International Affairs Blog

European Union Lesson Plans

2011-04-12T15:16:00.002-04:00

The European Union Delegation to the United States has announced a new series of free online lesson plans about the EU designed by educators to support History and Social Sciences curricula in the United States. These lesson plans are designed primarily for students in grades 9-12. Each lesson is accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation and can be used as a stand-alone lesson or in combination

Ask A Diplomat with Ambassador Minton

2011-03-31T09:18:00.000-04:00

We sat down with Ambassador Minton, the President of the Korea Society and former U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, to ask a few questions. Check out the video to hear his thoughts on the current situation in Japan, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United States and South Korea, what Americans should know about Mongolia, and a career in diplomacy.

A New Look

2011-03-29T17:12:00.001-04:00

You may have noticed a few changes with our look lately! In honor of our 80th Anniversary, we've undergone a bit of a facelift -- we have a new logo, new homepage (www.worldpittsburgh.org) and Twitter name (@WorldPittsburgh), and a new color scheme. We're going to be offering some new items on this blog, too. If there's anything you'd like to see more of, just leave us a comment and we'll do

Americas Wednesday: Ask An Expert

2010-12-15T16:53:00.001-05:00

Christina recently sat down with the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, Michael A. Rodriguez, for a short video interview. In this video, SAC Rodriguez discusses his career path and offers advice to local students as to how they may become more globally competitive. For his complete bio, please click here. For more information about the FBI, please visit their

The Dish on WikiLeaks

2010-12-09T17:10:00.001-05:00

Don’t let the name fool you, WikiLeaks is not associated with everyone’s favorite online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. But both websites do embody a similar ideal: access to information. The difference is that WikiLeaks wants to give access to classified information. Without condemning or condoning WikiLeaks and the actions of its Editor in Chief, Julian Assange, let’s review what the site is,

APAC Thursdays: What's up with North Korea?

2010-12-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

Old History So... to begin our discussion on the Koreas we need to go back to 1945. Korea had been colonized by Japan from 1910 until 1945 when Allied powers split up areas that Axis powers had previously controlled. Much in the same way that Germany was divided into East and West, and the Berlin Wall was erected, Korea was split at the 38th parallel. It was agreed that the Soviet Union would

Americas Wednesdays: A Haiti Update

2010-12-01T11:00:00.001-05:00

The Council recently hosted Carolyn Miles (COO of Save the Children) for a breakfast briefing and update on the situation in Haiti. Here's an excerpt from the executive summary of the event: Ms. Miles began her talk by giving some background statistics on the Haiti relief effort. On January 12, 2010, the worst earthquake in Haiti’s modern history struck the island, killing more than 230,000 and

EMEA Mondays: Some Resources on Afghanistan

2010-11-29T16:31:00.002-05:00

After a bit of a hiatus, we're back -- with some (hopefully) useful resources on Afghanistan! The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- commonly referred to simply as "Afghanistan" -- is a complex and often misunderstood country with a fascinating history. For basic background information, we suggest having a look at one or more of the following:The CIA WorldFactBook page on Afghanistan (here) The

Language Lessons: Italian

2010-10-26T11:00:00.003-04:00

Hello. Buon giorno/Ciao. (bohn JYOHR-noh)/(chow) Goodbye. (informal) Arrivederci/Ciao. (ah-ree-vay-DAYR-chee)/(chow) Please. Per favore. (PAYR fah-VOH-ray) Thank you. Grazie. (GRAHT-see-yeh) You're welcome. Prego. (PRAY-goh) Excuse me? Scusi. (SKOO-zee) Yes. Si. (SEE) No. No. (NOH) Where is....? Dov'è? (Doh-vay?) Do you speak English? Parla inglese? (PAHR-lah

EMEA Mondays: Palestinian Olive Oil

2010-10-25T12:00:00.001-04:00

A new report by Oxfam International says that Palestinian profits from olive oil could double if Israeli restrictions on land ownership were relaxed and farming techniques would be improved. Currently, the Palestinian olive oil indsutry produces about $100 million annually for Palestinian farmers, and olives and olive oil are some of Palestine's main exports. Some of the recommendations from

Food for Thought

2010-10-22T13:18:00.040-04:00

It's Friday! The weekend's coming up, and with (hopefully) more time on your hands to think and do things, here's an inspiring article from the NYTimes about individuals making a difference in international development. Read it, think about it, and have a great weekend! Highlights from the article: SHE (Sustainable Health Enterprises) developed menstrual pads out of banana tree fibers to reduce

APAC Thursdays: Thailand

2010-10-21T14:00:00.003-04:00

Red Shirts Demonstrate in Thailand Radio France International reports that the Red Shirts, supporters of the deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is subject to an arrest warrant for charges of corruption, demonstrated in Bangkok on Saturday demanding the ex-prime minister's pardon. Around 17,000 people protested in the Thai capital in front of Government House, demanding to know

APAC Thursdays: Japan

2010-10-07T16:31:00.000-04:00

Here's an interesting read from the BBC about the yakuza, the Japanese who are involved in organized crime.

