Israel 2010

Prologue

Last fall, I found out about the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Campus Allies Mission from both a classmate and a former professor. I met with the coordinators in January and submitted my application a few weeks later. I heard back in mid-March that I had been selected as one of the forty participants from across the country.

I could not have been more excited the day of my departure. I have been wanting to go to Israel for years (with trips in 2006 and 2008 being canceled). Despite the four hour delay (mechanical problems) out of Ronald Reagan National Airport, I was still able to make my connection at Newark Liberty International Airport. If you have flown to Israel before, you know it requires an extra security check at the gate right before boarding. My flight from Washington, D.C. landed just in time for me to make it through the security check and board my flight to Tel Aviv.

The flight was relatively uneventful. I had dinner, watched Invictus, which I highly recommend, and slept. By the time I woke up, we had crossed the Atlantic Ocean and were flying over continental Europe. No passenger is allowed to leave his seat during the last hour of the flight; this is another security requirement for flights into Israel. After landing, I made my way to customs where I was warmly welcomed to and thanked for visiting Israel.

Day 1

Though not a complete day, I still count my arrival day in Israel as Day 1. The first stop on the trip was Jerusalem. We boarded our motor coach and began the forty-five minute drive on Route 1 from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. I was immediately struck by the abundance of Israeli flags everywhere. A few minutes into our drive, the staff told us that they had to brief us on a situation that occurred overnight. This is when and how I found out about the Israeli raid on the flotilla. Needless to say, it was quite an unnerving start to my trip to Israel. Our tour guide perhaps had the best comment: "There is never a dull moment here." Based on my initial conversations with Israelis that day, they were all anxious about the 'bad year' in the US-Israel relationship.

Entering Jerusalem was exciting. Finally visiting a city with such history, controversy and meaning is a very powerful experience. Israel with a divided Jerusalem or without Jerusalem is like a 'body without a soul' I was told. There was a fair amount of traffic as we drove to the Haas Promenade in the southeast corner of the city. Here, we had a panoramic view of Jerusalem.

After taking in the city, we arrived at our hotel. While I was checking-in I actually ran into two people I know from Georgetown. We chatted briefly (neither of them knew the other was also in Jerusalem) and parted ways. It is a small world, indeed. I immediately went to my room and took a shower before dinner and our orientation. I was absolutely ready to go to sleep that night.

Day 2

I woke up early the next day at 6am -- not because of jetlag, but because I had to be up that early. In the aftermath of the flotilla incident, the schedule was modified for security reasons. Protests, marches and isolated, sporadic violence throughout Jerusalem compelled the organizers to keep the group away from Jerusalem. I had breakfast and boarded our motor coach for the drive south to Masada. I immediately noticed that our hotel was next to one of the UN offices in Jerusalem. There is surprisingly a lot of traffic at 7am in Jerusalem; the morning commute was also affected by the construction of Jerusalem's first light rail line. As a morning person, I felt at home among Israelis, and as Phoenician, I could relate to light rail construction.

Masada is about an hour and a half south of Jerusalem, overlooking the Dead Sea. Leaving Jerusalem, we passed by some of the controversial Jewish settlements in the eastern part of the city. Construction was at a standstill for the most part. The term "settlements" is not very well defined. Some settlements are smaller -- a few homes -- others are fully-integrated suburbs. This inevitably makes negotiating difficult. Israelis are committed to peace, as long as it is genuine and not spelled "p-i-e-c-e." There is a healthy cynicism in Israel.

In an effort to re-start the peace process, Israel has unilaterally begun to open checkpoints to ease the movement of people and goods between the West Bank and Israel. Also, I did not realize this until after the fact when I looked at my map, but we actually entered and drove through the West Bank to get to Masada. We drove past Jericho and then south on Route 90. Route 90 is safe compared to other roads in the area.

Masada is a national park that commemorates the Jewish revolt against the Romans. There are ruins (a fort, Roman baths, a palace, a temple) at the top of a mountain. We took the cable car instead of hiking. After Masada, we went to the spa at Ein Gedi a few minutes away from Masada. The spa is near the Dead Sea; at one point it was on the shores of the Dead Sea, but as the Dead Sea's water level retreats, the spa is more distant. We had lunch here and, of course, swam (read: floated) in the salty Dead Sea. The Dead Sea and its rich mineral deposits drive industry in the area and bring in tourism, thereby sustaining the local economy.

As a former desert dweller, I immediately noticed the similarities between Israel and Arizona. Water resources are limited and dry land is abundant. Israel's future depends on the development of the desert. There are both challenges and opportunities that come with this.

We returned to Jerusalem that afternoon for a briefing. As part of the trip, AIPAC provided us with access to Israeli policy makers and public intellectuals. Our first briefing was with Devorah Patt the director of AIPAC's Jerusalem office. She provided an overview of Israel's government (including the 'fragile' coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), Israeli politics and the 'frustrating...double standard' of media criticism toward Israel.

After our briefing, we visited Liberty Bell Park in central Jerusalem. We had dinner there and walked back to our hotel along King David Street stopping to shop for an hour in the Mamila district. I was absolutely exhausted after a full 18-hour day.

Day 3

I was able to sleep in until 7am this day. After breakfast, we left the hotel for the Mevasseret Zion neighborhood northwest of Jerusalem. Here, we visited an absorption center for Ethiopian immigrants run by the Jewish Agency for Israel. Israel's absorption department provides immigrants with a generous 'benefits package' upon arrival that includes Hebrew lessons, subsidized housing during the transition process, schooling and job search assistance. We were able to talk to the director and hear from an Ethiopian immigrant. We were then able to visit one of the schools in the neighborhood and interact with the children.

