2009: Where to Start?

The possibilities for the New Year and the sister cities network seem endless, but I’m conflicted by the discord between the hope for our country’s engagement abroad and current global reality:

• Middle East – Can proactive American diplomacy lead the region toward an enduring peace?
• Iraq – Can the country’s local, provincial, and national governments collaborate effectively with the evolving military departure?
• Russia/Eurasia – Is a regional stew brewing for something more substantive than the Georgian incursion?
• Zimbabwe and other African countries in a fragile state or turmoil – What leadership role will the U.S. play that reaches beyond its humanitarian and health-focus?
• Latin America - Will we rediscover partnerships?
• Iran & North Korea – Can we engage in a consistent dialogue that strikes a balance between security and constructive diplomacy?
• Cuba – Will our formal policy change enough to allow informal influences to warm relations?

These are just a few global challenges (not intended to comprehensive), as well as security and economic issues. Any one of them could consume significant diplomatic energies in good times, but in a year where economic pressures are unprecedented in recent history – can we afford not to engage on all these fronts with a deft hand? Lots to think about in 2009.