March 2007








  Washington Diplomat  P.O. Box 1345
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Business
As Panama Plans Canal Expansion, Neighboring Countries Eye Alternatives
by Larry Luxner
As the Panama Canal prepares to get a major facelift, some of Panama’s neighbors are busy exploring their own alternatives to the 93-year-old waterway.

Medical
Doctors Debate Drug Makers’ Influence on Medical Students
by Gina Shaw
The cozy relationship between the 90,000 “drug reps” in the pharmaceutical industry and the institutions that turn out tomorrow’s physicians is rubbing more and more people the wrong way.



Luxury Living Special Section
Four times a year, The Washington Diplomat publishes a special section focusing on Luxury Living in the Washington D.C. area.This months' section features stories on the fluctuating condo market as well as tips for selling your home in today's market.



Automotive Special Section
Two times a year, The Washington Diplomat publishes a special section focusing on the Automotive industry in the Washington D.C. area. This month's section features Mercedes Benz’s GL-Class and R-Class sport utility vehicles.

Cover Profile: Estonia
Tiny Estonia Shines as Post-Soviet Economic, Democratic Powerhouse
by Larry Luxner
Estonian Ambassador Jüri Luik is unabashedly proud of his little country’s achievements in the nearly 16 years since Estonia regained its independence as a sovereign republic.

People of World Influence
U.S. Finally Warming Up to Global Climate Change
by John Shaw
Jonathan Lash has become one of the world’s leading environmental leaders—able to speak the language of climate change to both environmental activists and corporate leaders.

Immigration
EB-5 Visa Program Seeks to Pump Investment Dollars Into New Orleans
by Larry Luxner
Wealthy foreigners and their immediate families could be granted permanent U.S. residency in exchange for helping to bankroll the rebuilding of New Orleans.

Diplomacy
New Mexico’s Presidential Hopeful Dabbles in High-Level Diplomacy
by Richard James
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson talks about the beleaguered state of U.S. diplomacy, his political future, and what it takes to negotiate successfully with some of the world’s most notorious dictators.

Human Rights
Diplomatic Immunity Poses Big Hurdle for Domestic Workers
by Alan B. Nichols
Advocacy groups face a daunting task when pursuing labor complaints against diplomats, who are immune from U.S. criminal and civil prosecution.

Also See: Where to Get More Information

International Affairs
EU, Nordic Nations Sound Alarm on Global Warming
by Sanjay Talwani
With international attention more focused than ever on global warming, Finland and other Nordic nations are finding that their years of activism are paying off.







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