Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Sep 20, 2009 - 06:47 PM
![Iranian armed forces test fire a missile in Iran, photo released Nov. 12, 2008. [AP Photo]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090921165334im_/http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0920_missile_defense_m.jpg)
Last Wednesday, President Barack Obama approved the recommendations of his entire national security team to deploy a stronger and more comprehensive missile defense system in Europe. This decision came after a lengthy and in-depth review of our assessment of the threat posed by Iran’s ballistic missile program, and the technology that we have to confront it. And it is a decision that will leave America stronger, and more capable of defending our troops, our interests, and…
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Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Sep 18, 2009 - 04:43 PM
![Flags of member nations fly outside of United Nations headquarters, Sept. 18, 2007 in New York. [AP]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090921165334im_/http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0918_unga_m.jpg)
Today, Secretary Clinton spoke at the Brookings Institution, where she said: "The United Nations is not only a critical, central institution, but one in which the United States has a lot of equities."
What issues should the United States make a priority at the United Nations 64th General Assembly?
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Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Sep 19, 2009 - 11:55 AM
"Hello, and Eid Mubarak. I’m delighted to celebrate the end of Ramadan by wishing all of you a happy Eid. In 1996, my husband and I were privileged to host the first ever White House Eid celebration, which has now become a tradition. And this year, I hosted an Iftar at the State Department, with Muslims and non-Muslims attending. We hope that reinforces every year that all faiths have a home here in the United States.
For Muslims all over the world, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of a holy month of fasting and prayer. This time of self-reflection reminds us that the values of Islam – charity, community,…
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Posted by Farah Pandith on Sep 19, 2009 - 11:00 AM
About the Author: Farah Pandith serves as the Secretary's Special Representative to Muslim Communities.
September 15, 2009
5:00 a.m. It is a funny thing to wake up with a smile on your face.…
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Posted by Robert J. Tate on Sep 19, 2009 - 10:01 AM
![U.S. Ambassador Allen delivers remarks, Niamey, Niger, Sept. 11, 2009. [Embassy Photo]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090921165334im_/http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0919_service_day_m.jpg)
In commemoration of the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, U.S. Embassy Niamey partnered with GAVHLN, an association of disabled artisans, to hold the “United We Serve” Day of Community Service and Remembrance at College Mariama in Niamey on September 11, 2009.
The event honored those who work with people of other faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to help improve their communities and build a world in which innocent people will never again suffer from injustice and intolerance. GAVHLN, as a recipient of assistance from both Islamic and Christian charities…
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Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Sep 18, 2009 - 05:31 PM
"As President Obama leads our U.S. delegation at this year’s General Assembly, I hope we can demonstrate that the United Nations does not have to be just a diplomatic talk shop on First Avenue. At its best, it can be an institution that brings the world’s nations together to solve global problems through adherence to rules and principles set forth in the UN charter. And it is the responsibility of the 192 member nations during the General Assembly and beyond to capitalize on the opportunity for global cooperation and progress that the United Nations affords to each of us.
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Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Sep 18, 2009 - 03:01 PM
![Worshipers pray during Rosh Hashanah to celebrate the Jewish New Year, New York, Sept. 7, 2002. [AP]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090921165334im_/http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0918_rosh_hashanah_m.jpg)
Rosh Hashanah marks the start of a new year – a time of humble prayer and joyful celebration. As members of the Jewish faith here in America and around the world gather to celebrate, President Obama extends his warmest wishes. The President said:
"[T]his sacred time provides not just an opportunity for individual renewal and reconciliation, but for families, communities and even nations to heal old divisions, seek new understandings, and come together to build a better world for our children and grandchildren.
"At the dawn of this New Year, let us rededicate ourselves to that work. Let us reject the impulse to harden ourselves…
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Posted by Scott Gration on Sep 18, 2009 - 02:08 PM
![Two children approach gathering under shade tree in Ain Siro, Sudan, Sept. 2009. [State Dept. Photo]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090921165334im_/http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0918_sudan_camp_m.jpg)
For too long, Darfur has been a place of human failing and despair. For too long, the people of Darfur have suffered. And for too long, they have lived without peace and security. I just returned from another trip to Darfur — my fourth. I went back to assess the current situation on the ground and to listen directly to the people living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The capacity of humanitarian aid workers to deliver life-saving assistance is making slow gains, Darfuri armed movements are beginning unification efforts, and UNAMID…
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Posted by Josh Glazeroff on Sep 18, 2009 - 11:49 AM
![Camels stand in River Yamuna with Taj Mahal in background, Agra, India, Apr. 17, 2008. [AP Photo]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090921165334im_/http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0918_taj_mahal_m.jpg)
For any parent, traveling with twins is twice the trouble and twice the fun. Now imagine traveling with two curious, energetic children in India, where cows, monkeys, dogs and the occasional elephant or camel roam the streets! Here the ordinary is extraordinary.
My wife and I have taken our children around quite a bit in the year since we’ve been in India. On weekends, we’ve taken train rides to impressive sites: the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Amber Fort in Jaipur. We’ve flown to destinations near (the hills of Simla) and far (the hills of Kathmandu). We’ve…
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Posted by Carla Menares-Bury on Sep 18, 2009 - 09:42 AM
Earlier this week, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) Alliance Against Trafficking in Persons hosted a regional conference titled "Prevention of Modern Slavery: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure." Secretary Clinton delivered a video statement at the opening session of the Vienna conference in which she said, "New economic pressures are likely to aggravate the problem further, so…
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