari in Hawaii writes:

Dear State Department Peoples et al,

ShALOHA from Hawaii.

Thanks for inviting me into the discussions herein.

They're great fun!

G-d Bless Team Obama, Sec. Dr. Clinton and let's CHANGE the World for the better- AMEN,

Ari, BS, MD, MPH, MPA/MC

Harvard '08 & YAle '95

Kailu-Kona, Hawaii

Posted on Sat Jun 20, 2009

Eric in New Mexico writes:

Wanted to send a "get well soon" card to Sec. Clinton, but I'll just post it on the blog.

Dear Madame Secretary,

I hear you broke your funny bone and it's no laughing matter. I wish you speedy and full recovery from surgery and I have a couple suggestions that might make life easier.

a) Don't eat the hospital food, have your friends smuggle in something edible if your there overnight.

b) Think of this as a long weekend where your priorty is making you better rather than making the world better, as it will be definately be here waiting for you as surely as the sun will rise this morning.

c) There will be the customary cast signing event when you come back in to work Monday, but ask the employees to leave some room on the plaster for signatures of heads of state who will most certainly wish to pay their respects.

Sorry to hear about this unfortunate accident, I wish you all the best, and thanks for serving.

EJ

Posted on Thu Jun 18, 2009

John in Greece writes:

Some minutes ago, I watched on local TV news Mr. H. W. Bush's skydiving. Even this, in his 85, proves why he is still one of the most intelligent brains in the globe.

He is not only sharp, he is always ALIVE!

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

In God I trust (and I wish) that I will also watch you skydiving in 2014, 2019, 2024!

Posted on Sat Jun 13, 2009

Angie in Wisconsin writes:

I am writing about those two female journalists in North Korea and their sentence to long years of hard labor. I read a book about labor camps that sent chills down my spine. It is titled, "The Great Divide" by T.Davis Bunn. Granted, it is fictional BUT the author is an intelligent and well-educated man: "taught international finance in Switzerland, worked in Africa and the Middle East, and was named managing director of an international business advisory group Based in Dusseldorf..." I have to believe he knows what he's talking about and this book gives "fictional" insight into labor camps eg "factories" in China and what happened to a Georgetown student doing an investigation. This is situation is sooooooooooo not good. I just wanted to share this book in case people would like to get some insight into what these women may face. What a mess.....Prayers to ALL...Angie

Posted on Mon Jun 08, 2009

Oreste in Arizona writes:

this state says one can learn to do most anything in a few short months(3/4); not years of college. sincerely pat...ciochetto

Posted on Thu May 28, 2009

Oreste in Arizona writes:

by the time i found a place to post a comment to any government official, i forgot what the comment was

Posted on Thu May 28, 2009

Ronaldo in Brazil writes:

Congratulations! Keep going. You doing well.

I'ts a pleasure to be here to.

I would like to know,if i'ts possible to have a official America flag? I need to post in my international company, here in Brasil.

Thank's.

Best Regard.

Posted on Sat May 16, 2009

Bill in Washington writes:

First, Kashmir! There should be significant signs of progress towards resolution within six months. Let's see, shall we?

BH

Posted on Fri May 15, 2009

Eric in New Mexico writes:

Just a quick note to say thanks to Mr. Robert Wood for his informative sense of humor he brought to the briefing room.

All the best in your future assignments.

And welcome to Mr. Ian Kelly, The new spokesman for DoS.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Dipnote, sir!

Posted on Mon May 11, 2009

Eric in New Mexico writes:

To: State Dept/OBO division

RE: How to earn OSHA's amazement on construction projects, and save a buck.

One of the primary pollutants on any construction project will be gyspsum dust from sanding sheetrock mud in the surface finishing of walls, ceilings, etc..

Little trade secret I learned working around stuff that was worth more than my salary for a year...

Take a scotchbright pad, sponge backed, and a bucket of water and use a damp pad to "wet sand" the walls instead of sandpaper and the typical dry method.

Your contractor will have just saved 90% of his cleanup time, from airborn gypsum on site.

OSHA will love you for it.

EJ

Posted on Wed May 06, 2009

Patricia S. in New York writes:

Like the "green theme" for Earth Day. Hope more color will be incorporated on the site. Good to see Mr. R. Wood on television the other night. This site is wonderful and keeps winning new fans daily. Thank you.

Posted on Wed Apr 22, 2009

John in Greece writes:

Great change of colors Dipnote staff! Fresh and good balanced, in great accordance with the black background in order to give some "light" to all these art suggestions in the past, concerning black.

However, let me be honest, black and white was great too, on the ground that people who really know "DipComputers" can understand what black&white; "means" for those who use white code on a black screen, all of which is a mysterious platform for creating the perfect art balance for a diplomatic intellectual dialogue. Designers cannot understand this "code" artistic feeling.

Anyway, our "green" now is good too. The only thing I strongly disagree with (design/art/communicational wise) is the selected image concept of the central Dipnote "Logo" at the Home Page. DipNote is not an ecological site, but a diplomatic one. The impression I first got is like visiting "Greenpeace" by mistake.

-I mean, this is certainly something that has nothing to do with the spiritual, founding "co id" of the Blog (of course we love "Eco", though). But, the Blog is Dip? and I think that the head logo should also be "diplomatic".

Except if this is a "special event Blog logo" due to the topic: "Climate change", which I would find it extremely clever then -- I mean special banners -- some times, but not this one permanently. Of course then, you'll have color problems to bring "green" in accordance with the special subjects.

I wish I won't be misunderstood again on this too, 'cause it's getting "fashion". (Chuckle)

@ Susan in Florida -- I absolutely agree with you that Robert Wood and DOS Dipnote staff are doing a GREAT JOB!!! state.gov too, I really loved this "call the Sec idea", among others. Both sites are extremely better than before. That's why I'm trying to "help" (my way), although I may be wrong.

