Tag Archives: climate change

New Sanctions in Côte d’Ivoire / Secretary Clinton’s Travel Agenda / A Russian Poet’s Drawings

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The U.S. steps up pressure on the ex-president of Côte d’Ivoire to step down. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton heads to the Middle East. Vice President Biden leads Haiti talks. A top U.S. official sees potential for a sustained recovery. Climate change negotiations ended a month ago; now comes the hard part. The United States is helping Pakistan track tuberculosis. Meet an Egyptian blogger who became an author. And finally, Russian poet Joseph Brodsky is also known for his drawings.

U.S. Sanctions in Côte d’Ivoire
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The United States has imposed financial sanctions against former Côte d’Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo, who has refused to yield the presidency to newly elected Alassane Ouattara. Gbagbo’s wife, Simone Gbagbo, and three of his senior advisers also face sanctions , says Adam Szubin, left, director of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.


Secretary Clinton’s Middle East Agenda
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s travels January 8-13 to the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar to promote greater political, social and economic opportunities for the region’s youth. A senior State Department official says U.S. support for civil society groups will top the agenda.

U.S., Haiti Partner for Reconstruction
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Vice President Biden leads a team of U.S. government officials in meetings with Haitian-American leaders ahead of the one-year anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake to discuss the “unprecedented challenges that remain for recovery and reconstruction efforts.”

 A Self-Sustaining U.S. Recovery
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A self-sustaining recovery that is driven by improving consumer and business spending may be taking hold in the U.S. economy, U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Benjamin Bernanke says. Bernanke tells the U.S. Senate Budget Committee the pace of the economic recovery in the United States will likely be moderately stronger this year than in 2010.

 Keeping Promises After Cancún Climate Talks
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A month after climate negotiations concluded in Mexico, nations are working to keep their promises to cut greenhouse gas emissions, U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Climate Change Jonathan Pershing says. Right, activists demonstrate outside the climate conference in Cancún.

Tracking TB in Pakistan
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With U.S. support, researchers are conducting the first comprehensive survey of tuberculosis in Pakistan since the 1980s. Pakistan long has been listed among the 22 nations with the highest rates of tuberculosis.

Egyptian Blogger Becomes Author
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Egyptian author Ghada Abdel Aal is a widely recognized media figure and representative for a generation of young professional women throughout the Middle East. Her career started when she launched her blog, “I Want to Get Married,” in 2006.

A Russian Poet’s Artwork
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Russian-American poet Joseph Brodsky is probably the most studied Russian poet of the 20th century. He was also an accomplished artist, says Solomon Volkov, author of the book Conversations with Joseph Brodsky. Left, a Brodsky self portrait.

2010 U.S. Census Results / A New Climate Law / Literary New York

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The first results of the 2010 U.S. census are in; learn about the findings. In California, comprehensive climate legislation will go into effect in January. A new report says that Afghan businesses have great growth potential. At a business conference in Algeria, Tunisian and Moroccan entrepreneurs enjoy networking opportunities. And finally, explore literary New York.

First Results of 2010 U.S. Census
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The first results from the 2010 U.S. census reflect a modest overall population growth over the past 10 years, with continued population shifts towards Southern and Western states. The newest data will cause changes in the location of U.S. congressional districts. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, right, says the data will also be used to determine how federal resources are allocated and will help businesses identify new markets.

New California Climate Law
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With national climate legislation stalled in Congress, environmental advocates are focusing on action-oriented states like California, where the most comprehensive climate legislation in the United States will go into effect in January.

A Boost for Afghan Business
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A new report says that the private sector in Afghanistan has great potential for growth under improved business conditions, citing food production, mining, light manufacturing and services as particularly promising sectors.

Tunisian Entrepreneurs Meet
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Twenty-two Tunisian entrepreneurs attended the U.S.-Maghreb Entrepreneurship Conference in Algiers, which was organized by the State Department in partnership with the U.S.-Algeria Business Council. The conference featured panels and networking opportunities for up and coming North African business leaders.

Moroccan Youth Network
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After attending the U.S.-Maghreb Entrepreneurship Conference, young Moroccan entrepreneurs learned fear has no place when it comes to starting a business. Student Hamza El Fisiki says promoting entrepreneurship among Morocco’s youth is an important component to attracting overseas business.

Literary New York
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New York’s book culture sustains great writers and their work. Read about literary culture in the city and hear from authors Tom Wolfe, Pete Hamill and Emily Barton. Founded in 1927, the Strand Book Store, right, located on the corner of Broadway and East 12th Street, occupies five floors and contains 18 miles of books. The New York Public Library, on 5th Avenue at 42nd Street, is an integral part of the intellectual fabric of American life with more than 1 million books.

