March 2016 by The Washington Diplomat

Inside:

Luxury Living Special Section Luxury Living

A Special Section of The Washington Diplomat

VOLUME 23, NUMBER 3

March 2016

MARCH 2016

WWW.WASHDIPLOMAT.COM

If These Walls Could Talk

Blair House Plays Host to

War With Islamic State Marked by Constant Back and Forth

Europe

Schengen Under Fire As Europe Closes Borders to Migrants A raging migrant crisis and residual fears over terrorism are threatening to unravel the European Union’s passport-free travel area known as the Schengen zone — and with it the very fabric of the EU. / PAGE 10

KANOWITZ

People of World Influence

Terrorism

As the Islamic State retreats from parts of Iraq and Syria, the group is looking to expand in other areas such as Libya, perpetuating a tug of war for territory and influence that shows no signs of abating any time soon. / PAGE 7

American History t BY STEPHANIE

ashington is home to many buildings that are both iconic and secretive at the same time. Blair House, known more casually as the president’s guest house, is no different.

Built in 1824, Blair House nected townhouses located consists of four intercon- publication. across from the White House. on Pennsylvania Avenue Blair gained political power as editor of the Globe and has hosted a variety of heads The federal-style complex the Congressional Globe, of state and visiting delegathe first published proceedings tions, but it was originally of Congress, with partner home to Dr. Joseph Lovell, the most influential member John Cook Rives. Blair “was the first surgeon general of the U.S. of President Jackson’s informal however, shortly after a circuit Army. It got its name, group of advisors, the ‘Kitchen Cabinet,’ and remained paperman took up residence court clerk-turned-news- important confidant to Jackson’s successor, Martin an there in 1837, seven years after Francis Preston Blair Van Buren,” according to BlairHouse.org. first “Abraham Lincoln vitation of President Andrew moved to D.C. at the in- also sought Blair’s counsel Jackson. Blair’s editorials during his presidency in a local Frankfort, Ky., newspaper appealed to Jackson, pointed Blair’s eldest son, Montgomery, to his and apcabinet as who asked Blair and his wife Eliza to turn a faltering D.C. Postmaster General.” paper called the Globe into a pro-Jackson administration 26

MEXICO

Mexico’s new ambassador arrived in Washington during a time of electionyear demonizing, but Miguel Basáñez Ebergenyi is sage about the political posturing and Mexico-bashing, telling us that, “Some people who are ignorant of history talk about building walls, but that makes no sense.” / PAGE 17

| 25

Keeping Mideast Diplomacy On Track Diplomatic breakthroughs like the recent Iran nuclear deal don’t always emerge from formal government-to-government discussions. Sometimes, the foundation for diplomatic success is laid by people like Randa Slim, who work behind the scenes in a widely used, but less familiar, process called Track II diplomacy. / PAGE 5

Diplomacy Verbatim

Culture

BREAKING DOWN WALLS

Aboriginal Elder, 105, Takes Up Painting An unusual, arresting show at the Embassy of Australia speaks truth to the adage that you’re never too old to learn something new. / PAGE 32

WPA Melds Local, Global Artistic Talent Over the last half century, Washington Performing Arts has welcomed scores of well-known and lesser-known international and local artists as part of its mission to offer Washingtonians a cultural window onto the world. / PAGE 20

IT’S GOLF TIME.

F RI DAY, M AY 6 12 Noon • 1:30 pm Shotgun Start Worthington Manor Golf Club • Urbana, MD An Ault-Clark Signature Course

12TH ANNUAL EMBASSY

GOLF TOURNAMENT Co-hosted Under the Gracious Patronage of Ambassador of United Arab Emirates Yousef Al Otaiba

EARLY

4-PERSON SCRAMBLE

RATES

Individual $200 regular $160 embassy

BIRD

Through March 31

Foursome $ 700 regular $520 embassy

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.WASHDIPLOMAT.COM Now reserving sponsorships. Call 301.933.3552 2 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MARCH 2016

REGISTERED GOLFERS ENJOY : • GREENS FEES • GOLF CART • RANGE BALLS • BEVERAGE CART • COOKOUT LUNCH • GOODIE BAG • RECEPTION • COCKTAILS • DINNER • AWARDS PRESENTATION • ENTRY FOR PRIZE RAFFLE

S PO N S O R S

Contents

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016

21 NEWS 5

People of World Influence Track II diplomacy tries to do the unofficial legwork of diplomacy and dialogue.

7 Tug of War As the Islamic State loses territory in one corner of the world, it gains ground in another. 10

Saving Schengen

A migrant crisis and terrorist threats are testing the ideal of a border-free Europe.

Power Play at the Pump

The slump in oil prices is fueling the Iran-Saudi regional rivalry.

Enlightened Place

The World Affairs Council-DC prides itself on being the place “where learning happens.”

17 Cover Profile: Mexico Despite election-year bashing, Mexico’s new envoy says ties with the U.S. are “excellent.”

Diplomacy Verbatim For nearly 50 years, Washington Performing Arts has exposed D.C. to international culture.

Dreamy Makeover “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” gets an inspired face-lift for the Bard’s 400th anniversary.

21 Digital Diplomacy Forum To mark their 100th anniversary, America’s National Parks are turning to social media.

34 Power of Belief A local artist conjures distant cultures to examine the human condition.

Book review “Making Foreign Policy Decisions” offers a how-to guide for the next U.S. president.

Dining

Authentic American-style barbeque joints are heating up the city’s dining scene.

24 Medical Women’s heart attacks are deadlier than men’s.

LUXURY LIVING 25 Grand Guest House Blair House is a fitting venue for the U.S. president to play host to history.

CULTURE 32

Age-Defying Aussie An Aboriginal elder decided to take up painting in her mid-90s.

REGULARS 38 Cinema Listing 40 Events Listing 42 Diplomatic Spotlight 44 appointments 45 World Holidays 46 Classifieds 47 Real Estate Classifieds THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 3

Volume 23

JOIN US FOR A CHEF COOK OFF OF CAPITOL PROPORTIONS!

2016 GOURMET GALA SPONSORS

Patron Sponsor BNSF Railway Company Title Sponsor Mars, Inc. Signature Sponsor Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. Wine Institute

Issue 3

March 2016

Victor Shiblie

Director of Operations

Fuad Shiblie

Managing Editor

Anna Gawel

News Editor

Larry Luxner

Graphic Designer

Cari Henderson

Account Manager

Rod Carrasco

Photographer

Lawrence Ruggeri

Intern

Camila Rodrigues

Contributing Writers

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 6:00 p.m. A Special Toast to our Gala Co-Chairs

Michael Coleman, Sean Lyngaas, Molly McCluskey, Ky N. Nguyen, Kate Oczypok, Justin Salhani, Gail Scott, John Shaw, Dave Seminara, Gary Tischler, Lisa Troshinsky

address P.O. Box 1345 Silver Spring, MD 20915-1345 phone 301.933.3552 • fax 301.949.0065 web www.washdiplomat.com • editorial news@washdiplomat.com advertising sales@washdiplomat.com

6:30 p.m. Celebrity Chef Cook-Off 8:00 p.m. Celebrity Chef Award Presentation 8:30 p.m. Event Concludes

Supporters AbbVie AT&T Hogan Lovells Honeywell National Apartment Association National Association of Realtors

www.washdiplomat.com

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Regional Sponsors Aflac BlueCross BlueShield Chevron ExxonMobil National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation Benefactors AARP Abbott American Chemistry Council BP America Inc. Comcast NBCUniversal Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation Parsons Corporation PG&E Southern Company TSYS UPS

National Building Museum Washington, D.C.

Friends of March of Dimes Amgen Anne Esposito (TGF *CVſGNF Halliburton Marathon Oil Company USTelecom Association Media Sponsors The Hill National Journal Washington Diplomat

The Washington Diplomat is published monthly by The Washington Diplomat, Inc. The newspaper is distributed free of charge at several locations throughout the Washington, D.C. area. We do oﬀer subscriptions for home delivery. Subscription rates are $29 for 12 issues and $49 for 24 issues.

The Washington Diplomat assumes no responsibility for the safe keeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material.

To receive The Washington Diplomat at your embassy or business or to receive past issues, please call Fuad Shiblie at 301-933-3552.

The information contained in this publication is in no way to be construed as a recommendation by the Publisher of any kind or nature whatsoever, nor as a recommendation of any industry standard, nor as an endorsement of any product or service, nor as an opinion or certification regarding the accuracy of any such information.

If your organization employs many people from the international community, you may qualify for free bulk delivery. To see if you qualify, please contact Fuad Shiblie.

Listing as of 1.14.2016

ON THE cOvEr

Sponsorships for the Gourmet Gala are still available. Contact us at (202) 256-9426 or email marchofdimes@manessgroup.com.

Cover photo taken at the Mexican Embassy by Lawrence Ruggeri of Ruggeriphoto.com.

For updates on our planning, follow @MODMDNCA using #MODGourmetGala.

4 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016

WD | People of World Influence

Unofficial Spadework Track II Diplomacy Practitioner Creates Space to Open Up Dialogue by Michael Coleman

n recent months, international diplomacy took center stage as high-level negotiators from Iran engaged with officials from the United States and five other nations regarding Tehran’s controversial nuclear program. The protracted, complex talks — conducted by official statesmen at the highest levels of government — eventually yielded a historic agreement that eases sanctions on Iran and, at least ostensibly, bars the Middle Eastern power from building a nuclear bomb for the next 15 years. But diplomatic breakthroughs don’t always emerge from such formal governmentto-government discussions. Look no further than the perennially stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process for proof of that. Sometimes, the foundation for diplomatic success is laid behind the scenes in a widely used, but less familiar, process called Track II diplomacy. Track II refers to unofficial interactions usually carried out by nongovernmental actors with access to decision-makers. Few Washington foreign policy experts are as experienced in the art of Track II diplomacy as Randa Slim, director of the Track II Dialogues initiative at the Middle East Institute and an adjunct research fellow at the New America Foundation. Slim has been a senior program advisor at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a guest scholar at the U.S. Institute of Peace and a program officer at the Kettering Foundation. A long-time practitioner of Track II dialogue and peacebuilding processes in the Middle East and Central Asia, in 2007 she co-founded the Arab Network for the Study of Democracy, a group of academics and civil society activists from eight Arab countries. Slim, who hails from Lebanon, is also a widely quoted and sought-after expert on Syria. She has been deeply engaged in a Track II (she describes it as “Track 1.5”) dialogue on the conflict in that war-torn nation since 2013. We talked to her about Track II diplomacy, Syria and other subjects.

The Washington Diplomat: Track II diplomacy got its start during the Cold War, as free-thinking Soviet and U.S. citizens such as academics, think tanktypes and others met informally to discuss their nations’ vast differences. It has since evolved to a much more formal process. How do you describe Track II diplomacy to those unfamiliar with the term? Randa Slim: We have to start rethinking diplomacy as a multitrack process which has a number of entry points and a number of actors. Track I is what everybody knows, which is government-togovernment negotiating, signing treaties, making agreements. But you have a lot of work that needs to be done pre-negotiation, or complementary or corollary to the negotiation, and that is Track II. It doesn’t even need to involve people in government. But there is also now also something called Track 1.5 — a mixture of officials and non-officials sitting together and talking about conflict issues like Syria or Yemen, and conflict resolution approaches. You want to create a space where you can test new ideas and brainstorm new ideas. TWD: Which process is underway with respect to Syria?

tween Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq. These are the dynamics we would like to get to understand, analyze and see how we can come up with ideas to address them at the regional level while letting other processes involving Syrians focus on the Syrian part of the peacemaking. Eventually the solution in Syria will be Syrian made, but unless you address the regional enablers, you are never going to get to the Syrian part of the solution, so that’s what we’ve been doing. TWD: Who pays for the effort? Is there any U.S. government involvement?

Photo: Middle East Institute

Slim: The one I am doing on Syria is Track 1.5 because it involves people who are in government right now, former senior officials who still have access to decision-makers and outside experts. It is called the Middle East Dialogue and it has been going on since 2013 and it brings people together from the region. The primary actors are regional actors. You have the Turks, the Iranians, the Saudis, the Emiratis, the Egyptians, the Jordanians, the Iraqis and the Lebanese. We also have Americans, Russians, Europeans and Chinese sitting in. TWD: What are you hoping to accomplish in the Middle East Dialogue — this socalled “Track 1.5” diplomacy on Syria?

“

Slim: The Middle East Institute is the convener. We are funded by a private U.S. foundation, so we don’t get government money. In fact, I refuse to get government money because working in the Middle East and getting U.S. government money is just not going to work. There are two moderators. Both of us are from the region and Lebanese-American. TWD: Are these talks private or do you share them publicly? Slim: We have public memos that we usually post on our website. I am of the idea that … you need these ideas to be infiltrating everywhere, in as many spaces as possible. Now, with the web, you have the ability to inject ideas through social media, op-eds etc., and usually we have ideas generated in this dialogue that are featured in these op-eds.

In the past, Track II used to be talked about as unnecessary background noise. Now we have officials seeking us out.

TWD: Since current government officials aren’t used in Track II diplomacy, how is your work perceived by them?

Slim: Now there is understanding and appreciation within the official structures, in this counSlim: It was designed to map try, but also I’m seeing it more the historical transformation and more in other countries — in the region is going through. Europe and in the Arab world. In We felt like we needed a the past, Track II used to be talkspace where people in-theed about as unnecessary backknow, people who have been ground noise. Now we have ofthrough other transformaficials seeking us out. They want Randa Slim tions in other parts of the a report. You have this receptivdirector of the Track II Dialogues world … sit together with ity partly because I think there is initiative at the Middle East Institute experts and try to make sense more and more appreciation inof what is going on. When side government, and especially you design a dialogue process, you don’t just say (the U.S.) government, that international relations is you’re going to come and talk about everything. Our about relationships between body politics. entry point was Syria. We knew that Syria was going It’s important for the governments to use this as to be a fault line in the re-emerging culture…. [H]ow a resource. I also think the nature of conflict has the conflict in Syria and Iraq is eventually settled will changed. In the old days it was two governments … determine the character of the Levant and the region today you have these non-state actors which somethat is going to emerge years down the line. times governments are legally prohibited or unable to meet with. We can create spaces and can reach out TWD: But what are you discussing with respect to these non-state actors. There are certain non-state to Syria and the ongoing civil war there? actors we’ll never meet with — al-Qaeda, Daesh (the Islamic State), terrorist groups like that. But there Slim: We focus on the regional dimension of the Syrian crisis — the regional proxy war going on beSee Slim • page 6

”

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 5

SLIM: I think what we can do is create a nofly zone. We can work with the Saudis and the Turks at least on the no-fly zone and I think say to Russia either there is a ceasefire or we have to create this no-fly zone where we put these refugees. We have how many refugees from Aleppo that are sitting on the border with Turkey? At some point Turkey is going to say enough is enough.

Slim COnTInUeD • Page 5

are a number of non-state actors in the Syrian conflict, for example, that the U.S. government still finds uncomfortable to be interacting with. Career civil servants understand diplomacy is not just about governments meeting and signing treaties. It is about relationships between people. This whole field of Track II has become much more professionalized. You have now a number of individuals and entities who have been involved in this business for some time. There is a skill set and a code of conduct.

TWD: Do you envision a scenario in which Assad gives up power and maybe takes asylum somewhere, as has been proposed by some international experts in the past?

TWD: What do Track II participants contribute that governments cannot? PhOTO: STaTe DePaRTMenT

SLIM: We do not have budgets and armies that are rooted in power; only governments have access to that. What we have is networks, personal connections, relationships and intellectual and social capital. TWD: Let’s talk about Syria. This is an area of your expertise and, as you said, it’s an issue your Track II diplomacy efforts have been dealing with. What is your opinion of the Obama administration’s approach to this crisis? SLIM: They look at Syria only through the ISIS (Islamic State) prism. ISIS is there because it tapped frustrations that were created by a regime (Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s) and a government that has for more than 40 years denied its citizens basic rights of freedom, dignity and representation. You can degrade ISIS and eliminate

U.S. Secretary of State John kerry, right, talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey lavrov on Feb. 11, 2016, at the hilton hotel in Munich, germany, before a meeting of the International Syria Support group.

ISIS, but as long as the regime is there with its current structure incapable and unwilling to fight ISIS, there there will (always) be ISIS. The other part of the Syria problem I have (with respect to U.S. policy) is it’s always Iraq first. This Iraq-first approach doesn’t make sense. You cannot eliminate ISIS in Iraq as long as ISIS has a place in Raqqa…. ISIS has to be looked at as a regional situation now. It’s not a country problem. We are looking at it through a counter-terrorism lens and are missing the precedent causes of ISIS. It is not Shias and Sunnis. We always had in our history the ebb and flow of Shia and Sunni tension. It has always been there. Political leaders are using it to divide … for political

gains. ISIS is a political problem reflective of a political disease and that political disease is this regime (Assad’s). Unless we remove this regime, that disease will metastasize in the future into worse kinds of cancer, worse kinds of ISIS. TWD: Obviously, the Obama administration wants Assad out. It has repeatedly insisted that Assad has to go. SLIM: But it’s not obvious. They talk the talk, but their walk is contrary to the talk. There is a total mismatch between the walk and the talk. TWD: What could the Obama administration have done differently? SLIM: 2013 was the opportunity to basically ground the Syrian Air Force. That was the minimum that should have been done — deny that airpower. Now our options are very constrained. It’s over. I give up on this administration. TWD: Now the Russians have been bombing rebels in Syria, strengthening Assad’s hand. SLIM: We have to confront the Russians in Syria. We have to make clear to the Russians there are consequences to their trying to basically negotiate by fire.

Young men today face some tough choices.

These are some of the decisions these young men made: Arizona State University, North Carolina State University, James Madison University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Illinois, Indiana State University, The Citadel, Washington and Lee University, University of Tampa, University of Virginia, Penn State University, University of Notre Dame, HampdenSydney College, Texas A & M, University of Colorado, Boston University Typical kids, outstanding results. See if Fork Union Military Academy is the right college preparatory boarding school for your son in grades 7–12. Attend one of our Washington, DC area admissions fairs. Go to http://www.ForkUnionOpenHouse.com WR ¿QG WKH QH[W RQH LQ WKH northern Virginia/Washington DC area.

Fork Union Military Academy Success stories begin here. www.forkunion.com

TWD: And what do you suggest the U.S. government do?

TWD: You are obviously a big proponent of diplomacy, dialogue and talking with adversaries to try to resolve disputes. What about terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda or ISIS? Is there any sense at all in trying to initiate dialogue there? SLIM: What’s the point of talking with them? They don’t want to talk. Dialogue and talking implies respecting the other’s humanity — the other’s presence as a valid interlocutor and as a partner in human interaction. ISIS — I mean come on, come on! They have ruled themselves out of the sphere of human interactions. They are just way, way, way outside that and that is why I’m totally of the idea we have to defeat them. We have to defeat them and we have to destroy them. We cannot let them survive. WD Michael Coleman (@michaelcoleman) is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.

Follow The Diplomat Connect at www.washdiplomat.com.

08581

4 DATA 9

OUR

Peer pressure.

SLIM: Why would he leave now? Put yourself in his position. His forces are, thanks to the Russians and Iranians and Hezbollah and the Iraqis, regaining that (northwestern) part of Syria. But once he regains control of Aleppo and solidifies his control over the west, then he has to deal with these two entities that will be there: One is the Kurds and the other is the Islamic State. It’s going to be interesting to see if Assad is going to confront both of these or not. He wants to regain control of Aleppo because once he has Aleppo and you have Homs, Hamas and Damascus, then you control the country. He can live without that little countryside. Let ISIS deal with it.

SPEAKS VOLUMES

What does this mean? It means that, as a publication audited by Circulation Verification Council (CVC), we have a clear understanding of our impact, including the number of households we reach, how much we’re read and our influence on purchasing decisions. When it comes to serving readers and advertisers, CVC is the standard.

9 02

461

6 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016

WD | Terrorism

Tug of War As Islamic State Loses One Corner, It Gains Another by Justin Salhani and Anna Gawel

s the Islamic State retreats from parts of Iraq and Syria, the group is looking to expand in other areas, perpetuating a tug of war for territory and influence that shows no signs of abating any time soon. A fierce bombing campaign led by the United States coupled with gains by U.S. allies on the ground has clawed back territory from the group’s self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq and Syria. At the same time, militants are looking to capitalize on the power vacuum in Libya as President Barack Obama orders his national security team to counter the radical group. “The president directed his national security team to continue efforts to strengthen governance and support ongoing counterterrorism efforts in Libya and other countries where ISIL [also known as the Islamic State or ISIS] has sought to establish a presence,” the White House said in late January.

Who’s Winning? The question of who’s “winning” the war against the Islamic State is a hotly contested one, with gains and losses oscillating between the U.S.-led coalition and the Sunni extremist group that has proven to be a dogged, unpredictable adversary. The Islamic State rampaged through northeastern Syria and large swathes of Iraq in the summer of 2014, seizing a chunk of territory similar in size to Belgium. The territorial gains took the Americans and the government in Baghdad off guard at the time. In August 2014, a U.S.-led bombing campaign called Operation Inherent Resolve started targeting Islamic State-held territory. The military offensive initially showed diminutive influence over the group’s ability to control land and conquer new towns, as evidenced by the Islamic State’s lightening-fast seizure of Ramadi, 70 miles from Baghdad, in May 2015. In December, though, Iraqi troops routed the group from Ramadi after months of intense fighting backed by heavy airpower from the United States. Earlier, Kurdish forces had liberated the Islamic State-occupied town of Kobani in Syria and the Iraqi town of Sinjar. Victory, however, has been difficult to define in a murky conflict with subjective and shifting parameters of success. The Pentagon says its strikes have destroyed or damaged over 20,000 targets in Syria and Iraq, including vital oil infrastructure. By targeting oil fields, supply lines and even stockpiles of cash, the U.S.-led bombing campaign has cut off critical funds, although the Islamic State still profits from taxing populations under its control and from illicit activities such antiquities trafficking and extortion. Recent reports indicate that the Islamic State has been forced to slash the salaries of its fighters as a result of the U.S.-led offensive, which has also taken a heavy toll on its leadership. U.S. Army Col. Steve Warren recently told reporters that Operation Inherent Resolve has “decimated their ranks and shaken their leadership.” U.S. officials estimate the bombings have killed some 20,000 Islamic State fighters; they also report that desertions are on the rise. Overall, the U.S.-led coalition estimates that its campaign has recaptured about 40 percent of the territory that the Islamic State seized. Experts, however, caution that reports of the

Photo: U.S. Marine Corps / Cpl. Akeel Austin

An Iraqi army soldier fires a service rifle during advanced marksmanship training at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq on Oct. 25, 2015. There are currently more than 3,100 coalition personnel from 18 partner nations as part of Operation Inherent Resolve who are training Iraqi security forces to repel the Islamic State.

group’s imminent demise have been exaggerated. ian President Bashar al-Assad’s government. While U.S. National Intelligence Director James R. Clap- the Islamic State doesn’t seem to be gaining ground per himself recently told the Senate Armed Services in that warzone, it did claim credit for a suicide atCommittee that the group remains the “pre-eminent tack in Damascus in January that killed around 70 global threat.” The Islamic State continues to replen- people and wounded 40 more. ish its ranks with new recruits and may have 30,000 The complicated landscape in Syria is partly why or more fighters still on the field. Fighters have also the U.S. is focusing its manpower on Iraq for now. Afproven to be highly adaptable ter suffering a string of humiliand adept on the battlefield — ating defeats last year, the Iraqi using, for example, inadvertent army, backed by U.S. training, civilian casualties from the U.S. regrouped and successfully enbombings as propaganda. gaged Islamic State militants in Obama has refused to send a pitched street-to-street battles large number of combat troops to take back Ramadi, the capital back to Iraq, saying the fight of Anbar province. against the Islamic State needs U.S. officials are hoping to to be led by local actors. Nevreplicate that success in the Isertheless, he has steadily ratchlamic State strongholds of Moeted up the American military sul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria presence there, sending roughly later this year, although both 3,700 advisors to train Iraqi cities pose a far more formidaforces, along with a smattering ble challenge than Ramadi did. of special operations commanDespite the challenges, the dos to train rebels in Syria. But Islamic State’s territorial grip is progress remains spotty. The gradually weakening, as Iraqi, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross Iraqi military is rife with corKurdish and American efforts senior fellow at the Foundation ruption, Baghdad continues to are showing tentative results. for Defense of Democracies rely on Shiite militias and the “In Syria and Iraq, they are country’s Sunni population relosing ground relatively slowmains wary of the central government. ly,” Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at the Meanwhile, Syria remains a cauldron of chaos. In Foundation for Defense of Democracies with a focus February, opposing parties in the Syrian civil war met on counterterrorism, told The Washington Diplowith world powers for peace talks in Geneva but — mat. as widely expected — the diplomatic effort sputtered, Gartenstein-Ross noted that U.S. Special Forces although a temporary ceasefire had been announced raids were highly successful in Hawija (north of as of press time. In Syria, the Islamic State has come Baghdad) and in eastern Syria, where an American under attack not only by U.S. warplanes but also by a See Islamic State • page 8 separate offensive launched by Russia to bolster Syr-

“

As they lose ground they are trying to do two things: carry out terror attacks abroad and expand into countries like Libya.

”

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 7

Islamic State Continued • page 7

raid last May killed Islamic State commander Abu Sayyaf, yielding a trove of financial and other data. “The operation against Abu Sayyaf produced a cache of good intel,” he said. “As they lose ground they are trying to do two things: carry out terror attacks abroad and expand into countries like Libya.”

Opening Up New Fronts With increased pressure on the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, the group is looking to expand into neighboring countries and show that it is capable of spreading operations internationally, in part by launching spectacular attacks. Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Indonesia, Tunisia and France are among the countries to suffer from Islamic State attacks in recent months. Paris in particular captured the world’s attention when a team of militants killed 130 people. U.S. intelligence officials also warn that the group has set its sights on striking the U.S. homeland this year. The Islamic State has made some inroads into countries like Somalia and Afghanistan as of late, though they have encountered resistance. “There was a push to expand into other theaters loudly,” Gartenstein-Ross said, citing examples of a prominent al-Shabab leader in Somalia who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and is now being pursued by intelligence agencies; the defection of 70 officers from the Islamic State to rejoin al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP); and a crackdown on the group in Afghanistan by none other than the Taliban.

B A LT H A Z A R S P O N S O R

Photo: DoD / Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Stephens, U.S. Navy

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, in the background, relieves the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush in the Persian Gulf on Oct. 18, 2014, during Operation Inherent Resolve, which was authorized by President Obama in 2014 to target the Islamic State.

“They’ve done well in Libya but not well elsewhere,” he said. In Libya, however, the group is already in control of Sirte, a city strategically located at the midway point between Benghazi and Tripoli. The strategy for Libya’s Islamic State branch somewhat mimics that of Syria’s in that it is oil-focused. The goal is to snag control of Libya’s oil-producing regions to selffund its operations as it did in Syria prior to the U.S. intervention. Aggressive posturing by the Islamic State in Libya forced the White House to react, as did the prospect of the group gaining control of the country’s oil wealth. According to Defense Secretary Ash Carter, the Islamic State’s Libyan arm established training camps and

C H ÂT E A U S P O N S O R

8 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016

invited foreign fighters to join its ranks. The Pentagon has already deployed a limited number of military personnel to collect intelligence on the complex fighting situation on the ground. “We don’t want to be on a glide slope to a situation like Syria and Iraq,” Carter said at a news conference in January. “That’s the reason why we’re watching it that closely.” Surveillance, targeted airstrikes and possible raids have been discussed, but thus far U.S. officials have dismissed calls for a unilateral military intervention in Libya. Instead, Secretary of State John Kerry has tried to galvanize foreign powers to prod Libya’s warring political parties into forming a unity government under a U.N.-brokered plan.