REALLY GREAT JOB guys!

Posted on Wed Apr 22, 2009

Karen S. in New York writes:

Please do all that you can for Roxana Saberi. It is important that she be freed as soon as possible.

On an unrelated note, I'm so glad that you're our Secretary of State but I miss you as our NY State Senator!

Posted on Fri Apr 17, 2009

Susan in Florida writes:

@ Robert Wood and DOS Dipnote staff -- You have done an outstanding job with the blog. It is better than ever! Thank you for the informative and interactive postings. Love the question of the week! I look forward to it each Friday. Your hard work is appreciated.

Posted on Thu Apr 16, 2009

Kathy in Virginia writes:

Great job Secretary Clinton. I am so proud of your efforts for the U.S.A. Your statements are always thoughtful, intelligent and reflect what American is about -- cooperation and leadership. Plus you look like you are really enjoying the job. P. S. I am a registered Independent.

Thank you.

Posted on Thu Apr 16, 2009

Olayinka in Belize writes:

I am very interested in volunteering my time to serve this Great nation.

Thanks.

Posted on Tue Apr 07, 2009

John in Greece writes:

@ Irina in FYROM -- I also wish that Madame Secretary Clinton will visit FYROM and Greece soon. After all, hopefully, we should reach a final decision concerning the naming dispute.

Of course this means that all sides (Greece, FYROM, UN and U.S.A.) will accept a common decided name that will open the road for new collaboration horizons.

I do not personally feel like engaging in this childish -- according to my opinion -- "name discussion", but I honestly wish that both sides will soon reach a positive level of common understanding that will peacefully and civilized lead them to the new millennium within NATO and the other International Organizations.

Nevertheless, this vision has prerequisites: less nationalism and fanaticism from both sides and more dialogue and collaboration, especially when we discuss with the international mediators.

Posted on Tue Apr 07, 2009

Mike in Virginia writes:

What is the average waiting period for a secret security clearance?

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ Mike in Virginia -- Civil Service positions in the U.S. Department of State require at least a secret security clearance. Investigations usually take two to four months.

For those applying to the Foreign Service, candidates who pass the oral assessment must apply for the security clearance required for appointment to the Foreign Service.

You can read more about becoming a Foreign Service Officer and the Civil Service selection process at careers.state.gov.

Posted on Tue Apr 07, 2009

Irina in Macedonia writes:

Dear Maddame Clinton, are you going to visit Macedonia soon, maybe this year?

Posted on Tue Apr 07, 2009

Eric in New Mexico writes:

To Robert Wood, and Sec. of State Clinton:

The State Department has made a decision to make an Iraqi translator, Jasim, wait another three years for a visa. One of the reasons that the denial was issued was that, Jasim, as part of the Kurdish Peshmerga, infiltrated Uday Hussein's organization to steal data and then stole Uday's car to escape. He was captured, tortured, and then released six years later when Saddam let all the prisoners go on the eve of the Invasion in 2003.

The theft of Uday's car is looked upon as criminal and not political.

"On several occasions while our guys were putting rounds down range, Jasim put himself in harm's way to pull the wounded out and treat them," Keene said. "Jasim is a hero to everyone he has ever met."

After the invasion, Jasim became a legendary translator, assisting above and beyond.

"I owe my life to Jasim ... hands down," said Master Sgt. Jason Krieger, who went on over 200 combat patrols with Jasim. "I consider him a brother, not only in arms, but in love as well."

For six years, Jasim has put his life on the line to help our troops. His stepbrother paid the ultimate price for Jasim's heroism.

Jasim said his stepbrother, in fact, was captured in the fall of 2007 and was tortured to death in an effort to get to him. The U.S. Army officer who received and processed the report on the murder, Major Leslie Parks, told FOXNews.com that Jasim's stepbrother was tortured with an electric drill through his eyes.

So his application had letters of recommendation;

http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/040209_translator1.pdf

, awards and certifications from soldiers;

http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/040209_translator2.pdf

, and the DoD and DHS approval.

Full story here:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,512422,00.html

---

Madam Secretary, Mr. Wood,

There are times when exceptional valor requires exceptional recognition and I strongly suggest you look into this personally with the intent to nominate the above individual for this nation's highest civilian award, the Medal of Freedom.

If it requires direct approval by the President himself to issue a visa to the man at this point, then it should be granted in parallel to the award. Not just a visa, but full citizenship in my opinion. Jasim has certainly earned this.

Thanks for your consideration in this matter.

EJ

Posted on Sat Apr 04, 2009

John in Greece writes:

Once again West has to face a N. Korea threat. This time they called it a ""com-sat"". Can anybody help me out with my query. Where do they find this kind of tech and IT materials?

Which are the countries helping them by providing knowledge and ""silicon accessories""?

Because, I suspect that some countries (China?, Russia?) play a double role.

By the way, I hope that they do not watch my computer, as the recent news revealed about this strange ""IT base"" in China which had buged people and embassies around the world. However, in case they do, I have to say to them: �� (You will never obtain it) -- wishing the free internet translator worked OK (Chuckle & LOL)

Posted on Sun Mar 29, 2009

Marla M. in Washington writes:

President Obama, The crisis in Darfur is dire. We need you to take swift action. Please discuss the following with Special Envoy Gration:

1. Support the ICC and the indictment of al-Bashir

2. Ensure the protection of the innocent civilians of Darfur and provide adequate support to the UNAMID Peacekeeping mission.

3. Work with other nations to create a road map for peace in Darfur and Sudan with multilateral pressure points and incentives.

4. Prepare a credible range of options for the use of military force to protect civilians and ensure the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Posted on Thu Mar 26, 2009

George in Hungary writes:

We seek partners in engaging with Islamists in Eastern Europe and beyond.