We left Mevasseret Zion and drove south, across Jerusalem to the Gilo neighborhood. Here, we were given an expert tour of the security barrier between Israel and the West Bank by Colonel Danny Tirza, the chief architect behind the design and construction of the security barrier. The security barrier is 95% wire fencing and 5% concrete wall. From where we were, we had a good view of Bethlehem in the West Bank. There is a sophisticated system of sensors and cameras that monitor the separation line. Public opinion is split on the security barrier, but it is without a doubt keeping Israel safe.

The next stop (after lunch) was the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. We learned about the Israeli judicial system and sat in on a case. The building itself is in the governmental sector of Jerusalem across from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and near the Knesset. We left downtown Jerusalem and drove west to the John F. Kennedy Memorial. The monument is designed as a tree stump to symbolize a life cut short. After taking our official group photo, we returned to the hotel for dinner and the evening's programming.

Our second briefing was with Gil Hoffman, The Jerusalem Post's chief political correspondent. We discussed the state of the US-Israel relationship, the Middle East peace process and the recent flotilla incident. We also had our third briefing that night with Joe Perlov, CEO and founder of Israel Experts. He provided a historical overview of the changing map of modern Israel. The third day ended with a group processing session. I also spent some time afterward talking with a few friends before retiring for the night.

Day 4

This was probably my favorite day. It was also the most tiring day. We had a 6am wake-up call followed by breakfast before our early morning departure for the Old City. Our first stop was the Mount of Olives. From here, we had a spectacular view of the Old City: the Dome of the Rock Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and a Jewish cemetery. We then descended to the Garden of the Gethsemane where we saw olive trees from Biblical time. We also visited the Church of the Gethsemane.

Before entering the Old City, we visited the tomb of King David and the Cenacle, which is the site of the Last Supper. We entered the Old City through the Zion Gate and wandered through the winding streets of the Old City until arriving at the Ophel archeological site near the al-Aqsa Mosque. After visiting the archeological museum to cool off, we continued on our walking tour to the Western Wall. We then walked through the Muslim Quarter and along the Via Dolorosa to arrive at Amigo Emil's for lunch.

Though it is condensed to a few pictures and some sentences, the walk from the time we entered the Old City through the Zion Gate until we sat down for lunch at Amigo Emil's was several hours. We left the restaurant and continued walking to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There, we saw the Stone of the Anointing and the Edicule. Our next stop was the Christian Quarter. We shopped along bazaar-lined streets and took in the architecture, including the Church of the Redeemer. After a full day in the Old City, we left through the Jaffa Gate and drove to the Garden Tomb where we saw Golgotha and Jesus' tomb.

The day did not end there. We returned to the hotel for a briefing with former Israeli spokesperson Miri Eisen. She was the spokesperson during Operation Cast Lead (along with my then-professor and now Israeli ambassador, Michael Oren) and provided an inside look at the communications protocol within the Israeli government and government-media relations in Israel.

After the briefing, we departed for Ben Yehuda street, a shopping and dining district in central Jerusalem, for a late dinner. A group of friends and I ate at a Mediterranean restaurant and then walked around the area. We left at 11pm. I was asleep by midnight.

Day 5

This was my last full day in Jerusalem and the midpoint of the trip. I slept in until 8am then had breakfast. The first stop of the day was Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. The museum's design is symbolic: the concrete structure cuts into the mountain like a dagger piercing the heart of the Jewish people. Visiting any Holocaust museum is a powerful experience; the museum in Jerusalem is no exception. Unlike the US Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. the Israeli museum is more sensitive to graphic photography. The museum grounds are filled with monuments including the Pillar of Heroism, the Children's Memorial and Janusz Korczak Square commemorating the efforts of a Polish educator who ran an orphanage in the Warsaw Ghetto.

After spending the morning at Yad Vashem, we left for Mount Herzl. This is Israel's national cemetery. We visited the tomb of Zionist Theodor Herzl, the mountain's namesake. We then visited the tombs of two Israeli national leaders: Yitzhak Rabin (and his wife) and Golda Meir. Before leaving Mount Herzl, we also visited the tombs of Israeli soldiers, including Jonathan Netanyahu, brother of the current prime minister.

For lunch, we were given free time at Mehane Yehuda market. I enjoyed walking in the crowded market and seeing the many vendors, including an olive shop. Since it was Friday, the city quiets down due to Shabbat. We returned to the hotel to change into more formal attire for Shabbat services at the Western Wall. Photography is not permitted at the Western Wall on Shabbat. The experience is unlike anything else. There is dancing, praying and singing. It is a very festive environment because of the significance of the Western Wall.

We returned to the hotel for dinner. I spent some time packing and then lounged in the lobby talking with friends. Since almost everything was closed for Shabbat, we had a free evening. I enjoyed my full night's sleep.

Day 6

As usual, we had an early morning wake-up call. We loaded our bus after breakfast and left Jerusalem. We drove toward Tel Aviv on Route 1 and then turned onto northbound Route 6. Route 6 is the main north/south artery in Israel. Portions of the highway are mere meters away from the West Bank territories. After a two hour drive, we arrived in the Galilee valley.

