The Washingon Diplomat - April 2020

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VOLUME 27, NUMBER 04

APRIL 2020

Health

WHO Applies Ebola Response to Covid-19 Pandemic

The World Health Organization was sharply criticized for its response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014. Today, however, the early reviews of the WHO’s response to coronavirus are much more nuanced, as the U.N. agency fights alongside governments to contain the spreading pandemic. PAGE 10

North Africa

Egypt and Ethiopia Tussle Over Control Of the Nile River

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam along the Nile River could be a game-changer for Ethiopia’s 100 million people, transforming their country into Africa’s biggest power exporter. But for Egypt and its 100 million people, the Nile Dam is an existential threat to their livelihoods and identity. PAGE 13

Culture

‘Rich and Rare’ Down Under

“Beauty Rich and Rare” is a historical look at Australia’s natural treasures and a timely reminder to preserve them. PAGE 30

AUSTRALIA As coronavirus grips Australia, the country has barely recovered from another crisis: the catastrophic wildfires that consumed parts of the continent. But Australia’s new ambassador, Arthur Sinodinos, is no stranger to crisis, having successfully battled stage-four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and he is ready to tackle the challenges in this next chapter of his life. PAGE 17

HELLISH ORDEAL

People of World Influence

Diplomatic Spouses

Ex-Pentagon Official Worries About World

Colombian Couple Weathers Life’s Ups and Downs

Michèle Flournoy, one of the highest-ranking women to serve in the Pentagon, talks about the litany of security crises facing the world, but when asked what keeps her up at night, one worry stands out: the Yes Men surrounding President Trump as he makes critical decisions in a time of crisis. PAGE 4

Maria Victoria García has been by her husband’s side for nearly 35 years, from his kidnapping by drug traffickers to his election as vice president of Colombia. All throughout, she’s been a forceful human rights advocate for her homeland while raising their four children and starting her own art career. PAGE 31