Posted on Tue Mar 24, 2009

Scott in New York writes:

Ending the war in Afghanistan on our own terms:

The recent surge in poppy production has to be dealt with in new and novel ways that play to our strengths and not to the Taliban's.

As NATO contemplates a renewed attack on the embedded Taliban -- a surge which has already cost hundreds of innocent Afghan lives as well as those of our own troops -- it's worth asking if there is not another way; another way to curb the Taliban influence that does not involve killing people.

History is helpful. In the 1970s, Turkey was the largest supplier of heroin in the world. Then the United States got smart and started buying the poppy crop -- we still do. The government sold it to U.S. pharmaceutical firms to make legitimate drugs -- after all, there are no bad plants, only bad uses for plants. The drug cartel lost control of Turkey and today Turkey is one of our staunchest allies in the Middle East. We later tried a similar approach in India with good results.

From the CIA world fact site we know that the GDP of Afghanistan in 2006 was something under $40 billion. Today, over half the GDP of Afghanistan is tied up in poppy production in some way, and is controlled by rogue warlords who channel profits directly to the Taliban -- some $100 million a year. This is an extremely lucrative business and there is nothing even remotely comparable in that region of the world. Sixty percent of Taliban income comes directly from poppy production.

On the other hand, growing food is either uneconomic for the average afghan farmer, or is outright forbidden -- at the point of a gun -- by the Taliban militia who control the rural regions.

Instead of fighting the Afghan farmer, who is caught in an impossible position, we should buy the crop -- all of it -- from him. This would:
A. End 60% of Taliban income immediately.
B. Put us on the side of the Afghan farmer instead of making us just one of his several enemies. Hearts and minds...
C. Put a serious dent in the heroin trade - a concern also for Russia and Europe, who blame us for the escalation of their drug problem.
D. Allow us to influence the Afghanistan people by becoming their respectful partner instead of their bullying enemy (there is something extremely unseemly about a country of our size, might, and moral stature, going around burning fields and dropping bombs on subsistence farmers in a desperately poor country. Obama may recognize this intuitively, but mollifying words have to be backed up with concrete action).

Eventually, we need to encourage Afghans to grow food instead of Poppy plants. We should pay a 10% premium over the market price for poppy, for food staples. By finally establishing a middle class of farmers, shopkeepers, and other distributors, supported by microloans, we would cut the Taliban off at the knees. And by supplying a profit motive, the new middle class would be encouraged to form militias or to finally build up the Afghan army to protect themselves against the Taliban -- who, despite popular perception, are largely loathed by the average Afghan citizen. As President Obama has publicly stated, you build a Democracy from the bottom up, not from the top down. We have a chance to do this in a way that is cheaper, far less violent, and far more effective than the shoot and burn approach we've tried thus far.

There are other answers to the Afghan situation, if people are willing to examine history and to break out of idealogical molds. We need to play to our strengths, not to the Taliban's. In a game of attrition, history shows that those who try to forcefully bend Afghanistan to their will, eventually lose.

Posted on Mon Mar 23, 2009

John in Greece writes:

@ DipNote Bloggers -- Thank you very much for your reply that actually was proved "added value." I surfed a bit the local U.S. Embassy's official site and I found a new great link, I did not know about it until recently.

http://www.buyusa.gov/home

Of course this has nothing to do with FSN positions, but I think that people from all over the world can trace "golden" -private sector- commercial ideas, concerning successful products, services etc.

You "co-DipNoters" who are interested in doing successful new business, I strongly recommend you to seize the opportunity and hit the above link. You will find great business ideas!!!

Posted on Wed Mar 18, 2009

Sarah A. in Virginia writes:

secretary clinton:

around february 23, 2009, you, secretary clinton, pledged $900m to the palestinians to rebuild gaza after the israeli invasion. what is wrong with this picture? we sell weapons to israel to use to invade gaza, then we turn around and give the palestinians $900m to clean up the wreckage. to say the least, economically, this is crazy. morally, this is wrong because this only perpetuates war and killing. as secretary of state, i would hope that you would have a better solution. palestine does need aid, but this is a short term and bad solution.

please rethink your position on israel and palestine. israel is wrong to continue to harass, demean, kill, and take the palestinian lands. simply put, look at this scenario, if i make my neighbor angry because i tell him to quit parking in the middle of my back yard, he refuses and says that i have a shady back yard, which he wants, so i let the air out of his tires. he then burns my house down. my two children are hurt in the fire and put in wheelchairs for life. the state department feels sorry for me and fixes my house. the neighbor sees that i have a new house and the back yard is even more inviting so the neighbor decides to use the parking again. what can i say? i let the air out of the tires again and on and on and on, is this a "grown up" solution to a problem? i don't think so.

i will also be sending a letter to my senator and congressman to ask them to do more than give $900m to the palestinians. we need a solution, you are covering for a spoiled child (israel) by paying off the damaged party (palestine). we need a better solution.

thank you for rethinking this problem in the middle east.

Posted on Tue Mar 17, 2009

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Luke, thanks for the feedback. I was intending to go beyond the interactive aspects of "public followup" to daily briefings.

Basicly when I wake up in the morning, I grab a cup of joe and brouse the news like so many others, then I turn to Dipnote and the daily brief to see what we're doing about it.

Now being that the daily brief is a slice of daily life, dipnote will stay "up to the minute" with current events, and will be more readable and generate more readership when folks realize they can get their info directly from the source, as well as interact with it.

As a citizen trying to make sense of it all, the daily brief has been an invaluable asset to my understanding for the last decade on a daily basis.

And it is an essential part of creating " A well informed public ".

It's inclusion on Dipnote just seemed to me to be a natural evolutionary step in Dipnote's public role to this effect.

Best Regards,

EJ

Posted on Sun Mar 15, 2009

John in Greece writes:

@ Luke Forgerson -- Dear Mr. Forgerson, are there any similar links/pages for non-American citizens' openings who would like to work for an American Embassy or a U.S. military base around the world?