The first stop on our day-long tour of the Galilee valley was the Mount of the Beatitudes. We arrived at the same time as a group of pilgrims, including two young drummers, from Eritrea. The Church of the Beatitudes overlooks the Sea of Galilee, which is a freshwater lake; it was built using volcanic stone indigenous to the area. From here, we drove to Capernaum, the center of Jesus' ministry in the Galilee valley. Today, there are several ruins (including a synagogue and Peter's house) and a monastery (also built from volcanic stone). We left Capernaum and had lunch at a nearby kibbutz. Our final stop that afternoon was Yardenit near the mouth of the Jordan River. Yardenit is a baptismal site that attracts a lot of international visitors.

We took a midday break by checking into our hotel. We had a few hours of free time to unpack, nap and swim. We all met in the lobby shortly before sunset and boarded a convoy of all-terrain vehicles for a ride through the Galilee valley. The nearly four hour ride gave us a huge adrenaline rush. Our group's driver was an horticulturist and not only gave us information about the history of the area, but also, its topography and (edible) plant life. We concluded the day with a (very late) traditional Bedouin dinner.

The long day ended around midnight. We all retreated to our lakeside villas for a night's sleep. We had another busy day ahead of us.

Day 7

Since I was so tired this morning, I sacrificed some breakfast time for extra sleep. At this point in the trip, though, I was accustomed to functioning on 6 to 7 hours of sleep. We left our hotel shortly after 8am and drove north toward Israel's border with Lebanon and Syria.

The first stop was the Tel Dan water reserve in the Golan Heights. The area provides nearly 40% of Israel's water supply. From our vantage point, we could also look into Lebanon. After a hike through the area, we drove to Bental Mountain. There is a now-inoperable Israeli Defense Force outpost at the summit of the mountain. IDF fighters held their ground here during the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Syria is visible from Bental Mountain. After taking the views of the Golan Heights and the surrounding area, we left for the Jordan River for lunch and an afternoon of rafting.

Shortly before sunset, we boarded a boat for a cruise on the Sea of Galilee. It was spectacular. We then dined seaside at St. Peter's Fish Restaurant in Ein Gev. We took the rest of the evening off and returned to the hotel for swimming and sleeping.

Day 8

By now, we all realize our trip would be ending soon. This was hard to process. After a week of non-stop together-ness, we would soon be parting ways. But we still had a few more days together.

We checked out of our hotel and began the drive toward Nazareth. In Canaan, I was struck by the prevalence of flags from other countries (particularly Brazil and Argentina). There is a significant expatriate population there. Our first stop in Nazareth was the Basilica of the Annunciation, which is the largest church in the Middle East. We then walked through the old city to city hall where we met with the mayor and deputy mayor.

We had a traditional Druze lunch in the suburbs of Haifa. The Druze are a religious community spread out throughout the Levant. Our host taught us about the Druzes' beliefs and traditions. It was very informative. As we were leaving his home, the sonic boom of two Israeli fighter jets stirred the quiet afternoon. Our security guard explained that it was a planned exercise. Given Haifa's proximity to the border with Lebanon, an area controlled largely by Hamas, there are extra precautions to safeguard the local population.

Our original schedule included a stop at the naval base in Haifa. Due to the ongoing tensions in the region in the aftermath of the flotilla incident, we were unable to visit. Instead, we went to the Armed Corps Memorial and Museum in Latrun, just west of Jerusalem; apart from the tanks, there is also a wall with the names of Israel's fallen soldiers. Latrun sits on a hill overlooking the Ayalon Vally.

From Latrun, we drove west to Tel Aviv. This was the last stop on our trip. Tel Aviv is unlike any other Israeli city. It is modern and commercialized, yet traditional and historic. There are steel and glass skyscrapers as well as stone homes. We drove through the center of town and arrived at our hotel on the boardwalk adjacent to the beaches.

We checked in and had dinner. The day ended with a walk through the entertainment district and a visit to an exclusive rooftop club. A few friends and I left early to walk on the soft-sand beaches. We returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for our busy ninth day.

Day 9

If Day 4 visiting the Old City was my favorite day because of the historical and cultural significance, then Day 9 was my favorite day because of the policy exposure and diversity of scheduled events.

We began the morning by having breakfast at the hotel. We then walked a few blocks to the American Embassy for a briefing. Security was heavy as expected. For about an hour, we were able to discuss (off the record) American policy toward the Arab-Israeli conflict, settlements, borders, water access and the broader US-Israel strategic relationship. We had a few hours of free time before lunch. I decided to wander the streets of Tel Aviv and exchanged some dollars for shekels at a local bank.

We had a quick lunch at the hotel around midday and then departed for our afternoon activity. We arrived at the newly opened Yitzhak Rabin Museum. The new museum not only explores the life and legacy of the former Israeli prime minister, but also, it serves as a library chronicling Rabin's efforts to secure a sustainable peace. I have studied Rabin in several classes and consider him a personal hero, so I was particularly moved by the quality and accessibility of the museum. Plus, it had a great view of Tel Aviv.

The afternoon was just as eventful. We returned to the hotel for a briefing from Yaniv Ofek with the Institute for Policy and Strategy on the security challenges facing Israel and the broader Middle East -- namely, Iran. We also discussed the roles of Syria and Turkey. For dinner we traveled to the Nahalat Binyamin market. I really enjoy market visits; there is always a lot to see, hear, taste and smell.