O FFI C I A L A IR L IN E PA R T N ER

Unlike in Syria and Iraq, the central government in Libya is effectively powerless. Ever since the ouster of longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011, the country has been fractured along complex sectarian, tribal and geographical lines. In 2014, the government split into two rival camps, with an Islamist-dominated faction seizing control of Tripoli while the internationally recognized government fled to eastern Libya. A number of Islamist militias of all stripes — ranging from the Muslim Brotherhood, who participated in Libya’s democratic elections, to violent jihadists — are vying for control and influence on the ground, as is the secular militia chief Khalifa Heftar, a controversial former Qaddafi-era general. “Many of the groups fighting the Islamic State in Libya are Islamists so it is not necessarily straightforward,” Shadi Hamid, a senior fellow in the Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World at Brookings, told The Washington Diplomat. “Over the last year and a half the political power struggle and resulting security vacuum has created an ideal space for Islamic State to expand its presence,” said analyst Mary Fitzgerald in a January interview with the Council on Foreign Relations. “What’s been striking is the utter cynicism with which different elements in Libya’s power struggle have exploited the Islamic State, or the threat posed by it. Some allied with the administration in Tripoli, while they abhor the attacks Islamic State has carried out in western Libya, are supportive of IS fighters in Benghazi because they are battling Haftar’s forces there,” she explained. “Similarly, certain elements connected with Haftar or the recognized parliament, in eastern Libya, have at times wildly exaggerated the scale and presence of Islamic State, trying to smear all their political opponents as being in cahoots with them. In the middle of

WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT subscriptions are available for home delivery

subscribe subscribe subscribe ❏ 1 Year 12 issues - $29

PhOTO: U.S. aRMy / SPC. TRISTan bOlDen

❏ 2 Years 24 issues - $49

Name ________________________________________________________________

a Peshmerga soldier takes the lead during urban combat maneuvering training Oct. 29, 2015, near erbil, Iraq. kurdish forces have been critical to helping the U.S. claw back territory from the Islamic State in Iraq.

Company Name_________________________________________________________

all of that, Islamic State has grown.” Fitzgerald warned that “inserting Western special forces into such complicated local environments risks inflaming existing rivalries.” With such a tangled web of competing militias, it’s difficult for American forces to know whom to trust or align with in Libya. Normally, Washington might turn to valuable allies to share intelligence. In this case, Libya’s neighbor to the east, Egypt, would be that ally. But internal strife and Egypt’s own problems with the Islamic State, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula, have prevented close coordination. Gartenstein-Ross predicted that American involvement could be initially limited to drone strikes, special ops raids or ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance).

City ____________________________________________________________________

“Before kinetic action, we need to understand how this fits into the broader strategic plan,” Gartenstein-Ross said. As for the Islamic State’s overall strategy, experts continue to debate whether the group’s attempts to go global and stage attacks in far-flung countries while gaining a foothold in North Africa are a sign of weakness or strength. For the first time since they burst onto the scene, the group appears to be on the back foot in Syria and Iraq, but that hasn’t blunted its ambitions to gain ground in other arenas. WD Justin Salhani (@JustinSalhani) is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat. Anna Gawel (@diplomatnews) is the managing editor.

Street _______________________________________________________________ State _______________________________ Zip Code __________________________ Telephone: Day ____________________ Evening ____________________________ Method of payment: Visa

MasterCard

Money Order Amex

Check

Credit Card Exp. Date:

Billing Address _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ CVN: ________________ Name on Card ___________________________ Signature__________________________ Send check or money order to: THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT P.O. Box 1345 Silver Spring s MD s 20915 For credit card or delivery outside the continental United States, call (301) 933-3552.

Sp�ng Op� H�� Wednesday, March 23 Open all day, for ages 2-18

With over 60 different nationalities, an experienced international staff, a global network of peers, and highly personalized learning, British International School of Washington is an ideal choice for students interested in the IB Diploma. With top scores among the best 2% in the world, our students have been accepted to leading universities and colleges around the world. Learn more at BISWashington.org

2001 Wisconsin Ave NW | Washington, DC 20007 202.829.3700 | www.BISWashington.org www.naejuilliard.school/BISWashington

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016 | 9

WD | Europe

Can Schengen Be Saved? Migrant Crisis, Terrorist Threats Test Ideal of Border-Free Europe by Sean Lyngaas

he European Union’s passportfree travel area known as the Schengen zone is under great strain, and with it the very fabric of the EU. Schengen has been in the crosshairs of nationalist politicians as Europe’s refugee crisis swells, with over a million migrants pouring into the continent last year alone. The November terrorist attacks in Paris that exploited Europe’s porous borders laced the Schengen debate with fears of violence. The 30-year-old Schengen pact, named after the village in Luxembourg where it was signed, now includes 26 countries, four of which are not EU members. By abolishing checks at Schengen members’ borders, the zone is supposed to uphold the EU’s early ideals of freedom of movement. Yet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned in November that Schengen was “partially comatose,” and that its unraveling could threaten Europe’s single currency. “If the spirit of Schengen leaves our lands and our hearts, we will lose more than Schengen. A single currency makes no sense if Schengen falls,” Juncker told the European Parliament. “It is one of the keystones of European construction.”

Political Will Europe’s politicians know what needs to be done to save Schengen, but political will is another matter, according to Stefan Lehne, a former Austrian diplomat and visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe in Brussels. “You don’t have control over external borders, and you don’t have a good functioning system to distribute refugees,” Lehne told The Diplomat. “Unless these two flaws can be fixed, there is no real prospective for Schengen to be able to function again.” The collapse of Schengen would be a heavy blow to the EU’s already anemic economies, impeding not only tourism but also vital cross-border trade. According to the French government think tank Stratégie, reversing the bloc’s system of open borders could cost it over 100 billion euro through 2025. Susan Fratzke, an EU-focused policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, said that, however belatedly, European leaders have awoken to the danger of Schengen falling apart. “There’s broad agreement within the EU about the importance of Schengen to the construct of the European Union itself, both economically and politically, but the issue is what are the steps 10 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016

Photo: © UNICEF / UNI199858 / Georgiev

On Oct. 27, 2015, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, an Afghan girl waits behind a wire fence to board the train at a reception center for refugees and migrants in Gevgelija. In response to the influx of migrants, European nations are imposing stricter border controls that are testing the European Union’s passport-free travel area known as the Schengen zone.

“

There’s broad agreement within the EU about the importance of Schengen to the construct of the European Union itself, both economically and politically, but the issue is what are the steps that need to be taken to safeguard it. Susan Fratzke policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute

that need to be taken to safeguard it,” Fratzke said. An EU official based in Washington echoed that sentiment. “We will save Schengen by getting better control of the EU’s external border,” the official told The Diplomat, adding that for too long, “we have forgotten that the necessary corollary of the removal of internal borders within the Schengen area is a real and efficient control of our external borders.” Six Schengen member states, including Germany and France, have instituted border controls in response to the migration crisis. The controls are allowed as temporary security measures under Schengen rules. Yet the migration crisis, fueled by a five-yearold civil war in Syria, does not have a temporary feel to it. Officials have floated the idea of suspending Schengen rules for two years

”

under emergency measures, which would be an unprecedented maneuver. Tove Ernst, a spokeswoman for the European Commission, said the commission is working with member states to ensure border controls are temporary and proportional to what is needed. “In exceptional circumstances, exceptional measures are needed,” Ernst said in a statement to The Diplomat. “We are using the flexibility in the system to ensure that the Schengen system is safeguarded.”

Eye of the Storm Europe has been grappling with its biggest migration crisis in years: Over 1 million migrants and refugees fled for Europe by sea in 2015, according to the United Nations. Many died trying; the International Organization for Migration says over 400 people have died in

the first six weeks of 2016 alone. Greece and Italy are often where these refugees make landfall, and the two Schengen members are struggling to cope with the flow of people. Some 2,000 refugees arrive on Greece’s shores every day, most of them fleeing the carnage in Syria, according to the International Rescue Committee. EU officials have decided to set up “hotspots,” or centers for processing migrants, in Greece and Italy. Migrants can register at a hotspot on the Greek island of Lesbos, but they cannot apply for asylum there, as the Economist reported. Greek officials plan to open a few other hotspots, but that initiative has reportedly been undercut by bureaucratic infighting. The spotlight on Greece intensified after the revelation that at least one of the perpetrators of the Paris terrorist attacks had registered as a refugee in Greece in October. The European Commission says it is keeping a close eye on how Greek authorities respond to the influx of refugees and has fielded recommendations on how Athens can improve on the “serious deficiencies” in its application of Schengen rules. Some eastern EU members have pushed to seal Greece’s borders and kick the country out of the zone altogether. The commission last year agreed to a scheme that would alleviate pressure on countries like Greece and Italy by relocating 160,000 refugees to other

Photo: © UNICEF / UN05574 / Gilbertson VII Photo

On Nov. 26, 2015, refugees and migrants protest border restrictions near the Greek town of Idomeni, close to the border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. They are waiting to cross into that country, where the government has begun restricting the flow of refugees and migrants on the move and is allowing only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans to continue their journey.

EU member states. But that plan has hardly gotten off the ground: Only a few hundred refugees have been moved so far, and countries such as Austria have capped the number of migrants they’re willing to take, essentially scuttling the plan. Acknowledging current border measures to be insufficient, the European Commission has proposed a new agency, known as the European Border and Coast Guard, to tighten border security. The new agency would draw on 1,500 reserve personnel and set up a “risk analysis center” to monitor the flow of refugees. “There will no longer be shortages of staff or equipment for European border operations,” the commission declared in making the announcement. (NATO also recently announced it would deploy ships to the Aegean Sea to deter to human smugglers, although it is unclear whether the alliance would intercept boats carrying refugees.) Officials plan to stress to the European Council the importance of rapidly approving the Coast Guard proposal, according to spokeswoman Ernst. “The sense of urgency heightens every day to prepare Europe to effectively manage the current crisis and future arrivals,” she said. If approved, the Coast Guard proposal would make it “much more likely” that the Schengen area regains control of its external borders, said Lehne, the Carnegie Europe scholar. The proposal can’t come soon enough for Schengen’s backers. European Council President Donald Tusk said recently that the EU has “no more than two months” to save Schengen by substantively addressing Europe’s refugee crisis. Tusk’s deadline will come in the form of a mid-March summit of the council where officials hope to deliver tangible answers to the crisis.

Root Causes Coming up with those answers means tackling not only the question of Europe’s disjointed border controls, but addressing the root causes of the migrant crisis — a far more difficult challenge. The majority of refugees are fleeing violence in Iraq, Afghanistan and, in particular, Syria, whose civil war has bedeviled world leaders for five years. An announced temporary ceasefire notwithstanding and a variety of actors from Russia to the Islamic State transforming Syria into a proxy war, resolving the conflict — and thereby curbing the exodus of Syrians coming to Europe — remains a distant prospect. But, as the Economist pointed out in a Feb. 6 editorial, Europeans have failed to create a well-regulated system for processing asylum claims and assisting refugees in the

neighboring countries to which they have escaped. “Scandalously, aid for Syrians was cut in 2015 even as the war grew bloodier: aid agencies got a bit more than half of what they needed last year, according to the UN. Donors at a conference on Syria in London this week were asked for $9 billion for 2016 — about as much as Germans spend on chocolate every year,” the magazine wrote. That has left Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to shoulder the burden of hosting the majority of the 4.5 million Syrians who have fled the country. Meanwhile, Germany has absorbed a great number of refugees who streamed into Europe last year. But after a string of sexual assaults in the city of Cologne, widely blamed on North African immigrants, and the terrorist attacks in Paris, Germany has begun tightening its open-door policy. German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Ankara last month in a bid to push Turkey to do more to stem the tide of refugees coming to Europe, although Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan counters that Europe needs to do less lecturing and more helping if it wants to find a solution to the problem. Back home, Germany has appealed for a more equitable distribution of migrants among EU member states, to little avail. Countries such as Slovakia have balked at being forced to take in migrants, many from poor, war-torn Muslim nations, arguing that such a plan erodes national sovereignty and could exacerbate unemployment.

Th e Bedroom

Populist Headwinds While bureaucrats in Brussels man the barricades in Schengen’s defense, politicians on Europe’s fringes are striking a discordant tone. Europe’s populist, anti-immigrant parties have gained in the polls as the narrative of insecure borders and immigrants gobbling up jobs resonates with many people. Marine Le Pen, head of France’s National Front party, has called Schengen “madness” and pledged to unilaterally withdraw from the travel zone. In December, her party won the largest share (30 percent) of the national vote in the first round of regional elections, although it failed to win any regions in the second round of voting. It is a self-perpetuating cycle in which the migration crisis boosts right-wing parties in the polls, undercutting national governments’ ability to address the crisis, said Lehne of Carnegie Europe. “The problem of migratory pressure is something that will be with Europe for many years, possibly decades,” he predicted. WD

B�� , S�� W�� D.C. L�� S�� ’� ��. C�� S��’� “�� ” �� , �� .

��.��.��

Sean Lyngaas (snlyngaas) is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat. THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 11

WD | Middle East

Power Play at the Pump Drop in Oil Prices Fuels Iran-Saudi Arabia Rivalry by Justin Salhani and Anna Gawel

audi Arabia and Iran are currently locked in a regional proxy war, buttressed by their respective oil reserves. Relations between the two Mideast heavyweights took a hit in January following Riyadh’s execution of a prominent Shiite cleric, though tensions had been brewing long before then. Ties are likely to further deteriorate as global oil prices bottom out, Iran opens itself to the West and sectarian conflicts rage from Syria to Yemen. Saudi Arabia prides itself as the custodian of Sunni Islam, while Iran is the standard-bearer of Shiism, but their rivalry extends far beyond ancient rifts in religion. The energy-rich nations, both of which rely heavily on crude oil exports, compete for market share, influence, allies and Islamic legitimacy. The successful nuclear deal with Iran has put the Gulf monarchy on edge that Washington’s rapprochement with Tehran will threaten its longstanding alliance with the U.S. and Saudi hegemony in the region. Riyadh backs a variety of opposition groups in Syria, leads a coalition to bomb rebels in Yemen and props up the Sunni monarchy in Bahrain. In contrast, Iran’s support of Syria’s regime has been crucial in keeping President Bashar al-Assad in power. Iran has also been accused of meddling in its neighbors’ affairs by at least marginally supporting the Houthi rebels in Yemen and the disgruntled Shiite majority in Bahrain. Both countries also are extremely influential in Lebanon, where they financially support opposing political parties. As of late though, the two nations have traded barbs directly. In a provocative move, Saudi Arabia executed Nimr al-Nimr, a revered Shiite cleric, shortly after the New Year. Nimr had participated in demonstrations in Saudi Arabia’s eastern region — home to a large, restive Shiite population (and most of the country’s oil) — and he was later tried on terror charges, despite human rights groups calling for his release. The execution ignited protests in key spots around the world, including Baghdad and Tehran, where a mob ransacked the Saudi Embassy. The row led Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Sudan and Bahrain to sever diplomatic relations with Iran. As this cold war heats up, oil could play an exacerbating role in economic relations as well as any potential conflicts. Global markets, already awash in cheap oil, have largely shrugged off the Iran-Saudi feud, as prices continue to hover at record lows. In mid-March, the Brent crude benchmark crashed to $27 a barrel in early 2016, compared to over $100 a barrel less than two years earlier. Despite the dramatic drop in oil prices, along with slowing demand from places like China and a global supply glut, the Saudis have steadfastly refused to tighten the spigot in order to stabilize prices. While Saudi Arabia — cushioned by over $600 billion in financial reserves — can keep pumping at full capacity, it is banking on the fact that other oil-dependent economies do not have that luxury. Some energy analysts say Saudi Arabia is reluctant to curtail production because other nations may not follow suit, causing the Saudis to lose market share. Others say the monarchy’s strategy is to corner the market and squeeze out the competition, including the burgeoning shale industry in the United States, where it is far more expensive to drill for shale oil 12 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016

Photo: Eugene Sergeev / Fotolia

A group of large fuel tanks sits at the Ras Tanura oil terminal in Saudi Arabia, which maintains the world’s largest crude oil capacity and is its largest exporter of total petroleum liquids.

“

Iran’s resources are [less], but its costs are lower too, while the Saudis have more resources and higher costs…. So the question is which one is exhausting its resources at a higher rate and which one can tolerate a lower level of resources without imploding. Saeed Ghasseminejad associate fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies

”

than traditional crude. Experts speculate that Riyadh is also willing to sacrifice profits in order to sabotage Iran as it seeks to boost production in the wake of the nuclear accord and partial lifting of Western sanctions. While Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s largest economy, keeps prices low to gain market share, Iran’s flagging economy forces it to boost prices. Both nations have had to make serious changes in recent years — either regionally or domestically — to avoid implosions from within. “Iran’s resources are [less], but its costs are lower

too, while the Saudis have more resources and higher costs,” Saeed Ghasseminejad, an associate fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who specializes in Iran’s economy and politics, told The Washington Diplomat by email. “So the question is which one is exhausting its resources at a higher rate and which one can tolerate a lower level of resources without imploding.” Saudi Arabia is believed to have 266 million barrels of proved crude oil reserves alone. Iran, meanwhile, is estimated to have 157 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says Iran holds the world’s fourth-largest proven crude oil reserves and its second-largest natural gas reserves. Saudi Arabia maintains the world’s largest crude oil capacity, is the largest exporter of total petroleum liquids in the world and holds its fifth-largest natural gas reserves. For years, Saudi Arabia was the greater power in the Middle East out of the two nations, while Iran’s economy staggered along for the last decade. Despite having an educated and diverse population, economic sanctions hit Tehran hard. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, was buoyed by high oil prices. But that status quo threatens to be upset in the near future as oil prices continue to tumble. Low oil prices have affected Saudi Arabia, though it is better positioned to weather the storm. The country is the world leader in oil production, currently manufacturing nearly 12 million barrels per day. Oil reserves are estimated to be anywhere from 260 billion to 712 billion barrels, depending on who you believe. Riyadh also enjoys a sizable sovereign wealth fund. “The Saudis have a full coffer of money, which Iran does not,” Ghasseminejad pointed out. “As a result, the Saudis may be able to tolerate the low oil

prices for a longer period of time, relying on their reserve day within six months. very difficult conflict in Yemen and lack of success in Syria “If the international sanctions on Iran [are] lifted, Iran and a potential transition coming up,” said Philip Gordon, a money.” Plummeting oil prices have taken their toll, however, blow- can both increase its oil export and absorb international in- senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), in ing a hole through the monarchy’s finances. A growing bud- vestment, which both would help its economy at the time of a recent media conference call. “Saudi Arabia has an interget deficit is forcing the kingdom to dip into its reserves and low oil prices,” Sara Vakhshouri, a nonresident senior fellow est in reviving sectarianism and showing that they’re going cut back on the generous subsidies that Saudis have come to with the Atlantic Council who specializes in energy security to be the stalwarts in standing up to it.” expect — which some fear could spark social unrest. and geopolitical risk with a special focus on Iran, told The CFR Senior Fellow Ray Takeyh added that the potential The Saudis have also struggled to diversify their economy, Diplomat. for the conflict to escalate is very real. A flood of Iranian oil into an already-saturated market with oil funding the bulk of the country’s revenue. In addi“I don’t know how it ends, but the tension between the tion, unlike Iran, Saudi Arabia’s alliances are often less ideo- could exacerbate the geopolitical tug of war with Saudi two states is likely to continue,” he told reporters. “And I logical and more financially driven. If oil reserves run dry, Arabia. But the clerical regime in Tehran is keen to show think you’ll see it not so much in direct confrontation beits people tangible benefits from the landmark diplomatic tween them, but you’ll see it as they’ve tried to empower so too will much of Riyadh’s regional support and clout. Iran is also in a precarious state, suffering heavily from accord that curbed Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for their surrogates, they’ve tried to empower their proxies. It nuclear-related sanctions on its oil exports since 2012. Ira- sanctions relief. Proponents of the deal say it will help Iran will contribute to further radicalization of the region’s ponians, however, are used to high inflation rates and interna- come in from the cold after years of isolation, rebuilding litical culture and further polarization of the sectarian sides tattered economy andtopotentially sidelining hard-liners tional condemnation. The Islamic Republic’s leadersAlthough have its in the ” and NOTE: every effort is made assure your ad is free of mistakes in region. spelling whoitopposed the deal. propagated the term “resistance economy” to rally local Other experts say fears of a full-blown sectarian clash content is ultimately up to the customer to make the final proof. Critics say it will help finance Iran-backed terrorist groups have been inflated. They cite the fact that Iran has more to support and insulate the country from external pressures. “This helps Iran to feel less pain, compared with Saudi such as Hezbollah, allow Iran to go on an arms-buying spree lose in any confrontation, as well as the fact that the two The first two faxed changes will be made at no cost to the advertiser, subsequent changes Arabia, which had to expand its social welfare program sig- and possibly jeopardize efforts to hold peace talks to end countries have a long history of squabbles and détente. willused be billed a ratecivil of $75 peremboldening faxed alteration. Signed ads are considered approved. war by its embattled president. nificantly following the Arab Spring and is not to low at Syria’s “A sectarian strategy doesn’t make sense for Iran,” said Either scenario — a resurgent, responsible Iran or a trou- Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for Interoil income,” Ghasseminejad said. “Another factor in favor Please this Markwho anyfear changes your ad. ble-making onead—carefully. rankles the Saudis, Iran’s riseto national of Iran, in its regional war against the Saudis, is the low op- check Peace, noting that over 80 percent of the region’s erating cost of Iran’s military forces. Iran is using the Shiite will come at their expense. In response, a new generation of Muslims are Sunni. “If you are trying to be the dominant Saudiand leaders is adopting a more aggressive, needs muscular ap- power in the region by waving a Shiite flag, you’re not going population of Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon. Inisgeneral, If the ad correct sign fax to: (301) 949-0065 changes proach, beefing up the military and ramping up support to to get a lot of people.” Iran’s model is a low-cost one as it is based on ideology.” proxies in Syria and elsewhere. Iran, however, does face a number The of challenges. TheDiplomat Sadjadpour spoke with his Carnegie colleague FredWashington (301) 933-3552 “To fill what the Saudis see as a power vacuum that the eric Wehrey in a January conference call in which Wehrey energy industry there is aging and doesn’t have the proper infrastructure to maintain it. Despite holding the largest gas Obama administration left in the region, they went to war agreed that the adversarial relationship has experienced its __________________________________________________________ in Yemen against Houthi rebels, whom they accuse of re- share of ups and downs but always managed to pull itself reserves in the world, Iran still importsApproved gas from abroad, ceiving Iranian backing,” wrote Kim Ghattas in a Jan. 13 back from the brink. Ghasseminejad noted. Changes ___________________________________________________________ Going forward, the situation may start to look up for Foreign Policy article. “Although the war has proved disasWehrey said “we’ve seen this sort of spat before,” adding ___________________________________________________________________ the Iranians though. The economic boost from the recent trous and never-ending, Riyadh has refused to relent — re- that Iran and Saudi Arabia are “not inherently historical annuclear deal could potentially inject Tehran with a major cently announcing another counterterrorism coalition of tagonistic sectarian rivals but rather strategic competitors.” infusion of cash, both from the release of frozen assets (any- Muslim countries that excludes Iran. The kingdom has also “If you look at the entire span of Saudi-Iranian relations, where from $50 billion to $100 billion) and the lifting of hired Western consultants to help revamp and modernize there’s always been a degree of coordination and perhaps sanctions. Those sanctions have cut Iran’s output from 2.5 its armed forces and develop the Sunni coalition.” back-channel dialogue even when they’ve been at each othIn addition to Shiite expansion, Saudi Arabia is grappling er’s throats on a number of regional issues,” he said. “So my million barrels of oil a day to 1 million barrels since 2012. According to the International Monetary Fund, suspend- with a number of other pressures — among them, uncer- conclusion is that this spat will eventually if not settle down, ing sanctions will see Iran increase its oil production from tainty over the handover of power in the House of Saud and reach some sort of equilibrium.” WD 500,000 to 800,000 barrels a day in just two years — a dra- fears that the United States is abandoning its traditional almatic rise that could replenish Iran’s depleted coffers. Ira- lies in the region. Justin Salhani (@JustinSalhani) is a contributing writer “Things are not going particularly well in the kingdom for The Washington Diplomat. Anna Gawel (@diplomatnews) nian officials have offered even more optimistic forecasts, saying they hope to boost production by 1 million barrels a when you’ve got falling oil prices and budget deficits and a is the managing editor.

Hard Drive Shredding • Data Destruction • Incineration

DATA KILLERS PROVIDES NATIONWIDE, COMPLIANT ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE DATA DESTRUCTION • Data Killers is the destruction arm of Turtle Wings, Inc., an ISO certified, R2 and E-Stewards Certified, HUBZoned company holding multiple GSA contracts. • We service businesses, government, military, non-profit organizations and residents • We can shred any type of hardware or media including hard drives, tapes, cell phones, and all data storage media (10mm, 20mm and 30mm shred sizes available) • Our services also include certified destruction services for classified data, 2mm SSD hard drive and media disintegration and product/paper incineration services

For more information or a destruction quote contact our office at 301-583-8399 or visit www.DATAKILLERS.com We provide on-site hard drive shredding to 10mm nationwide! THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016 | 13

WD | Diplomacy

Spanning the Globe World Affairs Council-DC Prides Itself as Place ‘Where Learning Happens’ by Larry Luxner

orty years ago, a young Irishman named Tony Culley-Foster sprinted 2,986 miles across the United States — averaging 39 miles a day from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. — to promote the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and the Boys Clubs of America. Four years later, he ran the entire 1,234-mile circumference of Ireland in 35 days in a fundraising event for the Protestant and Catholic Boy Scouts movements. These days, Culley-Foster runs the World Affairs Council – Washington, DC, an influential nonprofit founded in 1980 that prides itself on unfettered access to the city’s diplomatic corps. “At our annual World Affairs Honors Gala we get an average of 75 ambassadors … as part of our audience,” Culley-Foster told The Washington Diplomat during a recent interview at his ninth-floor office. “The focus on the diplomatic corps is very important to our international affairs program.” In addition to dozens of events each year featuring ambassadors and other top-level officials, WACDC spearheads a variety of education programs as part of its mission to involve as many citizens as possible in an exchange of ideas, knowledge and understanding of global issues. Billing itself as the place “where learning happens,” WAC-DC employs eight staffers at its Dupont Circle headquarters. No on else in Washington competes directly with WAC-DC, said Culley-Foster, a longtime international business consultant who was on the group’s board for seven years — part of that time as chair of the global communications committee — before being named president and CEO a year ago. “We have a synergistic combination of three disciplines that are the pillars of this organization: global education, international affairs and global communications. We have a powerful and influential board, and we’re on a five-year, controlled growth plan to expand from primarily focusing on the Washington metro area,” he said, adding that Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. is helping WAC-DC promote itself internationally. Culley-Foster, 68, left Ireland at the age of 19 to attend university in London, then became a senior high school teacher — joking that he “taught English to the English in England for two years” before immigrating to the United States in 1971 and launching a long career in civic and corporate management. Unlike other think tanks, which schedule their events during the day, WAC-DC’s 50 or so programs a year usually take place at night, between 6:30 and 9 p.m., and are often nationally televised. These events generally draw at least 100 attendees; about 75 percent of them focus on global affairs, with the remainder split between global education and global communications. Recent events included an author series with Rod Nordland on his book “The Lovers: Afghanistan’s Romeo and Juliet – the True Story of How They Defied Their Families and Escaped an Honor Killing”; a discussion with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Cairo’s former envoy to Washington; and an embassy event at the French Residence with Ambassador Gérard Araud. Past embassy discussions have featured envoys from Australia, Paki-

14 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016

Photos: World Affairs Council – Washington, DC

Brazilian Ambassador Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado speaks last November at the World Affairs Council – Washington, DC, which regularly hosts on-the-record and off-the-record discussions with the city’s diplomatic corps.

