NPR People: Michele Kelemen http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2100727&ft=1&f=2100727 A former NPR Moscow bureau chief, Michele Kelemen now covers the State Department. Her reports can be heard on all NPR News programs ? from Morning Edition to All Things Considered. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:09:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Michele Kelemen http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2100727&ft=1&f=2100727 yes Obama Honors India's Singh With State Visit The White House hosts India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the first formal state visit of Barack Obama's presidency. There are talks between the two leaders Tuesday, and later a state dinner. India is becoming a major player in global affairs — one that the U.S. needs on its side when it comes to issues like climate change, trade and countering extremism in South Asia. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:09:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120738610&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120738610&ft=1&f=2100727 The White House hosts India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the first formal state visit of Barack Obama's presidency. There are talks between the two leaders Tuesday, and later a state dinner. India is becoming a major player in global affairs — one that the U.S. needs on its side when it comes to issues like climate change, trade and countering extremism in South Asia. 271 no The White House hosts India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the first formal state visit of Barack Obama's presidency. There are talks between the two leaders Tuesday, and later a state dinner. India is becoming a major player in global affairs — one that the U.S. needs on its side when it comes to issues like climate change, trade and countering extremism in South Asia.

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]]> Afghanistan-Bound, Americans Pretend To Be There While President Obama weighs his options on Afghanistan, one thing is clear: The U.S. is beefing up its civilian presence there. The aid effort has been hobbled from the start, and many experts consider it a weak link in the struggle to build a stable society in the conflicted country. Deputy Secretary of State Jack Lew insists that the U.S. is now recruiting the right kind of people, but before those people head to Afghanistan, they get trained to work with the military at a base in Indiana. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646666&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646666&ft=1&f=2100727 While President Obama weighs his options on Afghanistan, one thing is clear: The U.S. is beefing up its civilian presence there. The aid effort has been hobbled from the start, and many experts consider it a weak link in the struggle to build a stable society in the conflicted country. Deputy Secretary of State Jack Lew insists that the U.S. is now recruiting the right kind of people, but before those people head to Afghanistan, they get trained to work with the military at a base in Indiana. 250 no While President Obama weighs his options on Afghanistan, one thing is clear: The U.S. is beefing up its civilian presence there. The aid effort has been hobbled from the start, and many experts consider it a weak link in the struggle to build a stable society in the conflicted country. Deputy Secretary of State Jack Lew insists that the U.S. is now recruiting the right kind of people, but before those people head to Afghanistan, they get trained to work with the military at a base in Indiana.

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]]> Study: Repression Continues In Raul's Cuba Cuban leader Raul Castro has maintained an abusive system that his brother put in place to repress dissent, according to Human Rights Watch. The report also calls for a change in U.S. policy, lifting the longtime trade embargo in favor of more targeted sanctions. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120545595&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120545595&ft=1&f=2100727 Cuban leader Raul Castro has maintained an abusive system that his brother put in place to repress dissent, according to Human Rights Watch. The report also calls for a change in U.S. policy, lifting the longtime trade embargo in favor of more targeted sanctions. 180 no Cuban leader Raul Castro has maintained an abusive system that his brother put in place to repress dissent, according to Human Rights Watch. The report also calls for a change in U.S. policy, lifting the longtime trade embargo in favor of more targeted sanctions.

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]]> Empowering Leaders Key To Countries Advancing The Obama administration is planning to send more diplomats and civilian aid workers to Afghanistan, and it is working out a strategy to spend billions of dollars for development projects across the border in Pakistan. In both countries, U.S. officials will have challenges working with the local leaders while trying to strengthen their countries. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120527428&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120527428&ft=1&f=2100727 The Obama administration is planning to send more diplomats and civilian aid workers to Afghanistan, and it is working out a strategy to spend billions of dollars for development projects across the border in Pakistan. In both countries, U.S. officials will have challenges working with the local leaders while trying to strengthen their countries. 236 no The Obama administration is planning to send more diplomats and civilian aid workers to Afghanistan, and it is working out a strategy to spend billions of dollars for development projects across the border in Pakistan. In both countries, U.S. officials will have challenges working with the local leaders while trying to strengthen their countries.