Our evening activity was a visit to the Palmach Museum. The museum guides visitors through the lead-up to Israeli independence from the perspective of six soldiers. It is an interactive and indoor experience, which was definitely comforting after spending the afternoon walking. Since it was our last night in Israel, most of us returned to the hotel and got ready for a night out on the town. It was a lot of fun, but we all came to regret it in the morning.

Day 10

This was my last day in Israel. I could not believe that the time had gone by so quickly. Still, we had a full-day of scheduled events. After breakfast, we departed for the Reut Institute. The Reut Institute was one of the first think tanks in Israel. We split up into small groups there and had different briefings on current projects the fellows are conducting. Before we left for lunch, we stopped by a mall in the area to do some last-minute shopping. I did not buy anything since malls tend to be the same no matter where I am in the world.

We left central Tel Aviv and drove south to Jaffa. We had a filling and festive lunch at a restaurant then had free time in historic Jaffa. Since I was mostly done with my shopping, I decided to go on a walking tour of old Jaffa. It was definitely worth it. The view of Tel Aviv from the port was excellent. Plus, I really enjoyed taking in the distinctive architecture of the many stone homes, the area mosque, shops and streets.

From Jaffa, we drove to the Neve Tsedek neighborhood in Tel Aviv. The area is very artistic, including pro-Israeli graffiti. Again, it was also nice to see the unique architecture of the homes, shops, administrative buildings and the juxtaposition of old and new. After walking for about an hour, we arrived at Independence Hall for a guided tour. This is where the state of Israel was declared in 1948.

As the afternoon transpired, we were all trying to not think about our imminent departure. We left Tel Aviv and drove southeast to a kibbutz for our final dinner. Before the meal, we had a processing session to discuss the trip and everything we saw and learned. It is truly remarkable how much occurred in ten days. For me, six semesters' worth of classes focusing on the Arab-Israeli conflict and a lifetime of curiosity came to life. The trip was not only a chance to travel but also an educational experience.

The drive to the airport was quiet. We checked in, went through the various levels of Israeli airport security and boarded our trans-Atlantic flight. We were on our way home, but part of us would always remain in Israel. I know I will return to Israel and the broader Middle East one day.

Epilogue

The AIPAC Campus Allies Mission to Israel impacted me in many ways. Upon my return, I completely altered my class schedule in order to take more classes on the Arab-Israeli conflict and the broader Middle East. I am also increasing my involvement with AIPAC and participation in on campus activism.

Perhaps the best aspect of the trip was making great friends. I am in touch with about a dozen friends. A few of them have even visited me in Washington already. It is truly remarkable how close we are now.

For now, I am continuing my academic interest in the region and hope it develops into a professional life-long commitment. I look forward to my next visit to Israel, but the memories of my trip this past June will forever live on.

Losing Faith

It seems that everything I read and hear these days is signaling the progressive erosion of support for the Obama administration. This is worrisome -- for the president, his advisers, his party and his supporters.

I did not vote for Obama. I never really caught on to his "hope" and "change" mantra. Frankly, it was a naive platform. It was what the country needed (psychologically), though.

A year into the Obama administration, things are much different than what 53% of American voters expected.

I am not an Obama hater, a "birther" or a Tea Party activist. The fringes terrify me. I do, however, feel bad for Obama. At the same time, he campaigned for the job. It would be nice if he started leading.

His agenda is in shambles: health care reform appears to be going nowhere. Letting the Congressional Democrats hijack the legislative process was a mistake. Climate change is on hold. Immigration reform? No one wants to mention it, let alone touch it. Some of his terrorism policies are even a continuation of the previous administration. Perhaps the Bush administration's intuition was right.

Obama clearly needs to shift tactics, change course and reassess his goals. This includes a staff shake-up. Efficiency and professionalism are far more important than loyalty and sycophancy.

All of these factors combined are not a good mix heading into midterm elections. As a pragmatic conservative, I worry the Republicans are not ready to govern. Democrats have proved incompetent, though. It is time our elected officials stop thinking in election cycles.

The State of Things

Approval Ratings

• The most recent Gallup poll shows a 50% approval rating and a 41% disapproval rating for Obama. [1]
• Obama's approval rating has hovered in the high-40s and low-50s since the late last summer, after the grueling nationwide health care debate. [2]
• Obama's approval numbers stand at "49 percent -- a loss of 18 points [from his standing last year at 67%] -- while his disapproval is 50 percent, a gain of 21 points [from his standing last year at 29%]." (Chris Cillizza, 2/16/2010)
• Currently, 78% of Americans disapprove of Congress while 18% approve according to Gallup. [3]
  

Midterm Election Outlook

• On a generic 2010 ballot, the two parties are currently tied at 45%. The incumbent Democrats are clearly vulnerable with a resurgent Republican party. [4]
• The enthusiasm gap is also favoring the Republicans: 56% of Republicans are enthusiastic about voting in November, compared to 44% for the Democrats. [5]
• HOUSE: According to The Cook Political Report, Democrats currently have 50 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up; Republicans currently have 10 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up. [6]
• SENATE: Democrats have five senators retiring.
  