Progress in Afghanistan / Lifting Sanctions on Iraq / Carbon Capture Challenges

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The United States is making progress toward its strategic goals in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Sanctions on Iraq are lifted. The United States urges action against child labor. Trade talks between the United States and China are yielding progress. Obama denounces a terrorist attack in Iran. And it’s going to take more than cap-and-trade to reduce greenhouse gases.

Progress in Afghanistan, Pakistan
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The United States is making progress toward its core goal of disrupting, dismantling and defeating violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan, President Obama says. The annual review of administration policy shows more Afghans are reclaiming their communities from the Taliban, says Obama, center at right, with Vice President Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Iraq Sanctions Lifted
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In a meeting chaired by Vice President Joe Biden, the U.N. Security Council voted to lift three key international sanctions on Iraq to acknowledge the “significant steps Iraq has taken” toward fulfilling its international obligations.

Eradicating Child Labor
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Governments around the world should take urgent and effective steps to eradicate child labor practices in their countries, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis says.

U.S.-China Make Trade Progress
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The just-concluded 21st session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade makes progress on intellectual property rights, open markets and government procurement restrictions.

Obama Denounces Iran Attack
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President Obama denounces a bombing attack targeting Iranian civilians in Chabahar as “disgraceful and cowardly” and says those who carried out the attack “must be held accountable.”

The Challenge of Carbon Capture
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Cap-and-trade and renewable energy alone likely won’t be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, governments and companies are increasingly looking for new and unconventional solutions to the climate problem. Ten major demonstration projects are underway, along with more than 50 smaller projects, with the goal to bring between five and 10 commercial projects online by 2016.

Obama Denounces Iran Attack / The Carbon Capture Challenge / Native American Art

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President Obama denounces a terrorist attack on a mosque in Iran. Reducing greenhouse gases is going to take more than cap-and-trade. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton hosts a town hall meeting to discuss the release of the first Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review. Read our handbook on U.S. media law. The U.S. gives Jordan vehicles to help in its fight to protect intellectual property. Global citizens speak up about climate change. And finally, explore a photo gallery of Native American art.

Obama Denounces Iran Attack
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President Obama denounces a bombing attack targeting Iranian civilians in Chabahar as “disgraceful and cowardly” and says those who carried out the attack must be held accountable. “The murder of innocent civilians in their place of worship during Ashura is a despicable offense,” Obama says.

The Challenge of Carbon Capture
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Cap-and-trade and renewable energy alone likely won’t be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This reality has prompted governments and companies to increasingly look for new and unconventional solutions to the climate problem.

A Diplomacy, Development Review
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A newly released internal study of the U.S. State Department lays out a plan for better coordinating U.S. responses to crises, conflicts and natural disasters around the world. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, right, unveiled the State Department’s Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review, which suggests changes in organization, coordination with other U.S. government agencies, and implementation of overseas programs.

Media Law Handbook
What are the privileges and responsibilities of a free press? In Media Law Handbook, Professor Jane Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota, explores how free societies answer this question.

Protecting Intellectual Property in Jordan
The Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement donates ten vehicles to the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization headquarters to contribute to Jordan’s robust intellectual property rights enforcement regime.

Global Messages: Climate Change
America.gov asked people around the world to write a message to world leaders about climate change. We received responses from all corners of the globe. Read their messages.

Photo Gallery: Native American Art
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The artistic traditions of American Indians convey the resilience of the United States’ indigenous peoples. Thanks to the U.S. State Department’s Art in Embassies program, which installs art in U.S. diplomatic posts, global audiences can enjoy the talents of many American artists — tribal and otherwise. Explore the work in this photo gallery. At right, a portrait of the legendary Sioux chief Jack Red Cloud.

The Late Richard Holbrooke / Hope on Human Rights / AIDS and Disabilities

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Diplomat Richard Holbrooke is remembered as a giant of foreign policy. A top U.S. State Department official says there is hope for human rights gains. The U.S. is partnering with South Africa to fight AIDS and with Canada and Mexico to help Haiti tackle an “almost overwhelming” set of challenges. And finally, activists are working to help the disabled deal with HIV/AIDS.

Remembering Richard Holbrooke
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Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, who died December 13 in Washington, is remembered as a consummate diplomat, statesman and troubleshooter for the United States for nearly 50 years. He served in many diplomatic posts over the years, but will likely be best remembered for his role in negotiating the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.