“

We are a neutral, nonpartisan, independent platform where open dialogue and free speech are encouraged. We try to get those ambassadors to be as candid as possible in their Q&As. It’s a different kind of format than the other guys in town. Tony Culley-Foster

”

president and CEO of the World Affairs Council – Washington, DC

stan, Brazil, Germany, South Africa and numerous others. WAC-DC has between 8,000 and 10,000 individual members who pay annual dues ranging from $10 to $35 each. Corporate membership comes in two levels: silver ($5,000) and gold ($10,000). “We are educators and teachers in the knowledge transfer business,” Culley-Foster said. “We are encouraged by the number of young professionals and want to make sure the voice of millennials is heard.”

The World Affairs Council – Washington, DC hosts author series such as this September 2015 discussion with former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Herman Cohen on his book “The Mind of the African Strongman: Conversations with Dictators, Statesmen, and Father Figures.”

The group prides itself on attracting both upand-coming and established voices, including big names to headline its annual gala. On March 29, WAC-DC will host its 2016 Global Education Gala at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, where it will present Mninwa J. Mahlangu, South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, with its Distinguished Diplomatic Service Award. In addition, U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter (winner of this year’s International Public Service Award), will give a keynote address on global education and the military. Other honorees include Ángel Cabrera, president of George Mason University (Educator of the Year Award); Gary E. Knell, president and CEO of the National Geographic Society (Global Communica-

At right, Afghan Ambassador Hamdullah Mohib speaks during a recent World Affairs Council-DC Embassy Series event held at the Embassy of Afghanistan. Bottom, Tony Culley-Foster, who took the reins of the World Affairs Council-DC a year ago, has been involved with the Olympic Games since 1980 and represented the United States in the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay in Ireland.

tions Award); and Daniel S. Pelino, general manager of IBM’s global public sector (Global Education Award). Tickets for the extravaganza start at $500 each; last year’s gala attracted more than 900 people including world-famous basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who personally donated $200,000 of the $972,000 raised that night. “We are determined to raise $1 million net on that evening to help us advance our strategic goals,” said Culley-Foster, assuring us that no less than 840 guests — including 75 ambassadors and 30 journalists— will converge on the event. “Magic Johnson is coming back, and an invitation has been extended to [actor] Samuel Jackson to join us.” WAC-DC is no stranger to large events. It currently works with 75 to 100 strategic partners including the Kennedy Center, National Geographic Society, National Press Club and the White House Historical Association. Its guests are frequently think tank and foreign policy experts who attended Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, American University or similar institutions. “D.C. is a town where on any given night, many influential people have multiple high-level options as to where they spend their time,” Culley-Foster said. “So if we want them to spend some of their resources with us, we’d better be batting close to a thousand. Our event attendees are multi-generational futurists, critical thinkers, intellectuals, thought leaders and educators whose common interest is global education.” WAC-DC itself belongs to the 98-member World Affairs Councils of America (WACA), a network established in 1986 to act as a national association umbrella for the growing number of councils around the country. Today, WACA is the country’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering grassroots understanding of, and engagement in, world affairs.

Photo: World Affairs Council – Washington, DC

As such, WAC-DC seeks to reach young people as early as possible. Its global education programs focus not only on colleges and universities, but also on high schools in the District, Maryland and Virginia, as well as undergraduate students and teachers. For instance, the Summer Institute on International Affairs, an intensive weeklong seminar for high school educators from across the nation, provides teachers with the tools and materials with which to bring international curricula into the classroom. To date, over 1,400 U.S. and international high school educators have participated in 28 annual institutes. WAC-DC also sponsors travel-abroad study tours, internships, Academic World Quest competitions for students and workshops for teachers on topics ranging from Iraq and Syria to migration and globalization. “We feel there’s a knowledge gap in the curricula of the American school system, where not enough emphasis is beSee World Affairs council • page 16

Photo: Larry Luxner

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 15

World Affairs Council COnTInUeD • Page 15

ing given to world geography, social studies, the arts and foreign languages,” Culley-Foster explained. “The issue goes much deeper than having people with language capability. We live in a diverse, multicultural and increasingly interconnected world where news is instantaneous and people want to know why the United States is being vilified in so many countries around the world.” He added: “There’s a lot of talk that the U.S. no longer wants to be the world’s policeman. That’s positive and good, but the real issue here is global education. How the hell can policy be created if we don’t understand the cultures we’re dealing with?” To help its members navigate world affairs, NOTE: Although every effort is made WAC-DC offers two types of events. The fito rstassure your ad is free of mistakes in spelling and content it is which ultimately up toatthe customer to make the final proof. is the Ambassador Series, takes place the Ronald Reagan Building and InternationThe faxedGenerally, changesa will be made al first Tradetwo Center. diplomat gives at no cost to the advertiser, subsequent changes an be on-the-record speech, will billed at atelevised rate of $75 perfollowed faxed alteration. Signed ads are considered approved. by a 40-minute Q&A, then a reception. Culley-Foster recalled this that ad WAC-DC’s Please check carefully. Mark any changes to your ad. event with Brazilian Ambassador Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado took place two weeks If the ad is correct sign and fax to: (301) 949-0065 needs changes before last December’s world climate talks in PhOTOS: WORlD aFFaIRS COUnCIl – WaShIngTOn, DC Paris, which was attended by 185 nations. From left, edie Fraser, chairwoman of the World affairs Council – Washington, DC (WaC-DC) and CeO of STeMconnector; David Cordani, president and CeO of Cigna; The Washington Diplomat “The ambassador did a superb(301) job of 933-3552 giv- U.S. Secretary of health and human Services Sylvia Mathews burwell; former Rep. nick Rahall (D-W.va.); and WaC-DC vice Chair Michael norris attend WaC-DC’s 2015 ing our audience an overview of what Bra- Corporation of the year award luncheon. zil’s goals were going to be at the COP21 Approved __________________________________________________________ meetings in Paris,” he said. dent platform where open dialogue and free the other guys in town,” Culley-Foster said. Changes ___________________________________________________________ The Embassy Series, on the other hand, speech are encouraged. We try to get those “We understand that each of them op___________________________________________________________________ are off-the-record talks. ambassadors to be as candid as possible in erates with different challenges and we re“We are a neutral, nonpartisan, indepen- their Q&As. It’s a different kind of format than spect them. In our Embassy Series events, very often we get ambassadors to open up in a way they would normally not, because of their sensitivity to media coverage. They also know they’ll get very good, intelligent questions from a well-informed audience.” One such ambassador was Russia’s Sergey Kislyak, who spoke at a World Affairs Council-DC event the week CulleyFoster started there. “We had 185 people in attendance, and much to my surprise and delight, the ambassador agreed to accept questions from a very high-powered influential audience. He answered questions for an hour and 45 minutes and did an admirable job — and South african ambassador Mninwa J. Mahlangu and given the circumstances under which he his deputy chief of mission, nowetu luti, center, pose Opportunity to network with board members of the World affairs Council-DC operates, he was remarkably candid.” Since 2000, according to the organiza- in front of the nelson Mandela statue outside the with diplomats and attend tion’s website, more than 125 foreign am- South african embassy. From left are Michael norris, embassy events bassadors, 50 U.S. ambassadors, 23 U.S. edie Fraser, yaya Moussa and WaC-DC President and CeO Tony Culley-Foster. The group discussed cabinet secretaries and two U.S. presi- WaC-DC’s global education Teachers-International dents have shared their perspectives on exchange Program. international affairs with WAC-DC audiences. And since launching its online programs in 2007, the council says more than 350,000 people have viewed its events via the Internet, video streaming, podcasts The Washington Diplomat is looking for and other media distribution channels, in addition to coverage on C-SPAN and editorial and marketing/event planning interns. FORA.tv. WD

Seeking: Interns & Volunteers

We are also looking for volunteers who are interested in working occasional international events. Non-paid; must commit to two semesters. Interested? Email your resume to sales@washdiplomat.com 16 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016

Larry Luxner is news editor of The Washington Diplomat.

YOUR SOURCE FOR DIPLOMATIC NEWS www.washdiplomat.com

ambassador of Pakistan Jalil abbas Jilani speaks at the World affairs Council-DC, which hosts about 50 events per year as part of its mission to foster grassroots understanding of international affairs.

WD | Cover Profile

Political Scapegoat? Despite Election-Year Bashing, Envoy Says U.S.-Mexico Ties ‘Excellent’ by Larry Luxner

hen presidential candidate Donald Trump rants at campaign rallies — as he frequently does — about building a “great wall” along the nearly 2,000-mile U.S. border with Mexico to keep immigrants out, his supporters cheer wildly. “And who’s gonna pay for that wall?” he goads them. “Mexico!” they gleefully shout back. Scare tactics, bullying and Mexico-bashing (not to mention Muslim-bashing) have all helped propel Trump to the top of the pack of candidates hoping to secure the GOP nomination this year. Last June, the billionaire businessman inflamed Hispanics with his diatribe that Mexico is “sending us their criminals, drug smugglers and rapists,” and further claimed that “the Mexicans are killing us economically. They are not our friends.” Yet Miguel Basáñez Ebergenyi, Mexico’s new ambassador to the United States, is matter of fact when it comes to the real estate tycoon/reality TV provocateur who could become the next leader of the free world. “Some people who are ignorant of history talk about building walls, but that makes no sense,” he said. “Why would you build walls when migration is negative?” Basáñez was referring to the fact that more Mexican immigrants have returned to Mexico from the U.S. than have migrated here since the 2008 recession; President Obama has also ramped up enforcement and deportations, sparking anger among the Democratic president’s own Hispanic base. Trump’s threats have infuriated former Mexican President Felipe Calderón, who preceded the ambassador’s boss, current President Enrique Peña Nieto. “We are not going to pay a single cent for such a stupid wall. And it’s going to be completely useless,” Calderón, Mexico’s leader from 2006 to 2012, told CNBC on Feb. 6. “The first loser of such a policy would be the United States. If this guy pretends that closing the borders to anywhere either for trade [or] for people is going to provide prosperity to the United States, he is completely crazy.” Even Pope Francis has waded into the debate, saying during a recent visit to the Mexican border that Trump “is not Christian” for proposing to wall off Mexico and deport its immigrants. Basáñez, 68, wouldn’t criticize The Donald directly — perhaps out of an abundance of caution that next year, a victorious Trump might actually move into the White House, only three blocks down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Mexican Embassy, which would then have to face an administration hostile to everything his country stands for. But that nightmare scenario is unlikely, the ambassador said, given prevailing U.S. attitudes toward Hispanics. “In my past life, I was a public opinion pollster, and one of the things I’ve been doing is running polls all over the world,” Basáñez told us. “What we found, since we first began conducting polls in the U.S., is that the negative stereotypes of Latinos exist only among Americans who have never been in touch with Latino people. The minute an American has been in touch with Mexicans, this image shifts 180 degrees.” The ambassador added that the vast majority of Americans see Mexicans as hard workers and gentle people who place family above all. Only “those

“

Photo: Lawrence Ruggeri of Ruggeriphoto.com

Some people who are ignorant of history talk about building walls, but that makes no sense…. Today we have a negative migration rate. The reason is a combination of the economic crisis in the U.S. after 2008 and good economic performance in Mexico. Miguel Basáñez Ebergenyi

”

ambassador of Mexico to the United States

people who have not had enough exposure to foreigners” think otherwise. For that reason, Basáñez insists he’s “not really concerned” that, come November, Trump will be elected the 45th president — even though polls have consistently showed him to be ahead of his Republican rivals, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). “The number of voters who support mainstream attitudes recognizing the contribution of Mexicans and Hispanics in the U.S. is much bigger than the very few who could be considered extremists or xenophobics,” said Basáñez. “When you look at the numbers supporting Mr. Trump and then the percentage of Republicans in the general public, Trump

could attract 7 to 8 percent of the total electorate. So maybe one in 10 would support these kinds of ideas, meaning nine out of 10 would not.” Basáñez, interviewed in early February by The Washington Diplomat, is not a career diplomat, and before his current appointment was barely known within Mexico (his immediate predecessor in Washington, Eduardo Medina Mora, left in March 2015 to become a justice to the Mexican Supreme Court). Basáñez’s experience lies mainly in academia and political polling. Prior to his current appointment, he was a professor at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and was the author or editor of 14 books. Basáñez is also closely linked to the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party and Peña Nieto’s inner circle. In the mid-1980s, he served as the attorney general of Edomex — the state of Mexico — under Gov. Alfredo del Mazo, who is Peña Nieto’s second cousin. And during Peña Nieto’s 2005-08 term as governor of Edomex, Basáñez was his chief pollster and trusted adviser. During the 1988 presidential election, Basáñez introduced the country’s firstever public opinion polls. Given his lack of diplomatic credentials, it’s little surprise, then, that his August 2015 appointment as envoy to Washington raised eyebrows, especially considering President Obama’s decision to name veteran diplomat Roberta Jacobson as U.S. ambassador to Mexico. “The appointment of Basáñez is without a doubt business as usual,” John Ackerman, a law professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, told the Guardian last year. That article claimed Basáñez had “established links to the powerful Atlacomulco — a secretive group whose members and their allies have dominated political and economic See mexico • page 19 THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 17

WASHINGTON D.C.

NATIONAL SPONSORS

18 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016

Mexico COnTInUeD • Page 17

life in Mexico for the past 50 years.” “Atlacomulco is not just about public funds; it’s about having people to watch your back,” Ackerman claimed. “Peña Nieto wants someone in the U.S. who won’t go against the grain and will defend him.” Basáñez, who was born in Tuxpan in the state of Veracruz and holds a Ph.D. in political sociology from the London School of Economics, declined to respond to questions about his political background or what special qualities he brings to the table as ambassador of Mexico, a nation of 122 million that now ranks as the world’s thirdlargest U.S. trading partner after China and Canada. But he did say bilateral relations are “excellent,” despite the incendiary campaign rhetoric. To counter the election-year posturing, Basáñez urges Mexican-Americans to use their growing influence at the ballot box. “When I began this job, I thought of listing 10 priorities, then I reduced it to five, then to three, then to one in each of the important dimensions,” the ambassador explained. “In the social dimension, it’s empowering the Mexican community to become the most powerful minority in the United States. In the political dimension, it’s to show Mexican-Americans the importance of political participation and voting. And in the economic dimension, it’s to strengthen bilateral trade. “Since my appointment, I have found an extremely cooperative attitude, a very good level of communications and understanding from both from the Mexican and American sides,” Basáñez continued. “There’s been a change from finger-pointing to the concept that we have a shared responsibility to solve our shared problems.” Yet those problems persist, ranging from poverty and corruption to drug trafficking and rampant violence. In early February, 49 inmates were killed — most of them beaten or stabbed to death — during a riot in an overcrowded prison near Monterrey. And last October, the Mexican government said it would reopen its investigation into the September 2014 disappearance of 43 students after relatives disputed the government’s claim that police in the town of Iguala handed the students over to a drug cartel, which killed them and incinerated their bodies. Many of the families have accused nearby soldiers of being involved in the disappearances, which ignited a firestorm against both narco-trafficking and Peña Nieto’s claims that he had turned the tide on drug-fueled violence in the country. On that note, at the top of the list of shared problems between Mexico and the U.S. is drug trafficking — an issue that suddenly returned to prominence with the headline-grabbing capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in January after a daring escape through a mile-long tunnel last summer. The breakout was the second for El Chapo, whose profits from running the world’s largest drug cartel run into the billions of dollars. The first was in 2001, when El Chapo fled a maximum-security prison while hiding in a cart of dirty laundry pushed by a bribed guard; he was recaptured in Mazatlán after 13 years on the lam. Basáñez refused to characterize El Chapo’s latest escape as an “embarrassment” for the Mexican government, retorting that the June 2015 escape of two convicted murderers from a high-security prison in upstate New York — who, incidentally, had planned to flee to Mexico — was also embarrassing.

mexico at a Glance National Day Sept. 16, 1810 (declared)

GDP growth 2.3 percent (2015 estimate)

Location north america, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the gulf of Mexico, between belize and the United States and bordering the north Pacific Ocean, between guatemala and the United States

Unemployment 4.5 percent (2015 estimate)

Capital Mexico City Population 121.7 million (July 2015 estimate) Ethnic groups Mestizo (amerindian-Spanish) 62 percent, predominantly amerindian 21 percent, amerindian 7 percent, other 10 percent (mostly european)

Population below poverty line 52.3 percent (2012 estimate)

Industries Food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism

GDP (purchasing power parity) $2.2 trillion (2015 estimate)

GDP per-capita (PPP) $18,500 (2015 estimate)

Assuming Mexico agrees to extradite El Chapo to the United States to face drugtrafficking charges, he would likely be tried in federal court in Brooklyn, the New York Times reported Feb. 10. But U.S. authorities would “almost certainly have to agree not to seek the death penalty,” said the paper, because Mexico does not have capital punishment and won’t extradite defendants to other countries where it is in force. Politics aside, Basáñez said most Mexicans agree that El Chapo should be sent north to the United States to face multiple drug-smuggling charges. “The extradition process is moving along,” he told us. “Of course, his lawyers are going to oppose it, so this procedure could take from six months to a year or so.” Michael Shifter, president of the InterAmerican Dialogue, said that despite lingering bad blood over thorny issues such as drug trafficking and immigration, the U.S. relationship with Mexico is its most important in the world. “In Washington, the continuing violence, insecurity and human rights abuses in Mexico are of great concern. At the same time, the El Chapo case illustrates the opportunities to pursue even deeper collaboration between both countries, provided there is a will to do so — and politics does not get in the way. “It is hard to overstate how interconnected both countries are. Every conceivable issue has a place on the bilateral agenda,” Shifter told The Diplomat. “Over the past two decades, in the post-NAFTA era, the relationship has deepened and become remarkably institutionalized. At a working level, relations are smooth and impressive progress has been made.” The problem, he said, is politics — especially in an election year such as 2016. “The rhetoric coming from some Republican candidates on immigration has been unexpectedly virulent, and Donald Trump’s language about Mexicans has been particularly offensive, with racial overtones,” Shifter said. “One of Basáñez’s main tasks is to make sure this charged political environment does not damage and set back the well-functioning bilateral relationship.” Politics has already gotten in the way of Roberta Jacobson’s confirmation as the next U.S. ambassador to Mexico. President Obama nominated Jacobson — a career diplomat, Latin America expert and fluent Spanish speaker — to the post last June, but Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio has stalled her confirmation even after it was approved by the Republican-led Senate Foreign Relations Committee (his objections center around Obama’s outreach to Cuba, which Jacobson helped implement). “It is really shameful and severely undermines U.S. interests in Mexico,” said Shifter. Eric Olson, associate director of the Latin American Program at the Wilson Center, told the Los Angeles Times that “the failure

National flag of Mexico SOURCe: CIa WORlD FaCTbOOk

to complete her nomination sends a bad signal to our Mexican partners and all those Americans whose livelihoods and well-being depend on maintaining a good and balanced relationship between neighbors.” And one of the most important issues in that relationship is immigration. Of the 54 million Hispanics living in the United States, two-thirds of them — about 35 million people — are of Mexican descent. “The Mexican community in the U.S. is now the largest minority. The good thing is that we have huge numbers of well-educated people, but they still need to become more engaged in civic activities,” Basáñez said. “One of my priorities is to show the Mexican community the benefits of becoming civically engaged. We are encouraging people to get U.S. citizenship. In the past, you couldn’t hold dual citizenship, and many people still think that if you become a U.S. citizen, you will lose your Mexican citizenship.”

www.rma.edu

Asked how many of the 35 million Mexicans living in the United States are here illegally, Basáñez quickly responded: “Zero. They are undocumented but not illegal.” Undocumented immigrants account for roughly 6 million of the total, said the ambassador, “but the thing is that for the past four or five years, more Mexicans are leaving the U.S. than arriving here. Today we have a negative migration rate. The reason is a combination of the economic crisis in the U.S. after 2008 and good economic performance in Mexico.” Statistics bear him out. Between 2009 and 2014, according to a study by the Pew Research Center, some 1 million Mexicans and their families left the United States for Mexico, while during the same period, an estimated 870,000 Mexicans crossed the border northwards into the United States. In fact, the overall flow of Mexican immigrants between the two countries is at its smallest since the 1990s. Those numbers have led Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to denounce Trump and other Republican presidential candidates who advocate “walling off America” against immigrants. “This is morally wrong and politically stupid,” said Donohue, whose pro-business chamber enthusiastically supported the “Gang of Eight” immigration reform bill that passed the Senate in 2013 but died in the House. Progress on immigration reform is unlikely in 2016, however, given that this is an election year. One reason Mexican immigration across the Río Grande has dropped off is more stringent border enforcement. But the main factor slowing the human tide is simply that fewer Mexicans want to make the arduous trip because their own country is doing See mexico • Page 22

540-636-5484 THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016 | 19

WD | Diplomacy Verbatim: Beyond Diplospeak

‘Window on World’ WPA Exposes Washingtonians to Local, Global Culture by Dave Seminara

hen Patrick Hayes, then 32, came to Washington in 1941 to manage the National Symphony Orchestra, the city was unquestionably a cultural backwater. He thought they’d need police to control the crowds at the box office for the first concert he promoted, featuring the legendary Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. But the auditorium was half empty and he was told, “That’s why you’re here.” Over the next 40 years, Hayes — who tried his hand as a banker, restaurant manager, actor, singer, nightclub MC and insurance salesman before becoming one of the country’s leading impresarios — would help transform the District into a city that attracted many of the world’s best musicians, dancers and entertainers. Hayes died in 1982, but the Washington Performing Arts Society, a nonprofit he founded in 1966 to help expose Washingtonians to classical, jazz, gospel, world music and dance, has never been stronger. “Hayes’s vision to present a window on the world still has a lot of resonance for us,” said Jenny Bilfield, president and CEO of what is now simply called Washington Performing Arts (WPA). “We’ve stayed true to that balance of global versus local.” new audiences on to their work. Over the last half century, WPA has welcomed WPA doesn’t have its own venues, so it leases out scores of well-known international orchestras and concert spaces, mostly in the District but also at the big-name performers — Luciano Pavarotti, the Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md. This season, Bolshoi Ballet, Louis Armstrong, Joshua Bell and Yo- they play host to dozens of shows in 11 venues, rangYo Ma to name just a few. But they also expose local ing from smaller spaces like the Smithsonian’s Baird audiences to global stars with whom they may not Auditorium and the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, be familiar. For example, in recent years WPA has which seats around 700, up to larger venues like the hosted Kodo, a taiko drumming troupe from Japan; Kennedy Center Concert Hall, which can accommoChucho Valdés, the highly regarded Cuban pianist; date about 2,300 patrons. the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra “The fact that we don’t from Venezuela; and Hugh Masekela, a have our own building South African trumpeter, among many presents challenges, but others from six continents. it also allows us to go into WPA also booked a slew of highly different areas of the city regarded international orchestras this with each performance,” season. The Budapest Festival Orchessaid Bilfield, who was the tra played at the Kennedy Center on director of Stanford Live, Feb. 15; the Montreal Symphony will the performing arts properform Debussy, Prokofiev and Straducer at Stanford Univinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” there on versity, before taking on March 14; and the Bavarian Radio Symher current role at WPA phony Orchestra will perform Kornin 2013. gold and Mahler there on April 12. WPA has two choirs, Bilfield says that those who love clasone for children and sical music like to check out how differone for adults, which ent orchestras from around the world have performed on the Matthew Campbell compare with one another. “Today” show and at director of external relations “You wouldn’t just watch one basethe White House, where for Washington Performing Arts ball team and think you know the President Obama recogsport,” she said. “People in D.C. love nized the organization classical music and they want to see how each or- in 2012 with a National Medal of Arts for “attractchestra is different.” ing renowned artists to Washington” and “inspiring In some cases, WPA features world musicians who generations of young performers to follow their pasplay instruments Americans might not be familiar sions.” with. Zakir Hussain, for example, is an Indian musiOn March 5, WPA will host its annual gala and cian who plays the tabla, a type of drum commonly auction, always a favorite among diplomats, at the used in South Asia. Simon Shaheen, a Palestinian Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Constitution Avmusician who came to D.C. last season, plays the enue. The evening, which will be emceed by Nina oud, a very old instrument that is the precursor to Totenberg, NPR’s legal affairs correspondent, will inthe modern guitar. Showcasing artists like Shaheen clude cocktails, an auction, dinner and dancing, not and Hussain is a way to engage ethnic diasporas in to mention a musical tribute performed by Midori, the U.S. who already know their work while turning a Japanese violinist whose first (WPA) concert in

“

The arbiter of great art is not necessarily the marketplace…. We like to lead our audiences on a journey with us.

”

20 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016

Photos: CHRIS BURCH photography / Washington Performing Arts

The Washington Performing Arts’s annual gala and auction features an array of concert and dance performances throughout the dinner, including its acclaimed children’s gospel choir, seen below.

