AAFSW: Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide

Nominations are now open for the 2008 SOSA Awards

Thu, 01 May 2008 16:51:38 GMT

Nominations are being solicited for the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) and the Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award. The deadline for both awards is September 12, 2008.

US short of diplomats for Iraq, Afghanistan reconstruction

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:55:22 GMT

The State Department is short of staff to meet the Pentagon's need to reinforce the provincial reconstruction teams (PRT) in Iraq and Afghanistan, a senior US official said Monday. AFP.

The May 2008 Issue of Global Link is Now Available

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:42:56 GMT

In PDF format for AAFSW members only.

Presidential Candidates Find 51st State Overseas

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:23:39 GMT

U.S. presidential candidates have raised more than $3 million in campaign contributions from Americans who live overseas, an unprecedented courtship of a slice of the U.S. electorate that was largely ignored in previous elections. The Washington Post.

America's Epic Embassy in Baghdad

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:29:21 GMT

NBC Nightly News reports on the enormous US Embassy complex in Baghdad. MSNBC.

U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Declared Ready, With Nudge by Rockets

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:24:54 GMT

The troubled effort to build the giant U.S. Embassy in Baghdad seemed to be months away from completion when a team of top State Department officials flew to Iraq on March 20 to meet with senior staff from the prime contractor, First Kuwaiti General Trading & Contracting. But as insurgent rockets began to rain down on the flimsy trailers housing diplomats inside the Green Zone, the two sides suddenly found ways to settle many of the major issues dividing them. The Washington Post.

US eases security rules for diplomats in Baghdad

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:22:21 GMT

Embassy employees were told in a Wednesday notice obtained by The Associated Press that they are no longer required to wear body armor, helmets and protective eyewear while outside and that restrictions on movement inside the Green Zone have been lifted. The rules were introduced last month amid an increase in insurgent rocket fire. Associated Press.

State Department warns diplomats of compulsory Iraq duty

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:15:29 GMT

The State Department is warning U.S. diplomats they may be forced to serve in Iraq next year and says it will soon start identifying prime candidates for jobs at the Baghdad embassy and outlying provinces, according to a cable obtained by The Associated Press.

Rice vouches for diplomats' commitment

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:41:39 GMT

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday defended the commitment of the nation's diplomats, despite recent pushback by many foreign services officers on a proposal to require tours in Iraq. Associated Press.

A Call for SOSA Nominations

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:58:31 GMT

Volunteerism is alive and well in the Foreign Service. Many members of the FS community are devoting countless hours helping improve the quality of life of those in need. The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide recognizes volunteer efforts specifically performed overseas through the annual Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (known as the SOSA Awards). To read the full article contributed by AAFSW SOSA Chairperson Cathy Salvaterra to the Foreign Service Journal, click the link above and view page 60 in the PDF document that will open.