• Two of these races (DE -- VP Biden's old senate seat -- and ND) are seen as likely GOP pick-ups. [7]
• Democrats have to defend seats in IL (Obama's old senate seat) and IN. [8]
• In CT, the Democrat has the advantage. [9]
  
• SENATE: Veteran senators in AR and NV face an uphill battle. [10]
  
• SENATE: Incumbent Democrats in CO and  PA are vulnerable due to internal Democratic primary challenges which may weaken them against the Republican challenger. [11]
• Sensing the urgency of maintaining the Senate, Obama will hit the campaign trail this week in CO and NV. [12]
• Even DNC Chair, Tim Kaine, is lowering expectations for the Democrats with his recent comments that "Presidential midterms since Teddy Roosevelt have been very tough. The average president loses 28 seats, four Senate seats and governors' races. And we're not living in average times. We're living in times of significant economic anxiety." [13]
  

[1] http://www.gallup.com/poll/113980/Gallup-Daily-Obama-Job-Approval.aspx
[2] Ibid
[3] http://www.gallup.com/poll/125732/Congressional-Job-Approval.aspx
[4] http://www.gallup.com/poll/125726/Generic-Ballot-Congress.aspx
[5] http://www.gallup.com/poll/politics.aspx
[6] http://www.cookpolitical.com/charts/house/competitive_2010-02-08_14-28-59.php
[7] http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/02/how_the_gop_tak.php
[8] Ibid
[9] Ibid
[10] Ibid
[11] Ibid
[12] http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obama-hits-campaign-trail-save-senate-majority/story?id=9868595
[13] http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/81813-dems-seek-to-lower-2010-expectations

New Year, New Challenges and Opportunities

Look ahead with Stoicism -- and Optimism -- Interesting commentary on institutions, particularly journalism and the Catholic Church. Also, I like her distinction between "thinking" and "positioning." This is consuming our political system. Noonan's call to reflect is important. I often feel that we rarely take the time to ask ourselves what it is we are meant to do, how we do it and why we are doing it.

A Terrorist War Obama Has Denied -- Rhetoric can be an asset or a liability. The Administration must avoid going down the path of excessive political correctness. We may be past the point of no return, though. I tend to agree with Krauthammer on his assertion that there is a disconnect with how Obama perceives and responds to terrorism due to the politicization of the issue.

The God That Fails -- This is another column on institutions. I never know what to think of David Brooks; I like and dislike him at the same time. I agree with his first three and last two paragraphs.  Maturity and reasonableness are quickly disappearing in this country. We also need to harness and leverage "decentralized citizen action" more. Government should only do so much.

The Real Missed Opportunity in Obama's First Year -- I voted for Sen. John McCain in 2008. It took me a few months to get over the loss. I found comfort in Obama's post-partisanship. I have been very disappointed; rank-and-file Republicans are not doing any better. Instead of reaching out to moderate Republicans, Obama and the Democrats simply rushed through their liberal checklist. They may have squandered their political capital. Voters will have their say in November.

###

Good Reads

The Party's Over -- I agree that the UN process on climate change should be replaced; the G20 model seems about right.

High School's Last Test -- It is flabbergasting that high schools do not track these trends already!

The States Can Check Washington's Power --  This is an interesting proposal. I wonder how it could be implemented...

The Peoples' Revolt in Iran -- Obama needs to pick a side and stick with it. I pray it is the right one.

Consider Lincoln  -- The foreign policy mess worries me most.

"Realistic Idealism" and the Obama Administration's Emerging Foreign Policy Worldview

I am of the belief that the Obama administration is (only now) rolling out its foreign policy. If Obama's West Point and Oslo speeches and Clinton's human rights speech at Georgetown are an indication of this nascent worldview, then I will be quite happy with the "realistic idealist" approach.

The Quiet American

This week's Economist has a fair overview of Barack Obama's foreign policy nearly a year into his term and its implications. The same analysis of his decision-making applies to the forthcoming policy speech on the war in Afghanistan.

With our East European allies concerned about a waking Russian bear, Iranian meddling in Latin America and Syria's re-emergence as a regional player, Obama will increasingly have to balance his domestic and international agendas. This is the reality of occupying the Oval Office.

Georgetown Forges Path for Archdiocese to Follow

It seems that the New York Times and The Washington Post are catching on to my recent editorial, as a member of the editorial board, in The Hoya.

Update: Summer 2009

As the fall semester approaches, I cannot believe how quickly the summer has gone by this year.  Overall, I had a great summer in the nation's capital with a few trips here and there. 

After classes ended, I took a brief trip to New York City to speak at a Georgetown fundraiser.  This was my first speaking engagement of the summer; it went well.  I always enjoy meeting with Georgetown alumni, donors, faculty and administrators.

The following week was commencement.  It was a bit overwhelming watching friends graduate and thinking that in two years I will be doing the same.  Regardless, it was a great ceremony. 

To keep myself busy, I took up a part-time job with the university summer conference department and continued at the office of undergraduate admissions.  I also kept up with political consulting.  Frankly, it pays better, and I enjoy it.

One of the nicer aspects of being in Washington, D.C. over the summer is being able to take in the city.  I visited many sights (here, Embassy Row and the National Cathedral), museums and cultural events.  Also, I now consider myself a foodie since I tried many of the city's diverse restaurants. One of the highlights was spending Independence Day overlooking the Potomac River and the National Mall.

In terms of high-profile events, I attended a reception honoring the new Israeli ambassador, Michael Oren, a former professor and good friend of mine. I also got to spend a day with His Serene Highness Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, his wife Princess Margaretha and their son, Prince Josef during their visit to Georgetown. 