How can someone without a U.S. citizenship -- interested in working for an American Embassy or a military base in his country (locally) -- learn the job offerings and the application/requirement procedures?

Is the local Embassy site the only way? And, who are eligible -- what are the minimum criteria -- for such "jobs"?

Have a nice weekend Sir!

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ John in Greece -- Thank you for your questions. Foreign Service Nationals -- individuals without U.S. citizenship who work at U.S. embassies and consulates -- play a vital role in the practice of American diplomacy. Individuals without U.S. citizenship who are interested in working at an American embassy should contact the respective embassy directly. Here's a list of U.S. embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions.

Posted on Sat Mar 14, 2009

Deborah Y. in Texas writes:

Love the new website. I especially like it that I can comment on policy, events and my country's relationships around the world. I have been so embarrassed these past 8 years. We shall overcome.

Posted on Fri Mar 13, 2009

Chad in Minnesota writes:

I'm wondering what types of internships or jobs available in the state department. This is a test

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ Chad in Minnesota -- We encourage you to look at careers.state.gov to read more about what jobs and internships are available at the State Department. You may also contact a Diplomat-in-Residence to address any questions you might have about State Department careers.

Posted on Thu Mar 12, 2009

Eric in New Mexico writes:

To Acting Secretary Robert Wood, Dipnote Editors and Staff:

Dipnote used to post news items of the day, but dropped them I think because they didn't recieve a whole lot of public comment.

Dipnote has the "Question of the Week", an inside look at travel and ceremony, special events like International Woman's Day, specialized topic areas like diplomatic security, and specific issue related posts on areas of conflict globally.

But what's lacking on Dipnote is a general forum for current events where Dipnote gets married to "Briefing 2.0" by placing the State Dept.s daily briefing up on site for public followup.

Give you an example here Robert....in the brief of the 11th, a fellow with blond hair (I didn't get his name)was following up on a question of verification (North Korea) and your answer to him left me wanting to ask specificly whether the 5 parties had agreed on the exact nature of the protocols verification must look like to be effective, and does North Korea as the 6th party understand that in order to be true to its word, it must follow the outlined steps to the letter of the 5 party's understanding and intent, which North Korea signed onto as well?

See I'm not sure everyone is on the same page with this given the "war talk".

Anyway, just a thought on how to make this a better blog...

Best,

EJ

DipNote Blogger Luke Forgerson writes:

@ Eric in New Mexico -- Thank you for your comment. We are currently considering ways to make DipNote more interactive. We are constantly seeking to improve DipNote and will take your suggestions into consideration. We are glad to count you among our readers.

Posted on Thu Mar 12, 2009

Glenn in France writes:

I have travelled extensively through India, Nepal, Tibet and China and have spent 10 years reading about Tibetan history and culture. I find it reprehensible that the United States allows China to continue to claim that Tibet is an integral part of China when historically and geographically, that is not the case.

It is very simple. Tibet was the most isolated place on earth until very, very recently. It is simply inaccessible. The U.S. could not even ship weapons from India through China to fight the Japanese in WW2 because it was logistically impossible. What existed for centuries in Asia and Central Asia were various treaties between Mongols, Manchus and Tibetans. And much later, treaties between these same peoples and the Han Chinese.

It was a mistake not to stand up to China in the United Nations when they invaded Tibet in 1950. But it is not too late. The world is at a turning point. We know we need to take drastically new decisions in many domains. Knowing that, and knowing the 5-point plan for peace set forth by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the United States Congress in 1987, I urge you to change American policy on Tibet and recognize Tibet as a distinct and separate entity from China. This is radical, I know, but the option is even worse: China will systematically destroy the Tibetan language and culture in a generation with our approval. We have nothing to lose and the Tibetans have everything to gain.

As the Dalai Lama said in his statement yesterday, "China has made life for Tibetans a hell on earth." We need to react.

Thank you,
Glenn B.
Paris, France

Posted on Wed Mar 11, 2009

Annie in France writes:

Thank you for this very interesting and transparent initiative !

Posted on Sun Mar 08, 2009

John in Greece writes:

@ Catherine in New York -- I think that an Eric's in NM recent comment will be helpful concerning some of the security questions you made.

"As we noted in Part 1, Dipnote is in a unique (and unenviable) position of being prohibited by law from setting cookies to collect information about users of the blog. This denies its editors important information like how many individuals view which posts, whether the audience is diverse or primarily a recurring group, whether particular kinds of posts increase its audience, and so on. In short, they can't get information that bloggers normally use to improve their offerings. This information is available to some extent through analysis of comments, but few users post comments.

We're not lawyers, so we don't know the specific legal constraints on what the blog can do. However if the limitation is that the government cannot set cookies and collect individual data, perhaps an alternative is to use a third party for this purpose. Analytic services like Google Analytics and SiteMeter provide html codes that bloggers embed in their pages. The analysis server -- not the blog's server sets the cookies and collects the user information.

Reports provided back to the clients, to our knowledge, do not contain information about individual users but only aggregated data (for example, about the number of unique users who viewed a particular post). These services are commonly used on blogs and other web sites. Visitors can even disallow the cookies from these analytic services if they don't want to have their data collected. Perhaps this offers a way for the State Department to learn more about Dipnote readers without actually collecting individuated data about them."

Of course, I'm sure that DipNote staff will give you a more detailed answer concerning all the components of your queries. I wish I helped you a bit! Best Regards Catherine!

Posted on Wed Mar 04, 2009

Jack in Florida writes:

Madam Secretary,

Do not earmark $900 million dollars for Gaza. The majority of the money will be filtered and funneled to Hamas. To rebuild Gaza will only give Hamas more places to hide and launch rockets into Israel. Let Iran, they support Hamas, wholeheartedly, rebuild Gaza. And when that doesn't happen the Palestinians might think twice about allowing terrorist to setup rocket launchers next to schools etc. If we must help out the Palestinian people, let it be with food, medical and clothing not money. Money will just make matters worse.