Washington at age 15 helped launch her career. Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae and his wife are the honorary diplomatic chairs of this year’s event. While the focus of this year’s gala is a tribute to Douglas Wheeler, WPA’s president emeritus, last year’s event honored the 40-year anniversary of the group’s Embassy Adoption Program, which partners embassies with D.C. public schools to broaden the horizons of fifth- and sixth-grade schoolchildren. The program has grown to include 68 embassies, which adopt a local classroom each school year. Diplomats introduce kids to the culture, food and language of their homelands, invite them to their embassies, and then the kids participate in a Model U.N. where they debate issues like climate change (also see “Embassy Adoption Program Celebrates Four Decades of Diplomacy, Plans Expansion” in the September 2015 issue of The Washington Diplomat). Bilfield says that many of the children who have participated in the program develop an interest in global affairs, including one program alumni who joined the U.S. Foreign Service. “The kids immerse themselves in the culture of that See WPA • page 45

WD | Digital Diplomacy Forum: 21st-Century Statecraft

Reconnect With Nature As America’s National Parks Turn 100, Social Media Helps Visitors Unplug by Molly McCluskey

hen many people think of America’s national parks, they think of the battlefields and monuments of the east, or the majestic landscapes of the west. But walk through Dupont Circle in downtown D.C. and you’re strolling on national park land. And with more than 400 units of the National Park Service, the government agency is taking to social media to connect with, entice and educate visitors on its vast natural, historical and cultural resources. Celebrating its centennial in 2016, the National Park Service (NPS), headquartered in Washington with regional offices across the United States, is making a broader push to engage online. Parks are using #NPS100 to connect with fans, and the #FindYourPark initiative reminds social media users that there’s a park out there for them, whatever their interests may be. Like the NPS itself, the parks follow a spoke-and-wheel approach with their social media. Each park manages its own digital presence, while operating under the shared umbrella of the main National Park Service’s social strategy and mission. With a renewed push to engage more urban dwellers and international visitors, experiencing a national park, online or in person, is more accessible than ever. Yellowstone National Park, one of the “crown jewels” of the park service, holds the world’s largest concentration of geysers, and Old Faithful is an iconic landmark. Sweeping vistas, expansive campgrounds and long, winding park roads make for beautiful photographs, but Neal Herbert, Yellowstone’s digital communications specialist, has learned that posting pretty pictures can have unintended consequences. “We have increasing visitation numbers that are challenging to meet,” he said. “Visitation is climbing, climbing, climbing and our resources to meet the needs of those people are not necessarily getting larger.” In July and August in particular, overcrowding is an issue, and posting photos of unhurried visitors sitting serenely next to Old Faithful doesn’t accurately portray the realities of the experience. “We’re shifting the way we talk about summer this year. We’re working on a communications plan to explain what we’re likely to find if visitors come here in July and August. We may be our own worst enemy by posting pretty pictures and throwing them out into the world to see,” Herbert said. “So instead of posting pictures of geysers or single people or families, we’ll try to

“

Photos: National Park Service

We’re really reimaging our parks for the 21st century…. The Twitter feed is just one element of trying to find little points of light that are happening and trying to elevate them into the conversations. Elle O’Casey urban parks and community engagement specialist

show photos of actual traffic or crowds around Old Faithful.” Just 30 minutes outside the South Carolina capital of Columbia is Congaree National Park, which boasts the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. It’s an easy trip from Washington, and a popular weekend destination. Scott Teodorski manages the park’s social media presence and says social media has changed not only how parks reach their visitors, but how they interact with each other. “The national parks are a community, and the thing that happened in the past before the social media was that parks were islands. As you get on [Twitter or Facebook], you’re going to see more posts from the parks that are linked to other parks, and you’re going

”

to discover things that you never knew were out there — not just places to visit, but the stories that are out there and a deep part of the cultural history of the United States. “I’m often blown away,” he added. “I’ll see something from some park and social media will bring it home to me.” The NPS Urban Agenda, which began four years ago, strives to connect city dwellers with green space, both urban and rural. Active on Twitter at @ NPSUrban, Elle O’Casey, urban parks and community engagement specialist, said the goal of the initiative is to highlight best practices in urban parks and planning. “We’re really reimaging our parks for the 21st century, beyond the typical older, white audience we usually reach,” O’Casey said. “The Twitter feed is just one element of trying to find little points of light that are hap-

ParKids provides students with a three-day educational experience at Yellowstone National Park. As part of a fire workshop, students hike to the top of Mount Washburn to talk with a ranger about fire management. Above, Lamar Valley at Yellowstone is seen during the sunset.

pening and trying to elevate them into the conversations.” O’Casey said that with more than 80 percent of Americans and expats living in cities, urban parks play a vital role. The NPS Urban Agenda is incubating in 10 model cities, including Washington, New York, Philadelphia and Boston. “Urban parks are at the intersection of health and nature and urban innovation,” O’Casey said. “The Park Service really wants to learn from the creativity already existing in urban See Parks • page 22 THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 21

Mexico Continued • page 17

much better economically these days. In 2015, Mexico’s real GDP grew by 2.3 percent, and it is projected to increase by 3 percent in both 2016 and 2017. By 2050, Mexico will rank as the world’s sixth-largest economy behind China, India, the United States, Indonesia and Brazil — in that order — according to a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers report. Basáñez said shocks to the Mexican economy in 1968, 1976, 1982, 1987 and 1994 actually strengthened his country and built up resistance to global financial swings that served it well during the last crisis. “We had a devaluation, nationalization of banks, a stock-market crash and huge capital flight. Over a 30-year period, we had what in the U.S. you lived in 30 months. So in a way, the benefit of those five crises was that it inoculated the system, and Mexico was much better prepared than the United States was in 2008,” he said. The North American Free Trade Agreement, established in 1994, has also helped Mexico considerably, according to both Basáñez and Arturo Sarukhán, Mexico’s envoy here from 2007 to 2013. Now a private consultant in Washington, Sarukhán said his country’s experience with NAFTA suggests that the highly controversial TransPacific Partnership (TPP) linking the United States, Mexico and 10 other Pacific-Rim countries could actually turn out to be a win-win for the region. “If you look at Mexico when we negotiated NAFTA and look at Mexico today, it’s a radically different country,” Sarukhán said during a panel on TPP hosted by the Americas Society/Council of the Americas. “The reason why it changed is that Mexico knew that for it to get the votes it needed on Capitol Hill, it would have to enact a host

A small fence separates densely populated Tijuana, Mexico, right, from the United States in the Border Patrol’s San Diego sector. Construction is underway to extend a secondary fence over the top of the hill and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. Photo: U.S. Army / Sgt. 1st Class Gordon Hyde

of economic reforms. It prodded Mexico to become a less inward-looking country than it had been in decades.” The present level of trade between the United States and Mexico comes to $1 million per minute, or more than $1 billion per day. Some 692,000 jobs in California alone depend on that trade, with Texas, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio following closely behind. Not surprisingly, Mexico also has more consulates in the United States (50) than any other country, including 11 in Texas and 10 in California.

Parks Continued • page 21

spaces, like the High Line Park in New York City, which is a great example of revitalized urban space.” Parks are using their social media reach for another critical function: to find and prosecute criminals. While vandalism has always existed in parks, cases have been on the rise since social media made it easier for people to showcase their graffiti. On the flip side, it has also helped capture criminals via their digital footprint. Teodorski said that at his previous job, social media was a critical law enforcement tool. “At Cumberland Gap [National Historical Park], social media helped us protect our cultural resources. We had a problem with people poaching ginseng and within a matter of months, we prosecuted 15 or 16 cases. In another instance, somebody flew a drone into the ruins and posted the video, and that’s how we caught them.” During the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, millions of people will flock to these national treasures of preservation, whether urban or rural, large or small, natural or historical. Before they venture outside and unplug, Herbert, Teodorski and O’Casey say visitors should go online first. New digital tools, including multilingual

Photo: National Park Service

Bison roam Yellowstone National Park.

videos and guides, more resources for international visitors and easier ways to engage, will help visitors get the most out of their park experience. “Social media is a great way to communicate to our very wide audience about the realities of what national parks are struggling with,” Herbert said. “There are a lot of controversial issues. And social media is an amazing way to tell our story.” Once inside the park, however, turn off the tablets, cell phones and other devices and get outside, breathe the air and take it all in. The online world will still be there when you’re done with the natural one. WD Molly McCluskey (@MollyEMcCluskey) is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat and a former National Park ranger, Student Conservation Association intern at National Park sites and regular volunteer.

22 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016

“In the polls we conducted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, people would say NAFTA was very good for the other two countries, but not for them. That’s a common complaint,” said Basáñez. “But if you look at the numbers, NAFTA has increased the amount of trade among the three countries and has boosted GDP. What we face today is an upgrade of NAFTA’s power. That is what TPP is.” Yet Trump has called TPP a “disaster,” and both Democratic contenders for president — former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders — oppose the trade pact that Obama formally signed Feb. 3 with the support of many Republicans and some Democrats. Even House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) conceded that the treaty doesn’t have enough votes to pass Congress at this time. Meanwhile, Mexico has plenty of other headaches to deal with — ranging from falling oil prices and their impact on Pemex, the national oil monopoly, to the dreaded Zika virus, which is spread by mosquitoes and is frightening people throughout Latin America. But those problems pale next to Mexico’s biggest threat: a decade of drugfueled violence that has left an estimated 100,000 people dead or missing. Ending that violence was a major theme during the recent visit of Pope Francis, who spent six days in mid-February traveling throughout Mexico, home to the world’s second-largest Catholic population. The Argentine-born pontiff began his visit at Mexico City’s National Palace with Peña Nieto by his side. He also stopped in Chiapas, Mexico’s poorest state, as well as Michoacán — the birthplace of Mexico’s drug war — and ended the historic trip by celebrating mass in the border city of Ciudad Juárez, once known as the world’s murder capital. “Experience teaches us that each time we seek the path of privileges or benefits for a few to the detriment of the good of all, society becomes a fertile soil for corruption, drug trade, exclusion of different cultures, violence and also human trafficking, kidnapping and death,” Francis told tens of thousands of devout Catholics who gathered to hear him speak. He called drugs a “cancer” that was devouring Mexican society. In 2010, more than 3,000 people were killed in Juárez, a city of 1.5 million just

Photo: ImFromCuliacan - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The headquarters of the Mexican Federal Police is located in Mexico City.

across the Río Grande from El Paso, Texas. Last year, Juárez recorded 538 murders, giving the city roughly the same per-capita homicide rate as Detroit or New Orleans, two of the most violent U.S. cities. While that’s certainly nothing to crow about, city officials — buoyed by the end of a turf war between the Juárez and Sinaloa cartels that fueled much of the violence — now feel so confident, they’ve even launched a PR campaign to bring tourists back. “A few years ago, Ciudad Juárez was a horrible place. That produced a reaction from Mexican civil society. Local and state authorities really worked hard, and just last week I was in Juárez. It’s amazing how the social fabric has been re-established. A few years ago, it was the same with Tijuana,” Basáñez told us. “What you see is an upsurge of violence and insecurity, then society mobilizes and corrects the problem.” WD Larry Luxner is news editor of The Washington Diplomat.

WD | Book Review

Required Reading Foreign Policy Scholar Writes Bracing Book for Next President by John Shaw

he candidate who wins the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 8, 2016, should be required to spend the first weekend of his or her transition reading — and seriously thinking about — “Making Foreign Policy Decisions” by Christopher J. Fettweis. Ideally, the president-elect would have read this bracing book before entering the race for the White House because it would have prevented the candidate from making the extravagant promises, soaring proclamations and thunderous warnings that are now endemic to modern presidential campaigns. However, careful study of “Making Foreign Policy Decisions” might have also prevented the candidate from actually winning the election because Fettweis’s prescriptions for American foreign policy are unlikely to resonate on the campaign trail, where hawkish and inflammatory rhetoric seems essential. “Making Foreign Policy Decisions” struck me powerfully. I read it just as I was also reading David Halberstam’s 1972 classic, “The Best and the Brightest,” which chronicles America’s debacle in Vietnam. As I read both books, I wondered how the world might have been different if John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson had read, and really absorbed, a book such as “Making Foreign Policy Decisions” before their key decisions on Vietnam or if President George W. Bush had studied the book prior to his fateful order to invade Iraq. “Making Foreign Policy Decisions” is part of a “Presidential Briefings” series that provides concise introductions to topics that are important to presidents and citizens of the United States. This book is less than 100 pages and is written in clear and direct prose. You, or the next president, could read it in a few hours, but its insights will remain with you long after that. The book is a challenging, even combative, plea for presidents to avoid self-inflicted wounds. Drawing insights from history, political science, international relations and psychology, the book shows how presidents can sidestep the kind of foreign policy mistakes that have ravaged so many administrations and damaged the nation. The author, Fettweis, is an associate professor of political science at Tulane University, where he teaches international security and American foreign policy. He has written extensively about foreign policy, including a 2013 book called “The Pathologies of Power: Fear, Honor, Glory, and Hubris in U.S. Foreign Policy.” Fettweis’s central argument is that American presidents have made catastrophic blunders in recent decades that could have been prevented with a modicum of caution, common sense, confidence and courage. “Foreign policy blunders, both large and small, have been a constant feature of the modern presidency, from the Bay of Pigs through Vietnam to Iraq,” he writes. He offers several explanations as to why U.S. foreign policy has faltered. He observes that Americans sometimes lament that their presidents are not more historically literate and grow excited to learn that a new president reads history and reflects on its lessons. However, Fettweis argues that a superficial understanding of history can point policymakers in the wrong direction. He believes the search for, and use of, historical analogies by presidents to tackle

Photo: Transaction Publishers

“

From the Bay of Pigs through Vietnam to Iraq, Washington has repeatedly exhibited the kind of overconfidence that the Greeks would immediately recognize as hubris, or inflated self-esteem that leads inevitably to folly. Christopher J. Fettweis

”

author of ‘Making Foreign Policy Decisions’

contemporary problems is understandable, but often harmful. “While analogies allow decision makers to frame unfamiliar situations in familiar terms, they also mask new elements and sacrifice accuracy in the name of simplification. Relying on comparisons with the past too often substitutes for sustained analysis of current concerns,” he asserts. Analogies to World War II, Adolf Hitler and the Munich agreement that allowed Nazi Germany to annex portions of Czechoslovakia are staples of political debate, but are almost always inappropriate and misleading. “A major step forward in the quality of U.S. foreign policy could be made by the simple determination to abandon all reference to the most powerful, visceral, and ultimately misunderstood historical analogy of them all: the events that are supposed to have occurred at Munich in 1938,” he

writes. Fettweis argues that analogies to Munich usually focus on the folly of concessions and have inspired belligerence in several generations of American leaders. “Despite the fact that Munich is remembered wrongly and too often, few single events have had a more deleterious impact on international politics or have created such incorrect impressions about how states behave. Appeasement has become the enemy of compromise, the emotional ammunition that hawks trudge out every time the nation considers accommodation rather than a steadfast confrontation of various international evils. That it is incorrectly remembered matters little.” Fettweis contends that careful and judicious study of history can provide insights into specific policy issues and general observations on human nature and how other nations might react to various American policies. “It can offer the wise observer a sense of the possible rather than specific recommendations,” he writes. Presidents often blunder in foreign policy because of misperceptions, the most pernicious of which is “the enemy image,” Fettweis says. This refers to the tendency to view other nations as foes that can’t be trusted and must be confronted. Undergirding this misperception, he argues, are several assumptions about the “other” nation: that it is fundamentally different from us and doesn’t value life as we do; that the only language it understands is force; that its policies are all carefully considered, strategic and intentional rather than ad hoc and reactive; that it hides its malevolent intentions behind moderate rhetoric; and that it has an “agenda” while the United States has only “principles.” Fettweis argues that for many U.S. political leaders, Iran has become the exemplar of evil in the early 21st century in roughly the same way the Soviet Union was in the second half of the 20th century. He laments that Americans often turn adversaries into far more formidable threats than they really are. “Not all enemies are existential. Many can be mollified, or even simply be monitored and resisted without ever succumbing to the kind of pathological fear that some of them probably hope to create. Few things persist as long in international politics as the enemy image. It affects the way new information is interpreted, and essentially shapes what we hear and see,” he writes. Fettweis says that as presidents consider foreign policy options, the best ideas do not always prevail. Deeply held views, or prejudices, often steamroll careful analysis. “In reality, most societal debates are not detached intellectual evaluations of evidence where victory goes to the most logical, but passionate, emotional struggles where entrenched assumptions fight one another for control over decisions (and decision makers) and where the outcome is always uncertain. Rather than a marketplace of ideas, in other words, foreign policy debates more closely resemble a battlefield of beliefs.” Several “pathological beliefs” are part of the American mindset and tend to support a hawkish posture. This, Fettweis contends, has propelled the United States into misguided foreign adventures. Perhaps See Book review • page 47 THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 23

WD | Medical

The Female Heart Women’s Heart Attacks Are Different Than Men’s, Experts Stress by Kathleen Doheny HealthDay News

eart attacks in women often have different causes and symptoms than those in men, and they’re deadlier, too. That’s the premise of a scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) that hopes to raise awareness about key differences in heart attack indicators and treatment in women. Women who don’t recognize their heart attack symptoms won’t seek needed medical care, said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles. “These delays in care contribute to higher mortality rates experienced by women, particularly younger women,” he said. Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women. Since 1984 in the United States, heart attack survival has improved for women. But the heart death rates among women still outpace heart deaths in men, according to the AHA statement. The new statement reviews current scientific evidence, points out gaps in knowledge and discusses the need for more research in women, said Dr. Laxmi Mehta. She is chair of the statement writing group and director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program at Ohio State University Medical Center. Mehta knows firsthand the dangers that heart disease pose to women. “I was inspired to write this [statement] as both my grandmothers died from heart attacks at age 60 and had presented with atypical symptoms,” she said. The statement is published in the Jan. 25 online edition of the American Heart Association journal Circulation. Among the highlights: • Plaque buildup in the arteries — a frequent cause of heart attack — can differ between the sexes. Women are less likely to need stenting to open a blocked artery, but they still suffer blood vessel damage that reduces blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack. • High blood pressure is a stronger risk factor for women than for men. And diabetes raises a young woman’s heart disease risk up to five times higher compared to young men. • Guideline-recommended medications are underused in women, compared to men, and women are referred less often for cardiac rehabilitation. When they are referred, they are less likely than men to go or to finish it. • For men and women, chest pain or discomfort is the most common heart attack symptom, but women are more likely to report shortness of breath, back or jaw pain, and nausea and vomiting. • Black women of any age have a higher incidence of heart attacks than white women. And black and Hispanic women have more risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure at the time of heart attack compared to white women. The new statement “provides a comprehensive

24 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016

“

Photo: Tharakorn/ bigStock

It is time that both the medical community and women address these issues and understand that open communication and awareness are critical to changing these statistics.

”

Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum director of Women’s Heart Health at Lenox Hill Hospital

review of current knowledge and key directions needed to further reduce death and disability,” said Fonarow. This new AHA statement was needed, agreed Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of Women’s Heart Health at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “It is

LEARN MORE: For more information, about heart disease prevention, see the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. time that both the medical community and women address these issues and understand that open communication and awareness are critical to changing these statistics,” she said. Mehta stressed that women need to “know their numbers” — including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, body mass index (BMI, a ratio of weight to height) and waist circumference. “Take action to keep these numbers in the normal ranges,” she advised. “Lead an active, healthy lifestyle and be accountable for your decisions,” she added. “This includes exercising on a regular basis, following a healthy diet and not smoking.” WD Kathleen Doheny is a HealthDay reporter. Copyright © 2016 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

luxury Living a special section of The Washington Diplomat

•

March 2016

photo: State department

If These Walls Could Talk Blair House Plays Host to American History •

BY Stephanie KanoWitZ

ashington is home to many buildings that are both iconic and secretive at the same time. Blair House, known more casually as the president’s guest house, is no different.

Built in 1824, Blair House consists of four interconnected townhouses located on Pennsylvania Avenue across from the White House. The federal-style complex has hosted a variety of heads of state and visiting delegations, but it was originally home to Dr. Joseph Lovell, the first surgeon general of the U.S. Army. It got its name, however, shortly after a circuit court clerk-turned-newspaperman took up residence there in 1837, seven years after Francis Preston Blair first moved to D.C. at the invitation of President Andrew Jackson. Blair’s editorials in a local Frankfort, Ky., newspaper appealed to Jackson, who asked Blair and his wife Eliza to turn a faltering D.C. paper called the Globe into a pro-Jackson administration

publication. Blair gained political power as editor of the Globe and the Congressional Globe, the first published proceedings of Congress, with partner John Cook Rives. Blair “was the most influential member of President Jackson’s informal group of advisors, the ‘Kitchen Cabinet,’ and remained an important confidant to Jackson’s successor, Martin Van Buren,” according to BlairHouse.org. “Abraham Lincoln also sought Blair’s counsel during his presidency and appointed Blair’s eldest son, Montgomery, to his cabinet as Postmaster General.” See Blair House • page 26

photo: Blair houSe reStoration Fund

above, when the White house underwent a major renovation from 1948 to 1952, president harry truman moved into Blair house and chose this room as his oﬃce. at top, then-Secretary of State hillary rodham Clinton hosts a middle east Quartet meeting in the Jackson place Conference room at Blair house on april 11, 2012. THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016 | 25

FEEL AT HOME IN AS LITTLE AS 48 HOURS

Photo: State Department

Secretary of State John Kerry embraces former Secretary of State and Chair of Partners for a New Beginning Madeleine Albright upon arriving at Blair House on May 3, 2013.

Blair House Continued • page 25

CORT brings comfort and quality to your new home without the cost (or hassle) that comes with purchasing. And, it is a sustainable way to furnish one room or your entire home—quickly. With CORT Furniture Rental, you get: Your choice of thousands of high-quality furniture pieces delivered in a few days A sustainable alternative to transporting containers from home

In 1859, Blair built a rowhouse next to his for his daughter Elizabeth and her husband, Adm. Samuel Phillips Lee. Known as Lee Photo: Blair House Restoration Fund House, it is now part of the Blair House complex. The U.S. govern- One of the most frequently used rooms in the ment bought Blair House in 1942, Blair House complex, the Lee Dining Room is wellsized for luncheon meetings and formal dinners. not long after Eleanor Roosevelt NOTE: Although every effort is made to assure your ad is free of mistakes in spelling and intercepted British Prime Minister it isatultimately upwalked to the toward customer makeprivate the final proof. Winstoncontent Churchill 3 a.m. as he the to family’s quarters in the White House seeking to speak with President Franklin The first two faxedThe changes willsaid be made at no would cost toprovide the advertiser, D. Roosevelt. president Blair House a much- subsequent changes needed particularly as America’s roleads in World will be billedspace at a for ratediplomacy, of $75 per faxed alteration. Signed are considered approved. War II expanded. Providing a venue for diplomacy remains its role today. by the to your ad. Please check this ad carefully. Mark any Run changes State Department, Blair House plays host to one to two guests per said Peter Selfridge, chief of protocol at State. For instance, last If the admonth, is correct sign and fax to: (301) 949-0065 needs changes year, 14 or 15 foreign guests stayed there. “It’s really hard to settle in on an average because it really depends on the president, it depends on The Washington Diplomat (301) 933-3552 circumstances around the world, ” Selfridge told us. Blair House occupants have ranged from monarchs such as Britain’s Elizabeth II, to presidents such as South Africa’s Nelson ManApprovedQueen __________________________________________________________ to prime ministers such Russia’s Vladimir Putin. In addition to Changesdela, ___________________________________________________________ serving as a guest house, it is also the site of regular receptions and ___________________________________________________________________ meetings, including “state of the administration” briefings for local diplomats hosted by the Protocol Office and a luncheon held for ambassadors following the presidential inauguration. Guests stay two or three nights, depending on the purpose of their visit. Preparation for visits begins with initial planning meetings a week or two before the guests arrive. The staff then spends a couple of days readying the property, which has 109 rooms and a little more than

See Blair House • page 28

No upfront purchasing costs and zero maintenance, repair, storage or disposal costs Flexible terms – as short as one month Accessories for every room: kitchen, bed, bath, ofﬁce, electronics and even outdoor living spaces

. ' . +*.$/$*) in Growing Business

Browse hundreds of pieces in our online catalog at go.cort.com/embassy or visit a nearby location.

-DC Metro Area -Wine/Spirit Sales For more details, visit: www.mk-imports.com/hiring

26 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | march 2016

Trim: 9.5”w x 13”h, NO BLEED, NO SAFETY PROVIDED

BURBERRY

BOSS . BURBERRY . CH CAROLINA HERRERA . DIOR . GUCCI . HERMÈS . LOUIS VUITTON . LORO PIANA SALVATORE FERRAGAMO . VINCE . ZADIG & VOLTAIRE . ALEXIS BITTAR . ALLEN EDMONDS . ARC’TERYX CANALI . CAUDALIE BOUTIQUE SPA . DAVID YURMAN . KATE SPADE NEW YORK . LILITH . LONGCHAMP MORGENTHAL FREDERICS . PAUL STUART . THE GREAT REPUBLIC . TUMI . CENTROLINA . DBGB KITCHEN AND BAR DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAK HOUSE . DOLCEZZA . FIG & OLIVE . FRUITIVE . MANGO TREE . MILK BAR MOMOFUKU . RARESWEETS . OPENING 2016 COREPOWER YOGA . FLYWHEEL . JO MALONE LONDON LOCATED AT 10TH & H STREET NW, WASHINGTON, D.C. | 202.289.9000 | CITYCENTERDC.COM

Y35469LA_CCDC_WashDiplomat_Mar2016_v1.indd 1

2/18/16 11:19 AM

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | march 2016 | 27

Invest in Arizona

Wickenburg, Arizona — $529,000

Model home quality custom built home on 2 acres of fenced horse property! Beautiful home inside & out from the beautiful exposed vigas running through the ceilings to the Mexican inlaid red tiled ﬁreplace and window seats. Kitchen is beautiful & well equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, & knotty alder cabinets. Enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains from the living room & from the kitchen windows! Bathrooms are tiled with travertine including the vanities, tubs, and showers. Extra large insulated 3 car garage with 1/4 bath & storage room. Lots of parking with RV gates!

Blair House Continued • page 26

60,000 square feet of space. “Even before those days of earnest prep, the advanced teams from the foreign delegation are coming through to look at it, we Photo: Blair House Restoration Fund hold a number of prep meetings in Part of the original 1824 Blair House, the elegant the house [and] they start bring- rear Drawing Room adjoins the front Drawing ing in maybe equipment and other Room, dining room and garden via broad doorways designed to accommodate large gatherings. things,” Selfridge said. Besides getting ready for guests, the house undergoes regular maintenance. “Given that it’s almost 190 years old, it requires constant upkeep,” Selfridge said. “We’re constantly trying to keep up with modern times as far as putting in maybe new bathroom fixtures, upgrading the kitchens when we need to.” The most recent major renovation involved structural work after the 2011 earthquake, and it features modern amenities such as internet access. The General Services Administration and State handle operational needs, such as plumbing and heating, but the rest falls to private funding. “If you set foot in Blair House, it’s this wonderful, beautiful place with almost museum-quality pieces on the walls and furniture pieces, and just like the White House, there are a lot of artifacts in there that are donated and then kept up by private funding through the Blair House Restoration Fund,” Selfridge said. The restoration fund was established in 1985 as a charitable, tax-exempt, nonpartisan organization responsible for preserving and refreshing the furnishings, décor, fine arts and gardens. (The Blair House Restoration Fund and White House Historical Association are working on a new book about Blair House, which should come out later this year.) Some of the décor includes paintings by U.S. presidents. Last year, the house announced it would add a donated oil painting by President George W. Bush titled “Bovines on the Brazos.” “There are a few art pieces in there actually painted by U.S. presidents, which is really neat, and they’re not necessarily set out or displayed any differently than any other artwork, so it’s fun to walk through with our visitors and say, ‘This piece was painted by [Dwight] Eisenhower,’” Sel-

Peeples Valley, Arizona — $699,000

If you have ever walked into a home and thought ‘’wow, this home was perfectly designed for this beautiful property’’ you know the feeling you will get as you walk through the front door of this home. The views are amazing and the ﬂoorplan is perfect for the country lifestyle. The ‘’tough’’ choice is whether you take in the beauty from inside the home, the covered porch or as you walk or ride through the ranchland that surrounds the property. If you are looking for an easy access personal/ business retreat this ranch property is uniquely located less than an hour from Prescott & Wickenburg, with fabulous airports for private air service in both towns. The drive-time is under two hours from Phoenix and about 5 hours to the LA area and San Diego. Seller is creative, motivated & will carry! *Marketed by Keller Williams Check Realty For more detailed information and additional pictures of these fabulous homes and others please visit our website: www.realtyambassadors.com or call Samir!

SAMIR RAFEEDIE Broker-President

16165 N 83rd Ave Suite 200 Peoria, Arizona 85382 Ph: 623.815.1900 Fax: 623.505.1900 samir@rahomes.com www.realtyambassadors.com

28 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | march 2016

Visit Jordan & The Holy Land Call us at: 011 962 6 566 8970 011 962 79 552 6206 Visit us at: www.azure-tours.com Email us at: munther.twal@azure-tours.com

“

If you set foot in Blair House, it’s this wonderful, beautiful place with almost museum-quality pieces on the walls and furniture pieces, and just like the White House, there are a lot of artifacts in there that are donated.