In late July, I took week off for a working vacation.  I say "working" because I was attending the annual Sister Cities International conference and concurrently running for re-election to the Board of Directors (I won with 89% of the vote!).  Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  I was able to take in the Emerald Isle, her people, culture, cuisine and sights. 

Since my return, I have been quite busy wrapping up some projects and moving into my new townhouse.  I also spoke at the bi-annual convention of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, which was a good experience.

This fall promises to be another great semester.  I am taking five courses: Chinese Politics and Domestic Priorities with Robert Sutter, Turkey in World Politics with David Cuthell (the original professor was recalled to Ankara to serve as a special adviser to the Turkish Prime Minister, go figure), Religion and Modern Politics of Iran with Shireen Hunter, American Responses to the Arab-Israeli Conflict with Aaron David Miller and Problems in Multilateral Diplomacy with former US Ambassador to the UN, Donald McHenry.  I also recently joined the editorial board of our school newspaper, The Hoya. Overall, Georgetown -- two years down, two years to go -- is turning out to be exactly what I wanted and more.  I will remain involved in the Chapel Choir as well.

Thank you for reading my update.

What Does "Having Fun" Mean?

In the past few years as I have met people across the country and around the world through business trips, I often have to deal with being the youngest person there and the inevitable questions that come with the territory of being in those privileged situations. There is usually some surprise once I let them know that I am not 37 but actually not even 21 (I turned 20 in June).

After some talk about my experiences, I am usually asked a series of questions:

• What are your plans after college? -- I have no idea right now. I do not like to worry too much about these things. In due time...
• Do you plan to stay in Washington, D.C.? -- In the short-term, yes. I would like to return to Arizona for the long-term, though.
• What do you do for fun? -- I have always struggled with this question; it stumps me every time.
  

I guess my problem stems from the stereotypes assigned to my age group. Because I do not "party" I clearly do not have fun. Because I do not know where to "get my party on" I am apparently missing out on what is truly fun.

I disagree. My notion of fun is quite different. I prefer going to dinner with friends, catching a movie, attending a cultural event, taking long walks, reading, writing, listening to music, etc. I do not need to go clubbing or go drinking to have fun. "Fun" is synonymous for getting drunk, taking vapid photos and returning home regretting a night of poor decisions. I do not do any of this. When I try to explain this to my interrogators, it is hard for them to comprehend.

I am not a "boring" person. I frankly do not want to put up with the baseless criticism. I am content with my life and life-choices. I am not going to judge anyone because his idea of fun is playing beer pong or playing video games. I hope that I do not have to be told how to have fun. What I do in my free time is up to me.

A Conservative’s Road to Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy

This article is perhaps the best recent story of how a conservative thinker and advocate has come to understand gay marriage as a civil rights issue.

I am one of those conservatives that "gravitate[s] toward a particularly Western brand of conservatism that value[s] small government and maximum individual liberty" -- like Goldwater, Nixon, Reagan and McCain.

I also believe that "religious beliefs [are] insufficient legal justification for government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriage."

Here's to hoping.


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Sunday's Reading List

A few articles from this week's Economist I think you will appreciate:

When Home is Prison

This article discusses an issue in the immigration debate that few ever consider: detention and the effects on families. On Friday, I spoke at the bi-annual Republican National Hispanic Assembly. The cynicism was palpable. Hispanics are tired of both parties, but the GOP desperately needs to reach out to the community. The problem is immigration reform. There is no easy way through the policy maze. Obama wants to reward the 67% of Hispanics that supported him; the Sotomayor pick was a stalling gimick. Depending on how cap and trade and health care reform legislation go, Obama may not be able to deliver...

Old Rivals, New Partners

I am fascinated by Turkey's foreign policy. Its geographic location places it at the intersection of (Mediterranean) Europe, the Middle East, the Caucuses, the '-stans' and as a gateway to Russia. I am actually taking a course, "Turkey in World Politics" this fall, so hopefully, by December I will be more versed in this area.

The Dragon in the Backyard

The dynamic in Latin America is changing rapidly. Brazil is pushing to become the regional superpower. Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and his cronies in Ecuador (Rafael Correa) and Bolivia (Evo Morales) as well as his tacit supporters in Argentina (the Kirchners) and Paraguay (Fernando Lugo) are challenging the more forward-looking and democratic-leaning leaders of Chile (Michelle Bachelet), Colombia (Alvaro Uribe) and Peru (Alan Garcia). I am intrigued by the assertion, "the end of the Monroe Doctrine." If the US does not re-exert its influence in the region -- beyond Mexico -- we will lose to the Troublesome Three (China, Iran and Russia), India and South Africa. I will be taking a class on the modern politics of China this fall. I hope to have more perspective on this topic soon.

Hillary (not Bill) on Safari

I LOVE the title. It is a subtle reference to Hillary's (justified, methinks) outburst in Congo. What I find interesting, though, is how the article seems to suggest that Hillary commands the details of our foreign policy while Obama simply goes on giving lofty speeches or press conferences in friendly, photogenic settings (here, here, here and here). More importantly, we see a renewed effort in promoting democracy in Africa through American strategic aid (something I discussed back in April 2008) and guidance.

Cutting the Cord

I recently had a debate with my housemates about whether or not to have a landline. I like having a landline; I prefer to not give out my cellphone number except to family and close friends. Also, I like using a landline to make long-distance and conference calls since it is more reliable and the connection is clearer, crisper. It is laden with taxes, though.  The demographics and political preference of those without a landline is interesting. The prospect of new taxes and a cumbersome business outlook prompts caution for the telecom industry -- and us.

