Tag Archives: Haiti

Democracy in Egypt / Clinton in Haiti / Black History Month

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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urges an orderly and peaceful transition to democratic and economic reforms in Egypt. On a visit to Haiti, Secretary Clinton reaffirmed U.S. support for Haiti’s people through its reconstruction. Iranian film festivals in the U.S. are a big hit. Meet Adeeb Khalid, a Pakistani American scholar who is working on a history of Central Asia. And February is Black History Month.

Close-up of Secretary Clinton

Democracy in Egypt
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urges an orderly and peaceful transition to democratic and economic reforms in Egypt, but also acknowledges that it will take considerable time. In a series of television news interviews, Clinton, above, said that violence, looting or criminal acts will not move the political process forward in a productive way that will be satisfying for the Egyptian people.

Clinton in Haiti
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reaffirmed continued U.S. support for Haiti’s people through its reconstruction, redevelopment and humanitarian assistance and urged Haiti to move forward with the second round of its presidential election. Speaking in Port-au-Prince, Clinton said, “we are here to reassert our commitment. We are impatient; we are determined to work with the people of Haiti to accelerate the progress.”

Iranian Film Festivals in U.S.
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Several U.S. cities are holding Iranian film festivals this winter, allowing Americans to see what Iranian filmmakers have to say about their country.

The Future of Central Asia
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Adeeb Khalid, a Pakistani American and a professor of history at Carleton College in Minnesota, is currently a visiting scholar at the Kluge Center of the Library of Congress. Khalid is working on a history of Central Asia in the first 15 years of Soviet rule, a pivotal period he describes as one of nationalistic and idealistic hope turning to disappointment and fear.

Carter WoodsonBlack History Month
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Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles — slavery, prejudice, poverty — as well as their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life. It was the inspiration of Carter G. Woodson, right, a noted scholar and historian. February was chosen because it includes the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and the abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

Obama’s Energy Agenda / Mideast Protests / Rebuilding Haiti

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President Obama outlined a bold energy agenda in his State of Union address. The U.S. urges governments in the Middle East to engage with protesters. The Afghan parliament opens in Kabul. We’ve got a report on how financial institutions must polish their public images. Many U.S. cities are hosting Iranian film festivals this winter. And, finally, another look at photo galleries on the rebuilding effort in Haiti.

Obama’s Energy Agenda
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President Obama sees a future in which Americans will drive electric vehicles and get their power from wind, solar, biomass, natural gas and nuclear plants. In his State of the Union address, Obama called for heavy investment in clean energy to help the United States transition to a stronger and more sustainable economy.

Winning the Future with Renewable Energy
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President Obama speaks about how innovation and investment in clean energy technology can help protect the environment while creating new jobs and growing the economy. 

U.S. Urges Engagement with Mideast Protesters
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The Obama administration urges governments in the Middle East and North Africa to “actively respond” to the concerns of younger populations who are voicing their protests in the streets. 

Afghan Parliament Opened
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The Afghan parliament opened on January 26 in Kabul, and the Obama administration calls this “a significant milestone” for the country’s democracy and its people. The United States “joins the Afghan people in celebrating today’s achievement and we encourage the Afghans to begin an inclusive dialogue on electoral reform,” says National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer.

In Business, Reputation Matters
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Many companies know they need to maintain a good reputation to do or improve business, but rarely have they faced the kind of reputational challenges as financial and related industries do today, experts say.

Iranian Film Festivals in U.S.
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Several U.S. cities are holding Iranian film festivals this winter, allowing Americans to see what Iranian filmmakers have to say about their country.

A young boy at a shelter in HaitiPhoto Gallery: Rebuilding Haiti, One Year Later
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One year after a 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti, the United States continues its commitment to help the Haitian people build back better. Housing remains a critical issue, and USAID has partnered with several organizations to build transitional shelters. Explore this photo gallery about the rebuilding process. At right, a young boy peeks in at his mother in their newly constructed transitional shelter in Carrefour, Haiti.

Gates in Japan / Clinton in the Middle East / Martin Luther King Jr.

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In Japan, Defense Secretary Robert Gates calls for stability on the Korean Peninsula. At the Forum for the Future in Qatar, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks about the Middle East in the 21st century. Vice President Biden holds talks in Pakistan. The Obama admistration says that the level of violence in Tunisia is “unacceptable” and calls upon the Tunisian government for swift action. Muslim Americans continue to contribute to the relief effort in Haiti. A group of Russian environmental officials traveled to New York to examine how the U.S. handles toxic waste. And finally, in honor of Martin Luther King Day this coming Monday, view a photo gallery about Dr. King’s life and work.