Hope on Human Rights
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As 2010 comes to a close and much of the free world concludes commemorations of the 62nd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Michael Posner, assistant secretary for the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, shares his views in an interview with America.gov regarding current conditions for human rights.

Partnering Against AIDS
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton signs a five-year joint strategic plan with her South African counterpart on bilateral cooperation under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. In remarks with Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane at the State Department, Clinton says the United States wants to be “a good partner” with South Africa as it confronts HIV/AIDS.

Clinton Seeks Help for Haiti
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U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton joins her Canadian and Mexican counterparts in calling for international cooperation to help Haiti tackle an “almost overwhelming” set of challenges. Clinton said the country’s disputed parliamentary election in November has added to the difficulties Haiti faces in recovering from a devastating earthquake and an ongoing cholera epidemic.

HIV/AIDS and Disabilities
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Rosangela Berman Bieler is a Brazilian journalist and one of a growing number of health activists trying to give persons with disabilities better access to HIV/AIDS services. Her group, the Inter-American Institute on Disability and Inclusive Development, works with governments in Latin America, the Caribbean and Portuguese-speaking Africa. Bieler, right, with Agnes Atim of Uganda, both of whom spoke at a State Department conference.

Hope for a Global Climate Treaty / Core Issues in the Middle East / A Muslim Basketball League in the USA

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After the COP-16 climate summit, there is renewed hope for a global climate treaty. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the Middle East peace process should focus on core issues. Chinese and U.S. defense officials talk. At a conference in Algeria, North African business is on the agenda, while talks in New Zealand center on economic cooperation. It’s called mHealth and it’s improving health care for remote populations. U.S. officials mark Human Rights Day. We’ve got a two part series on an Iranian American activist. And finally, there’s a basketball league in California with a Mecca division and a Medina division.

Hope for Global Climate Treaty
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Because of agreements reached at the U.N.-led COP-16 climate summit in Cancún, Mexico, the world may finally be on its way toward a legally binding treaty that includes all major greenhouse gas emitters and compensates nations most vulnerable to climate change. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton calls the outcome a “significant step forward.” At right, environmental activists call attention to rising sea levels outside the conference.

Clinton: Focus on Core Issues in ME Process
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The United States believes it is time for the Middle East peace process to focus on the core issues of the conflict: borders and security, settlements, refugees and Jerusalem, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says. “It is no secret that the parties have a long way to go and that they have not yet made the difficult decisions that peace requires,” Clinton, right, says.

U.S., Chinese Military Talks
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U.S. and Chinese defense officials recently discussed how to develop more sustained and durable military-to-military relations, Under Secretary of Defense Michele Flournoy says. “I won’t say that we agreed on every issue. Where we did differ, we had a very candid and frank and productive exchange of views,” she says.

A International Business Conference in Algiers
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At the U.S.-Maghreb Entrepreneurship Conference held in Algeria, North African and American business leaders discussed the potential, and the challenge, of launching businesses in countries from Libya to Mauritania. Inspired by President Obama’s June 2009 speech in Cairo and last April’s Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship, the conference provided workshops and networking opportunities for North African entrepreneurs.

Trans-Pacific Partnership Talks
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Negotiations aimed at updating the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement made steady progress across a range of issues during just-concluded talks in New Zealand, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Take Two Aspirin and Text Me in the Morning
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Mobile phone health information, or mHealth, is improving health in populations that are difficult for doctors to reach. Even the most basic mobile phone can make medical information more accessible to doctors and patients alike.

A Day to Remember Human Rights
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U.S. officials from the president on down marked International Human Rights Day on December 10, which commemorates the adoption by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

An Iranian American Activist
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Melody Moezzi is an Iranian American who became a lawyer, then a writer, a speaker and a political volunteer. She embraced Islam, then wrote and spoke against stereotypes of Muslims in America. When she learned she had bipolar disorder, she began writing for fellow patients and works to clear up misconceptions about them. Read our two part series on Moezzi and her activism.

A Muslim American Basketball League
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Orange County’s Muslim Basketball League, started in 2004 with eight teams, now includes 33 teams, split into the Mecca division and the Medina division. The league grew out of a desire for young Muslim men to socialize while doing something they love. At left, the Mecca division team Intifada after winning a championship.

Iranian Talks / The U.S. at COP-16 / A U.N. Video Challenge

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The U.S. hopes that talks in Geneva start “a serious process” to address Iran’s nuclear activity. There’s a new place for cultural exchange in Indonesia. U.S. officials are in Mexico for the COP-16 climate meeting. In Africa, momentum is growing for business and investment. The U.N. is accepting video submissions about the biggest challenges facing the younger generation. And, we’ve got two reports on journalists from around the world visiting the U.S. under a State Department-backed program.