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New Direction

I plan to revive my blog in early August after my trip to Europe. If you have any ideas on what I should do with it, please let me know.

On United Government

“I am staying a Republican because I think I have an important role — a more important role — to play there. I think the United States desperately needs a two party system. It is the basis of politics in America.” (Then GOP Sen. Arlen Specter)

As a pragmatic conservative, I applaud Sen. Specter for standing up for his constituents and the issues that matter to them.

As a Republican, I am worried about his decision. In a time when the GOP needs moderate voices and the need for reform is great, the loss of Sen. Specter is a heavy blow to the already psychologically battered party.

Sen. Specter's move is cowardly. He abandons the party at a crucial moment; his move could be politically motivated since he is up for re-election in 2010. Perhaps Sen. Specter should have consulted with two other famous free-spirit Senators: Sen. McCain and Sen. Lieberman.

Putting personal popularity and gain before principle is reprehensible. The Democrats are nearing a super-majority in the Senate. The country cannot afford more partisanship. We need healthy, productive dialogue about the serious challenges before us.

I wish Sen. Specter well. The GOP will come back -- without him.

Recalled to Life

This summer I plan to revitalize my blog. Stay tuned.

Best,
Carlos

To Friendship

I am quite the sentimentalist. It does not take much for something I experience (see, read, watch, smell, touch, hear, taste, etc.) or someone I meet to alter my view of my life and the world around me. Some may view this as a weakness, but I find it to be my greatest strength. I am able to empathize and internalize almost everything. I am not sure if I have ever been in love, but I am certain that I have come very close to it.

In the past few months, I have gone through a personal catharsis. Nothing can really describe it. I have collected a few quotes that - when read as a whole - give spirit to this feeling of individual renaissance. My accomplishments and goals directly correlate with the firm backing and encouragement I have received from my family and friends. Without them, I would not be where I am today. They have made me who I am and who I will become.

This is dedicated to you, family and friends.

(Please do not judge the source of the quotes, but rather, look at their overarching themes and relate them to your relationship with me.)

“A guy needs somebody — to be near him. A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is, long's he's with you. I tell ya, I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an' he gets sick.”
Candy in Of Mice and Men

“You can’t live your life for other people. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.”
Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

“Before we met, I was as lost as a person could be and yet you saw something in me that somehow gave me direction again.”
Nicholas Sparks, Nights in Rodanthe

“Silence is holy. It draws people closer together. Because those who are only comfortable with each other, can sit without speaking.”
Nicholas Sparks

“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours.”
Nicholas parks, The Notebook

“There is a different kind of love; one that gives you courage to be better than you are and that makes you think that anything is possible.”
Nicholas Sparks, Nights in Rodanthe

"It is this, that ever since I have seen you, I know not why, you have taken a place in my life; that, if I drive the thought of you out of my mind, it always comes back; that when I met you to-day, after not having seen you for two years, you made a deeper impression on my heart and mind than ever; that, now that you have let me come to see you, now that I know you, now that I know all that is strange in you, you have become a necessity of my life, and you will drive me mad, not only if you will not love me, but if you will not let me love you."
Translated from Alexandre Dumas' (fils), La Dame aux camelias.

"We were friends and have become estranged. But this was right, and we do not want to conceal and obscure it from ourselves as if we had reason to feel ashamed. We are two ships each of which has its goal and course; our paths may cross and we may celebrate a feast together, as we did—and then the good ships rested so quietly in one harbor and one sunshine that it may have looked as if they had reached their goal and as if they had one goal. But then the almighty force of our tasks drove us apart again into different seas and sunny zones, and perhaps we shall never see one another again,—perhaps we shall meet again but fail to recognize each other: our exposure to different seas and suns has changed us! That we have to become estranged is the law above us: by the same token we should also become more venerable for each other! And thus the memory of our former friendship should become more sacred! There is probably a tremendous but invisible stellar orbit in which our very different ways and goals may be included as small parts of this path,—let us rise up to this thought! But our life is too short and our power of vision too small for us to be more than friends in the sense of this sublime possibility. Let us then believe in our star friendship even if we should be compelled to be earth enemies."
Translated from Friedrich Nietzsche's The Gay Science.

Georgetown University: Sen. Chuck Hagel Joins Faculty

Georgetown University: Sen. Chuck Hagel Joins Faculty

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US to send badminton team to Iran

Ping Pong Diplomacy?

Inauguration 2009

The past week has been a whirlwind of patriotism, pomp and circumstance and survival. I cannot remember it ever being so cold in Washington, D.C. since I moved here in August 2007. Regardless, inauguration week/weekend epitomizes why I decided to come to Georgetown.

Even though it was not my candidate taking the oath, it was still moving to see the events unfold. I am going to provide a brief overview of the past few days. I have yet to process how much truly happened because it all happened so fast, but its significance is nonetheless valuable and historic.

It is my goal to make this e-mail as interactive as possible. There will be links throughout the e-mail that will take you to photographs from my Picasa web albums page and to videos from my YouTube page. I think they will be able to give you a better sense of my experiences.

Sunday, January 18th, 2009 - "We Are One" concert

As I mentioned, Washington, D.C. was particularly cold the days leading up to and the day of the inauguration. The Potomac River froze over for the first time in years. This photo is of the Washington Waterfront, the Kennedy Center and the Watergate complex overlooking the icy river. For some reason, no one turned off the fountains at the Waterfront.