A Plea for Stability on the Korean Peninsula
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Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is in the common interest of China, Japan, South Korea and the United States, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says. “This requires that North (Korea) cease its belligerent behavior and its provocation,” Gates says during a press conference with Japanese Defense Minister Tosihimi Kitazawa, left, in Tokyo.


Clinton on Middle East Reform
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The people and leaders of the Middle East must work together to build a stronger foundation for their region, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told leaders at the Forum for the Future in Doha, Qatar. Clinton says the people of the Middle East “are looking for real leadership in the 21st century, and I think it can be provided, and I know that this is the moment to do so.”

Biden and Pakistani Prime Minister Hold Talks
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Vice President Biden and Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani have held “extremely useful” discussions in Islamabad on “combating terror, issues of regional stability and promoting reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.”

Violence in Tunisia
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The Obama administration says there remains “an unacceptable level of violence” in Tunisia and calls upon the Tunisian government to “aggressively” respond to popular calls for economic reform and greater political openness.

Muslims Helping in Haiti
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Islamic Relief USA and the Zakat Foundation of America continue to help victims with food, shelter and medicine one year after an earthquake devastated Haiti.

Sharing Toxic Waste Strategies
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The U.S. government recently invited a delegation of 16 Russian environmental protection officials to Washington and New York to examine how the United States deals with abandoned industrial sites contaminated with hazardous wastes.

King with President Lyndon Johnson as he signs the Civil Rights ActPhoto Gallery: The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to the nonviolent struggle for racial equality in the United States. January 17, 2011, marks the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday that honors King’s legacy and challenges citizens to engage in volunteer service in their communities. Visit this photo gallery to learn more about Dr. King’s Life and work. At right, King attends the 1964 signing of the Civil Rights Act into federal law by President Lyndon Johnson.

U.S. Remains Committed to Haiti / Crisis in Lebanon / Green Jeans

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U.S. leaders look back, one year after a catastrophic earthquake devastated Haiti. Amid a political crisis in Lebanon, President Obama meets with and expresses support for Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Regardless of the outcome, the U.S. calls the Sudanese referendum a “win-win” for both north and south. Chinese President Hu Jintao’s upcoming visit to the United States comes during a significant transition for the global economy. Meet Nadereh Chamlou, an Iranian-American economist who studies gender issues. And finally, learn about Levi’s new green jeans.

U.S. Support for Haiti Endures One Year After Quake
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President Obama and other U.S. leaders mark one year since a catastrophic earthquake devastated Haiti, pledging continued partnership and support as the country rebuilds. “As they forge ahead with the hard work of rebuilding their proud country, the people of Haiti will continue to have an enduring partner in the United States,” he says.

Obama Backs Lebanon’s Hariri
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Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s visit to Washington coincided with the resignation of 11 Lebanese cabinet ministers who are allied with the militant group Hezbollah, which the United States has designated as a terrorist organization. Their resignations have forced the collapse of the government. President Obama met with Hariri at the White House and praised his efforts to “reach peace, stability, and consensus in Lebanon under difficult circumstance.”

U.S. Praises Sudanese Officials
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Regardless of the outcome, the referendum on southern Sudanese self-determination can present new opportunities for the people of both northern and southern Sudan, says Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson.

Economic Reform in China
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The state visit of China’s President Hu Jintao to the United States January 19 comes during a significant transition for the global economy, China’s economy and for the United States, says Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

The Cost of Gender Barriers
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Nadereh Chamlou is senior adviser to the World Bank’s chief economist for the Middle East and North Africa and an authority on the crucial difference women can play in the economic success of families, companies and countries. “Gender issues can no longer be seen as a political issue or an issue of culture. No, these are becoming now international issues,” says the Iranian-born Chamlou.

Levi's jeansWhen Jeans Turn Green
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Levi Strauss & Co. just rolled out a collection of pants that requires a fraction of the water normally used during production. The initiative is part of its broader campaign to shrink the overall environmental footprint of its global supply chain. “We know it’s vital to understand, and reduce, the impact our products have on the environment,” says Michael Kobori, Levi’s vice president of social and environmental sustainability.

President Obama on One Year Anniversary of Earthquake in Haiti

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In a statement released on the one year anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, President Obama paid respects to those who lost their lives in the disaster, and recalled the assistance the United States continues to provide the Haitian people today. 