U.S. Hopes for Serious Talks With Iran
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The Obama administration hopes that meetings in Geneva between representatives of Iran and China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany, collectively known as the P5+1, mark the beginning of “a serious process” to address the global concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. The talks will continue in late January 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey.

In Indonesia, @america
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In Indonesia, Under Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy Judith McHale recently attended the opening of the new U.S. cultural center — @america. The center aims to expand engagement between young Indonesians and young Americans through interactive games and live events. McHale described @america as “what we hope will be the first of a new generation of American cultural centers.”

U.S. Officials at COP-16
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With a record $90 billion in renewable energy investments under way, the United states is pushing hard to reduce its dependency on fossil fuel, Energy Secretary Steven Chu tells a gathering at the COP-16 climate change meeting in Cancún, Mexico.

Africa’s Business Momentum
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Business momentum is building across Africa and the rest of the world is starting to notice, says Murray B. Low, a professor at Columbia University’s Business School.

Voices of a New Generation U.N. Challenge
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Until December 14, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations is accepting videos and written submissions from young people around the world who respond to question: “What is the most vital challenge to international peace and security facing your generation? Tell the UN Security Council what issue you believe deserves more attention, and explain why it is important.” Selected submissions will be incorporated into the agenda of the Security Council event on December 21.

Asian Journalists Visit America
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A dozen journalists from South and Central Asia spent three weeks in the United States as part of the Edward R. Murrow Program. Krita Raut, left, a reporter at The Himalayan Times, says the experience was particularly valuable for her because the restoration of democracy and press freedom in Nepal are so recent that the media have had little chance to cover an election.



Democracy and the Free Press
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Thirteen working journalists from 11 Western Hemisphere nations also got a firsthand look at the important role a free press plays in a democratic society during their time in the United States as participants in the program.

In Indonesia, @America / North Korea Talks / Journalism in the USA

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There’s a new place for cultural exchange in Indonesia. North Korea’s recent provocative action has jeopardized peace and stability in Asia, the U.S., Japan and South Korea say. In Haiti, the U.S. is working to end the cholera outbreak. A new trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea will help both countries. Russian and U.S. authorities join forces in fighting drug trafficking. Jordanians get a lesson in conflict avoidance negotiations. We’ve got a climate control update from COP-16. And, finally, a report on the Edward R. Murrow program for international journalists.

In Indonesia, @america
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In Indonesia, Under Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy Judith McHale, right, recently attended the opening of the new U.S. cultural center — @america. The center aims to expand engagement between young Indonesians and young Americans through interactive games and live events. McHale described @america as “what we hope will be the first of a new generation of American cultural centers.” 
 
 

New Condemnation for N. Korea
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Recent provocative action by North Korea has jeopardized peace and stability in Asia, foreign ministers from the United States, Japan and South Korea say. Above, left to right, Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan jointly declared that Pyongyang’s “provocative and belligerent behavior … will be met with solidarity from all three countries.”

Fighting Cholera in Haiti
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U.S. officials are “working vigorously” with the Haitian government and international relief agencies in a joint effort to stop Haiti’s cholera outbreak from spreading and to treat the thousands of people already infected.

New U.S.-South Korea Trade Deal
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The proposed U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement helps the United States balance its economy with greater exports and also helps South Korea foster economic growth, President Obama says. At the White House, Obama says the deal will boost U.S. exports by $11 billion and support 70,000 jobs.

U.S., Russia Joint Drug Busts
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In the past year, some notable drug busts have grown out of bilateral cooperation through the Counternarcotics Working Group of the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission. An important component of resetting the relations between the U.S. and Russia has been in the area of drug trafficking, says Gil Kerlikowske, Director of White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Learning How to Negotiate
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William Ury, an experienced negotiation adviser and mediator, recently discussed conflict negotiation and mediation with Jordanians via digital video conference. One of the biggest challenges to negotiations, he says, is finding a way to say no that still achieves positive results.

The U.S. Climate Commitment
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Nearly a week into the COP-16 climate conference in Mexico, the U.S. delegation maintains that the United States stands by its commitments from last year’s Copenhagen Accord and remains prepared to move forward. Most important, they say, the United States is showing in real dollars and actions that it is addressing climate change at home and overseas.

International Journalists in the USA
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As part of the U.S. Department of State’s Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists, 150 journalists from 100 nations spent three weeks in the United States. During their trip, the journalists, left, visited ABC News and had discussions with members of the network’s investigative reporting unit, its main nightly news program and its late-night newsmagazine.