Americas Wednesdays: Colombia

2010-10-06T11:16:00.002-04:00

Check out this article about conflict ballads in Colombia, and this country profile of Colombia.

Language Lessons: Japanese

2010-10-05T14:00:00.002-04:00

Hello. こんにちは。　Konnichiwa. (kon-nee-chee-WAH) Goodbye. (informal) それでは。 Sore dewa. (SOH-reh deh-wah) Please. (request) お願いします。　Onegai shimasu. (oh-neh-gigh shee-moss) Thank you. どうもありがとう。 Dōmo arigatō. (doh-moh ah-ree-GAH-toh) You're welcome. どういたしまして。 Dō itashi mashite. (doh EE-tah-shee mosh-teh) Excuse me. すみません。 Sumimasen. (soo-mee-mah-sen) Yes. はい。 Hai. (HIGH) No. いいえ。 Iie. (EE-eh

EMEA Mondays: A Primer on Islamic Finance

2010-10-04T08:00:00.002-04:00

How does getting a loan without paying interest sound? Impossible? Not if you get a loan from an Islamic bank. Islamic banking principles are guided by Sharia, or Islamic law. Generally, that means Islamic banks can’t charge you interest (riba) on the loan (Islam says it’s unethical to make money off of money that you personally did not work to earn) and, in the case of stockbrokers, not

Breakfast Foods from Around the World

2010-10-01T13:45:00.002-04:00

You’ve always been told to eat a good breakfast; it helps your brain. Popular American items for breakfast are cereal or toast, or sometimes eggs, waffles or pancakes. But what do people in other countries eat for that all important meal? Surprisingly, vegetables and roots are included in some of these breakfasts. Savory breakfasts are more common in Asia and Africa than in European and North

Asia Pacific (APAC) Thursdays: India

2010-09-30T09:00:00.057-04:00

India Launches Identity Card Program The BBC reports that India has launched an identity card program to help ensure more accurate food distribution and better security for its citizens. The identity cards, or UIDs (unique identifications) were given out at the village of Tembhli, the first town in all of India to administer the program. Indian officials say that the UIDs will reduce the amount

Americas Wednesdays: Brazil

2010-09-29T11:01:00.003-04:00

Check out this article on Dilma Rousseff, who could become Brazil's first female president.

Language Lessons: German

2010-09-28T14:00:00.014-04:00

In this new series, we at the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh want to introduce our readers to essential foreign language phrases. While the world is becoming effectively smaller, and in large cities, you will always find someone who speaks English, making an effort to speak someone else's language is always appreciated (we know this from personal experience). Our first language featured is

EMEA Mondays: Somalia/South Africa

2010-09-27T08:00:00.030-04:00

Every Monday, we're going to feature a factoid or an interesting tidbit about a country in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). For our first installment of EMEA Mondays, welcome to Somalia. Somali musical artist K'Naan's song: "Wavin' Flag," was chosen as Coca Cola's anthem for the 2010 World Cup, held in South Africa. It's pretty catchy! Listen to "Wavin' Flag" here.

London and English as a Foreign Language

2010-09-24T17:35:00.005-04:00

London lived up to every expectation. But was I expecting to find ladies in high-collared dresses with hand muffs hopping into horse-drawn carriages? No, of course not. While London is not yet filled with the zombies from Shaun of the Dead, it has progressed past the era of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Nor was I expecting to find tall, Oxford-esque stone buildings topped with spires on

Girls Playing A Different Kind of Dress-Up in Afghanistan

2010-09-21T10:50:00.000-04:00

Check out this interesting article from yesterday's NYTimes! The article details the trend of young Afghan girls being dressed like boys to preserve the family honor and make economic contributions to the family. Jenny Nordberg writes about these "bacha posh"(Dari for "dressed like a boy") being able to assume some of the freedoms traditionally given to males in Afghan society, even though these

