Politics Gender Plays Unique Role in Rise of Newly Elected Women Presidents by Michael Coleman Over the past six months, females have claimed the presidency or chancellorship in countries as far flung as Chile, Finland, Germany and Liberia, with each claiming a unique place in their nations’ histories. Finance and Investment Economies of Baltic States Among Most Dynamic in World by Alan B. Nichols A combination of entrepreneurial dynamism and free-market economic policies has produced stunning economic growth in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Diplomacy Wide Range of Qualities Distinguish Effective Ambassadors in Washington by John Shaw Experts agree that ambassadors must possess a multitude of skills to navigate Washington’s competitive and at times chaotic diplomatic environment. Also see: Case Study in Effective Diplomacy: Sweden’s Jan Eliasson Featured in New Book Medical New Medications, Social Support Can Help Schizophrenia Patients Work by Carolyn Cosmos Recent studies show that a presently unknown percentage of people with schizophrenia can recover from the devastating effects of the brain disease and hold down normal jobs. Also see: Two People Who Defied Schizophrenia Stereotypes

Cover Profile: Indonesia New Envoy Wants to Clean Up Indonesia’s Negative Image by Larry Luxner Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, Indonesia’s new ambassador, says most Americans think his country is a violent hotbed of Islamic fundamentalism—and his number-one priority is to change that image. People of World Influence Singapore Envoy Says Ambassadors Should Work Like Entrepreneurs by John Shaw Singapore’s Heng Chee Chan, a star of Embassy Row for the past decade, is an example of how creative ambassadors can give their countries a stature and recognition that goes beyond what their economic and political clout might normally command. Business Dubai Ports World Farms Out Port Management Expertise by Larry Luxner Until a few months ago, hardly anyone but the shipping industry had ever heard of Dubai Ports World, but long before the recent controversy, the company quietly became the world’s number-three port operator. Hotels Special Section Four times a year, The Washington Diplomat publishes a special section focusing on Hotels in the D.C. area. The April section features articles on the abundance of hotels offering splendid escapes that are no more than a short cab ride away and how hotels across the price spectrum are working to let parents know that their children are welcome. Check out the arts section for the latest in museum exhibits,dance, theater and much more. Ghana Embassy-Sponsored Special Report Ghana Ambassador Fritz Kwabena Poku says things are really looking ip for Ghana.