Posted on Mon Mar 02, 2009

Mellissa P. in Georgia writes:

I am very impressed.

Posted on Mon Mar 02, 2009

Catherine in New York writes:

Dear Mr. Wood,

This is an important initiative but I share Zharkov's grave concerns about the erosion of our civil rights under the First Amendment that are contained in the blogging comment policies that were lifted right out of the typical Silicon Valley platform provider's unconscionable TOS for a MMORGP, blog, social media, or virtual world. I realize you want to have a civilized conversation and not turn into YouTube here, but I think you might borrow some better practices from the better TOS like blogger.com and Raph Koster's Metaplaces where the devs have spent a lot of time getting user input to craft better TOS.

I'd be interested to know if the posts put here by contributors are saved, with their IP addresses and other identifying information, and kept in any USG databases for intelligence purposes.

Finally, I'd like to ask if you could please publish the names of the officials of the U.S. government who are operating the @dipnote on Twitter. Obviously you'll have to have a variety of staff performing this function but it's important that we understand who these officials are, what departments they are in, etc. with a notice somewhere on this site.

Posted on Sun Mar 01, 2009

John in Greece writes:

@ Jose in Cuba -- Right Jose! It's a great thinking tool and I am so happy to see that many many authors (bloggers) are coming in to our DipNote society. Keep on "hitting" guys.

Welcome Jose!

I also have a "content suggestion" inspired by your post. Why don't we propose to DipNote staff some topics -- of a more general foreign affairs perspective -- for further discussion?

What I mean is: which debatable issues we would suggest for more discussion? Please suggest some co-bloggers...

Best Regards!

Posted on Tue Feb 24, 2009

Jose in Cuba writes:

DIGNOTE IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO THINK, TO SUGGEST OR TO KNOW ANY TOPIC AS FOR FOREIGN POLICY. PERSONALLY I AM A SUPPORTER FROM THE CAMPAIGN OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON.

REGARDS,
JOSE
VETERAN'S GRAND SON OF THE OFFICER ARMED FORCES.
MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN DEMOCRACY INSTITUTE

Posted on Mon Feb 23, 2009

Faith in Virginia writes:

Please, please change/remove the black background on this site. It discourages readers. Consult professionals graphic design professionals.

Posted on Mon Feb 16, 2009

John in Greece writes:

Another wonderful new idea from http://www.state.gov. This is called REAL Democracy: everyone can participate, offer and have a feed back even with the Secretary of State. Right Here!

http://contact-us.state.gov/cgi-bin/state.cfg/php/enduser/question2_state.php

Congratulations Mrs. Clinton for the innovations in the site. Congratulations guys in state.gov. I wish you all the best!

Posted on Mon Feb 16, 2009

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

This blog is a sychophant magnet and all of you need to try harder to match the others. At the moment, the foreign contingent is beating the U.S. team in praising the first three hours of the administration.

Do we need some sort of a visual indicator, a "fawning gauge", to rate each post as to sweetness and official propaganda value?

Posted on Fri Feb 13, 2009

Terry in Connecticut writes:

@ Secretary Robert Wood, your title says acting state dept. spokesman. Is there a replacement spokesman waiting to be confirmed or will you fill this post for the forseeable future? You do a good job by the way.

Posted on Tue Feb 10, 2009

John in Greece writes:

@ Kirk in KY -- I thought like you were interested (you "love" to?) in working for the State Dept: AMERICA! Here is a poor "advice" from an e-friend:

I am not experienced, I do not work for SD, but I felt like answering to you, on the ground that I like the fact that you have plans to apply for a DoS career. Please do not misunderstand me!

Dr. Rice stated (a month ago) that "she is not a partisan". I loved this statement of hers. Same counts for the new Secretary of State. Mrs. Clinton serves U.S.A., Freedom and the People; not her micro-party egoism. And I think that this is fantastic! This is U.S.A.! That's why I do not agree that Mrs. Clinton "shot for the stars and at least got the moon". She's in SPACE too! And space has no real estate values determining if the stars are more important than the moon.

Do you think (if you follow a diplomatic "job" path, as you have stated in the past that you love to do so) you'll ever have the chance to "decide" who the President will be, or the Secretary of State, in order for you to service U.S.A. in a better way? You will have to do it anyway...

And now back to our silly game:

(Al's voice): Then, Kirk, you are a "a NO GO SD officer'! WE do not choose the "upstairs". More experienced people decide if WE are good for "downstairs" or "upstairs". And some day, all of "US" can (maybe) make it to the tops. All of which means: if today you were within SD, would you resign on the ground that you do not "approve" THE 67th SECRETARY of STATE or the PRESIDENT? If you have a "No answer" to this question, then you "remain", but then RESPECT the 67th Secretary of State and the President!

(Al's voice with echo): ONLY UNITED WE STAND! PEOPLE DECIDED! SERVE!

Of course, my comment is just a "game". I wish I helped you a bit...

Posted on Tue Feb 10, 2009

Yoo in South Korea writes:

@ Mr. Robert Wood -- Hello, I am a teacher in South Korea. I found this blog in the state Department site.

Welcome to our Country.( Mrs. Secretary Clinton)

Our people always thanks for U.S.A., because especially America helped us for Korean War. We know that your young people were killed in many battle for protecting our Country from north Korea's invasion. Now U.S.A. have been helping us against broking out war by North Korea. I hope we have nice relations more friendly with Mrs. Secretary Clinton's visiting our Country

I hope Mrs. Secretary Clinton have a nice time for staying in Korea.