Paris, a Powerful Whimsy

2010-09-16T09:03:00.003-04:00

"Whimsical but with power behind it" This was a friend's description of Paris when I pressed him for his thoughts on the city. Traverse any street in Paris, having a look around and you will see what he means. There are a great many adjectives that can be applied to Paris; touristy, beautiful, posh (some would say snooty), elegant, and the list goes on, but I think that my friend's description

Cyber Security and Civil Liberties

2010-09-14T14:09:00.003-04:00

War isn’t just fought on a battlefield anymore. The newest soldiers are just as likely to be sitting next to you in a café typing up that report for the boss, or watching their kids at a soccer game while checking their smartphones. Their choice of weapon? A computer. With computers, your ATM account can be frozen, satellite communications can be stopped, and missiles can be launched with a

The Netherlands: Hallmark Practicality and Practically Hallmark

2010-09-02T11:16:00.003-04:00

In international economics, they have a term, the "Dutch Disease." It basically refers to a decline in manufacturing in a country that has recently discovered a valuable natural resource, as the Netherlands did in the 50's, hence the name. I however, have acquired a completely different kind of Dutch Disease; the kind where I am completely in love with all things Dutch. I can't quite explain

Germany at Odds: Munich v. Berlin

2010-08-27T11:15:00.003-04:00

Germany is a country at odds with itself. I mean this in a couple of different ways, the first of which is the contrast, and even tension, between the two national powerhouses, Munich and Berlin. But I also found that this sentiment applies on a deeper level that I will come back to later. So to begin with: Munich, the heart of Bavaria. People from Munich are fiercely proud of their region

Switzerland: Neutral to the Max

2010-08-16T11:17:00.002-04:00

Ahh, Switzerland. What is there to say about the gorgeous Alpine country bordered entirely by the European Union? With its classically neutral status and no recent major political controversies, what is there to discuss? The neutrality itself, I suppose, and how this very aspect, along with their famed standards of efficiency define this place. What are some of the things that first come to

Viva Italia!

2010-08-07T10:46:00.004-04:00

A few years ago I read a somewhat fictional biography of Michelangelo Buonoratti entitled, The Agony and the Ecstasy. The author may have taken a few liberties, but the book enthralled me, detailing the artist's struggles with the politics of popes, benefactors and other artists as well as his artistic processes and inspirations concerning his many great works of art. After reading it, I

Ask A Diplomat -- Ambassador Kutelia

2010-08-03T18:26:00.001-04:00

We recently had a visit from Ambassador Kutelia, the Georgian Ambassador to the United States, Canada and Mexico. He accomplished a lot during his short visit to Pittsburgh. He: met with various organizations here in Pittsburgh stopped by our office for a great conversation with a small group of teachers about an opportunity to teach English in Georgia (more information on the "Teach and

Turkey: Taking a Cup of Kindness

2010-07-23T12:15:00.002-04:00

Via ferries through the Greek Isles, I crossed into Turkey. After arriving in late afternoon my plan was simply to have dinner and then catch an overnight bus on to Cappadochia (Kap-uh-doe-key-ah) The buses in Turkey are fabulous, by the way. They are frequently made by Mercedes-Benz and usually include airplane seating and a steward who comes around with free coffee, water, tea and snacks.

Your Summer Reading List (Staff Suggestions) -- Part 1

2010-07-16T11:56:00.000-04:00

Is it that time yet? That point during summer vacation when you start to feel a little bit (dare I say it?) bored? Even if you don't want to admit that you've fallen into a bit of a summer-time slump, we've got your back. It's likely that all you need is a bit of intellectual stimulation. And the staff of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is here to help! We've compiled a short list of

The Greek Philosophy

2010-07-12T18:41:00.004-04:00

The word 'Philosophy' comes from the Greek 'philo sophia' meaning 'love of wisdom'. Athens is named for the goddess of wisdom, Athena, and she does indeed have all the characteristics of a wise woman. She is certainly beautiful. From a vista, the landscape, dotted with white buildings seems to sparkle under a vigilant sun. I recognize that the sparkling is only the reflection of solar panels

Ask An Expert - Niels Annen

2010-07-02T09:45:00.003-04:00

Watch as Niels Annen (a Senior Fellow with the German Marshall Fund in Washington D.C., and former member of the German Parliament) answers questions submitted by local students. He discusses his career, the German military, China, and the World Cup. Thanks to the students of the Summer Seminar on World Affairs, particularly Glenn and Alexa, for their fantastic questions!