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]]> Galbraith's Actions May Hurt Independent Advice Former U.S. ambassador Peter Galbraith denies there were conflicts of interest when he advised the Kurdish government about their constitution. He says the Kurds knew about the business relationship he formed with a Norwegian oil company a year later. Nonetheless, some experts worry Galthraith's actions will make it more difficult for Americans to give advice independently without the suspicion of profit. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120375863&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120375863&ft=1&f=2100727 Former U.S. ambassador Peter Galbraith denies there were conflicts of interest when he advised the Kurdish government about their constitution. He says the Kurds knew about the business relationship he formed with a Norwegian oil company a year later. Nonetheless, some experts worry Galthraith's actions will make it more difficult for Americans to give advice independently without the suspicion of profit. 219 no Former U.S. ambassador Peter Galbraith denies there were conflicts of interest when he advised the Kurdish government about their constitution. He says the Kurds knew about the business relationship he formed with a Norwegian oil company a year later. Nonetheless, some experts worry Galthraith's actions will make it more difficult for Americans to give advice independently without the suspicion of profit.

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]]> Ex-U.S. Hostage Named Senior Iran Policy Official When former ambassador John Limbert, a former hostage in Iran, retired a few years ago, he lamented the fact that Iran experts and Farsi speakers don't have much of a career path at the State Department. But now, the Obama administration has created a new job to focus on Iran policy — a deputy assistant secretary of state — and Limbert was just plucked out of retirement to take on the assignment. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120324844&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120324844&ft=1&f=2100727 When former ambassador John Limbert, a former hostage in Iran, retired a few years ago, he lamented the fact that Iran experts and Farsi speakers don't have much of a career path at the State Department. But now, the Obama administration has created a new job to focus on Iran policy — a deputy assistant secretary of state — and Limbert was just plucked out of retirement to take on the assignment. 239 no When former ambassador John Limbert, a former hostage in Iran, retired a few years ago, he lamented the fact that Iran experts and Farsi speakers don't have much of a career path at the State Department. But now, the Obama administration has created a new job to focus on Iran policy — a deputy assistant secretary of state — and Limbert was just plucked out of retirement to take on the assignment.

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]]> While An Obama Priority, Mideast Peace Pace Slows President Obama has said that one of his priorities is to help Israelis and Palestinians negotiate peace. But the U.S. has been unable to persuade Israel to stop settlement building in the West Bank, and Palestinians say without that they are not ready to talk. To get things started, U.S. officials may have to begin with lower-level negotiations. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120111689&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120111689&ft=1&f=2100727 President Obama has said that one of his priorities is to help Israelis and Palestinians negotiate peace. But the U.S. has been unable to persuade Israel to stop settlement building in the West Bank, and Palestinians say without that they are not ready to talk. To get things started, U.S. officials may have to begin with lower-level negotiations. 233 no President Obama has said that one of his priorities is to help Israelis and Palestinians negotiate peace. But the U.S. has been unable to persuade Israel to stop settlement building in the West Bank, and Palestinians say without that they are not ready to talk. To get things started, U.S. officials may have to begin with lower-level negotiations.

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]]> U.S. Welcomes Afghan Election Result President Obama called Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday to congratulate him on winning a second term. Obama said he is ready to work with Karzai, but wants to write a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120026778&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120026778&ft=1&f=2100727 President Obama called Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday to congratulate him on winning a second term. Obama said he is ready to work with Karzai, but wants to write a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. 245 no President Obama called Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday to congratulate him on winning a second term. Obama said he is ready to work with Karzai, but wants to write a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries.

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]]> Afghan Violence Won't Deter U.S. Civilian Efforts The deadly attack on a U.N. guesthouse in Kabul on Wednesday underscored the dangers of being a U.S. civilian in Afghanistan. The State Department is currently in the process of beefing up its corps of U.S. civilian advisers in Afghanistan, despite the security concerns. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:07:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114257872&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114257872&ft=1&f=2100727 The deadly attack on a U.N. guesthouse in Kabul on Wednesday underscored the dangers of being a U.S. civilian in Afghanistan. The State Department is currently in the process of beefing up its corps of U.S. civilian advisers in Afghanistan, despite the security concerns. 252 no The deadly attack on a U.N. guesthouse in Kabul on Wednesday underscored the dangers of being a U.S. civilian in Afghanistan. The State Department is currently in the process of beefing up its corps of U.S. civilian advisers in Afghanistan, despite the security concerns.

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]]> New Lobby Pushes Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace Mission National Security Adviser James Jones addressed the inaugural J Street conference on Tuesday. The startup pro-Israel lobby says it represents not only a missing street on the map of Washington, but also a missing voice in the foreign policy establishment. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114215622&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114215622&ft=1&f=2100727 National Security Adviser James Jones addressed the inaugural J Street conference on Tuesday. The startup pro-Israel lobby says it represents not only a missing street on the map of Washington, but also a missing voice in the foreign policy establishment. 247 no National Security Adviser James Jones addressed the inaugural J Street conference on Tuesday. The startup pro-Israel lobby says it represents not only a missing street on the map of Washington, but also a missing voice in the foreign policy establishment.