Sincerely
D. Yoo

Posted on Mon Feb 09, 2009

Kirk in Kentucky writes:

Secretary of State Clinton? What a sham. This was totally her prize for dropping out of the presidential race. She wasn't qualified to be president, what would make her such a good leader for directing the entire foreign policy division?

Congratulations anyway, I guess. She shot for the stars and at least got the moon.

Even Rice, despite her collaboration and contribution to such horribly flawed doctrine that led us to the state we're in now, managed to secure a degree of respect by the end. Surely Clinton can do better.

On a further note, let's see more interaction with the posters from the Dept. of State, please. Otherwise it's just another blog of people spouting their rhetoric like anywhere else.

Posted on Sun Feb 08, 2009

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Dipnote bloggers: I appreciate you helping Zharkov get with the program. I'd hate to see him booted off site for consistantly being himself, as he offers me seemingly unlimited opportunity to make valid points in debate.

On the other hand,

How obsequious can I get? Let me count the ways...AHA! here's one!

I will certainly be most happy to be of service to the Dipnote bloggers of the world and take Zharkov out back to the woodshed to teach him some manners any time you'all like.

Please can I, Huh? Pretty please? PLEEEEEEEZE say YES,....LOL!

But go ahead if you must. Launch him to the moon, see what I care..,..(chuckle).

Some things are best addressed with mirth.

If you've blogged as long as I have on Foreign Affairs subjects, one becomes perpetually ammused by inane commentary directed on a personal level.

And that's all I have to say about that....

Posted on Sun Feb 08, 2009

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

One suggestion I have is that when a post is to be omitted or censored because it raises embarrassing questions or discloses some inconvenient facts, it would be nice to have that post acknowledged in some manner to show it had been read but rejected.

A simple entry would do, such as,

@ Eric in New Mexico, post rejected as too obsequious for publication.

This way, we can learn the boundaries of our 1st Amendment on the blog.

DipNote Bloggers write:

@ Zharkov in U.S.A. -- We appreciate your participation on the blog. This is an open forum. Please review the blog's comment policy.

Posted on Thu Feb 05, 2009

Kelly S. in Texas writes:

Hi Robert,

We just posted an article, "Top 50 Foreign Policy Blogs" (http://www.mastersincriminaljustice.com/blog/2009/top-50-foreign-policy-blogs/). I thought I'd bring it to your attention in case you think your readers would find it interesting.

I am happy to let you know that your site has been included in this list.

Either way, thanks for your time!

Posted on Thu Feb 05, 2009

Eric in New Mexico writes:

To Robert Wood,

Here's a Sit. Rep. that ought to be posted in neon in the briefing room(*).

Pulled this off of Blackfive.net. While I may be taking liberties reposting (unedidted) an already public email by not confirming authenticity directly, I have no doubt the Public affairs dept @ State can do so without much trouble. And when and if you do, please send this citizen's thanks and warmest regards to Gen. Kelly and Marines everywhere.

To the folks at State that helped make this happen, please do continue to anticipate miracles while you enjoy this one. Well done to one and all!

EJ
-----

Author: Major General John F. Kelly

I don't suppose this will get much coverage in the States as the news is so good. No, the news is unbelievable.

Something didn't happen in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, today. Once the most violent and most dangerous places on earth, no suicide vest bomber detonated killing dozens of voters. No suicide truck bomber drove into a polling place collapsing the building and killing and injuring over 100. No Marine was in a firefight engaging an Al Qaida terrorist trying to disrupt democracy.

What did happen was Anbar Sunnis came out in their tens of thousands to vote in the first free election of their lives.

With the expectation of all of the above (suicide bombers) they walked miles (we shut down all vehicle traffic with the exception of some shuttle busses for the elderly and infirm) to the polling places. I slept under the stars with some Grunts at Combat Outpost Iba on the far side of Karma, and started driving the 200 miles up the Euphrates River Valley through Karma, Fallujah, Habbiniyah, Ramadi, Hit, Baghdad and back here to Al Asad. I stopped here and there to speak with cops, soldiers, Marines, and most importantly, regular Iraqi men and women along the way. It was the same everywhere. A tension with every finger on a trigger that broke at perhaps 3PM when we all began to think what was almost unthinkable a year ago. We might just pull this off without a bombing. No way. By 4PM it seemed like we'd make it to 5PM when the polls closed. At 4:30 the unbelievable happened: the election was extended an hour to 6PM because of the large crowds! What are they kidding? Tempting fate like that is not nice. Six PM and the polls close without a single act of violence or a single accusation of fraud, and nearly by early reports pretty close to 100% voted. Priceless.

Every Anbari walking towards the polling place had these determined and, frankly, concerned looks on their faces. No children with them (here mothers and grandmothers are NEVER without their children or grandchildren) because of the expectation of death. Husbands voted separately from wives, and mothers separately from fathers for the same reason. In and out quickly to be less of a target for the expected suicide murderer. When they came out after voting they also wore the same expression on their faces, but now one of smiling amazement as they held up and stared at ink stained index fingers.

Norman Rockwell could not have captured this wonderment. Even the ladies voted in large numbers and their husbands didn't insist on going into the booths to tell them who to vote for.

One of the things I've always said was that we came here to "give" them democracy. Even in the dark days my only consolation was that it was about freedom and democracy. After what I saw today, and having forgotten our own history and revolution, this was arrogance. People are not given freedom and democracy -- they take it for themselves. The Anbaris deserve this credit.

Today I step down as the dictator, albeit benevolent, of Anbar Province. Today the Anbaris took it from me. I am ecstatic. It was a privilege to be part of it, to have somehow in a small way to have helped make it happen.

Semper Fi.

Kelly

---end---

(*) Or simply handed to Matt with my best regards, as he's looking like he's about to have a coronary in the middle of your briefing the next time you tell him that policy is under review...(chuckle).

I know you usually would defer him to the Pentagon for such things, but in this case it simply comes through a concerned Dipnote contributor who does his research.

