Ambassadors Get Firsthand Look at U.S. Politics After the confetti, balloons and presidential pontificating and partying of this year’s Democratic and Republican national conventions were over, many diplomats hurried back to Washington from Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul — full of stories and firsthand knowledge of how our American two-party system officially launches their bids for the White House. In all, 96 countries were represented at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver and 97 in Minneapolis-St. Paul for the Republican National Convention (RNC). Most of the ambassadors and diplomats who attended said they were “witnessing history,” while also enjoying the party spirit during the conventions and learning more about the differences between the Republicans and Democrats. U.S. Chief of Protocol Nancy Brinker helped to organize the trip for foreign diplomats to see the conventions, along with the National Democratic Institute, which invited diplomats specifically to the DNC, where they also attended an international leaders forum. The impressions gleaned by Washington’s ambassadors are an interesting commentary on America’s two-party system. Newly arrived Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki attended both conventions but had a concise description of the entire experience. “When I went to St. Paul for the Republican National Convention,” he said, “I observed that 80 percent of the [male] delegates were wearing coat and tie.” When asked to describe the DNC, he just smiled, diplomatically leaving his listener to fill in the rest of the story. To Liechtenstein’s ambassador, Claudia Fritsch, attending the Democratic and Republican conventions were “a great way to increase our knowledge about what either candidate, as well as their parties, would seek to change or improve in their administrations. It also served as an opportunity to get to know many of the individuals and policymakers who may very well be a part of the next administration. “Equally as important,” continued Fritsch, “the conventions were a wonderful opportunity to experience American politics outside of the Beltway. We were really able to learn what issues Americans are concerned with from the different parts of the nation. With all of the delegates from every state, we were able to experience a condensed but comprehensive portrayal of America and its diverse people.” Denmark’s Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen, meanwhile, said he not only “thoroughly enjoyed” both conventions, but felt he was “a witness to history.” “No other democracy uses as many resources and as much energy in the field of political communication,” he told the Diplomatic Pouch. “The work and talent that goes into writing and delivering the kinds of speeches that we heard in Denver and Minneapolis is outstanding.” He added: “The United States, once again, appears to be on the cusp of a new political era, and the enthusiasm that I saw at the two conventions was truly overwhelming.” Ambassador Petersen also reflected on the way the Internet is distinguishing this presidential election of 2008 from the one in 2004. “This time, bloggers, YouTube, Facebook and other means of mass communication were used in unprecedented ways to expand the discussions that took place at the conventions … in ways that until recently would have been unthinkable. Together, these tools provide a new paradigm for political communication that, I am sure, will be utilized in Europe in short order, as well.” For Omani Ambassador Hunaina Sultan Al-Mughairy, an economist, this was the first time she attended a U.S. political convention. “It was very exciting to be there where the real action is taking place,” she said. “There is a big a difference between watching the events on television and actually being there in person. It is indeed an excellent venue to meet the people who are going to be in the next administration as well as a venue for networking.” Ambassador of Monaco Gilles Noghès commented: “I am very grateful to the State Department for this wonderful opportunity in this historical election year to have been able to attend both conventions. I found them both exciting in the American way and came away with a much better understanding of why they are called political ‘parties,’” he quipped. Chilean Ambassador Mariano Fernández was struck by the differences between the American system of political parties versus those around the world. “Although I have never been to an American political party [convention] before, I have been to the Spanish, the British, the French, the German and, of course, the Chilean and even the Argentinean,” he explained. “In comparison, I would say that the general framework of the American one is much more a ‘celebration’ than a ‘discussion.’ And secondly, at these conventions, I knew I was witnessing how very lively this democracy is.” Likewise, Hungarian Ambassador Ferenc Somogyi noticed the uniqueness of the American system. “These conventions are much different from the gatherings of political parties in Europe. I was amazed at the show-like presentation and the festive mood at both conventions,” he said. “I enjoyed learning more about the Democratic and Republican parties — and I think I’ve learnt a lot about America during these two weeks. This election year is very exciting and I’m glad to be a witness to history.” Herself a former U.S. ambassador to Hungary, Nancy Brinker said she was happy so many diplomats took the time to attend both conventions. “This was an excellent opportunity to invite the diplomatic corps to observe the conventions … and become even more familiar with our political process.” Among the diplomats who attended the Republican National Convention in Minnesota were: (top row) Jakov Kitarovic and his wife, Croatian Ambassador Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, (middle row from left) Ambassador of the Republic of Congo Serge Mombouli and Jordanian Ambassador Zeid Raad Zeid Al Hussein (both seated), as well as Ghanaian Ambassador Kwame Bawuah Edusei, Ambassador of Djibouti Roble Olhaye and Ambassador of Mozambique Armando Alexandre Panguene (seated third row). Photo: DiAnne Owen, Office of the Chief of Protocol, U.S. Department of State Tasty Mexican Celebration The Mexican Embassy and the Mexican Cultural Institute have opened their fall season of cultural programs with “A Taste of Mexico in D.C.,” a weeklong journey celebrating Mexican cooking and cuisine. Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan believes food is an obvious area to promote his country, and the six Mexican restaurants in Washington participating in his country’s colorful promotion clearly share that belief. “Food, of course, is a significant trademark of any culture, but in the case of Mexico it is probably one of its most distinguishing characteristics. In the same way that whenever two Englishmen meet they invariably talk about the weather, food is always the topic of conversation when two Mexicans bump into each other. And if they meet abroad, they will always exchange tips as to where the best Mexican food is,” the ambassador said at the launch of Taste of Mexico on Sept. 5. “From personal experience,” he continued, “I can tell you that the six restaurants participating in this gastronomic celebration — Casa Oaxaca, Mio, Oyamel, Rosa Mexicano, Zengo and La Sandía — are at the top of the list of any Mexican living in the Washington, D.C., area.” Although Mexican food is already widely known and appreciated in the United States, Sarukhan noted that over the past decade, “an increasing number of new restaurants have opened, offering truly authentic and sophisticated Mexican dishes that have helped to better acquaint American palates with the diversity and sophistication of Mexican cuisine.” He added: “Like all the great cuisines such as the French, Chinese and Italian, Mexican food is also composed of an astonishing variety of regional dishes. It is therefore most fitting that this weeklong gastronomic celebration highlights some of the best culinary traditions from different regions of Mexico.” Other upcoming events at the Mexican Cultural Institute include a mixed-media exhibition titled “ID-entity” (which is also being presented at Transformer gallery at 1404 P St., NW), as well as an exhibit of paintings by Ricardo Mazal depicting the Odenwald forests of Germany — both of which run until Oct. 18. Further on the horizon is a Mexican showcase at next summer’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a multi-day event that draws 1 million visitors to the National Mall. There, Mexico will trumpet its plans for 2010 when its hosts a massive Mexican Festival in conjunction with the Smithsonian to celebrate the country’s bicentennial of independence and the centennial of the Mexican Revolution. For more information of the Taste of Mexico series, visit www.tasteofmexicodc.com. Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan, left, and Alejandra de la Paz, director of the Mexican Cultural Institute, kick off the embassy’s first fall program, “A Taste of Mexico in D.C.,” a weeklong journey celebrating Mexican cooking. Photos: Gail Scott Soldiering On With Help From Furry Friends The Washington Humane Society (WHS) has launched an innovative program called “Dog Tags” that works with wounded American soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center — a touching example of how animals and humans can help each other in times of need. On Sept. 9, the WHS Behavior and Learning Center off Georgia Avenue, NW, just across the street from the huge Walter Reed complex, a reception celebrated a happy ending for three U.S. service personnel wounded in Iraq who were honored for their work in “Dog Tags.” Injured soldiers recovering at Walter Reed come to WHS’s new Behavior and Learning Center twice a week to learn and study animal training and behavior. The soldiers in the program work with the homeless animals in the care of WHS, teaching the dogs behaviors that will help them succeed in their new homes, while the soldiers gain skills that prepare them for future careers in animal training and behavior. “The Washington Humane Society is honored to have developed this remarkable relationship with the soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center,” said WHS President and Chief Executive Officer Lisa LaFontaine, explaining that “our training certification program allows the soldiers the opportunity to heal while working with the homeless animals in our care and … provides the soldiers the certifications necessary to pursue a rewarding career in the animal behavior and training field.” U.S. National Guard Reservist Diane Lopes, who is finally getting ready to return home after a year at Walter Reed, is excited to see her five-pound Pomeranian in Tampa, Fla., again, although she said she will miss the new friends — feline, canine and human — that she has made through the Washington Humane Society. “I learned so much about what motivates a dog,” said this policewoman in civilian life. “For some dogs, it’s praise and for others, it’s food. But some just want to be touched and loved. What works for one dog doesn’t always work for the next. You’ve got to watch their reaction. That’s something I will take home for my police work with people.” Matthew Foster, a 25-year-old reservist from Wichita, Kan., lost a leg in combat. “This has been very therapeutic for me. I’ve learned that a dog loves you for who you are, not for how you look or your personal prejudices or beliefs. A dog doesn’t agree or disagree with the war you’ve been in,” he poignantly said, noting that he has had “at least” 15 dogs in his life from the time he was a little boy. Army Capt. Lawrence Minnis, meanwhile, discovered that training WHS dogs has taught him more about leadership than anything else. “It’s another challenge, another way to learn how to be a good leader,” said the 27-year-old local officer who, at 6 years old, adopted a neighborhood stray German shepherd. “We learned to relate to each dog so that they would accept our leadership. They had to know that we were in charge. If they don’t, they won’t listen. It’s the same with people.” All instruction at the center is based on humane, motivational methods of training, and WHS absorbs all related financial costs for the program. The Washington Humane Society, the only congressionally chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, has been the leading voice for animals in the District of Columbia since 1870, providing comfort and care to more than 20,000 animals annually through its broad range of programs and services. For more information or to make a donation in support of Dog Tags or other WHS programs, visit www.washhumane.org. From top row left, Sr. Airman Diane Lopes, Army Capt. Lawrence Minnis, Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster, Washington Human Society (WHS) President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine, and Hanna Lentz of the WHS Behavior and Learning Center (also on the front page), as well as Diana Foley of WHS and Kevin Simpson (bottom row), attend a reception celebrating the WHS program “Dog Tags” that partners wounded veterans with animals. Photos: Gail Scott THE WASHINGTON DIPLOMAT P.O. Box 1345 Silver Spring, MD 20915-1345 Tel: 301.933.3552 Fax: 301.949.0065 www.washdiplomat.com