”

Peter Selfridge U.S. chief of protocol

fridge said. Other notable pieces include the last portrait painted of President Abraham Lincoln before his assassination, as well as a sketched drawing depicting a young Lincoln based on the first photograph ever taken of the 16th president. The library is home to over 1,500 books and includes books given as gifts by foreign delegations. Historic events that happened at Blair House include Robert E. Lee’s declination of an offer from Blair to command the Union Army during the Civil War. Even though Lee opposed secession, the decorated Southern military officer became commander of the Confederate Army two days later. More recently, President Obama hosted a health care summit at Blair House with congressional leaders in 2010, while then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomed G-8 foreign ministers there in 2012. Blair House has been the site of weddings (including Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s to Ellen Ewing in 1850) and serves as a residence for the family of a deceased former president during a state funeral (former first lady Nancy Reagan received visitors in the Truman Study during her husband’s funeral in 2004). Blair House was known as the Truman White House because President Harry Truman lived there during a four-year renovation of the White House that began in 1948. An unsuccessful attempt was

made on Truman’s life on Nov. 1, 1950, while he was living at Blair House. White House Police Officer Private Leslie Coffelt died fending off two Puerto Rican nationalists. Despite being shot several times, Coffelt was able to fire back and kill one of the attackers before succumbing to his wounds. He remains the only White House police officer ever killed in the line of duty; a memorial plaque commemorating Coffelt is affixed to Blair House’s front fence. Two years after the assassination attempt, Truman authorized a plebiscite to determine Puerto Rico’s status, with voters opting to remain a U.S. commonwealth. Every U.S. president since Andrew Jackson has crossed Blair House’s threshold, and entries in the house’s official guest books read like a who’s who of figures from history. Signatures include France’s Charles de Gaulle, Israel’s Golda Meir, Russia’s Boris Yeltsin, Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto, Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, Egypt’s Anwar el-Sadat and Afghanistan’s Hamid Karzai. WD

Photos: State Department

Above, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks to members of Partners for a New Beginning at Blair House on May 3, 2013. Below, Kerry meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Oct. 21, 2015.

Stephanie Kanowitz is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | march 2016 | 29

an e-mail newsletter produced by The Washington Diplomat

SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIPLOMATIC POUCH AND YOU’LL RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE E-MAIL NEWS COLUMN PRODUCED BY THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT NEWSPAPER, THE RESPECTED FLAGSHIP PUBLICATION OF THE DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS. SENT OUT TWICE A MONTH, THE DIPLOMATIC POUCH PROVIDES TIMELY COVERAGE OF INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND EVENTS IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL WITH REGULAR FEATURES INCLUDING THE LATEST NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN WORLD AFFAIRS, AS WELL AS LIFESTYLE, WHICH HIGHLIGHTS WASHINGTON’S SOCIAL LIFE. SUBSCRIBING TO THE DIPLOMATIC POUCH IS A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO RECEIVE THE LATEST DIPLOMATIC NEWS — ALL IN ONE CONVENIENT ONLINE SOURCE.

Go to www.washdiplomat.com to subscribe. For advertising information, please call the Sales Department at 301.933.3552.

30 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016

Culture arts & entertainment art

•

diplomatic spouses

•

theater

•

photography

•

music

The Washington Diplomat

•

history

•

dining

•

film

March 2016

•

events

THEATER

Inspired ‘Dream’ The Folger Theatre’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a matchless, inspired invention that tickles the imagination. But this is not your momma’s “Midsummer” as Aaron Posner reinvents this comedic staple to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. / PAGE 33

ART

Stout Beliefs At the American University Museum, patrons can embark on a mysterious visual journey that uses African cultural traditions to examine the human condition. While all this sounds exotic, the artist behind the exhibit, Renée Stout, has been a Washingtonian for over 30 years. / PAGE 34

DINING

A+ BBQ In D.C. D.C. is on fire with three authentic American-style barbeque joints. / PAGE 35

DIPLOMATIC SPOTLIGHT Italian President / March of Dimes Chinese New Year / PAGE 42

AGE-DEFYING PHOTO: © THE ARTIST, COURTESY OF MOSSENSON GALLERIES

AUSSIE

An unusual, arresting show at the Embassy of Australia speaks truth to the adage that you’re never too old to learn something new, spotlighting an Aboriginal elder who took up painting in her mid-90s. Now a sprightly 105, she continues to garner critical acclaim in the art world for her beautifully hypnotic works that pay homage to her homeland. / PAGE 32 THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016 | 31

WD | Culture | Art

Age-Defying Art Australian Aboriginal Elder Began Painting Career in Her Mid-90s •

BY KATE OCZYPOK

Yimardoowarra: artist of the river THROUGH APRIL 26 EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA ART GALLERY 1601 MASSACHUSETTS AVE., NW

(202) 797-3000 | WWW.USA.EMBASSY.GOV.AU/

n unusual, arresting show at the Embassy of Australia speaks truth to the adage that you’re never too old to learn something new. An indigenous Aboriginal elder named Loongkoonan took up painting in her mid-90s. Now a sprightly 105, she continues to garner critical acclaim in the art world for her beautifully hypnotic works that pay homage to her homeland. “Not only is it saying it’s never too late, but there is a value of learning and a lifetime of knowledge in her paintings,” said Henry Skerritt, who developed and curated the exhibit. “She is saying this is who I am and this is my country; it’s sad in the West that sometimes we forget the great knowledge that comes from being an elder.” “Yimardoowarra: artist of the river” features 24 paintings never before seen outside of Australia. What makes this exhibition so unique is that displays of Aboriginal art tend to include examples from numerous artists and rarely focus on a single personality. This show allows visitors to “see a systematic attempt by one very important Aboriginal woman to explain something about herself, her country, culture and world,” said Skerritt, who is also an art historian and songwriter. “By painting this show, people will be able to see who she is and where she comes from, which is so important. Loongkoonan depicts the Fitzroy River country of the Nyikina people, who hail from the central western Kimberley region of Australia. The Nyikina describe themselves as “Yimardoowarra,” which means “belonging to the river.” This symbiotic relationship with the environment is captured in Loongkoonan’s canvases, which resemble an intimate conversation with her country. The paintings are composed of vibrant, shimmering dots that embody her deep understanding of her homeland, particularly food gathering and preparation techniques that have been practiced by her people for millennia. Skerritt noted that the Nyikina language and customary law are endangered, making Loongkoonan’s work even more critical to preserving this ancient culture. “I think we all know that art plays an important role in diplomacy,” Skerritt said. “It’s part of the reason why governments all have cultural attachés.” Skerritt added that Aboriginal art originates from people who are deeply embedded in their homeland yet in many ways disenfranchised from it. Indigenous people don’t always have the tools to convey their message to the rest of the world. Painting can be a powerful vehicle to communicate culture and raise awareness. Indeed, Loongkoonan has enjoyed an outsize impact since entering the art world a decade ago — in the vein of Grandma Moses, a renowned American folk artist who began painting at the age of 78. “She’s a diminutive, quiet lady but a lady that exudes extraordinary strength,” Skerritt said of Loongkoonan. “It’s a very rare combination. She is truly an extraordinary woman.” Skerritt was inspired to develop this exhibit because of his interest in contemporary indigenous art. “I think it’s something people in the U.S. should see,” he said. He had the opportunity to meet Loongkoonan in 2005 and followed

32 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016

PHOTO: © THE ARTIST, COURTESY OF MOSSENSON GALLERIES

Pieces such as “Bush Tucker in Nyikina Country” evoke Aboriginal connections to the Australian landscape.

An Aboriginal elder named Loongkoonan took up painting in her mid-90s. Now a sprightly 105, she continues to garner critical acclaim in the art world for her mesmerizing works.

her from the beginning of her artistic career. “In some ways, getting her paintings out to the world was me trying to repay some things I’ve learned,” he explained. Skerritt said he hopes that Loongkoonan’s creations will offer a window into a remote, often misunderstood culture from a woman whose wisdom and life experience make her a unique messenger. WD Kate Oczypok (@OczyKate) is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.

WD | Culture | Theater

Inspired ‘Dream’ ‘Midsummer’ Gets Facelift for Bard’s 400-Year Anniversary •

BY LISA TROSHINSKY

A Midsummer Night’s Dream THROUGH MARCH 13 FOLGER THEATRE 201 EAST CAPITOL ST., SE TICKETS ARE $35 TO $75.

(202) 544-4600 | WWW.FOLGER.EDU

he Folger Theatre’s current production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a matchless, inspired invention that tickles the imagination. This is not your momma’s “Midsummer.” In this one, Puck rules the roost and has a crush on Oberon, the mismatched lovers are tormented youth from the Me Generation, and Bottom is an overzealous high school drama teacher. Four-time Helen Hayes Award winner Aaron Posner’s atypical interpretation and direction of this Bard staple comes during the Folger’s yearlong commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. No pressure, right? It’s no wonder this production’s mantra is “sky’s the limit.” “Midsummer” is one of Shakespeare’s earliest and best-loved comedies. It is jam-packed with the Bard’s signature wit, mistaken identity and an assortment of tangled lovers and mischievous fairies plotting and flirting against the backdrop of an enchanted forest. Taking a big risk with a well-worn classic is admirable and even apropos to celebrate the life of one of the boldest literary innovators of all time. Yet, there is a thin line between folly and hyperbole, and this production skates on that crack. Nevertheless, for every bit of this play’s excesses, the acting chops are there to match them. Let’s start with Puck, who usually doesn’t emerge until Act II. Here, Puck is reborn and enlarged as an androgynous female (played by the highly talented and spritely Erin Weaver, who happens to be married to Posner.) This merry wanderer of the night takes hold of the play from its start, scouring the aisles of the intimate Folger space, rapt with the audience (mortal playthings, to her). She wistfully sniffs patrons’ hair or gently caresses an occasional arm as she introduces the ensuing action. From the start, Puck can do no wrong, even as she turns romances upside down, makes fun of others’ confusion and heartache, and transforms a mortal into a donkey. Weaver throws her entire body into the role as she nimbly frolics, rolls over various surfaces, bounces off scenery and unsuccessfully tries to romantically ensnare her master and Fairy King Oberon for herself. Next comes the drama of Egeus using Athenian law to demand that his daughter, Hermia, wed Demetrius, instead of Lysander (whose name you imagine she’s scribbled all over her diary with accompanying red hearts). King Theseus backs Egeus up, Lysander and Demetrius fight over Hermia, Hermia throws a fit and mayhem ensues. All of the love-inspired antics are done in 21st-century clothing, using a microphone in front of a cheering throng, on stage and in the aisles. Smart casting decisions pay off with highly articulate and nuanced Eric Hissom portraying both King Theseus and Fairy King Oberon, and deliciously feisty Caroline Stefanie Clay playing the guarded Amazonian Queen Hippolyta and the unrestrained and lustful Fairy Queen Titania. Betsy Mugavero makes a naively passionate Hermia. Adam Wesley Brown plays her humorously earnest (and ukulele-playing) boyfriend Lysander (does he think he’s Justin Bieber?). Desmond Bing is a smug rival for Hermia’s affections as Demetrius. And Kim Wong, who plays Helena, Demetrius’s love interest, comes out humming Adele’s heartsick “Someone Like You” and is amusingly dense to the term “he’s just not that into you.” The whole of the cast, although top-notch, has been made a bit askew with the casting of Holly Twyford, a long-time and well-known D.C. thespian fa-

PHOTOS: TERESA WOOD

Above, Holly Twyford shines as Bottom while Erin Weaver, far left, gives a sprightly performance as the mischievous Puck in the Folger Theatre’s inspired rendition of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

vorite, as Bottom, a minor, albeit notorious character. Twyford, of course, blossoms as a most lovable and uproarious nincompoop, who is part of an acting troupe planning a skit for the Duke and Queen’s wedding. But, through no fault of her own, she has the tendency to upstage the others and hijack the action. Posner has fashioned those in the troupe, or “the mechanicals,” as an all-girls high school drama class with Bottom and Peter Quince (played by Richie Ruiz) as their teachers. Shakespeare wrote self-obsessed Bottom as comic relief who ends up with the head of an ass (thanks to fairy magic). Here, Bottom goes over the top, so to speak. Twyford lusciously milks her role as the over-inflated ego of a feverishly zealous drama school matron, who then turns into a braying and prancing donkey with cleft feet and paws. Bottom can’t get enough of herself and the audience can’t get enough of her. But maybe her spotlight shines too brightly in the context of this play. Paige Hathaway’s set design is both stunning and simple. She creates a lustrous moon as a backdrop; mammoth pillows on which characters romp, tussle and sleep; and a high wooden perch from which Oberon and Puck gleefully watch their shenanigans unfold below. Devon Painter’s costumes are festive and fun, with Hippolyta in a brilliant dashiki; Puck in a flattering, midriff-baring pantsuit; and the acting troupe in plaid skirt and knee sock uniforms. There’s even actual magic tricks, with Puck and Oberon making flowers appear and disappear using just some fairy dust. So what’s to complain about? The only, but not insubstantial, problem with this production is that this rhetorical dream goes on for too long. When it’s time to wake up, somebody keeps hitting the snooze button and the cast goes into yet another round of song and dance. However, to be fair, as the good Lysander states, “The course of true love [and theater, in this case] never did run smooth.” WD Lisa Troshinsky is the theater reviewer for The Washington Diplomat. THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016 | 33

WD | Culture | Art

Power of Belief Local Artist Conjures Distant Cultures To Examine Human Condition •

BY KATE OCZYPOK

Renée Stout: Tales of the Conjure Woman THROUGH MARCH 13 AMERICAN UNIVERSITY MUSEUM AT THE KATZEN ARTS CENTER 4400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE., NW

(202) 885-1140

| WWW.AMERICAN.EDU/CAS/MUSEUM/

t the American University Museum, patrons can embark on a mysterious visual journey that uses African cultural traditions and Voodoo-rooted beliefs in the spiritual attributes of plants and animals to examine the human condition. While this sounds exotic, the artist behind the exhibit has been a Washingtonian for over 30 years. Renée Stout created the alter ego Fatima Mayfield, fictitious herbalist/fortuneteller, as a way to role-play and confront various issues from love and money to darker social ills. “She’s become a very important artist,” said Jack Rasmussen, director and curator of the AU Museum at the Katzen Arts Center. “Most people will really enjoy seeing what she’s done with this territory she’s staked out for herself as she’s taken on an alternative identity as sort of a voodoo worker and conjurer.” The show includes intriguing, ethereal objects and tools of the trade for a high priestess. Stout, who calls her exhibit “Tales of the Conjure Woman,” describes it as another chapter in her ongoing exploration of the thoughts and adventures of Mayfield, a “mysterious seer and herbalist.” The exhibition includes approximately 50 works comprised of works from previous one-person shows that Stout has had at the D.C. gallery that represents her, Hemphill Fine Arts, as well as more recent works specifically done for this display. “This larger exhibition feels more like a ‘novella,’” Stout said. “I see myself as a storyteller.” According to Stout, some people are drawn to her enigmatic works out of curiosity and a desire to open their minds and broaden their horizons through art. Others may feel suspicious or even repelled by the at-times taboo subject matter if they don’t have a full understanding of it. “People will filter what they are seeing through the lens of their own personal experiences and spiritual beliefs,” she said. Rasmussen hopes that those in the diplomatic community will venture out and experience a different side of the D.C. arts scene with which many may not be familiar. “It’s sort of made to make you wonder,” he said. “It’s good-humored and you’re supposed to do a double take.” Stout was personally drawn to the subject as an African American woman who wanted to gain knowledge about the variety of African spiritual belief systems that manifest themselves in contemporary America, as well as the syncretic religions that have their seeds in those ancient beliefs. “All over the world, people have different ways of trying to interpret and make sense of our human existence and our relationship to the universe,” Stout said. “I was curious as to who my ancestors were, how they saw themselves and how they believed before they were brought to the Western Hemisphere as slaves and forced to convert to Christianity.” Stout is now in the process of starting a new body of work called “Funk Dreamscapes from the Invisible Parallel Universe,” in which her fictional character Mayfield communicates with the unseen world and offers visions from the portal through which she has traversed.

34 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016

“See — Line Woman,” above, and “The Return Series: Strange Tomb” by Washington artist Renée Stout evoke African and voodoo cultural traditions.

“Tales of the Conjure Woman” is a mystical sojourn in its own right, one filled with imagination and reflection. “Everyone is superstitious in one way or another,” Rasmussen said. “This exhibit will make the viewer question what they believe.” In conjunction with “Tales of the Conjure Woman,” the exhibit “Circle of Friends” showcases the support network that female artists provide one PHOTOS: JOHN BENTHAM PHOTOGRAPHY / AMERICAN UNIVERSITY MUSEUM another as they make their way toward artistic maturity and relevance — using these communities of support to examine the history of art in Washington. In addition to its winter shows, the AU Museum is celebrating the grand opening of its Alper Initiative for Washington Art, a new space on the museum’s first floor for exhibiting work by D.C. artists. WD Kate Oczypok (@OczyKate) is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.

WD | Culture | Dining

A+ BBQ Authentic American-Style Joints Spice Up Area’s Barbeque Scene •

BY MICHAEL COLEMAN

ntil recently, Washingtonians who craved quality barbecue had to look to the suburbs, and most of what we found was of the international variety. Sure, Arlington has sizzling Lebanese kebabs, Silver Spring can claim a couple of good Latin American grills and Annandale boasts several authentic Korean barbecue spots. But for a long time, it was hard — maybe not impossible, but hard — to find really good Americanstyle ribs, brisket or pulled pork in the area. Then, five years ago, Hill Country opened in Penn Quarter. The sprawling Texas-style restaurant’s pit-smoked meats weren’t always flawless, but they did effectively channel the Lone Star state’s culinary spirit. Hill Country’s success also seemed to spark a flame under the area’s longmoribund domestic barbecue scene. In the half-decade since its arrival, several more ambitious barbecue establishments have fired up around the nation’s capital. This month, we revisited Hill Country and tried a couple of other, newer barbecue establishments. Both of the more recently opened places we visited — Texas Jack’s and DCity SmokePHOTO: PERRETTI PHOTOGRAPHY house — opened under the guidance of pit-masters The aesthetic at Texas Jack’s is a mix of rustic who previously plied their trade at Hill Country. and modern, with Western murals and Our best barbecue feast was at Texas Jack’s, which repurposed wood alongside a sleek bar and floor-to-ceiling windows. opened its doors near Clarendon in Arlington, Va., in January. We arrived on a frigid January night and Maryland purveyor MeatCrafters was even bettook a seat in a comfortable booth near the bar. The ter. Infused with habanero pepper and queso aesthetic is a mix of rustic and modern, with Westblanca, or melted white cheese, the link boasted ern murals and repurposed wood alongside a sleek a perfectly taut casing that gave way to a silky, bar and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto juicy pork flavor inside. bustling Washington Boulevard. When the weather Meat this good doesn’t require barbecue warms up, patrons can enjoy an outdoor patio. We’re sauce and Texas Jack’s doesn’t put any on the tabetting it will be packed. bles. These days, at many barbecue restaurants it Not surprisingly, Texas Jack’s menu is decidedly seems that asking for sauce is akin to asking for Texan, with flourishes of the Mexican and German A1 at a fine steakhouse. But we were curious, so flavors so heavily infused in the state’s barbecue culour server brought us some. Texas Jack’s makes ture. We kicked dinner off with the amusingly named its sauce in-house and while it was a little sweet ’87 Cutlass Supreme nachos. A modest — and also for my taste, most diners will probably enjoy it. at $6, modestly priced — plate of crisp, light tortiThe point is you don’t need it. lla chips arrived covered in a steaming blanket of We also enjoyed several side orders at Texas queso flecked with fresh jalapJack’s, with the esquites registering as a favorenos. Succulent, shredded pork PHOTO: MICHAEL COLEMAN ite. Pan-fried corn, a bit of mayonnaise, cotija crowned the assembly. Being a DCity Smokehouse, housed in the Wicked Bloom bar, TEXAS JACK’S cheese, cilantro and jalapeño combine to delibit of a heat freak, I anticipated offers brisket, pork ribs, pit-smoked wings and other BARBEQUE cious effect. The corn, removed from the cob, needing more jalapeños but barbeque favorites. was well-cooked — not too firm and not too 2761 WASHINGTON BLVD. once we dug in, I realized the queso contained adequate fire and melded perfectly with soft — and made a nice base for the other flavors. ARLINGTON, VA. Brussels sprouts, which have become a bit passé the smoky pork. (703) 875-0477 | WWW.TXJACKS.COM We were disappointed, but not surprised, that the kitchen in today’s dining environment, got a new lease on DCITY SMOKEHOUSE was out of ribs and chicken. The best new barbecue joints life at Texas Jack’s. The smoky green orbs, slightly 1540 NORTH CAPI TOL ST., NW frequently run out of their most popular styles of meat be- charred and tender, were punched up significantly cause they prepare them fresh every day. This is a good thing. But if you can, with a drizzle of fresh lemon and lime. Meanwhile, (202) 733-1919 arrive early. While our 8 p.m. seating meant no ribs or chicken, not all was lost. cucumbers mixed with Greek yogurt, lime and jala- WWW.DCITYSMOKEHOUSE.COM peño honey weren’t quite as flavorful as we expectTexas Jack’s still had beef brisket and pork sausage, and both were dynamite. The beef, procured from the respected Allen Brothers line of meats in Chicago, ed. If you have room (we didn’t), don’t forget the is obviously top-quality. To the eye, the medium-thin slices appeared perfect — pies made by Livin’ The Pie Life, a local pie shop. We took a slice of key lime pie light brown in the center with an appealing pink just below the fat cap. It was just home and enjoyed it the next day. Our second barbecue adventure took us to DCity Smokehouse, which opened as pleasing on the palate, boasting a tender texture without being fatty. Hints of salt and black pepper peeked through to delicious effect. Texas Jack’s also serves to great fanfare in 2013. The smokehouse, initially situated next to a liquor store a brisket sandwich on a fresh roll topped with a fried egg and a drizzle of queso. on a rather grim corner of North Capitol Street and Florida Avenue in NorthDecadent and intensely satiating, we’re told that the sandwich has quickly be- west D.C., has temporarily moved into the Wicked Bloom bar a few doors down. come a favorite of Arlington firefighters in the neighborhood. SEE DINING • PAGE 36 While the brisket was tender and delicious, a pork sausage link from the THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016 | 35

WD | Culture | Dining

DINING GUIDE age fique Voy My Magni

YOUR RESTAURANT HERE 123 Dining Way

� S�� DC L�� S�� W� 6 15�� S�� NW, 80 USA 5, 00 20 DC W��

www.web.com • (123) 555-1234

Th e Restaurant

rty-M Th e “Thi

inu te” L

u n ch

With more than 120,000 readers, The Washington Diplomat is the flagship newspaper of the diplomatic community, featuring news and culture stories that reach our highly targeted and lucrative market. The new dining guide is a unique opportunity to put your restaurant in front of our readers. Call (301) 933-3552 to advertise in the dining guide of our next issue.

MEDIUM BOX: $350 4.75” x 2.5” LARGE BOX: $500 4.75” x 4.75”

C�� F�� C�� S�� W�� DC L�� S��.

T�� ‘’T��-M��’’ L�� . I�� U�� B�� . T� �� , �� (+1) 202 730-8700 �� .��.�� .��.��

the bone but maintained a nice heft. The ends were succulent and flavorful. But the beef brisket was dry, a bit chewy and barely CONTINUED • PAGE 35 lukewarm. We also sampled some smoked turkey, which had a nice flavor, but it also was just about cold. The pit-smoked chicken DCity Smokehouse is expected to move to a wings, however, were sizzling hot, meaty permanent home a couple of blocks west on and juicy with a slightly briny flavor. DCity’s potato salad was also on point, Florida Avenue by summer. Our initial visit to the five-seat counter with lightly dressed and smashed — but still and take-out joint last year dazzled. The slightly firm — potato chunks studded with sliced, tender brisket sandwich served on crispy bits of celery and salt. The barbecue toasted buttery bread and slathered with beans had a peppery, tangy flavor and came a creamy garlic sauce was nothing short of steaming hot, but some of the legumes were fantastic, and the shredded Brussels sprouts undercooked and overly firm, leaving a disand barbecue beans were hot, filling and fla- tracting effect on the palate. Overall, our late lunch at DCity Smokevorful. Classic gangster rap pumping from the sound system contributed to the tiny house was satisfying, if not as good as it could be. We hope for better spot’s gritty-yet-invitconsistency when the eating urban vibe. ery moves to a permanent A subsequent visit HILL COUNTRY home. six months later was 410 7TH ST., NW Finally, a few words about less impressive, as we (202) 556-2050 Hill Country, the place that found our take-out got D.C.’s barbecue ball rollbrisket overly fatty WWW.HILLCOUNTRY.COM/DC/ ing. As a native Texan, I was and accompanied by a initially skeptical of the Hill rather uninspired halfchicken. We chalked the disappointment up Country concept, expecting the place to to arriving late and getting some of the last be an oversized, Disney-esque version of a Texas barbecue joint. And it is just that. meat of the day. For a third visit, we arrived early — mid- But Hill Country quickly grew on me, in afternoon on a Saturday — to ensure we part because it serves Shiner beer and Blue didn’t miss out on any fresh, meaty menu Bell ice cream from Texas and offers nightly options. At the current location, you order concerts with up-and-coming, authentic from the bar and sit at spacious tables along country and Americana bands. Most imthe wall or by a window overlooking the portantly, Hill Country serves up some very action on North Capitol Street. The “show- good barbecue. The place offers brisket two ways: lean stopper” is a good deal that includes half a pound of pork ribs, six pit-smoked wings, or moist. Moist means more fat, and hence half a pound of any meat by the slice and two more flavor. I’m cholesterol conscious so I tend to go lean. But lean usually means a small sides for $27. But it was hit or miss. The pork ribs were excellent, if a bit small. bit drier cut of meat. You want to make sure Tender, smoked meat pulled easily from the lean brisket is freshly sliced as air is like

Dining

36 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016

DIPLOMAT DINING GUIDE Call (301) 933-3552 to Advertise Your Restaurant in the Diplomat Dining Guide.

PHOTO: PERRETTI PHOTOGRAPHY

Not surprisingly, the menu at Texas Jack’s is decidedly Texan, with flourishes of the Mexican and German flavors so heavily infused in the state’s barbecue culture.

kryptonite to a brisket’s moisture. I also like Hill Country’s big beef ribs, although they often run out, as they did on my most recent visit. The beef ribs come dry-rubbed and a bit salty, but the tender pink meat underneath the charred exterior is bursting with flavor. Hill Country serves pork ribs, too, but they tend to be a bit tough. We heartily recommend Hill Country’s white cheddar macaroni and cheese, gooey in the middle and often served with a lightly

browned crust on top. The collard greens served with tiny chunks of pork are tangy and filling and give the illusion of nutrition. For dessert, try some Blue Bell and enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness with the realization that “American barbecue” is no longer a disappointing phrase in this town. WD Michael Coleman (@michaelcoleman) is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.

WD | Special Section

HOTEL GUIDE Each ad measures 2.25โ x 5.5โ . Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

Your Hotel Here 123 CONCEIRGE WAY 8"4)*/(50/ %$ WWW.YOURHOTEL.COM t

LE P M

t OVNCFS PG TVJUFT

t OVNCFS PG HVFTU SPPNT

5) 453&&5 /8 8"4)*/(50/ %$ 888 40'*5&-8"4)*/(50/%$ $0M t

t SPPNT BOE TVJUFT t 'JWF NFFUJOH SPPNT CBMMSPPN with private entry

t OVNCFS PG CBMMSPPNT PS FWFOU DPOGFSFODF PS NFFUJOH TQBDF

t J$J 6SCBO #JTUSP BOE -F #BS

t SFTUBVSBOUT

t $MFGT E 0S $PODJFSHF

t SFDSFBUJPOBM GFBUVSFT

t 5XP CMPDLT GSPN UIF 8IJUF )PVTF

t QBSLJOH BUUSBDUJPOT PS PUIFS BNFOJUJFT

Contact:

$BUFSJOH BOE 4BMFT %FQBSUNFOU

%FQBSUNFOU DPOUBDU JOGPSNBUJPO

Maximum of eight boxes per page.

t 4P'JU TUBUF PG UIF BSU รถUOFTT DFOUFS

YOUR LOGO HERE

Promote your conference rooms, spa, ballrooms, catering services, restaurant, guest rooms or all of the above in the new monthly

DIPLOMAT HOTEL GUIDE. CALL ROD CARRASCO today to get started or for more details. shading for illustrative purposes

2 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | 2015

301.933.3552 THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArch 2016 | 37

WD | Culture | Film

Cinema Listings *Unless specific times are listed, please check the theater for times. Theater locations are subject to change.