 

Clinton in Kazakhstan / Climate Talks in Cancun / World AIDS Day

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In Kazakhstan, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses the OSCE Summit and speaks about the role of civil society activism at a town hall meeting. After returning from Asia, Clinton will host foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan in Washington. Faith can be a force for healing among nations, says U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice. At the COP-16 talks in Cancun, countries strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, today is World AIDS Day; read how the United States is leading the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Clinton Urges Stronger OSCE
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called on the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to expand its role in promoting human rights, preventing regional conflicts and enhancing security across the continent. Speaking in Kazakhstan, Clinton also outlined U.S. priorities for the OSCE, the first of which is to increase the group’s role in supporting stability in Afghanistan.

The Role of Civil Society Activists
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says governments cannot build strong democracies, thriving economies or stable societies by themselves. “Governments hold so much of the future in their hands, but they are not the most powerful determinant. That is the people themselves, and particularly the organizations that bring people together in civil society,” said Clinton, speaking at a town hall meeting in Astana.

U.S. to Meet Allies on North Korea
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will host the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan in Washington for discussions concerning recent North Korean activities and their impact upon regional security.

Faith Among Nations
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice says faith can be a force for partnership and healing among nations.

Climate Talk at COP-16
Leaders from more than 190 countries are attending the COP-16 climate meeting in Mexico to try to build on commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions made during last year’s gathering in Copenhagen. Though a legally binding treaty remains elusive, some 140 countries have signed on to the Copenhagen Accord, and more than 80 have submitted greenhouse gas reduction targets.

World AIDS Day
Increased U.S. support for antiretroviral treatments will help deliver life-saving drugs to more than 4 million people living with HIV around the world by 2013, the State Department says. “By investing in what we know works, we can save millions more in the future,” Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says in marking World AIDS Day.

U.S. Condemns N. Korean Attack / Climate Change Talks / An Award for Global Fairness

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President Obama is outraged by North Korea’s attack on South Korea. Despite their difficult year, Haitians are preparing to vote in elections this coming weekend. At the U.N. climate change conference COP-16, there is potential for progress. In Pakistan, U.S. flood relief efforts reach a new milestone. Defense Secretary Robert Gates endorses a new plan to create crisis cells. In Indonesia, there’s new research on bird flu. A professor in New York is behind the Encyclopaedia Iranica. And finally, Ela Bhatt receives the first Global Fairness Award.

U.S. Condemns “Outrageous” N. Korean Attack
North Korea’s artillery attack upon a South Korean island is an outrageous act, and the United States is working with other countries in the region to develop a “measured and unified response,” U.S. officials say. Deputy White House press secretary Bill Burton says Obama “is outraged by these actions.” At right, South Koreans read special news editions on the attack.


Haitians Encouraged to Vote
The United States is urging Haitians to exercise their right to vote in Haiti’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections, says U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Kenneth Merten. Haiti’s new leaders will face the challenge of rebuilding the nation of 10 million citizens.

COP-16’s Potential for Progress
Parties to the U.N. climate change conference that begins next week in Cancún should focus on attainable goals that could set the groundwork for a future climate treaty, says U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern. “Rather than insisting on a legal treaty before anything happens, we should move down the pragmatic path of concrete operational decisions,” Stern says.

A Milestone in Pakistan Relief
U.S. flood relief efforts in Pakistan reached a new milestone on November 21, with more than 25 million pounds of relief supplies delivered in Pakistan since U.S. military relief flight operations began August 5, says U.S. Embassy Islamabad.

A Plan for Disaster Response
The United States “wholeheartedly endorses” a plan to create crisis cells that would be on standby to respond in the event of natural disasters across the Western Hemisphere, such as Haiti’s earthquake in January, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says.

Fighting Bird Flu 
The new Indonesian National Laboratory for Infectious Diseases Research in is seeking to better understand and control the avian influenza (bird flu) virus and other dangerous diseases facing Indonesia. Statistics from the World Health Organization show Indonesia has had the largest number of bird flu cases and related deaths worldwide.

The Encyclopaedia Iranica
Ehsan Yarshater, a professor emeritus at Columbia University in New York, came up with the idea for the Encyclopaedia Iranica as a student in the 1930s. In the decades since, Yarshater has made his idea for an English-language encyclopedia a hardbound and online reality as the premier compendium of scholarship on the Iranian world.

Clinton Honors Ela Bhatt
In a ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Arts, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton conferred the first Global Fairness Award on Ela Bhatt. Bhatt, right, is the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association in India, a combination trade union and social movement which now has more than one million members.