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]]> With Spotlight On Afghanistan, Where's Holbrooke? Sen. John Kerry took the foreign policy spotlight this past week, jetting off to Afghanistan, where he persuaded President Hamid Karzai to agree to a runoff vote, and meeting with officials in Pakistan. It raised the question: Where's Richard Holbrooke, Obama's designated point man on Afghanistan and Pakistan? Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:29:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114077076&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114077076&ft=1&f=2100727 Sen. John Kerry took the foreign policy spotlight this past week, jetting off to Afghanistan, where he persuaded President Hamid Karzai to agree to a runoff vote, and meeting with officials in Pakistan. It raised the question: Where's Richard Holbrooke, Obama's designated point man on Afghanistan and Pakistan? 239 no Sen. John Kerry took the foreign policy spotlight this past week, jetting off to Afghanistan, where he persuaded President Hamid Karzai to agree to a runoff vote, and meeting with officials in Pakistan. It raised the question: Where's Richard Holbrooke, Obama's designated point man on Afghanistan and Pakistan?

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]]> In War Zones, Rape Is A Powerful Weapon Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made combating sexual violence against women a top priority. But there are many obstacles to change in places such as conflict-ravaged Congo, which is suffering from an epidemic of rape. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:04:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114001201&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114001201&ft=1&f=2100727 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made combating sexual violence against women a top priority. But there are many obstacles to change in places such as conflict-ravaged Congo, which is suffering from an epidemic of rape. 230 no Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made combating sexual violence against women a top priority. But there are many obstacles to change in places such as conflict-ravaged Congo, which is suffering from an epidemic of rape.

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]]> U.S. Tweaks Sudan Policy To Offer Incentives The Obama administration has unveiled what it calls a calibrated and comprehensive strategy to deal with the conflicts in Sudan. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the new menu of what she called "incentives and disincentives," but did not specify what the punitive measures might be. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113943687&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113943687&ft=1&f=2100727 The Obama administration has unveiled what it calls a calibrated and comprehensive strategy to deal with the conflicts in Sudan. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the new menu of what she called "incentives and disincentives," but did not specify what the punitive measures might be. 199 no The Obama administration has unveiled what it calls a calibrated and comprehensive strategy to deal with the conflicts in Sudan. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the new menu of what she called "incentives and disincentives," but did not specify what the punitive measures might be.

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]]> U.S. Policy To Use Incentives To Engage Sudan U.S. officials announced a new policy on Sudan Monday. The administration is trying to resolve what it calls genocide in western Darfur, as well as maintaining a 2005 north-south peace deal. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice says the administration will use a mixture of pressures and incentives to try to keep both peace efforts on track. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113922971&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113922971&ft=1&f=2100727 U.S. officials announced a new policy on Sudan Monday. The administration is trying to resolve what it calls genocide in western Darfur, as well as maintaining a 2005 north-south peace deal. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice says the administration will use a mixture of pressures and incentives to try to keep both peace efforts on track. 296 no U.S. officials announced a new policy on Sudan Monday. The administration is trying to resolve what it calls genocide in western Darfur, as well as maintaining a 2005 north-south peace deal. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice says the administration will use a mixture of pressures and incentives to try to keep both peace efforts on track.

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]]> U.N. Panel Backs Controversial Gaza Report The U.N. Human Rights Council endorsed Friday a report that accuses both Israelis and Palestinians of war crimes in last winter's Gaza conflict, but is more critical of Israel. The Goldstone Report, as it is known, was approved 25-to-6, with the U.S. among the six that voted no. The vote might further complicate U.S. efforts to broker an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113884173&ft=1&f=2100727 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113884173&ft=1&f=2100727 The U.N. Human Rights Council endorsed Friday a report that accuses both Israelis and Palestinians of war crimes in last winter's Gaza conflict, but is more critical of Israel. The Goldstone Report, as it is known, was approved 25-to-6, with the U.S. among the six that voted no. The vote might further complicate U.S. efforts to broker an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. 214 no The U.N. Human Rights Council endorsed Friday a report that accuses both Israelis and Palestinians of war crimes in last winter's Gaza conflict, but is more critical of Israel. The Goldstone Report, as it is known, was approved 25-to-6, with the U.S. among the six that voted no. The vote might further complicate U.S. efforts to broker an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement.

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