Figured the press would appreciate getting the details.

I know I did.

Posted on Wed Feb 04, 2009

Louise in Connecticut writes:

Can State Department, consider making the TPS (Temporary Protected Status) eligible for adjustment for Permanent Residence Status if they have been hear in the U.S.A. for numerous years and paying taxes? I think it would be fair to those hard working individuals to be able to adjust the status especially if they have worked hard for it. There are many U.S. Citizens abusing the laws and not paying their dues to society. Why not allow people with TPS status the same opportunity as us. Thank you for your time.

Posted on Wed Feb 04, 2009

Romma in Florida writes:

i know the world is busy and in chaos, but whats happening in east african countries is alarming and scary! american government seems to be slowly packing out of east africa, particularly kenya, citizens of kenya are starving to death due to drought and famine, Government is obviously not helping them out in any way whatsoever, the leaders always making false promises and fattening their wallets while the ones who voted for them are living a miserable life! yet kenyan government is leasing the most fertile lands and areas in kenya to china, sudan, qatar, for monetary kicks and china is actually selling weapons, ammo, tanks etc to sudan, kenya, zimbwabwe. its looking like we are being set for a bigger mess. china is getting payment from kenya for the weapons etc by allowing chinese control and use of our waterways! to me it smells ratty, china has never had any interest in africa up until now. united states of america is abandoning them same as europeans did. kenyan young people are very angry at what is happening while others sleep, play golf etc. we need help getting rid of communist related countries and nazi like mugabe and slave runners in sudan. help help! i dont want to have to go through beijing first to get a visa to go to kenya! and its unacceptable to see kenyans die like ants due to hunger. hello!! anyone looking at this or even aware of it?

Posted on Wed Jan 28, 2009

John in Greece writes:

@ Edith in France -- End the Boycott of Tourism to Myanmar! END QUOTE. Do you think that this country is safe for traveling? I do not!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nygus/2971522319/

I wouldn't go there even for a 1M$ prize.

State Department must keep its fundamental "traveling" policy: securing travelers through alerts and warnings. After all, it's the only credible source of info in the world concerning where and how to travel.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1077.html

Posted on Wed Jan 28, 2009

Edith in France writes:

Mr. Wood,

In view of recent media reports on the terrible situation of prostitutes from Myanmar (Burma) and the inhuman treatment of Rohingya refugees by the Thai Military I send you an appeal I wrote after having visited Myanmar extensively to end the boycott that has become a humanitarian boycott. It has been going on for so long and the situation has gotten just worse politically, socially and economically.

In the light of what President Obama has said about working with Developing Nations and the caring and pragmatic approach of Mrs. Clinton I hope U.S. Policy towards this country where people (not the Junta !) suffer tremendously from the boycott. Myanmar is the country that receives the least aid of all countries in the world.

Edith
Lyon, France, January 2009

Posted on Wed Jan 28, 2009

Edith in France writes:

End the Boycott of Tourism to Myanmar!

Before deciding to go on our five-week trip to most of the accessible regions of Myanmar in November 2008, we, like the other tourists we met, discussed at length whether it would be right to do so. The trip convinced us all that the boycott against Myanmar is meaningless.

The boycott is supposedly directed against the military government, but the generals dislike tourism anyway and have done little to promote it since the mid-nineties. They loathe tourists running around with cameras and video recorders and it suits them just fine that the population of Myanmar does not have contact with western thought.

Tourism produces distributed income and is one of the few opportunities for a large number of the population to earn much needed money and to have some contact with the outside world, especially outside of Yangon. The junta earns enormous amounts on trade with China (precious stones/gold, teak and more) and even more with Thailand (i.e. natural gas - from fields operated by Total). The junta's income from tourism is relatively modest. To a certain degree tourists can avoid state hotels and travel agencies, limiting the amount of funds falling into the hands of the junta.

People in Myanmar need tourists, both to avoid total isolation and simply to survive economically. This is in particular true of the people who do not belong to the "Bama"=Burmese (65%) ethnicity, but to one of the many other ethnic groups (35% of the population) who mostly live in remote areas that are partly accessible to tourists today. The boycott does not hurt the junta in a significant way; it punishes the people already suffering from the junta?s brutal means of repression and lack of will and/or capability to improve the country's infrastructure and thereby the standard of living.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the Lady, has called for the boycott. She is an admirable person, but one ought not disregard the fact that she is living in a golden cage in Yangon. She admits herself that she does not know the conditions under which the non-Burmese ethnic groups live. She has not had the opportunity to travel in the country and therefore there is serious doubt as to whether she understands the impact the boycott has on ordinary people. The people, on the other hand, do not know that she is the one who has called for it. She is very much admired by the population of Myanmar at large for her courage to confront the junta, but also because she is the daughter of General Aung San, assassinated in 1947. He remains a hero in Myanmar.

In order to improve the situation and to create a basis for real democracy, Myanmar is in desperate need of better infrastructure, communication, education, clean water and hospitals. It is simply not true that the people in Myanmar have access to CNN and BBC. That is only the case for a few locations at certain times in Yangon and also on occasion in a few other bigger cities.

The generals perceive the Army and not Myanmar as their country. It is a State in the State, an imperial power, like the British not too long ago, who consider themselves entitled to exploit the country's resources to their own advantage. The people are also seen as a resource to use and abuse. The generals believe they were put on the throne by the workings of karma. Their underlings are punished for their sins in earlier lives.

The International Community should do more to assure that human rights are respected, that political prisoners are given their liberty and that personal freedom and access to objective information are firmly and widely established. In order to achieve results, eastern countries, like China, Thailand and Singapore, must take part in these efforts. Without them it will not be possible to put real pressure on the Generals.