The president also said:

“On this day when our thoughts and prayers are with the Haitian people, my message is the same as it was last year.  Haiti can and must lead the way, with a strong vision for its future.  The international community must now fulfill the pledges it has made to ensure a strong and sustained long-term effort.  And as they forge ahead with the hard work of rebuilding their proud country, the people of Haiti will continue to have an enduring partner in the United States.”

You can read his full statement on the official White House website: http://bit.ly/gXfRQo

Learn more:  Haiti After One Year

Gates in China / Clinton in Yemen / An Indian Novelist

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Defense Secretary Robert Gates praises China for helping to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Progress to rebuild Haiti is on track one year after the devastating earthquake. Speaking in Yemen, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the United States seeks “a broad relationship” with both Yemen’s leadership and the Yemeni people. The United States is pleased with the progress of the referendum on southern Sudan’s self-determination. Vice President Biden says the Taliban’s momentum has slowed in Afghanistan. And finally, meet the Indian novelist and blogger Chandrahas Choudhury.

Robert Gates with Chinese President HuChina Playing Key Role in Korean Peninsula
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Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Chinese leadership has played a vital role in the last several months to dampen tensions on the Korean Peninsula. “What I think we would like to see are some concrete actions by North Korea that show that they’re serious about moving to a negotiation and an engagement track,” Gates says in Beijing. Right, Gates meets with China’s President Hu Jintao.

One Year Later: Haiti on Track
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U.S. officials and leaders say progress to rebuild Haiti is on track one year after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated the country, with international efforts contributing significantly to sustainable development.

Clinton in Yemen
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said that the Obama administration is committed to providing Yemen with economic, social and political assistance as well as cooperation against violent extremists.

Good Progress in Sudan
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Senior State Department officials say they are pleased with the progress of the referendum on southern Sudan’s self-determination and praised leaders from both northern and southern Sudan for their cooperation in the process. “We could now be at the very cusp of seeing the end of one of Africa’s longest wars and longest tragedies,” says Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson.

Breaking the Taliban’s Momentum
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The United States, its allies and Afghan security forces are breaking the momentum of the Taliban insurgents working to regain control over portions of Afghanistan, Vice President Biden says. “It’s fair to say we have largely arrested the Taliban momentum here in some very important areas,” Biden says at a joint press conference in Kabul with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Chandrahas Choudhury at podiumMeet Indian Writer Choudhury
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Novelist, critic and blogger Chandrahas Choudhury, who lives in Mumbai, recently joined 37 other writers from 32 countries for International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. Along with exposure to the work of a diverse group of international poets and writers, the conference allowed Choudhury, right, to examine the contrasts and similarities between Indian and American literary culture.

Biden in Afghanistan / Voting in South Sudan / Business Conference in Algiers

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Vice President Biden travels to Afghanistan. President Obama praises the timely start of the referendum on self-determination for southern Sudan. The United States and China are working to improve military-to-military relations. A top U.S. official assesses progress in Haiti, one year after the devastating earthquake. President Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy meet ahead of economic summits. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says sanctions on Iran are working. In Algiers, entrepreneurs gather and share ideas.

Biden in Afghanistan
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Vice President Biden is in Afghanistan to assess current operations and Afghan army and police training programs and to hold talks with President Hamid Karzai on political and economic progress. Biden, center, met with U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, right, and U.S. Army General David Petraeus, left, for an “update from them on the situation on the ground” before his planned meetings with senior Afghan officials, the administration says.

Obama Urges Free Vote in Sudan
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President Obama praised the timely start of the referendum on self-determination for southern Sudan and urged all sides to refrain from intimidation, coercion or violence and to allow voters to freely and peaceably express their will. “The world will be watching in the coming days,” says Obama. At right, South Sudanese men wait to cast their votes at a polling station in Juba.

U.S., China Defense Talks
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The United States and China are working to improve military relations to manage common security problems and promote communication and understanding, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says in Beijing.

Assessing Progress in Haiti
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In the year since a powerful earthquake struck Haiti, an unprecedented international effort has mobilized to bring relief to the country while confronting obstacles both pre-existing the quake and directly caused by it. Deputy Coordinator Kara McDonald outlines the U.S. government’s approach to reconstruction and assesses the progress of the last 12 months.

Obama, Sarkozy Discuss Summits
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President Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy agree to work closely in preparing for upcoming major economic summits that will address the continuing recovery from the recent recession.