* EFF = Environmental Film Festival ** WJFF = Washington Jewish Film Festival *** NAFF = New African Film Festival

Amharic Crumbs Directed by Miguel Llansó (Ethiopia/Spain/Finland, 2015, 68 min.) Set against the backdrop of spectacular post-apocalyptic Ethiopian landscapes, the film follows a strange-looking scrap collector who is alternately gripped by daydreams and constant fears (NAFF; Amharic and Afrikaans). AFI Silver Theatre Tue., March 15, 9:30 p.m., Thu., March 17, 5:15 p.m.

Lamb Directed by Yared Zeleke (Ethiopia/France/Germany/Norway/ Qatar, 2015, 94 min.) Ephraim, a half-Jewish Ethiopian boy who is sent by his father to live among distant relatives, uses his cooking skills to carve out a place among his cousins, but when his uncle decides that his beloved sheep must be sacrificed for the next religious feast, he will do anything to save the animal and return home (NAFF and EFF). AFI Silver Theatre Fri., March 11, 7:15 p.m., Sun., March 13, 4:45 p.m. Atlantic Plumbing Cinema Tue., March 22, 7 p.m.

Price of Love Directed by Hermon Hailay (Ethiopia, 2015, 99 min.) A recovering addict, Teddy drives his cab across the sprawling Addis Ababa, in the hopes of making an honest living. But when Teddy picks up the beautiful prostitute Fere, just as she’s escaping an abusive john, he’s thrust back into the world of trouble (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Sat., March 12, 7:15 p.m., Wed., March 16, 7:15 p.m.

Arabic Beats of the Antonov Directed by Hajooj Kuka (Sudan/South Africa, 2014, 68 min.) On the border between the two Sudans, Russian-made Antonov planes indiscriminately drop bombs on settlements in the Nuba Mountains below. Yet, incredibly, the people of the Blue Nile respond to adversity with music, singing and dancing to celebrate their survival (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Sat., March 12, 1:15 p.m., Mon., March 14, 5:15 p.m.

Madame Courage Directed by Merzak Allouache (Algeria/France, 2015, 90 min.) Omar ekes out a meager living in the

slums of seaside village Mostaganem, snatching valuables off passersby to feed his addiction to Madame Courage: Artane tablets, popular for their euphoric effect of invincibility (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Sun., March 13, 6:45 p.m., Fri., March 18, 5:20 p.m.

The Midnight Orchestra Directed by Jerome Cohen Olivar (Morocco, 2015, 102 min.) The son of a once-famous Jewish musicians returns to Casablanca for the first time after leaving Morocco as a child amid racial tensions to honor his father’s legacy (WJFF). Washington DCJCC Wed., March 5, 8:30 p.m.

Creole Sugarcane Shadows (Lonbranz Kann) Directed by David Constantin (Mauritius/France, 2014, 88 min.) Farmers Maro and Bissoon spent their lives working on sugarcane fields, but as tourism increased on the tropical island of Mauritius, their fields were razed to make way for ritzy hotels and lush golf courses (NAFF; Creole and French). AFI Silver Theatre Mon., March 14, 9:30 p.m.

English Atlantic Directed by Risteard Ó Domhnaill (Ireland, 2016, 71 min.) At three different corners of the Atlantic, fishing communities in Ireland, Norway and Newfoundland share social, economic and environmental crises stemming from human interactions with the ocean’s ecosystems (EFF). Carnegie Institution for Science Sat., March 19, 2:15 p.m.

Bike Repair Shop Directed by Stefano Gabbiani (Italy, 2015, 73 min.) As Turin emerges from an era dominated by the automobile industry, the owners of two bicycle repair shops benefit from the city’s newfound interest in cycling — and recycling (EFF). Embassy of Italy Thu., March 17, 7 p.m.

The Bird Ranger Directed by Hans den Hartog (Netherlands, 2015, 68 min.) The “bird rangers” of the Boschplaat nature reserve, on the northern Dutch island of Terschelling, have always

38 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | march 2016

done much more than guard the wetlands. They’re also full-fledged scientists (EFF; reception to follow). Royal Netherlands Embassy Wed., March 16, 6 p.m.

Blood Lions Directed by Bruce Young (U.S./South Africa, 2016, 84 min.) Under the cover of legal loopholes and “wildlife sanctuary” fronts, breeding facilities in South Africa raise lions in captivity to be shot at close range by the highest bidder. In this big business of “canned hunting,” anyone with enough money can select an animal from an online photo gallery and then kill it while it sits fenced in (EFF). New York University Wed., March 16, 7 p.m.

The Babushkas of Chernobyl Directed by Holly Morris and Anne Bogart (U.S., 2015, 72 min.) Inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a defiant community of women lives on some of the most toxic land on Earth (EFF). Carnegie Institution for Science Mon., March 21, 7 p.m.

The Birth of Sake Directed by Erik Shirai (Japan/U.S., 2015, 94 min.) The 144-year-old Yoshida Saké Brewery does things the old-fashioned way: Dedicated artisans work in concert with natural forces — the temperature and humidity of the air, the chemistry of the water, the swirling koji mold that fuels fermentation — to uphold a millennia-old tradition (EFF). Carnegie Institution for Science Tue., March 22, 7 p.m.

Cemetery of Splendor Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Thailand, 2015, 122 min.) When soldiers working on a mysterious dig site contract a supernatural “sleeping sickness,” doctors and volunteer nurses set up a makeshift hospital where the treatments include colored light therapy, psychic mediation and intimate human contact. For Jen, a volunteer, the hospital becomes a space of revelation, where the mythic past permeates the everyday (EFF). AFI Silver Theatre Sun., March 20, 8 p.m.

Cuckold Directed by Charlie Vundla (South Africa, 2015, 95 min.)

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 Smanga is a celebrated young professor whose life unravels when his wife leaves him and he spirals into a drug- and sex-induced tailspin (NAFF; English and Zulu). AFI Silver Theatre Sat., March 12, 3 p.m.

The Cursed Ones Directed by Nana Obiri-Yeboah (U.K./Ghana, 2015, 100 min.) A series of misfortunes leads a West African village to accuse a young girl of witchcraft, and their pastor insists that salvation lies in her exorcism and death. But a disillusioned reporter attempts to save her, fighting back against corruption and false prophets (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Fri., March 18, 9 p.m.

Double Happiness Directed by Ella Raidel (Austria, 2014, 75 min.) In China’s Guangdong province, a mining tycoon has built an exact 1:1 replica of the idyllic Austrian village of Hallstatt. Beyond the gimmicky appeal of “copycat” development, this phenomenon serves as provocative perspective on the ramifications of the country’s rapid urbanization (EFF). AFI Silver Theatre Sat., March 19, 5:45 p.m.

Ever the Land Directed by Sarah Grohnert (New Zealand, 2015, 90 min.) In the Te Urewara forests of northern New Zealand, the fiercely independent Tūhoe Maori tribe undertakes the building of a grand new meeting hall using radically sustainable methods (EFF). National Museum of Natural History Sat., March 19, 12 p.m. Embassy of New Zealand Tue., March 22, 7 p.m.

Fifty Directed by Biyi Bandele (Nigeria, 2015, 101 min.) Four middle-age friends who are forced to take stock of their personal lives while juggling careers and family in the upper middle-class neighborhoods of Lagos (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Sat., March 12, 5 p.m.

Fractured Land Directed by Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis (U.S., 2015, 75 min.) With some of the world’s largest fracking operations on his territory, Caleb Behn, a young indigenous leader and lawyer in British Columbia, struggles to reconcile the teachings of his Dene tribe with the Canadian law intended to protect his ancestral land (EFF). National Museum of the American Indian Sun., March 20, 2 p.m.

Good Things Await

License to Krill

Directed by Phie Ambo (Denmark, 2014, 93 min.) Niels Stokholm is an agricultural visionary: The Danish farm he runs with his wife Rita serves as one of Europe’s finest test cases of “biodynamics,” a radical approach to food production with its own cosmic philosophy and defiantly low-tech methods (EFF). Embassy of France Thu., March 17, 7 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre Sun., March 20, 6 p.m.

Directed by David Sington (U.K./France, 2015, 87 min.) Antarctic krill may be tiny, but they’re massively important: A whole ecosystem depends on these little crustaceans, with whales, seals, and penguins all relying on them as a primary food source (EFF). Carnegie Institution for Science Fri., March 18, 6 and 8:30 p.m. National Museum of Natural History Sun., March 20, 12 p.m.

Hadwin’s Judgment

Directed by Ostap Kostyuk (Ukraine, 2015, 77 min.) This film follows three men of different generations living in the Ukrainian Carpathians (EFF). Carnegie Institution for Science Sun., March 20, 4 p.m.

Directed by Sasha Snow (Canada, 2015, 87 min.) Grant Hadwin was an expert logger working in Canada’s Pacific Northwest, until his conscience spurred him to challenge the destruction of the world’s last great temperate rainforest in which he’d been complicit (EFF). Avalon Theatre Sat., March 26, 1 p.m.

Haida Gwaii: On the Edge of the World Directed by Charles Wilkinson (Canada, 2015, 75 min.) Eighty miles off the northwest coast of British Columbia, the mountainous archipelago Haida Gwaii rises above the Pacific Ocean. These islands have been home to the Haida people since 13,000 BC, though smallpox decimated their population and industrial fishing and logging pose a perpetual threat (EFF). National Museum of Natural History Sat., March 26, 12 p.m.

Ice & Sky Directed by Luc Jacquet (France, 2015, 89 min.) The discoveries of glaciologist Claude Lorius laid the groundwork for our understanding of both the science of global warming and the urgency of responding to it (EFF). Carnegie Institution for Science Wed., March 23, 7 p.m.

Katatura Directed by Florian Schott (Namibia, 2015, 112 min.) Married ex-con Dangi is struggling to lead a clean and law-abiding life while juggling a relationship with his ex-mistress and their son, neither of whom his wife knows about (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Tue., March 15, 7:15 p.m.

Kings of Nowhere Directed by Betzabé García (Mexico, 2015, 83 min.) The construction of a dam turned the Mexican village of San Marcos into a waterlogged ghost town, but three families refuse to surrender their home to the flood (EFF). National Geographic Society Wed., March 23, 7 p.m.

The Living Fire

Making of an Ancient Forest – Kalkalpen National Park Directed by Rita Schlamberger (Austria, 2015, 52 min.) The remote forests of Kalkalpen National Park in Austria, the largest area of wilderness in the European Alps, have been left untouched by humans for nearly a quarter of a century in order to return to their natural, primeval state (EFF). Embassy of Austria Tue., March 22, 7:30 p.m.

Monkey Kingdom Directed by Mark Linfield and Alastair Fothergill (U.S., 2015, 81 min.) In the Sri Lankan jungle, a newborn monkey and its mother struggle to survive within the competitive social hierarchy of the Temple Troop, a group of macaques living in a complex of ancient ruins (EFF). National Gallery of Art Sat., March 19, 10:30 a.m., Sun., March 20, 11:30 a.m.

Necktie Youth Directed by Sibs Shongwe-La Mer (South Africa/Netherlands, 2015, 93 min.) A wealthy white teen has hanged herself from a tree, using her school necktie. To make matters worse, her death has been live-streamed. From there, the filmmaker follows other teens peripherally connected to the girl, all of whom make up a contemporary génération perdue — young people who are wrecked and defeated (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Fri., March 11, 9:30 p.m., Wed., March 16, 5:15 p.m.

Oddball Directed by Stuart McDonald (Australia, 2015, 95 min.) Off the south coast of Australia, foxes have taken over an island sanctuary that is home to the world’s smallest

penguins, damaging their population. But an eccentric chicken farmer and his precocious granddaughter hatch a plan to save the penguins: they’ll train his mischievous sheepdog to guard them (EFF). Avalon Theatre Sat., March 26, 10:30 a.m.

Poached Directed by Timothy Wheeler (U.K., 2015, 90 min.) A rash of egg thieves raiding the nests of rare birds has precipitated a police initiative named “Operation Easter,” which has succeeded in confiscating thousands of eggs found under beds and floorboards, and in secret rooms. The offenders are motivated not by money but by the beauty of the egg and the thrill of the chase (EFF). Landmark’s E Street Cinema Thu., March 24, 7 p.m.

Puffin Patrol Directed by Scott Dobson (U.S., 2015, 50 min.) On the remote coastlines of Maine, Wales, and Newfoundland, scientists observe the annual life cycle of the Atlantic Puffin to discover what this intriguing little bird can teach us about the dangers facing our natural world (EFF). Embassy of Canada Tue., March 15, 4 and 6 p.m.

Rams Directed by Grímur Hákonarson (Iceland, 2015, 93 min.) In a remote Icelandic valley, two solitary brothers who haven’t spoken in 40 years tend prize-winning sheep descended from their family’s ancestral flock. When a devastating sheep disease takes hold in the region, they’re forced to come together in order to save their beloved livestock from a government-mandated wipeout that endangers the livelihood of the whole community (EFF). AFI Silver Theatre Sat., March 26, 7:20 p.m.

Salt of the Earth Directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado (France, 2014, 109 min.) Over the past 40 years, photographer Sebastião Salgado has borne witness to the plights of marginalized communities the world over, from famines to civil wars to unsafe labor conditions. Now he turns his camera toward another subject under threat — our natural world — framing pristine landscapes and bounties of biodiversity within a huge project celebrating the environment (EFF). The Phillips Collection Sat., March 19, 2 p.m.

Sherpa Directed by Jennifer Peedom (Australia/U.K., 2015, 96 min.) After a deadly avalanche on Mount Everest in 2014 that kills 16 Sherpas, their community unites in grief and anger to reclaim the mountain from the Western-oriented adventure industry that forces them to risk their lives (EFF). Carnegie Institution for Science Tue., March 15, 7 p.m.

Something Better to Come Directed by Sigrid Dyekjær

HIGHLIGHT

Environmental Film Festival T

he 24th annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s LEARN MORE: Capital, the largest and longest-running environmental film festival in the country and the largest film festival in D.C., For more information, is back from March 15 to 26. Among the festival’s 140-plus films visit www.dceff.org. are 80 international contributions from 33 different countries. “Parks: Protecting Wild,” exploring the vital role of parks and protected areas on our planet, will be the focus of the 2016 selections. Screenings include discussion with filmmakers, scientists and policymakers — many of them free.

(Denmark, 2015, 110 min.) Inside the guarded perimeter of Svalka, a hellish junkyard on the outskirts of Moscow, a dogged yet vibrant community ekes out a life, dreaming of escape (EFF). Atlantic Plumbing Cinema Wed., March 23, 7 p.m.

This Changes Everything Directed by Avi Lewis (U.S./Canada, 2015, 89 min.) Filmed across five continents, this film, inspired by Naomi Klein’s international non-fiction bestseller of the same name, makes an epic attempt to re-imagine the vast challenge of climate change (EFF). St. Columba’s Episcopal Church Fri., March 18, 7:30 p.m.

A World Icon: Singapore Botanic Garden Directed by Peter Lamb (Singapore, 2016, 52 min.) Singapore may be a primarily urban place, but it also contains one of the world’s great green spaces: the first and only tropical botanic garden to be given the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site (EFF). Embassy of Singapore Thu., March 24, 7 p.m.

French Eye of the Storm Directed by Sékou Traoré (France/Burkina Faso, 2015, 104 min.) In an unidentified African country plagued by civil war, Emma is a young idealistic lawyer, officially assigned to defend a former child soldier accused of heinous war crimes (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Sat., March 12, 9:30 p.m.

The Law Directed by Christian Faure (France, 2014, 87 min.) Simone Veil’s intrepid fight to legalize abortion in France is brilliantly brought to life in this taut factbased drama (WJFF). Washington DCJCC Sat., March 5, 4:45 p.m.

Morbayassa Directed by Cheick Fantamady Camara (France/Guinea, 2015, 124 min.) Bella works in a mafia-run cabaret in Dakar, struggling to accept the limitations of her miserable life. Having given up her daughter for adoption 15 years prior, Bella is wracked with guilt over her past actions, but when she meets a fellow Guinean, working

for the U.N., she has a chance for redemption (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Sun., March 13, 8:45 p.m.

Pépé le Moko Directed by Julien Duvivier (France, 1937, 94 min.) A wanted gangster is both king and prisoner of the Casbah — protected from arrest by his friends, but torn by his desire for freedom outside. A visiting Parisian beauty may just tempt his fate. National Gallery of Art Sat., March 26, 12:30 p.m.

They Will Have to Kill Us First Directed by Johanna Schwartz (U.K., 2015, 105 min.) Music is the beating heart of Malian culture. But when Islamic hardliners took control of northern Mali in 2012, they enforced one of the harshest interpretations of sharia law in history and banned all forms of music (NAFF; French, Songhay, English, Bambara and Tamasheq). AFI Silver Theatre Thu., March 17, 7:15 p.m.

Hebrew Barash Directed by Michal Vinik (Israel, 2015, 90 min.) Naama Barash, 17, enjoys drugs, alcohol and hanging out with likeminded friends, while her rebellious, army-enrolled sister wreaks havoc by dating a Palestinian before going AWOL altogether. As her parents fret about their older daughter’s disappearance, Naama meets a wild girl in school and discovers the intoxicating rush of first love (WJFF). Avalon Theatre Wed., March 2, 8:45 p.m. Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema Thu., March 3, 6:15 p.m.

The Good Son Directed by Shirly Berkovitz (Israel, 2004, 53 min.) A young man secretly finances his sex change operation in Thailand by lying to his conservative parents and then returns home as a woman to face her new life (WJFF). Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema Thu., March 3, 6:45 p.m. Washington DCJCC Sun., March 6, 2:45 p.m.

Encirclements Directed by Lee Gilat (Israel, 2014, 98 min.)

A 13-year-old growing up in a working class Moroccan-Israeli community, Aharon is having a tough time. His father is distant; bullies hound him on the street; and the girl of his dreams barely knows he exists. When he is chosen to carry the Torah scrolls for Simchat Torah, however, his streak of bad luck seems over (WJFF). Washington DCJCC Sun., March 6, 4:30 p.m.

Marzipan Flowers Directed by Adam Kalderon (Israel, 2014, 73 min.) After her husband dies in an accident, a 48-year-old kibbutznik is scrutinized by neighbors and threatened by her status as a beautiful widow. Lonely and out of her element, she forges a connection with a new roommate, a transgender woman with a mysterious past (WJFF). Washington DCJCC Wed., March 2, 8:45 p.m.

Red Leaves Directed by Bazi Gete (Israel, 2014, 80 min.) After losing his wife, an Ethiopian émigré to Israel sets out on a journey to visit each of his children and is forced to reckon with his traditional values when faced with their comfortable, assimilated lives (WJFF). Landmark’s E Street Cinema Tue., March 1, 6:15 p.m. Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema Wed., March 2, 8:15 p.m.

A Tale of Love and Darkness Directed by Natalie Portman (Israel/U.S., 2015, 98 min.) In this dream-like tale, Natalie Portman inhabits Fania, a mother who brings up her son in Jerusalem during the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of Israel. Dissatisfied with her marriage, and disoriented by the foreign land surrounding her, Fania escapes into elaborate, fanciful stories of makebelieve — bringing her adoring, wide-eyed son along (closing night of the Washington Jewish Film Festival; Natalie Portman in attendance). AFI Silver Theatre Sun., March 6, 7:15 and 7:30 p.m.

Japanese Persona Non-Grata Directed Cellin Gluck (Japan, 2016, 135 min.) The heroic tale of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat posted in Lithuania during World War II, is brought to screen in sweeping fashion in this

instant epic (WJFF). Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema Wed., March 2, 8:45 p.m. West End Cinema Thu., March 3, 8:45 p.m.

The Tale of Iya Directed by Tetsuichiro Tsuta (Japan, 2013, 169 min.) Exhausted by city life, a young man named Kubo decides to take solace in nature by moving to the lush and mountainous Iya Valley. Hoping to live a self-sufficient life, he soon learns that the realities of living with nature are harsher than he originally thought (EFF). Japan Information and Culture Center Wed., March 23, 6:30 p.m.

Luganda The Boda Boda Thieves Directed by Donald Mugisha and James Taylor (South Africa/Germany/Kenya Uganda, 2015, 85 min.) Fifteen-year-old Abel is forced to provide for his family and man their boda boda (moto taxi) after his father is injured in a traffic accident. Looking for a quick fix, he gets lured in by a local hustler who offers him the chance to be a getaway driver (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Wed., March 16, 9:30 p.m.

Polish A Grain of Truth Directed by Borys Lankosz (Poland, 2015, 110 min.) A horrendous crime has been committed in the picturesque small town of Sandomierz: The body of a murdered woman, a well-liked local social activist is found. Prosecutor Teodor Szacki, recently moved down from Warsaw, recognizes that the murders are connected to allegedly historic Jewish ritual killings (WJFF). Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema Tue., March 1, 8:30 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre Wed., March 2, 9 p.m.

Klezmer Directed by Piotr Chrzan (Poland, 2015, 97 min.) In 1943, a group of Polish villagers gathering in the woods to discover a listless and injured man. Recognizing him to be a Jewish musician, the party heatedly argue about what to do next: turn him into the authorities for a hefty fee? Leave him be? Hide him? (WJFF). Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema Thu., March 3, 8:45 p.m.

Raise the Roof Directed by Yari Wolinsky and Cary Wolinsky (U.S./Poland, 2014, 85 min.) Inspired by images of magnificent wooden synagogues in 18th-century Poland — the last of which were destroyed by the Nazis—artists Rick and Laura Brown set out to reconstruct a replica of the stunning, mural-covered Gwozdziec synagogue (WJFF). Washington DCJCC Tue., March 1, 8:30 p.m.

Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema Thu., March 3, 6:30 p.m.

Russian Natasha Directed by David Bezmozgis (Canada, 2015, 93 min.) Sixteen-year-old Mark Berman, the son of Latvian-Jewish immigrants, wiles away his hours reading Nietzsche, smoking pot and watching porn. His slacker lifestyle is upended when a 14-year-old hurricane, named Natasha, enters the picture (WJFF). Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema Thu., March 3, 8:30 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre Sat., March 5, 6:15 p.m.

Spanish Dirty Wolves Directed by Simón de Miguel (Spain, 2015, 105 min.) In this World War II thriller imbued with notes of magical realism, Manuela works in the tungsten mines in rural Galicia. A ruthless Nazi brigade, intent on harvesting the rare metal to feed the Third Reich’s war machine, has captured the mines. When Manuela’s sister helps a Jewish prisoner cross the border to Portugal, they are unwittingly forced into a desperate test (WJFF; Spanish and German). Avalon Theatre Tue., March 1, 8:45 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre Wed., March 2, 6:45 p.m.

The Pearl Button Directed by Patricio Guzmán (Chile/France/Spain, 2014, 82 min.) Chile’s 2,670-mile-long coastline encompasses the world’s largest archipelago, and the waters that flow through it contain the memories of an entire nation: the lost voices of the indigenous Patagonians, the conquests of the first colonizers, and the ghosts of political prisoners drowned during the Pinochet presidency (EFF; Spanish and Kawésqar). Inter-American Development Bank Thu., March 24, 6 p.m.

Swahili Aisha Directed by Chande Omar (Tanzania, 2015, 112 min.) Aisha, a young, ambitious businesswoman living in the city, returns to the village of her youth to attend her little sister’s wedding only to confront the demons of her past (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Mon., March 14, 7:15 p.m.

Tamashek Rain the Color Blue With a Little Red In It Directed by Christopher Kirkley (Niger, 2015, 75 min.) This rollicking rock-u-drama tells the universal story of a musician trying to make it “against all odds,” set against the backdrop of the raucous subculture of Tuareg guitar (NAFF). AFI Silver Theatre Fri., March 18, 7:15 p.m.

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 39

WD | Culture | Events

Events Listings *Unless specific times are listed, please check the venue for times. Venue locations are subject to change.