The boycott of tourism ought to cease immediately as tourism is the only possibility for a large part of the population to improve their living conditions, whereas the boycott has proved completely ineffective with regards to the junta. Rather it plays right into their hands. One can and should only hope that as many tourists as possible will travel there in the future with open and critical eyes. It is such a breathtaking country with wonderful people who most certainly do not deserve to be boycotted for no good reason.

Edith
Lyon, January 2009

Posted on Wed Jan 28, 2009

Beverley-Ann in South Africa writes:

Congratulations Secretary of State Clinton.

I am so pleased to have found this wonderful up to date website, so that I can continue to follow news about the wonderful work that you do.

I am sorry I cannot congratulate you as President Clinton as I would have preferred to, but I know that this position that you now hold will allow you to achieve greater things ... that being to work towards bringing about Peace, Understanding & Respect to each other ... amongst all Nations.

You are an inspiration to woman around the world ... highlighting by your fine example ... that we as women can achieve so much by contributing positively ... by coming up with solutions to solve many of the serious issues that still plague our modern day life.

Your famous speech in Beijing way back in 1995 ... when you declared that ...

"human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights"

as I said above ... inspired women worldwide and "helped galvanize a global movement for women?s rights."

All the very best with your new position as Secretary of State.

You remain an inspiration ...

THANK YOU !!!

Posted on Wed Jan 28, 2009

Kitty M. in Alabama writes:

I would like to know if the State Department, under new leadership, has plans (hopefully) to change our U.S. Embassy designs abroad, to be more environmentally sensitive and sustainable. I would like to suggest that the building designs be more sympathetic to the culture and environment in which they are located. Architectural sensitivity can do a great deal to offer a sense of openness, without loss of security. Thank you for the work you do. I am glad for the change!

Posted on Tue Jan 27, 2009

Jill D. in Wisconsin writes:

Can't read the writing on the website. It is way too dim.

Posted on Tue Jan 27, 2009

Catherine in Georgia writes:

Congratulations to you Secretary Clinton. I do not work in the State Department but I am a concerned retired U.S. senior citizen. Now it is time for this adminstration to get down to serious work. I watched the announcement of Mitchell and Stern to high level Diplomats to negotiate peace in the Middle East. Why is Secretary Clinton not making the initial trip herself to (at least) show strength and start these negotiations? What will her foreign relations responsibilities consist of if she is "not" going to have a face to face with various foreign leaders on their turf? Will she or will she not be traveling to other countries?

Posted on Mon Jan 26, 2009

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Mr. Wood,

My email is down at the moment and I was hoping you could pass on a word of thanks to Ambassador Crocker for his outstanding service and congrats on recieving the medal of freedom.

May he continue to have the most excellent adventures in private life.

I'd be remis not to also invite him to post his thoughts here on what "the right stuff" is, in terms of selection of FSO's and perhaps the ingrediants of proper nation building as well, as it applies to the three "D's" (Democracy, Defense and Development).

With emphasis on the war of ideas and mitigating the 5 D's of methodology of those that seek to;

Distract, Deceive, Discredit, Discourage, and Dismember the effort.

Dipnote is well placed to be on the cutting edge of the debate, and offers a global audience an official invitation to think.

It's been my humble pleasure to contribute my 2 cents worth, for what it may be worth to others. So I hope I'm not out of line for making this request and offering the invitation right back with all due reciprocity...(chuckle).

"No socks required."

Thanks,

EJ

Posted on Mon Jan 26, 2009

Susan in Florida writes:

To the Dipnote staff -- glad to have you back! The new postings are great and your "transition" was seamless, too. Job well done!

Posted on Fri Jan 23, 2009

Emjay in Iowa writes:

To all in the State Dept and USAID:

Do you know how lucky you are to have this new leader?

She will be supportive of you and loyal to you, to the end.

Posted on Fri Jan 23, 2009

Lynn in Missouri writes:

This is the first time I've ever bothered to check out Dipnote. The fact that it is simple to find and even easier to use it a tribute to the new administration.

Congratulations to Madame Secretary. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her address the employees in the State Department this morning. As a former "coach", her use of the word, "TEAM" expressed it all.

With the new administration, we are all in this together.

Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009

Joyce in Virginia writes:

Congratulations to Madame Secretary. I was a staunch supporter of hers throughout the primaries, and have been a fan since her days as First Lady. I was unaware of this site before now, I suspect many are still unaware. But with Hillary now as our new Secretary of State, I suspect many more will be visiting. Hillary has over 18 million loyal supporters. We are still here, and we can't wait to see you in action. Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of this country, you will always have our undying love, support, and respect.

Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009

Sabir in Canada writes:

Congratulations from Canada. Wish you all the best ang good luck in your most daunting job ahead. Looking forward a better and peaceful world ahead. God bless all in Obama's Administration. The world is waiting for a just and peaceful settlements in many countries: Pakistan, Palestine, Afganistan, India (Kashmir) and all of Africa.

Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009

Rusty in Belgium writes:

Change has come congratulations to Secretary of State Clinton.

Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009

Joe in New York writes:

Congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Clinton, the deputies and the rest of you at the State Department. The world needs your experience, diplomacy, and strength.

Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009

Patricia in New York writes:

Just found Dipnote -- great resource -- I will visit the site frequently.

Congratulations to Secretary of State Clinton.

Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009

Ashley in North Carolina writes:

WAY TO GO MRS CLINTON!!!!!

Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009

Seyed in Maryland writes:

Seems like change has come to Dept. of State too! Keep it up!

Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009

John in Greece writes:

Great transition "DipNote team" and nice archive organization! I wish you and Mr. Wood, thousands of more successes.

And now "back to our keyboards" for more interesting debates and posts! Good luck to all DipNote staff, simple readers and authors.

Posted on Tue Jan 20, 2009

Ian in Texas writes:

Great to see this type of communication from our government. Keep it up!

Posted on Tue Jan 20, 2009

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