Clinton: Iran Sanctions Working
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Secretary Clinton says economic sanctions are slowing down Iran’s ability to acquire nuclear weapons. “The most recent analysis is that sanctions have been working,” she tells university students in Abu Dhabi.

Amel ChouikhBusiness Conference in Algiers
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Dozens of American and North African entrepreneurs attended the U.S.-Maghreb Entrepreneurship Conference in Algiers in December. Amel Chouikh, right, one of the attendees, says that the conference caused her to see opportunities for cross-border partnerships and for expanding her business outside Algeria and into other Maghreb countries.

A Chorus of Condemnation / TechWomen in Africa, Mideast / In Haiti, the Rebuilding Continues

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American Muslim groups join President Obama in condemning terror attacks in Egypt and Nigeria. Russian museum curators meet their American counterparts. Volunteering has never been easier, thanks to the Internet. Applications are being accepted for the TechWomen mentoring program. A year after devastation struck, the U.S.-Haiti partnership continues.

U.S. Muslims Condemn Attacks
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American Muslim groups join in denouncing the New Year’s terror attacks in Egypt and Nigeria as “barbaric” and “heinous” while offering prayers to the victims and their families. “The attacks in Egypt and Nigeria are unacceptable,” says Imam Mohamed Magid, president of the Islamic Society of North America, right.

Obama: Terrorists “Must be Brought to Justice”
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President Obama and other U.S. government officials condemn the deadly terrorist bombings. “The perpetrators of this attack were clearly targeting Christian worshipers, and have no respect for human life and dignity,” Obama says. ”They must be brought to justice.”

U.S., Russian Curators Find Common Ground
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Eight Russian museum curators and historic heritage site managers find they have a lot in common with their American colleagues during a three-week visit to the United States.

Work Locally, Help Globally
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The U.N. Volunteers program allows anyone with a computer to volunteer in any of 130 countries around the world without leaving home. Online volunteers completed 14,313 assignments in 2009, doubling the previous year’s record.

TechWomen
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Bringing the power of global business, technology and education together, the TechWomen Program will pair women in Silicon Valley with 38 of their counterparts in the Middle East and North Africa for a five-week professional mentorship program at leading technology companies beginning in the summer of 2011. Online applications must be submitted by February 1, 2011. For more information, visit the TechWomen Fact Sheet.

Photo Gallery: One Year After the Earthquake Shook Haiti
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One year after a 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti, the United States continues its commitment to help the Haitian people build back better. The partnership has led to the construction of transitional shelters, the removal of rubble, and improvements in agriculture, sanitation, health care and infrastructure. At right, a young boy peeks in at his mother in their newly constructed transitional shelter in Carrefour, Haiti.

Volunteer From Anywhere / TechWomen / A Gallery of Gadgets

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Volunteering has never been easier, thanks to the Internet. Applications are being accepted for the TechWomen mentoring program. A power company in Bangalore will be exploring smart grid technology. Meet the very prolific Bangladeshi author Anisul Hoque. And finally, explore a photo gallery of gadgets that are changing the world.

Work Locally, Help Globally
The U.N. Volunteers program allows anyone with a computer to volunteer in any of 130 countries around the world without leaving home. Above, Sandrine Cortet, an online volunteer who translates documents from her native French to English and vice versa, works at her home in Edison, N.J.

TechWomen
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Bringing the power of global business, technology and education together, the TechWomen Program will pair women in Silicon Valley with 38 of their counterparts in the Middle East and North Africa for a five-week professional mentorship program at leading technology companies beginning in the summer of 2011. Online applications must be submitted by February 1, 2011. For more information, visit the TechWomen Fact Sheet.

A Smarter Grid for Bangalore, India
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A power company in Bangalore, India, will be exploring smart grid technologies with the help of a pilot study funded by the United States. The two nations are seeking to build expertise and market share in the emerging clean energy sector.

Bangladeshi Author Anisul Hoque
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Meet Bangladeshi writer and journalist Anisul Hoque, who has written between 60 and 70 books, short stories, poetry, plays, television scripts, and four full-length films.

Photo Gallery: Gadgets That Are Changing the World
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People often take small devices for granted. But gadgets alter our lives and sometimes improve the world around us. These products can make life more comfortable, safer and healthier. Explore a photo gallery of gadgets that America.gov editors believe are reshaping the world. At left, the LifeStraw, a cigar-shaped device that purifies water, removing bacteria, viruses and parasites, some of which cause cholera and other illnesses. It has been distributed in the poorest areas in Africa and recently in Haiti.

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.