ART March 1 to 31

Orchid Month

power of collaboration and storytelling through art. The Phillips Collection Through March 13

Celebrating Photography at the National Gallery of Art: Recent Gifts

Hillwood’s founder Marjorie Merriweather Post was enamored with finely crafted and beautiful objects. While this passion is most frequently associated with her art collection, it also holds true for her orchids. During the month of March, visitors to Hillwood are treated not only to the brilliance and fragrance of these exotic beauties as they bloom in abundance in the greenhouse, but also to engaging opportunities to explore Post’s original collection. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

Marking the culmination of a yearlong celebration of photography at the museum, this installation brings together an exquisite group of gifts, ranging from innovative photographs made in the earliest years of the medium’s history to key works by important 20th-century artists and contemporary pieces that examine the ways in which photography continues to shape our experience of the modern world. National Gallery of Art

March 5 to Jan. 29

Streams of Being: Selections from the Art Museum of the Americas

Turquoise Mountain: Artists Transforming Afghanistan Decades of civil unrest nearly destroyed Afghanistan’s vital artistic heritage. Over the past decade, Turquoise Mountain, an organization founded in 2006 at the request of the prince of Wales and the president of Afghanistan, has transformed the Murad Khani district of Old Kabul from slum conditions into a vibrant cultural and economic center. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through March 13

Belize 35 Artist Santiago Cal and photojournalist Karl Villanueva commemorate the 35th anniversary of Belize’s independence using an approach that is both artistic and historic. Belizean sculptor Santiago Cal has been commissioned to create a large installation occupying an entire museum gallery. Cal’s piece includes as its subject matter Belize’s first Prime Minister George Cadle Price along with symbolic national elements such as the tapir, the national animal of Belize. Complementing the installation is a series of photos taken on Sept. 21, 1981, by a then 24-yearold Villanueva documenting the day the country shed the last vestige of colonialism on the Central American mainland. Art Museum of the Americas Through March 13

BiH Voices: In Conversation with The Migration Series This exhibition presents a selection of artworks created by emerging artists, elementary and high school students, and orphans during workshops facilitated by Phillips educators in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo and the State Department, these workshops used Jacob Lawrence’s “Migration Series” as a catalyst for conversation about the

Through March 13

Drawn from the permanent collection of the Art Museum of the Americas, “Streams of Beings” brings to light a multiplicity of ideas and identities emerging within contemporary Latin American art. Featuring 22 artists from 12 countries across the Americas, this exhibition explores the permeable boundaries and dimensions of life through interrelated themes of scale and place, human and animal bodies. Art Museum of the Americas Through March 15

Passages by Massimiliano Gatti Massimiliano Gatti’s photographs explore the history of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East not by reportage, but by a careful, poetic, archeological description that transforms artifacts into metaphor and ancient objects into contemporary commentary. The images are quiet meditations on violent transformations as the exhibit marks the opening of “Protecting Our Heritage,” a yearlong series of events that will focus on safeguarding and conserving the cultural heritage of humanity. The program is organized by European Union National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC) in Washington D.C., a network of nine members and nine associate members from European cultural institutes and embassies in the nation’s capital whose 2016 presidency is being held by Italy. Italian Cultural Institute Through March 18

The Jewish Museum Vienna on International Court The Austrian Cultural Forum presents two exhibitions touring from the Jewish Museum Vienna: “Lessing Presents Lessing,” works by noted photographer Erich Lessing, curated by his daughter Hannah Lessing; and

40 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | march 2016

“A Good Day,” a multimedia installation by Andrew Mezvinsky based on Primo Levi’s account of survival in Auschwitz. The two shows offer intimate insights into Austrian Jewish life past and present, serving as a platform for discussion, experience and confrontation. Embassy of Austria March 19 to Sept. 18

Symbolic Cities: The World of Ahmed Mater Born in 1979 in southern Saudi Arabia and trained as a medical doctor, Ahmed Mater has been a practicing artist since the early 1990s, creating works that offer an unparalleled perspective on contemporary Saudi Arabia. Now based in Jeddah, Mater has focused primarily on photography and video since 2010. From abandoned desert cities to the extraordinary transformation of Mecca, “Symbolic Cities” presents his visual and aural journeys observing economic and urban change in Saudi Arabia. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through March 20

Power and Pathos: Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World Some 50 bronze sculptures and related works survey the development of Hellenistic art as it spread from Greece throughout the Mediterranean between the fourth and first centuries B.C. Through the medium of bronze, artists were able to capture the dynamic realism, expression, and detail that characterized the new artistic goals of the period. National Gallery of Art March 24 to May 29

Rimer Cardillo: A Journey to Ombú Bellaumbra The Nassau County Museum of Art curated this exhibition to honor Rimer Cardillo’s lifetime accomplishments and his commitment to democratic values, nature and indigenous cultures. Art Museum of the Americas Through March 27

Shakespeare, Life of an Icon We will never have a photograph of William Shakespeare or a recording of his voice, but we can catch glimpses of the man in this stunning array of documents from his own lifetime. “Shakespeare, Life of an Icon” brings together some of the most important manuscripts and printed books related to Shakespeare’s life and career, giving us a firsthand look at the most famous author in the world. Folger Shakespeare Library Through April 8

Pan-American Art Exhibition: Kansas City Student Poster Contest The Pan-American Association of

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 Kansas City presents winning poster entries representing the 35 members of the Organization of American States created by high school students in Missouri. Art Museum of the Americas Through April 24

Postwar Germanic Expressions: Gifts from Michael Werner The Phillips presents recently acquired gifts of German and Danish art to the museum’s permanent collection, generously given by art collector Michael Werner. A selection from the 46 works are on view, painting, sculpture and works on paper by Georg Baselitz, Jörg Immendorff, Per Kirkeby, Markus Lüpertz and A.R. Penck. The Phillips Collection Through April 29

Mirages: Photography by Mache del Campo Mache del Campo’s “Mirages” invites viewers to realms of unknown time and space where the mind departs from physical reality and is led to a subjective and intangible world. The photographer captures a single image, without a backstory or context, that leaves the viewer with the task of interpretation. In doing so, his camera becomes a gateway to personal dimensions beyond the realism of photography. Embassy of Argentina Through May 8

Seeing Nature: Landscape Masterworks from the Paul G. Allen Family Collection This major exhibition exploring the evolution of American and European landscape painting features 39 masterpieces, spanning five centuries, on loan from the collection of philanthropist and entrepreneur Paul G. Allen. “Seeing Nature” showcases the development of landscape painting from intimate views of the world to artists’ personal experiences with their surroundings. The Phillips Collection Through May 15

Louise Bourgeois: No Exit Louise Bourgeois’s ties to surrealism and existentialism will be explored through 17 works on paper and four sculptures. National Gallery of Art Through May 22

Salon Style: French Portraits from the Collection Presenting works at the salon — an exhibition sponsored by the Royal Academy of Art in Paris — marked success for artists in 18th-century France. The famed artist Élisabeth Louise Vigée-LeBrun was among the first women to exhibit at the event, yet she was by no means the

only one. Drawn from the museum’s rich collection, this focus exhibition visualizes the world of the art salon and reveals how French women artists inspired each other as well as male artists who noted their great success. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through May 30

The Lost Symphony: Whistler and the Perfection of Art As part of “Peacock Room REMIX,” this exhibition reconstructs how Whistler’s unrealized quest for “the perfection of art” intersected with less-rarified concerns about patronage, payment, and professional reputation. Freer Gallery of Art Through June 3

In the Library: The Intersection of Commerce and Instruction in Art The art we experience often depends as much upon the materials available to the artists who make it as it depends on the artists themselves. This exhibition looks at a variety of literature surrounding artists’ materials and instruction, and charts the ways in which the increasing commercialization of their production may have affected the practice of artists, especially following the industrial revolution. National Gallery of Art Through June 5

Perspectives: Lara Baladi Egyptian-Lebanese artist Lara Baladi experiments with the photographic medium, investigating its history and its role in shaping perceptions of the Middle East, particularly Egypt, where she is based. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through June 12

Konstantin Makovsky: The Tsar’s Painter With Hillwood’s “A Boyar Wedding Feast” as the centerpiece, this exhibit offers a new perspective on Konstantin Makovsky’s work and its popularity in Gilded Age America, where it satisfied the appetite for dramatic historical stories, exotic settings and costumes, and admiration of European art and culture. In a dramatically lit setting, exquisite objects and details from the painting will be brought to life through groupings of 17th-century objects of boyar life, such as intricately embroidered garments and pearl-studded kokoshniki (women’s headdresses). Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens Through July 31

(circa 540 B.C.) and the last resting place of Cyrus the Great. Impressed with its ruins, German archaeologist Ernst Herzfeld (1879–1948) briefly surveyed the site for the first time in 1905, returning to conduct more extensive excavations. Featuring selections from the Freer|Sackler Archives’ rich holdings of Herzfeld’s drawings, notes and photographs, this exhibition illuminates one of the most important sites of the ancient world. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

DANCE Fri., March 4, 8 p.m.

Flamenco Vivo: Poema De Andalucía Strathmore delves into the cultural richness and traditions of Andalucía — the “cradle of flamenco” and a part of Spain that sits at a unique cultural crossroads. This “infectiously joyful” (New York Times), brilliantly colored show is a journey through the varied traditions, festivals and rituals of daily life that have made the Andalusian region a wellspring of cultural heritage. Tickets are $28 to $72. Music Center at Strathmore Tue., March 8, 8 p.m.

Flamenco Festival: Farruquito ‘Improvisao’ Renowned as “one of the greatest flamenco dancers of this new century” (New York Times), Farruquito is regarded as one of the most faithful representatives of flamenco puro — the dance in its traditional state. Tickets are $35 to $65. GW Lisner Auditorium Sat., March 12, 8 p.m.

Flamenco Festival: Ballet Flamenco de Andalucia Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, the most important representative of flamenco art in Spain, returns under the direction of Rafaela Carrasco. Tickets are $35 to $65. GW Lisner Auditorium Fri., March 18, 8 p.m.

Flamenco Festival: Rocio Molina ‘Danzaora & Vinática’ Rocío Molina is at the forefront of modern flamenco and has been awarded many of Spain’s top accolades in her as yet short career. “Danzaora & Vinática” explores her personal dance language combining flamenco with traditional “bolero” and Spanish classical dance. Tickets are $35 to $55. GW Lisner Auditorium

Heart of an Empire: Herzfeld’s Discover of Pasargadae

Sat., March 19, 8 p.m.

Located in southwestern Iran, Pasargadae was the first capital of the ancient Achaemenid Persian Empire

“Qasida” is an extraordinary musical encounter between the young Sevillian cantaora Rosario “La Tremendita”

Flamenco Festival: Qasida

WD | Culture | Events

and her Iranian peer Mohammad Motamedi. In “Qasida,” the singer explores the roots of flamenco in the richly varied poetic songs and improvisations of Motamedi, the young rising star of Iranian classical music. Tickets are $25 to $45. GW Lisner Auditorium March 23 to April 3

Stephen Mills’ Hamlet Sleek and elegant with contemporary staging and performed to the spellbinding music of Philip Glass, Stephen Mills’s “Hamlet” redefines this tragic masterwork and the limits of dance in a modern production that presents Hamlet’s internal struggle over avenging his father’s murder in an innovative and riveting reinvention of this literary classic. Tickets are $32.25 to $130. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater

DISCUSSIONS Wed., March 2, 9 a.m.

Italy in the White House: A Conversation on Historical Perspectives Long before the emergence of the United States and Italy as nations, close connections between the two peoples influenced political philosophy, architecture, culture and more. To chronicle this extraordinary story and share newly discovered historical insights about these exceptional connections, the White House Historical Association, together with the Embassy of Italy and the National Italian American Foundation, is organizing a full-day symposium, culinary experience and cultural event that celebrates a symbiotic relationship that has lasted for well over two centuries. Tickets are $53.49; for information, visit www.whitehousehistory.org/collections/symposiumitaly-in-the-white-house. White House Historical Association Sat., March 12, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fabric of Venice The history of Venice is rich with the names of great painters, from Bellini to Titian. However, Venice is more than the sum of the paintings, sculpture, prints and drawings rendered by its master artists. Eric Denker of the National Gallery of Art explores the elements of the urban environment that combine to make one of the most enchanting cities on earth. Tickets are $140; for information, visit smithsonianassociates.org. S. Dillon Ripley Center Mon., March 14, 3:30 p.m.

Migration: From Humanitarian Crises to New Opportunities The Georgetown University Italian Research Institute, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy and Italian Cultural Institute, hosts a symposium and discussion examining how countries, especially Europe, are responding to the large number of migrants fleeing for their borders and the struggles of integration, illegal entries, deportation policies, humane

approaches and economic opportunities surrounding migration. Georgetown University Intercultural Center Auditorium

inspired by Czech and Slovak movies) in addition to a raffle drawing. RSVP at sibrinky.eventbrite.com. Embassy of the Czech Republic

Tue., March 15, 7 p.m.

Sat., March 19, 3 p.m.

Stolen Legacy: Nazi Theft and the Quest for Justice

Children’s Costume Party

In her new book, former BBC investigative journalist Dina Gold describes the Nazi seizure of her family’s stately six-story building and her extensive battle to reclaim it. In this program, Gold will discuss her struggle, the ongoing challenges of restitution, and how the Museum’s resources helped her write her book. U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

MUSIC Wed., March 2, 8 p.m., Thu., March 3, 8 p.m.

International Guitar Night This night of international guitar virtuosos features poetic lyricist (Brian Gore), gypsy jazz legend (Lulo Reinhardt), contemporary fingerstyle innovator (Mike Dawes) and multigenre showman (Andre Krengel). Tickets are $25 to $27. Wolf Trap Mon., March 7, 8 p.m.

Vienna Mozart Orchestra Bringing 28 of Vienna’s top orchestral musicians and two stellar Viennese singers, the Vienna Mozart Orchestra embarks on a North American tour this spring showcasing masterworks of Vienna’s musical heritage and most famous classical composer. The orchestra presents a light and joyful concert featuring the entirety of “Symphony No. 40” in G minor in the first half and arias from “Don Giovanni,”“Marriage of Figaro” and “Magic Flute” in the second. Adding to the charm of the program, the musicians will perform the second half of the concert in 18th-century period dress, complete with powdered wigs. Tickets are $39 to $97.50. Music Center at Strathmore March 10 to 12

National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach, Conductor, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Piano Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet returns to play Liszt’s “Piano Concerto No. 2” on a program that also includes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 3” and three of the composer’s “Hungarian Dances,” plus the world premiere of Picker’s “Opera without Words.” Tickets are $15 to $89. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Sat., March 12, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating Lou Harrison: The Indonesian Connection PostClassical Ensemble, in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy, presents this performance featuring violinist Tim Fain and pianist Michael Boriskin exploring the art of 20th-century master Lou Harrison (1917-2003). Decades before it became fashionable, Harrison created

Photo: Barry Roden

Soprano Sera Gösch, above, joins baritone Sokolin Asllani for a performance with the Vienna Mozart Orchestra at Strathmore on March 7.

a masterly fusion of Eastern and Western musical styles, based on the sounds and techniques of Indonesian gamelan. He — along with Henry Cowell and John Cage — also created the percussion ensemble as a musical genre. To RSVP, visit http://postclassical.com/harrison/. Embassy of Indonesia

Mali with blues, rock, jazz and folk. Sinkane’s Ahmed Gallab, who was born in London to Sudanese exiles and now lives in Brooklyn, draws on his wildly varied upbringing in his pan-African, funky, global pop music. Tickets are $25 to $45. GW Lisner Auditorium

Fri., March 11, 7:30 p.m.

Guy Mintus Jazz Trio

Ariel Quartet Winners of the 2006 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, this young Israeli quartet has earned a glowing international reputation for their “blazing, larger-than-life performance” (The Washington Post). Tickets are $35. Wolf Trap Sat., March 12, 7 p.m.

Hubert von Goisern Concert At the age of 5, Hubert von Goisern told his parents that he wanted to be a conductor. When he was 12, he joined the local brass band and was loaned his first instrument — a trumpet. He went on to travel and study music around the world, including electroacoustic experimental music at the University of Music in Vienna. Since then, von Goisern has toured in Austria and Germany, performed a joint concert with Nubian superstar Mohamed Mounir to an audience of 15,000 in Egypt and created “The Alpenliebe Exhibition” featuring a musical journey through the Alps. To register, visit acfdc.org. Embassy of Austria Sun., March 20, 4 p.m.

Washington Performing Arts Presents Sir James Galway and Lady Jeanne Galway Whether playing folksongs on a pennywhistle or classic repertoire on the Irish flute, Sir James Galway’s “nonchalant virtuosity and sterling musicianship” (Chicago Tribune) is always on full display. Tickets are $30 to $100. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Fri., March 25, 8 p.m.

Rokia Traoré with Sinkane Defying the conventions of world music, Malian singer/songwriter Rokia Traoré dismisses the notion of genre, effortlessly blending the sounds of

Mon., March 28, 6:30 p.m. Israeli-born, New York-based jazz pianist and composer Guy Mintus creates performances that have “the entire hall listening with held breath” (Barka Fabiánová, Full Moon Zine). Mintus’s trio expands on his vision with two other international musicians: Israeli bassist Tamir Shmerling and Dutch drummer Philippe Lemm. Tickets are $70, including reception; presented in conjunction with the Israeli Embassy. For information, visit www.embassyseries.org. Venue TBA

The Czech and Slovak embassies present a children’s costume party (rikanky a masky/riekanky a masky) inviting kids to dress in their most creative costumes or masks of their choice and come ready to recite a poem (in Czech or Slovak) for an afternoon of song, dance and culture. Children will also be able to act in the improvised theater presentation “How Charles the IV Became a King.” RSVP by March 17 at http://rikany. eventbrite.com. Embassy of the Czech Republic

formidable, conservative wife comes on the scene, the parlor pleasantries of D.C.’s past descend into entrenched posturing and an ultimatum that could implode the family. Please call for ticket information. Arena Stage Through March 6

Kabarett & Cabaret Featuring iconic songs and forgotten Berliner and Viennese cabaret gems, The In Series production of “Kabarett & Cabaret” pays tribute to the art form of cabaret and its ties to the Jewish émigrés who fled Nazi persecution and brought the dark, raunchy world of cabaret to 1940s Hollywood. Tickets are $42. Source March 10 to April 10

THEATER March 1 to 26

They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay! Ambassador Theater in partnership with the Italian Cultural Institute presents a hilarious farce of civil disobedience by Nobel-winning writer Dario Fo in which desperate housewives take justice into their own hands. During a food riot, Antonia takes supplies from a supermarket and hides them from her law-abiding husband Giovanni behind the dress of her best friend Margherita. Follow the chaos when Giovanni and Margherita’s husband Luigi are told about Margherita’s miracle pregnancy and the police get involved. Tickets are $25 to $40. Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint Fri., March 4, 7 p.m.

Marjorie Prime From one of the country’s most adventurous young writers, Jordan Harrison, comes the tender and provocative story of Marjorie, 85 years old, who’s reinventing memories from the past with the help of Walter Prime — a hologram of her dead husband as he looked 50 years ago. Tickets are $38 to $65. Olney Theatre Center March 11 and 12

World Stages: The Odyssey – From Vietnam to America Marking 40 years since the Vietnam War’s end, composer-performer Vân-Ánh Võ uses music, spoken word, live media and more to explore the journeys of the Boat People escaping war and abandoning their lives in search of freedom. Tickets are $49. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater

RECEPTIONS

Gaetano Donizett’s La Favorite

Through March 27

Fri., March 4, 7 p.m.

Washington Concert Opera presents Donizetti’s “La Favorite” in its original, rarely performed, French version (with English supertitles), one of the few operas with a mezzo-soprano in the title role. Set amidst the Moorish invasion of medieval Spain, it is filled with the passions of war, love and sacrifice. Tickets are $40 to $110. GW Lisner Auditorium

Among the exotic airs and mysterious shadows of Cyprus, newly married and promoted Moorish general Othello finds himself the pawn in the manipulative games of his right-hand man, Iago. Please call for ticket information. Shakespeare Theatre Company Sidney Harman Hall

12th Annual Viennese Ball: A Night in Vienna Experience the elegant atmosphere of a European Ball while meeting international professionals and members of the diplomatic community in this Viennese celebration of music, food, wine and dancing. The Salon Orchestra of Washington will perform the world’s favorite Strauss waltzes, ballroom music from around the world and the famous “Radetsky Grand March,” led by the popular Tanzmeister-couple Herbert and Carol Traxler. They will also invite you to join them in “Strauss Fledermaus Quadrille #6,” which is danced at all the big balls in Vienna. Tickets are $149 or $79; for information visit acfdc.org. Embassy of Austria Sat., March 5, 7 p.m.

Masquerade Ball Come dressed as your favorite film star and savor an evening of dancing and live music, featuring the band Praževica performing traditional czardas and gypsy swing influenced by jazz and blues. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes (a bonus will be given to costumes

Othello

Through March 27 Through March 6

Carmen: An Afro-Cuban Jazz Musical Directed and co-written by Tony nominee Moisés Kaufman, with heralded Cuban-American playwright Eduardo Machado, and music adapted from Bizet’s opera by twotime Grammy Award-winner Arturo O’Farrill, this “Carmen” brings the action of one of the most sensual stories of all time to Cuba on the verge of revolution in 1958. Tickets are $38 to $75. Olney Theatre Center Through March 6

The City of Conversation Georgetown hostess Hester Ferris runs in an elite circle, opening her home for political foes to lay down arms and raise a glass. When her son’s

Romeo and Juliet In this passionate and lyrical piece, set among the gears of a giant clock, the greatest of Shakespearean lovers race against time itself to outrun their fate. One of the original “Wordless Shakespeare” productions, Synetic’s “Romeo and Juliet” received six Helen Hayes Award nominations and two wins. Tickets start at $35. Synetic Theater Through April 10

The Lion Writer/performer Benjamin Scheuer uses his guitar — actually, six guitars — in this wholly-original musical experience that tells a coming-of-age story that “lifts the spirit” (Time Out New York). Tickets are $40 to $70. Arena Stage

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 41

WD | Culture | Spotlight

Diplomatic Spotlight

March 2016

Chinese New Year at Meridian The Meridian International Center joined with the Chinese Embassy to host the 6th annual Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration, supported by McLarty Associates and Squire Patton Boggs. To mark the Year of the Monkey, over 250 guests turned out for a dynamic cultural evening of traditional cuisine, festive holiday displays and artist demonstrations. Members of the Henan Song and Dance Theatre, the Luohe Acrobatic Troupe, the Henan Beijing Opera Art Center and the Henan Opera Troupe showcased an array of talents from this year’s featured region, Henan Province. An exhibition of Wuyang peasant paintings, one of the great art achievements of the Han people in Henan Province, was also on display.

Meridian International Center President and CEO Stuart Holliday and Minister at the Chinese Embassy Li Kexin.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs March of Dimes held its 18th annual Signature Chefs Gala at the Ritz-Carlton in D.C., drawing 500 guests and over 40 of the area’s celebrated chefs, mixologists, bartenders and vintners. All proceeds benefited the March of Dimes to raise awareness for its mission and vital revenue to help prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Douglas Alexander, executive chef of Art and Soul, prepares shrimp and crawfish etoufee.

Chef Domenico Apollaro of Lupo Verde, the 2015 featured signature chef, prepares spaghetto cupcakes.

Maple-roasted autumn squash with pomegranate and yogurt-spiced seeds was Iron Gate’s contribution.

Ellen Lindh of DHG Wealth Advisors, Caleb Vuljanic, senior manager at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP; Jay Alverson, also with Dixon Hughes Goodman; and Leanne Alverson.

Westend Bistro’s contribution was scallop ceviche, Celtic mustard, potato, radishes and watercress shoots.

Above, Centrolina’s contribution was ricotta ravioli and sausage ragu. Birch & Barley’s contribution was Arctic char tartare, yuzu sesame and wonton crisp.

Brian Neary, Alisa Neary, Dianne Mullins, Chris Mullins, George Baily, Kim Baily, Joel Kirkham and Katherine Kirkham.

Sri Lankan Independence U.S. Undersecretary of State Patrick Kennedy joined Sri Lankan Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam for Sri Lanka’s 68th anniversary of independence at a reception held at the Organization of American States, which was preceded earlier in the day by multi-denominational observances at the embassy conducted by religious dignitaries representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian faiths. Ambassador Kariyawasam said that the people of Sri Lanka were celebrating their independence with a sense of confidence and renewed pride, with their abiding commitment to democracy having been reaffirmed by two historic elections last year.

Above, Chef Javier Romero of Taberna del Alabardero prepared black baby squid with pita bread, dried tomato and cauliflower foam.

Combating Hate in Europe

Photos: Embassy of Sri Lanka

Washington Post editorial page editor Fred Hiatt, Ambassador of Germany Peter Wittig, Ambassador of France Gérard Araud and European Union Ambassador David O’Sullivan speak on “combating hate in Europe” at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Photo: Embassy of France in the U.S.

Liechtenstein Marks New Year Ambassador of Liechtenstein Claudia Fritsche welcomed guests to her Georgetown residence to celebrate the start of the New Year. Wife of the Swiss ambassador Anita Dahinden and Ambassador of Liechtenstein Claudia Fritsche.

42 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | march 2016

Ambassador of Monaco Maguy Maccario Doyle, Chief of Section at the Organization of American States Martin Huenneke and former Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines La Celia A. Prince.

Mario Velasquez, president of the Latin American Youth Center, Inga Jona Thordardottir and her husband Ambassador of Iceland Geir H. Haarde.

The Washington Diplomat Publisher Victor Shiblie and Ambassador of the Philippines Jose L. Cuisia Jr.

WD | Culture | Spotlight

Italian President’s U.S. Visit

Esther Coopersmith’s Birthday

The Italian Embassy welcomed highprofile Washingtonians to the ambassador’s residence, known as “Villa Firenze,” to celebrate the February visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who was elected to the post by lawmakers in January. During the trip, Mattarella met with President Obama and stopped by Old Town Alexandria, Va., for lunch.

Thai Ambassador Pisan Manawapat and his wife Wanchana opened their residence — the historic Codman-Davis House — to host a surprise 86th birthday party for Esther Coopersmith, co-hosted by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General Susan Blumenthal. Coopersmith, a well-known socialite and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, befriended the Queen of Thailand while serving as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador.

Photos: Skewed Patella / Derek Parks / Embassy of Italy in the U.S.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde shares a toast with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Assistant to the President for Science and Technology John P. Holdren and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.

European Union Ambassador David O’Sullivan.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Steven Ricchetti.

Photos: Gail Scott

Ambassador of Thailand Pisan Manawapat, Esther Coopersmith and Wanchana Manawapat. Ambassador of Italy Claudio Bisogniero welcomes Italian President Sergio Mattarella to the residence. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and wife of the Italian ambassador Laura Denise Bisogniero.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.).

Wilson Center Director and President Jane Harman, Thomas J. Collamore of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (background) and former National Security Advisor Gen. James Jones.

IFE at Alibi Club

Photo: Embassy of Thailand

Rear Adm. Susan Blumenthal, Esther Coopersmith and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) blow out a birthday cake shaped as a miniature congressional dome with a globe on top.

Ambassador of Japan Kenichiro Sasae and his wife Nobuko Sasae.

Former Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.) and his wife Betty Ann celebrate with Esther Coopersmith.

The Institute for Education (IFE), a nonprofit that seeks to promote leadership, civility and common ground, kicked off 25 seasons at the Alibi Club, a private membership club founded in 1884, with IFE Steward William Webster, former FBI and CIA director.

Esther Coopersmith and UNESCO’s George Papagiannis.

Ambassador of the Netherlands Hendrik Schuwer, , IFE Board of Stewards Chair Marci Robinson, White House Advisor R. David Edelman and Ambassador of Liechtenstein Claudia Fritsche. Photos: Institute for Education IFE Digital Ambassador Devika Patil and former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra. John Paul Farmer of Microsoft and William Webster.

Monkey Business

Hong Kong Celebrates Chinese New Year Commissioner Clement Leung welcomes guests to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office’s Chinese New Year Celebration at Kogod Courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery, where guests were treated to music and dancing dragons.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry meets a chimpanzee who will receive a human heart in the new television series “Heartbeat,” while he visits the set on the Universal Studios lot in Burbank, Calif., on Feb. 16 before meeting with a group of movie industry executives. Photo: State Department

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | March 2016 | 43

WD | March 2016

Around the World Appointments Argentina Martín Lousteau became ambassador of Argentina to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016. In October 2013, he was elected a member of Parliament representing the city of Buenos Aires, and in 2015, he was a candidate for Ambassador mayor of Buenos Aires with the Martín Lousteau ECO coalition, receiving 48.4 percent of the vote. Ambassador Lousteau previously served as minister of economy and production (2008) and as minister of production in the province of Buenos Aires (2005). Between 2006 and 2007, he was chairman of Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires and Grupo Bapro SA. After the collapse of the Convertibility Plan, he advised the Central Bank governor from 2003 to 2004. Recently, he was a partner and CEO of LCG SA, a consulting firm specializing in macroeconomics and politics in Argentina. He was also a columnist for La Nación newspaper and the author of four books, including the bestseller “Economía 3D.” Ambassador Lousteau graduated in economics from the University of San Andres (cum laude) and obtained his master’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He taught at Torcuato di Tella University, San Andrés University and University College London. In 2008, the World Economic Forum elected him as a Young Global Leader, and in 2012, he was selected as a World Fellow at Yale University.

Armenia Grigor Hovhannissian became ambassador of Armenia to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016, having previously served as Armenia’s ambassador to Mexico (with concurrent accreditation to Panama, Costa Rica, Cuba and Guatemala) since 2014. Ambas- Ambassador sador Hovhannissian also served Grigor Hovhannissian as Armenia’s consul general to Los Angeles (2009-13), executive director of the Shushi Revival Fund in Armenia (2006-09) and visiting lecturer of Middle East politics with the Oriental Studies Faculty at Yerevan State University (2005-08). In addition, he was field coordinator for the Saida region with the U.N. Emergency Mission to Lebanon (2006); senior advisor to the deputy special representative of the secretary-general with the U.N. Assistance Mission to Iraq based in Jordan (2004); U.N. field coordinator in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip (2002-03); and team leader and emergency planner with the Office of the U.N. Special Coordinator (UNSCO) for the Middle East peace process in Jerusalem (2001-03). Other U.N. postings include head of the Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo) Offices for the U.N. Secretariat Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (1998-2000); assistant to the special coordinator of program and public information for the U.N. Special Mission to the African Great Lakes Region (1996-98); and coordinator of the shelter program for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Yerevan Office (1994-96). Ambassador Hovhannissian graduated from the Department of Oriental Studies at Yerevan State University, Haigazyan University in Beirut and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Massachusetts. Born Jan. 26, 1971, in Yerevan, he speaks English and Russian and is married with two children.

