Straight from the editors' mouths

Here's an interesting and informative blog from the editors of Foreign Policy magazine.

There are almost daily posts from multiple writers, which makes for a well-rounded tone and a broad perspective.

Today's top story is in regards to Condoleezza Rice having arrived in New Delhi, India, in response to the terrorist activity in Mumbai.

CUB Soundslides

For those holiday travelers...

It seems the U.S. government is suggesting an isolationist approach when it comes to foreign policy of the individual American citizen. Among others, the U.S. government is discouraging its citizens from traveling to Thailand right now, due to the recent protests and the fact that all international airports in Thailand have been brought to a standstill.

Here's an article from CNN that quoted statements from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok and the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, who are both basically saying "make our lives easier and stay home."

For those unfamiliar with the current political situation in Thailand, the people of Thailand are having trouble getting multibillionaire media tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra's sticky little fingers out of their government. He was elected Prime Minister in 2001, but when he didn't keep his promises, he was ousted (peacefully) out of office by protestors in 2006 only to be replaced by...his brother-in-law.

Obama picks his team

Though it had been expected for several days, President-elect Obama officially announced his selections for secretary of defense, secretary of state, and national security advisor. In the linked story, David Sanger for the New York Times wrote that this team represents a shift a foreign policy priorities. In the story, one of Obama's senior advisers is quoted as calling the cabinet, "the great foreign policy experiment of the Obama presidency."

When campaigning, a lack of foreign policy experience was one of the most common criticisms Obama faced. The team of Clinton, Gates, and Gen. James L. Jones, the former NATO commander, make up for this to an extent with their combined experience.

Here is a full list of Obama's cabinet and other high-profile postions including those already filled and those pending.