An education for peace and understanding
June 3, 2008 The Boston Globe
Boston Globe columnist H.D.S. Greenway analyzes the profound positive impact that Fulbright scholarships have in promoting a shift away from adversarial identities abroad. In the wake of the brief State Department removal of such scholarships to students in Gaza, Greenway argues that it is vital to maintain this program in conflict zones, since, as Fulbright scholar Abdulrahman Abdullah put it, “If we are talking about peace and mutual understanding it means investing in people who will later contribute to Palestinian society.” Read more about how Greenway sees the Fulbright scholars program as a tool for creating common ground.
On economy, unlikely allies forge winning strategy
May 5, 2008 The Washington Post
In a key story one month ago, Lori Montgomery and David Cho documented a rare, cooperative relationship in Washington. Republican Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Democratic representative Barney Frank have, at the close of the Bush administration, been able to bridge the partisan divide in order to enact significant legislation on housing relief and the reform of the Federal Housing Administration. Though “about the only thing [the two] have in common is a Harvard degree,” they have successfully found a shared path to what they perceive to be in America’s best interest. Find out more about the two politicians’ unique, cooperative relationship.
Reconciliation talks move closer to Djibouti
June 3, 2008 IRIN News
Despite statements as recently as April that they would open no talks with the Eritrea-based opposition alliance, the Somalian Transitional Federal Government is now engaging in its second round of dialogue with the insurgents in four weeks. According to Ahmed Abdisalam, Somalia’s deputy prime minister, the discussions are focusing on developing a sense of mutual understanding amidst the current humanitarian crisis: “…we need to sit down, talk about our differences and resolve them.” Take a look at the efforts under way to breed reconciliation in the Horn of Africa.
Why can’t Politics, Tech, and Environmentalists play nice?
June 1, 2008 The Huffington Post
Blogger Steve Rosenbaum suggests that to tackle one of the most divisive global dilemmas – climate change – political opponents will have to “work together. Across borders. Across political divides. Across cultures.” This attitude necessitates compromise between the special interests of politicians, the drive for profit of technologists, and the oppositional stance of environmentalists. Recognizing that none of these parties is absolutely right, Rosenbaum suggests that cooperation and a new “global leadership” are needed to avoid crisis. Read about how bridging political divides on the issue of the environment will lead to a “highest common denominator.”