Australia Joe Hockey became ambassador of Australia to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016. He first entered Parliament in 1996 as the member for North Sydney and spent more than 17 years on the front bench. Ambassador Hockey served as a minister in a number of different portfolios, including financial services, small business and tourism,

human services and employment and workplace relations. In 2013, Ambassador Hockey was appointed treasurer of the commonwealth and was responsible for all economic policy including fiscal policy. He served as chair of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in 2014, and he was a member of the leadership troika in 2015. As treasurer, he was a regular delegate to the IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and APEC meetings. Previously, Ambassador Hockey served as a banking and finance lawyer with a major Australian law firm. He graduated from the University of Sydney with bachelor’s degrees in arts and law. Ambassador Hockey is married to Melissa Babbage, a company director and former investment banker. They have three young children: Xavier, Adelaide and Ignatius.

Austria Wolfgang Waldner became ambassador of Austria to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016. He previously served as state secretary (deputy minister) for European and international affairs from 2011 to 2012 in the regional Ambassador government of Carinthia and as director of the MuseumsQuartier Wolfgang Waldner in Vienna from 1999 to 2011. He also served two postings in the United States as director of the Austrian Cultural Fora in Washington, D.C., and New York. Most recently, Ambassador Waldner served as director general for cultural policy at the Foreign Ministry in Vienna. Ambassador Waldner, who was born and raised in Villach, Austria, started his career in the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs in 1981. He holds a doctorate in law and languages from the University of Vienna and post-graduate diplomas from the Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies and the Université des Sciences Sociales in Grenoble, France. He is married and the father of two daughters. Ambassador Waldner can be followed on Twitter at @WaldnerWolfgang.

Mozambique Carlos dos Santos became ambassador of Mozambique to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016, having previously served as Mozambique’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom since 2011. In addition, he was ambassador of Mozambique to Germany (2006-11); director for Europe and the Americas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (2005-06); advisor to the president (2003-05); and permanent representative to the United Nations (1996-2002). Ambassador Santos also served as private secretary to the president (1992-96), chef of cabinet to the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (1991-92) and head of the Political Department of the Africa and Middle East Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1990-91). Ambassador Santos holds a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Zimbabwe and a master’s of business administration (executive MBA) from the Zicklin School of Business – Baruch College City University of New York. Born July 8, 1961, in Manhiça, Mozambique, he is married.

New Zealand Timothy Groser became ambassador of New Zealand to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016. Ambassador Groser was elected to Parliament in 2005 and was cabinet minister from 2008 to 2015, most recently as minister of trade and minister responsible Ambassador Timothy Groser for climate change issues. From 2002 to 2005, he was New Zealand’s ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and chair of agriculture negotiations for the WTO. He also served as New Zealand’s ambassador to Indonesia from

44 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | march 2016

1994 to 1997. Ambassador Groser is regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on international trade and has held various posts, including New Zealand’s chief negotiator in the GATT Uruguay Round, which brought agriculture into the system of world trade rules for the first time, and has been instrumental in helping to develop the global research alliance on greenhouse gas emissions. Born in Perth, Scotland, Ambassador Groser moved to New Zealand with his parents in 1958.

Portugal Domingos Teixeira de Abreu Fezas Vital became ambassador of Portugal to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016, having previously served as Portugal’s permanent representative to the European Union since 2012. Ambassador In addition, Ambassador Fezas Domingos Teixeira de Vital served as senior diplomatic Abreu Fezas Vital advisor to the president (200612); deputy permanent representative in Portugal’s Permanent Representation to the EU (2002-06); consul general in São Paulo (2000-02); and deputy director general of the Directorate General of Multilateral Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1999-2000). Other postings include senior diplomatic advisor to the governor of Macau and head of the Coordinating Group for the Macau – Guangdong Border Sub-Groups; deputy permanent representative to the Western European Union in the Portuguese Mission to NATO (1994-96); Portuguese representative at the Secretariat for European Political Cooperation (1991-94); a member of the Portuguese Permanent Representation to the European Communities in Brussels (1989-91); and advisor in the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (1987-89). Ambassador Fezas Vital, who was born Sept. 27, 1958, in Luanda, Angola, joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1983. He graduated in social and juridical sciences from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and holds a law degree from the University of Coimbra as well as a post-graduate diploma in international trade from the Solvay Institute of the Université Libre de Bruxelles. He is married with two children.

Saudi Arabia Prince Abdullah Faisal Turki Al-Saud became ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016. He started his professional life as an engineer with the newly established Royal Commission for Jubail and Ambassador Yanbu, where he held technical Prince Abdullah Faisal and managerial positions and Turki Al-Saud supervised key studies for the two industrial cities and for the industrial security and safety sector. In the 1980s, Ambassador Al-Saud assumed the duties of acting secretary-general of the Royal Commission, a post he held until 1987, when he was appointed secretary-general. In January 1991, he was promoted to the position of chairman, also serving as chief executive officer of the Royal Commission and chairman of its Board of Directors. Ambassador Al-Saud was born in 1951 in Saudi Arabia. He is the nephew of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. He received his education in Saudi Arabia and studied engineering in the United Kingdom.

St. Kitts and Nevis Thelma Phillip-Browne became ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016. For over 21 years, Ambassador Phillip-Browne served in various medical positions in St. Kitts as a civil servant and in 1995 served as director of primary health care and later chief medical officer of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. From 1994

until her current appointment, she also practiced dermatology in a private capacity. In 2011, Ambassador PhillipBrowne obtained a master of theological science (MTS) degree from Anderson University in Indiana. She has served as a lay preacher and active member of Ambassador the Women of the Church of God Thelma Phillip-Browne as well as a partner of the Child Evangelism Fellowship’s St. Kitts and Nevis chapter. Ambassador Phillip-Browne has also been an active member of the community, including as a social commentator and after-school program coordinator. Her community involvements included hosting a morning devotional program on a local radio station, WINN FM, as well as co-hosting a “One Love” spiritually based program on Sugar City Rock radio. A sports enthusiast, she represented St. Kitts in netball for many years and was a member of the Caribbean Netball Association’s championship team in 1973. She has also served in various managerial positions on the St. Kitts Netball Association. Her political career includes candidacy for the East Basseterre constituency under the banner of the United National Empowerment Party (UNEP), which contested the general elections in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2004. She is also a founding member of the People’s Labour Party (PLP), which successfully contested the 2015 general elections as a part of the historic and successful “Unity Construct.” Ambassador Phillip-Browne was born in Basseterre, St. Kitts, on May 21 1953, and is one of eight siblings. Following secondary education, she graduated with a medical degree from the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Mona, Jamaica. Dr. Phillip-Browne received training in public health at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and is also a graduate from the Cardiff University School of Medicine in Wales, with a diploma in dermatological science. Ambassador Phillip-Browne is the mother of two daughters and a son and grandmother of two girls.

United Kingdom Kim Darroch became ambassador of the United Kingdom to the United States on Jan. 28, 2016, having previously served as national security advisor to the British prime minister from January 2012 to September Ambassador 2015. In that role, he was secKim Darroch retary of the National Security Council and led the national security team on issues such as the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Russian aggression in Ukraine, the nuclear threat from Iran and the collapse of government authority in Libya. Prior to his appointment as national security advisor, Ambassador Darroch served in Brussels as the British permanent representative to the European Union (200711), representing British interests in areas such as enlargement, the aftermath of the financial crisis and the issues surrounding European integration. From 2004 to 2007, he served as European Union advisor to the prime minister and head of the Cabinet Office European Secretariat. Earlier in his career, Ambassador Darroch served in a wide range of positions and policy specialties, including private secretary to the minister of state responsible for the Middle East, head of the Adriatic Department during the Dayton Accord negotiations and head of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office News Department. In addition to two postings to Brussels, he has completed tours in Tokyo and Rome. Ambassador Darroch was born in the village of South Stanley, County Durham, in the north of England in April 1954. He attended Durham University, where he read zoology, and joined the Diplomatic Service in 1977. Ambassador Darroch married his wife, Vanessa, in 1978. They have two grown children, Simon and Georgina. Ambassador Darroch can be followed on Twitter @KimDarroch.

WD | March 2016

Around the world holidays ANDORRA

BARBADOS

March 14: Constitution Day March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

BURMA (MYANMAR)

BELARUS

CAMBODIA

Fax to: the Washington Diplomat at: (301) 949-0065

March 8: International Women’s Day

Mail to: P.o. Box 1345, Silver Spring, MD 20915-1345

BELGIUM

CAMEROON

ANGOLA March 8: International Women’s Day

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

ARGENTINA March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

BELIZE March 9: Baron Bliss Day March 25: Good Friday March 26: Holy Saturday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

ARMENIA

BENIN

March 8: International Women’s Day

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

AUSTRALIA March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

AUSTRIA March 28: Easter Monday

AZERBAIJAN

BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA March 1: Independence Day

March 27: Easter March 27: Armed Forces Day

March 3: National Day March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

CANADA March 3: National Day March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday March 29: Anniversary of the Death of President B. Boganda

CHAD

send us Your holidays & Appointments E-mail to: news@washdiplomat.com

CROATIA

Women’s Day

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

ESTONIA

BURKINA FASO March 8: International Women’s Day

WPA CoNtINUED • PAGE 20

one country, they become like mini anthropologists, learning about the food, the language, the culture,” said Matthew Campbell, a Bay Area native who is WPA’s director of external relations. “It whets their appetite for further discovery of cultures around the world throughout their lives. It gives them a taste that there is a big wide world out there they knew nothing about.” Campbell says that as much as the kids get out of the exchange, the diplomats benefit just as much. “It’s definitely a two-way street,” he said. “For the embassy staff, beyond just getting out of the office, it’s a chance to revel in their own culture and history for an eager audience of young people who are captivated by learning about these faraway lands.” He added: “It’s great PR for the embassies but it also connects them with the local citi-

COSTA RICA March 24 to 28: Holy Week

March 6: Independence Day March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 20: Nowruz

March 24: Maundy Thursday March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 25: Good Friday

FIJI March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

FINLAND March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

FRANCE

March 24 to 28: Holy Week

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

GABON

ERITREA March 8: International

zenry in a way they may not have a chance to if they are cooped up at a diplomatic compound.” Another element of WPA’s mission is to provide lifelong learning opportunities through arts education, including summer camps that offer training in classical music, gospel, jazz and dance, as well as the “Discovery the Symphony” initiative, which offers practical tips on things like what to wear, how to act and when to clap at a concert. Campbell says that this kind of help for newcomers is essential to expanding interest in classical music. He noted that back in the days of Mozart, it was acceptable to socialize, talk or even eat while the orchestra was playing. “But some time in the 20th century, people were expected to sit and be silent during the show, even in between movements in a symphony,” he said. “Newbies hear the first movement end with a big flourish and go ‘hurray’ and start clapping, and they’ll be totally embarrassed when no one else is cheering. If you’re a beginner, the safest thing to do is wait until you see everyone else clap.”

March 12: Renovation Day March 27: Easter

GAMBIA March 27: Easter

March 25: Greek Independence Day

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

ISRAEL

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

GUINEA-BISSAU

HONDURAS HUNGARY March 15: National Day March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday March 24: Maundy Thursday March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter

Photo: rADIo FrANCE / ChrIStoPhE ABrAMoWItZ

the orchestre National de France was one of many international orchestras performing in the current of Washington Performing Arts.

WPA’s efforts to inform the public date back to Patrick Hayes, who used the medium of choice in his era: the radio. From 1949 through 1975, he had a weekly Sunday afternoon radio show that he used to promote the world of music and its place in D.C. culture. Decades later, WPA is still carrying on his mission by taking a curatorial approach to programming. “We are a nonprofit, so it makes sense to

March 11: Moshoeshoe’s Day March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 20: Vernal Equinox Day

March 12: Memorial Day March 15: J.J. Robert’s Birthday

KAZAKHSTAN

LIECHTENSTEIN

March 8: International Women’s Day March 20: Nauryz

March 19: St. Joseph’s Day March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

KENYA

ICELAND

LESOTHO

LIBERIA

JAPAN

March 8: International Women’s Day

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 24: Holy Thursday March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter

LATVIA

LEBANON

March 23-24: Purim

March 24 to 28: Easter Week

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

GREECE

March 8: International Women’s Day

IRELAND

JAMAICA

DENMARK

EL SALVADOR

March 26: Independence and National Day

LAOS

GUATEMALA

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

COLOMBIA

BANGLADESH

IRAN

ITALY

ECUADOR

March 3: National Day March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

GHANA

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 3: National Day March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 25: Good Friday

March 8: International Women’s Day March 20: Nooruz

March 2: Victory of Adwa Day March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 25: Good Friday

March 19: San José Day March 24: Maundy Thursday March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

INDONESIA

CZECH REPUBLIC

CHILE

BULGARIA

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter

GRENADA

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

BAHAMAS

GERMANY

March 1: Independence Movement Day

KYRGYZSTAN

March 25: Good Friday

ETHIOPIA

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

March 25: Good Friday

INDIA

March 25: Greek National Day

CYPRUS

March 27: Easter

BRAZIL

March 28: Easter Monday

March 13: Mother’s Day March 27: Easter

March 14: Native Language Day March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

BOTSWANA

March 8: International Women’s Day

GEORGIA

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

LITHUANIA March 11: Restoration of Independence of Lithuania March 27: Easter

SEE hoLidAYs • PAGE 46

try to introduce art forms that aren’t necessarily commercially successful, but that we think have cultural importance and that we think people ought to hear,” Campbell said. “This is why virtually every symphony orchestra in this country is a nonprofit — because without donations and grant support and tax exemptions, they would never make it. They’re not Taylor Swift.” Campbell acknowledges that the group has to be careful about booking unknown jazz acts, for example, in 2,000-seat venues, where they are likely to struggle. And Bilfield says that in an era when people are busy and have an abundance of entertainment options, there are no “slam dunks” that are guaranteed to sell out. But ultimately, WPA is guided by a desire to bring the cultures of the world and those art forms home to D.C. audiences. “The arbiter of great art is not necessarily the marketplace,” Campbell said. “We like to lead our audiences on a journey with us.” WD Dave Seminara (@DaveSem) is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016 | 45

CDI:/ Although every effort is made to assure your ad is free of mistakes in spelling and content it is ultimately up to the customer to make the final proof.

WD | March 2016

The first two faxed changes will be made at no cost to the advertiser, subsequent changes will be billed at a rate of $75 per faxed alteration. Signed ads are considered approved. EaZVhZ X]ZX` i]^h VY XVgZ[jaan# BVg` Vcn X]Vc\Zh id ndjg VY#

diplomat Classiﬁeds

If the ad is correct sign and fax to: (301) 949-0065 The Washington Diplomat

To place an ad in the classfieds section,

For sALe

needs changes

(301) 933-3552

Approved __________________________________________________________ Changes please call ___________________________________________________________ 301.933.3552 or email sales@washdiplomat.com ___________________________________________________________________

proFessionAL

proFessionAL PERSONAL SECURITY BY

proFessionAL CONSULTANT - WRITING/EDITING — Washington DC - Analytical, research, writing and editing services provided by Ph.D. consultant with international development and academic background. Experienced in policy and issue analysis; program assessment, evaluation and design; and proposal development. C.V. and references available upon request. Contact: diplomaticdocs@gmail.com.

SANTANA THOMAS

Diplomat Classifieds Sell.

703-772-8362 or

Call 301.933.3552 Today.

santhomas213@yahoo.com

ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR —

Call 1-800368-5788 Ext. #1 for a FREE Introductory Copy of the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs Nine full-color issues for $29 a year. Mention this ad and get a $20 subscription. Visit our Web site at http://www.wrmea.com

Holidays CoNtINUED • PAGE 45

NETHERLANDS

PANAMA

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 25: Good Friday

NEW ZEALAND March 28: Easter Monday

LUXEMBOURG March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

Nuclear Victims’ Remembrance Day

MAURITIUS March 12: National Day

MACEDONIA

MEXICO

March 27: Easter

March 21: Birthday of President Benito Juárez

MADAGASCAR March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday March 29: Memorial Day

MALAWI

MOLDOVA March 8: International Women’s Day March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 5: Martyrs’ Day March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

MONGOLIA

MALTA

NAMIBIA

March 19: St. Joseph’s Day March 25: Good Friday

MARSHALL ISLANDS March 1: Memorial Day and

March 8: International Women’s Day March 21: Independence Day March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

NICARAGUA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

PARAGUAY

March 24: Holy Thursday March 25: Good Friday

March 1: Heroes’ Day March 24: Holy Thursday March 25: Good Friday

NIGER

PERU

March 27: Easter

March 24: Holy Thursday March 25: Good Friday

NIGERIA March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

PHILIPPINES March 24: Holy Thursday March 25: Good Friday

NORWAY

POLAND

March 24: Maundy Thursday March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

PAKISTAN March 23: Pakistan Day

PALAU March 15: Youth Day

46 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016

PORTUGAL March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter

ROMANIA March 8: International Women’s Day

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

RUSSIA

SLOVENIA

March 8: International Women’s Day

ST. KITTS and NEVIS March 25: Good Friday March 26: Easter Saturday March 27: Easter

ST. LUCIA March 25: Good Friday March 26: Easter Saturday March 27: Easter

ST. VINCENT and THE GRENADINES March 14: National Heroes’ Day March 25: Good Friday March 26: Easter Saturday March 27: Easter

SENEGAL March 27: Easter

SEYCHELLES March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter

SLOVAKIA March 25: Good Friday

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

SOUTH AFRICA March 21: Human Rights Day

SPAIN March 24: Holy Thursday March 25: Good Friday

SWEDEN March 25: Good Friday March 26: Easter Saturday March 27: Easter

SWITZERLAND March 25: Good Friday March 26: Easter Saturday March 27: Easter

TAIWAN March 29: Youth Day

TAJIKISTAN March 8: International Women’s Day March 20: Noruz

English instructor with over 25 years of experience. Improve your speaking, comprehension, and presentation skills. Areas of expertise include international affairs/diplomacy, public policy, economics, strategic communi-cation, politics, intercultural business culture, and military issues. Please visit my website www.theprofessionalsolution.us for additional information or contact Elena Dryden at (703) 541-8496.

FREE!

Place your classifieds ad - 301.933.3552

DIPLOMATS Your ad is free!

TANZANIA

UKRAINE

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 8: International Women’s Day

TOGO

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday March 30: Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day

TUNISIA

UNITED KINGDOM

URUGUAY March 24 to 28: Holy Week

UZBEKISTAN March 8: International Women’s Day March 20: Noruz

March 20: Independence Day March 21: Youth Day

VENEZUELA

TURKMENISTAN

ZAMBIA

March 8: International Women’s Day March 20: Novruz Bairam

March 12: Youth Day March 26: Holy Saturday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

UGANDA March 8: International Women’s Day March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

March 25: Good Friday March 27: Easter

ZIMBABWE March 25: Good Friday March 26: Holy Saturday March 27: Easter March 28: Easter Monday

gh every effort is made to assure your ad is free of mistakes in spelling and ontent it is ultimately up to the customer to make the final proof.

WD | March 2016

axed changes will be made at no cost to the advertiser, subsequent changes at a rate of $75 per faxed alteration. Signed ads are considered approved. EaZVhZ X]ZX` i]^h VY XVgZ[jaan# BVg` Vcn X]Vc\Zh id ndjg VY#

real estate Classiﬁeds

ct sign and fax to: (301) 949-0065

Diplomat

needs changes

(301) 933-3552

_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ To place an ad in the classfieds section, _____________________________________________________

please call 301.933.3552 or email sales@washdiplomat.com

CommerCiAL

For renT

T WS K S VIE

EMBASSY ROW AREA —

COMMERCIAL OFFICE SALES/LEASING —

BETHESDA —

Embassy Office Space – DC/ NYC Chancery Buildings / Residential Buildings and Land Development Sites. Leases and Lease Renegotiation Services. Embassy Row Area Mansions with parking. Ideal for embassies, law firms, foundations, etc. Lease or Sale. SCR (202) 491-5300. James Connelly – The Diplomats Agent

Embassy Chancery Commercial Office Sales/Leasing

Town House - Perfect for Diplomats! 3 BR / 2.5 BA and pool; modern airy design; close to Lycee Rochambeau, NIH, W Reed and Naval. Easy access to Metro & Beltway. $2,750 per month. bethesdatownhouse@gmail.com. (301) 530-9398.

5 VE 24 AC RI

M TO PO

Agent has numerous other properties to show!

EMBASSY OFFICE BUILDING WITH PARKING FOR SALE

Over the past 30 years we have specialized in working with Embassies to find suitable Chancery and office properties to buy or lease. Please call Guy d’Amecourt for consultation.

SOLD!

(202) 415-7800 or (202) 682-6261 SUMMIT Commercial Real Estate, LLC

ALL COMMERCIAL USES

DIPLOMAT REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS —

SELL? BUY? RENT?

EMAIL: JCONNELLY@SUMMITCRE.COM TOURS BY APPT: 202 491 5300

Classifieds get superb results! Place your real estate classifed today by calling (301) 933-3552.

CALL: (301) 933-3552

Call today to place your classified ad in the next issue.

REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS

( 301) 933-3552

kalorama 2310 tracy place, nw washington, dc

Book Review CoNtINUED • PAGE 23

the most pervasive pathological belief is a deep sense of fear, even in a modern world that is more safe than it has ever been in the past. While dangers always exist and absolute security is impossible, compared to any other country at virtually any other time, the United States is remarkably insulated from external threats, Fettweis declares. “It is easy to be unaware that there has never been a more stable, less violent era in history than the one we are living in now. Ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Ukraine and elsewhere tend to obscure what is certainly the most significant trend in twenty-first century international politics: the world is experiencing a golden age of peace and security,” he writes. “The number and intensity of all kinds of conflict are at historically low levels. Major war between great powers is so rare that a growing number of scholars suspect it may be obsolete…. Today a far greater percentage of the world’s population lives in peace than at any time before in history, which is a nontrivial, curiously underreported and underappreciated fact.” Fettweis argues that international terrorism is not on the ascendancy, despite the near hysterical fear of it gripping the United States. Writing in 2015 before the Paris attacks, he acknowledges the rise of the Islamic State but concludes it has little power to harm people outside its region. “Terrorism and the other threats of the

WASHINGTON F I N E P RO P E RT I E S , L L C

twenty-first century are not new; the only thing that has changed is the amount of time U.S. leaders have to worry about them. Background problems have today been moved to the foreground, elevated to replace what was a major threat emanating out of Moscow. Nostalgia for the Cold War is only possible for those with highly selective memories. The world was a much more dangerous place then.” Fettweis believes that in addition to fear, U.S. foreign policy is often driven by an excessive desire to prove its credibility, an intense longing for prestige and simple arrogance. “From the Bay of Pigs through Vietnam to Iraq, Washington has repeatedly exhibited the kind of overconfidence that the Greeks would immediately recognize as hubris, or inflated self-esteem that leads inevitably to folly.” Fettweis offers suggestions that presidents should be mindful of as they craft their foreign policy. He warns them to be skeptical of foreign policy experts whose socalled expertise is often an illusion because the subject is too vast and complex for anyone to achieve mastery of its many nuances. He also urges presidents not to be mesmerized by aides who deliver riveting briefings. “The wisdom of arguments is unrelated to the charisma of the presenter,” he notes. According to Fettweis, the military advice a president receives will be predictable. The military will almost always initially oppose using force. But if a decision is made to use it, military leaders will seek massive firepower and press for total victory, irrespective of costs and benefits. All presidents, Fettweis de-

clares, should have a grand strategy based on a coherent sense of national interests, a plan to advance those interests and clear priorities among many threats and opportunities. But presidents should not publicly elaborate on their grand strategy. “Few things are more counterproductive in foreign policy than predictability,” he says. “Presidents should realize that it can be helpful occasionally to bluff or even act a little crazy from time to time. The gods of strategy do not reward perpetually straightforward leaders.” Foreign policies are judged by outcomes, not by the intentions of the nation’s leaders, Fettweis emphasizes, citing the 2003 invasion of Iraq as a powerful and painful example. “The decision to invade Iraq may well turn out to be the most ill-advised action this country has ever taken.” Fettweis says policies should never be formulated in the heat of the moment and that leaders should try to defer major decisions until they have adequate information. The United States can usually afford to be patient and presidents should ignore the media’s clamor for quick decisions. “Given enough time, many problems solve themselves; those that do not can be dealt with in due time,” he writes, adding that action carries more political risk than inaction. He quotes former U.S. House Speaker Thomas Brackett Reed, who said in 1895: “When you don’t know what to do, do nothing.” Presidents, Fettweis argues, should pay scant attention to the media. “When it comes to foreign policy, presidents should, to the extent possible, ignore the media and analysts. Except in very rare

instances, no one will remember what is said by the various pundits, commentators, blowhards and political opponents.” He also offers a seemingly small but shrewd suggestion for presidents: When thinking through decisions, they should write down their options and the explanations for their decisions. Ideas that seem wise in quick verbal exchanges often look dubious when the advocate must explain them with specific written words. I found Fettweis to be insightful and provocative. “Making Foreign Policy Decisions” is written to seize the reader’s attention and stimulate debate. It will persuade some and make others furious. But readers will leave this book with opinions — and plenty of marginal notes. To be sure, there are some hyperbolic statements in the book, but they mostly serve to spur thought and discussion. His overall view that presidents should be careful, cautious and skeptical of military action is persuasive, especially when considering the costly foreign policy debacles of the last half century. Vietnam and Iraq come quickly to mind. I agree with Fettweis that the U.S. foreign policy establishment has a bias toward action and even grandiosity, which in turn has led to overreaching. There are several areas, however, where I disagree with the author. For example, Fettweis’s argument that credibility counts for little in international affairs does not ring true. No doubt, major mistakes have been made in frantic efforts to appear credible. But surely a nation that routinely backs down, obfuscates or misleads will be viewed and treated differently than more

reliable countries. While I think the world is far less dangerous than most of the American public believes, Fettweis plays down the psychological damage caused by terrorism and does not account for the serious dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists. His observations about the Islamic State have been overtaken by events and the Paris attacks show that he underestimated the group’s ability to strike outside of the Middle East. The author’s basic views on grand strategy are sound, but I don’t understand his suggestion for presidential silence in this realm. I think it is wise for a president to present an overall world view without endless elaboration of its details. But for presidents to gain support for their foreign policy, the public has to know what its broad elements are. I agree that it can be helpful for a president to be seen as cagey and shrewd, but I doubt that being viewed as “crazy” or “unpredictable” is helpful over the longer term. This might work for the leader of North Korea but not for the president of United States, who has much different global responsibilities. “Making Foreign Policy Decisions” is a book that will stir up debate. This is good. At a time when a lot of foreign policy writing is glib, platitudinous and predictable, Fettweis is daring, challenging and provocative. The next president would do well to spend a few hours after the November election reading this book — and maybe even write a review of it. WD John Shaw is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.

THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016 | 47

IT’S GOLF TIME.

F RI DAY, M AY 6 12 Noon • 1:30 pm Shotgun Start Worthington Manor Golf Club • Urbana, MD An Ault-Clark Signature Course

12TH ANNUAL EMBASSY

GOLF TOURNAMENT Co-hosted Under the Gracious Patronage of Ambassador of United Arab Emirates Yousef Al Otaiba

EARLY

4-PERSON SCRAMBLE

RATES

Individual $200 regular $160 embassy

BIRD

Through March 31

Foursome $ 700 regular $520 embassy

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.WASHDIPLOMAT.COM Now reserving sponsorships. Call 301.933.3552 48 | THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT | MArcH 2016

S PO N S O R S