President’s Corner: State of the Union offers little on foreign affairs
By Michel Gabaudan Wed, 01/26/2011 - 16:09
In his State of the Union Address, President Obama focused, as is custom, essentially on domestic issues, support for America’s troops and the key challenges ahead. His reference to foreign policy was brief, but he began with a welcome call for “a new level of engagement in our foreign affairs.”
American leadership on international issues has long been an essential component to promoting peace and stability worldwide. For example, the President rightly extolled America’s efforts in driving and supporting the process that has led to the remarkably peaceful referendum in Sudan. This is no small accomplishment given the checkered recent past of the country.
President’s Corner: Obama’s National Security Team
By Kenneth Bacon Mon, 12/01/2008 - 19:29President-elect Obama used the word “pragmatism” twice while introducing his new national security team. “They share my pragmatism about the use of power,” he said at one point.
President’s Corner: Giving Thanks with Refugees
By Kenneth Bacon Mon, 11/24/2008 - 19:06Thanksgiving is the warmest of holidays. It is uncomplicated by gift-giving or getting and uncluttered by a round of holiday parties. It revolves, quite simply, around sharing a meal with family and friends and giving thanks for them and other blessings.
President’s Corner: Candidates Offer Sharply Different Visions for the UN
By Kenneth Bacon Tue, 10/28/2008 - 15:13
Both leading presidential candidates promise a new emphasis on multilateral engagement and problem solving, but Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama have sharply different views on the relationship between the U.S. and the United Nations.
Burma: On the Road to Mandalay
By Dawn Calabia Wed, 10/08/2008 - 03:32Monasteries in Burma, as in many Buddhist countries, are places where those in need go for help: for religious education, meditation skills, counseling and, increasingly in this underdeveloped country, for food, education, shelter, and health care.
President's Corner: Facing up to Iraqi Displacement
By Kenneth Bacon Mon, 07/07/2008 - 04:08
Everyday I survey a selection of websites, looking for updates on news of displaced populations around the world. The news is seldom cheery, particularly when it’s about Iraq. Two new reports highlight the plight of internally displaced Iraqis.
President’s Corner: A Tribute to Julia Taft
By Kenneth Bacon Mon, 03/17/2008 - 02:24
Julia Taft, who spent more than 30 years protecting refugees and directing responses to humanitarian emergencies, died on March 15th. Her death is a huge loss, not only to her family and friends, but to all displaced people who needed a skilled, committed political operator on their side.
Julia was only 32 years old in 1975, when President Ford asked her to direct an interagency task force to resettle Indochinese refugees in the U.S. In just seven months her task force brought 131,000 Vietnamese to the U.S., protecting them from a wave of post-war persecution.
Julia was only 32 years old in 1975, when President Ford asked her to direct an interagency task force to resettle Indochinese refugees in the U.S. In just seven months her task force brought 131,000 Vietnamese to the U.S., protecting them from a wave of post-war persecution.
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Refugees International (RI) advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.
We are an independent organization, and do not accept any government or UN funding.
We are an independent organization, and do not accept any government or UN funding.