Israel: Contrast, Conflict and Compassion

2010-06-28T16:01:00.004-04:00

Contrast. From hip, young Tel Aviv to the ancient feel of Jerusalem, from the beach at Haifa to the desert mountains of Ein Gedi, from the tattered Palestinian capital city of Ramallah to the wine country feel that surrounds the Sea of Galilee, Israel and the Palestinian territories is a land of startling contrast. And that's just the places! To describe the people . . . the word "contrast"

Cleopatra's Bathing Suit: Being a Woman in the Middle East

2010-06-15T14:30:00.003-04:00

Being a woman, traveling in the Middle East requires a certain understanding and acceptance of the norms dictated by the local culture. That is what this post is about, my struggle to reach that understanding and adhere to those norms while still respecting my own beliefs and without offending anybody. But first just look at all the things that can be done with women's Islamic fashion! This is a

Hello Camel: An Introduction to Egypt and the Baksheesh Economy

2010-06-03T14:47:00.006-04:00

My first impression of Egypt? Dusty. Having arrived extraordinarily late at night and weary from nearly three full days in transit, I didn’t take in much of Cairo on the ride to my hostel during the night. By morning light though, sitting on the balcony of the Meramees Hostel, I glanced around while sipping what would be the first of many Turkish coffees, thick as sludge. It seemed as if the

A Blog About Blogging

2010-06-03T14:08:00.003-04:00

Hello, loyal followers of the World Affairs Education Outreach Blog! We just wanted to give you an update as to the types of things to expect from this blog as we move forward. This summer, we'll be hosting a number of guest bloggers (including interns, students, and teachers -- many of whom are traveling abroad). Keep an eye out to see what types of things they're learning in their travels.

Thailand - Information and Resources

2010-05-26T11:35:00.003-04:00

Thailand has seen massive amounts of political and social unrest because of the "red shirts" or protesters of anti-governmental riots. NPR states that the leaders of the protesters, who have dubbed themselves red shirts, said they wanted talks mediated by the United Nations, provided the government agreed to an immediate cease-fire and pulled its troops back. With the protesters demanding

Happy (Belated) Cinco de Mayo!

2010-05-18T10:37:00.001-04:00

On May 5th, the Council hosted Dr. Arnulfo Valdivia Machuca, Chief of International Affairs of the State of Mexico. He spoke at a luncheon event (which was covered by C-SPAN), participated in a radio interview, and answered some questions presented by local students. Dr. Machuca spoke primarily on Mexico: Meeting the Challenges of Economic Recovery and Expanded Organized Crime. Here are a few

Ask a Diplomat

2010-05-03T15:12:00.004-04:00

We recently sat down with Christoph Eichhorn, the Head of the Political Section at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C. Local students submitted questions to be answered by the diplomat. Enjoy!

It's Official! Steven Sokol Named President & CEO of the Council

2010-04-05T17:15:00.003-04:00

The Board of Directors of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh announced today the appointment of Steven E. Sokol as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective this June. Sokol succeeds Dr. Schuyler Foerster, who led the organization for the past 13 years. In his role as President and CEO, Sokol will oversee all Council

Thinking Outside the...Classroom!

2010-04-05T11:24:00.001-04:00

Hopefully you caught the Sunday's editorial in the Post-Gazette by Ryan Oliver, a social studies teacher with City Charter High School. He presented some pretty interesting ideas about education reform. Currently, Ryan and 18 City High students are taking education to a new level. They're on a "learning journey" in Costa Rica. The goal? Self development through cultural exploration, service

Pittsburgh's Green Light

2010-03-29T11:46:00.003-04:00

Pittsburgh got the Green light once again. The city will be the North American host of the United Nation's Environment Programme's 37th World Environment Day. On June 5th, the region will converge on the Pittsburgh confluence to promote environmental awareness, promote action and develop partnerships. This year's theme is "Biodiversity: Ecosystems Management and the Green Economy," perfect

The Keystone Country

2010-03-01T12:02:00.004-05:00

Register now for our latest Teacher Workshop about Turkey. This Eurasian country has some of the richest history in the world and is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic nations of the 21st century. Nevertheless, Turkey is not usually mentioned when discussing foreign relations and influential geopolitical role-players. Take this opportunity to enrich your curriculum. Teacher Workshop

Students fire away with questions for military officials in Hempfield

2010-03-01T10:15:00.002-05:00

Coverage from our most recent program. For more click here.

A Congratulations is in Order

2010-02-19T10:59:00.003-05:00

Paris nonstop flight from Delta. After departing Pittsburgh around 6:15 PM last night, the group landed in Paris around 8:00 AM. This new nonstop flight is very convenient and highly recommended. Following

Pittsburgh City Council Proclamation

2009-06-23T14:33:00.006-04:00