I left campus shortly before 9am to head down to the Lincoln Memorial for the "We Are One" concert. It was not even fifteen minutes after I had left, that I encountered a motorcade. Presumably, it was Hillary Clinton. My friends and I (unfazed and unimpressed by the motorcade) continued our walk to the concert. After passing the Swedish Embassy, we were stopped by a police officer. We were incredibly annoyed by this since we were trying to arrive at the concert at a decent time.

Of course, we had to wait so that then President-elect Obama and then Vice President-elect Biden could drive to Arlington National Cemetery in their massive motorcade. I have seen President Bush's and Vice President Cheney's motorcades numerous times, but this motorcade was quite impressive - and far too long. My friends and I received a cordial wave from the President-elect; at that moment, we also decided that going to the inaugural parade was superflous since we were definitely not going to get as close.

I was interviewed by TG2, an Italian television station. I think I was probably breaking news in Italy under the headline: "Young McCain Supporter Attends Obama Concert." I am being facetious, but the reporter was very surprised that I went to the concert. He questioned me for a few minutes (in English, though I tried my broken Italian) about my thoughts on Obamania, the campaign, and on what lies ahead for the country. I have yet to find the video anywhere...

We arrived at the concert around 10am. After going through security we finally reached the concert grounds, we finally secured a spot near the reflection pool, next to the Code Pink activists, under the watchful eyes of snipers and across from the sea of porta-potties. I have never seen so many porta-potties in my life!

Since the concert was not starting until 2:30pm, I spent my time reading a revolutionary newspaper and keeping warm. I was actually very happy with our location. We were not too far back from the stage and certainly ahead of far more people than were in front of us. This was most definitely the biggest crowd I had ever been in since the Papal Mass, where 46,000 were present. Some people were more creative and decided to climb trees to get a better view. I am not as adventurous.

After waiting for four hours, the concert started. As you can imagine, I had no idea who was performing. I tend to be quite oblivious to the present-day music scene. I consulted my cultural guru to help me fill in the gaps of who was singing and what he/she/they were singing. Below are highlights from the program in chronological order. I am saving you from the more...boring and disappointing...aspects of the concert - Tom Hanks, for example. I tried my best to maintain my camera stable...

• "Shower the People" performed by James Taylor, John Legend and Jennifer Nettles
• Then Vice President-elect Biden screams..er...speaks
  
• "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" performed by Josh Groban and Heather Headley 
• Bob Marley's "One Love (Let's Get Together)"  performed by Will.i.am, Herbie Hancock and Sheryl Crow
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's "You'll Never Walk Alone" performed by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club and opera singer Renee Fleming
• Don McLean's "American Pie" performed by Garth Brooks. This was a quintessentially American moment.
  
• Isley Brothers' "Shout!" performed by Garth Brooks. CAUTION: May cause dizziness. 
• U2 performs their tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Pride (In the Name of Love)."
• Then President-elect Obama speaks

After the concert, my friends and I began our walk back to campus. It was a bit eerie walking on closed highways. As we passed the Kennedy Center, again we were stopped by a police officer. This time it was then Vice President-elect Biden's motorcade leaving the concert. We stopped at a Starbucks for warmth and sustenance afterward. We were all incredibly exhausted and had to rest for the big day...

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 - The Inauguration of the 44th President

I was fortunate enough to obtain tickets to the inauguration from Congressman Ed Pastor's office. Therefore, I did not have to leave campus ridiculously early; some friends left at midnight!

I woke up at 5am to layer-up for the day. I left my dorm at 6am and walked for 45 minutes to McPherson Square to meet a friend. From there we walked another hour to our security check point. When we arrived, it was already overflowing with people. Thankfully, we avoided the non-ticketed people and proceeded to our designated area. We managed to make it through the now-infamous I-395 tunnel. At about 8am, we arrived at our gate. Again, there were people everywhere. We waited for another hour before finally arriving at the ticketed area. There were 240,000 ticketed attendees. This is only a fraction of the nearly 1.8 million people that attended the inauguration. Almost the entire National Mall was full.

I waited for two hours before the actual program began. Seeing the crowd, the security and the US Capitol was impressive. I was not too far from the Canadian Embassy and the CNN studios, which made covering the inauguration relatively easy for me. (I Twittered the entire day.) I enjoyed listening to the San Francisco Boys and Girls Chorus perform Oscar Peterson's "Hymn to Freedom." I remembered the lyrics and music from my days in the Phoenix Boys Choir nearly six years ago. It was a moving moment, and it actually made me tear up.

Around 11am, the formal program started. I was quite disappointed at the booing during the arrival of then President Bush and then Vice President Cheney. Regardless of politics, respect should be expected of the audience especially at a state ceremony. It was a sad moment.

With all of the guests seated, the official program began at 11:30am. After the invocation, Sen Dianne Feinstein introduced Justice John Paul Stevens to administer the oath of office to then Vice President-elect Joe Biden. After a musical interlude, Sen Dianne Feinstein introduced Chief Justice John Roberts to administer the oath of office to then President-elect Barack Obama. Immediately after the swearing-in, the crowd broke out in euphoria. President Obama then delivered his inaugural address.

Once he had finished, President Obama escorted former President Bush to the east front of the US Capitol. Former President Bush and the former First Lady made one final flyover through Washington, D.C. Again, listening to the invective was disappointing. The crowd dispersed and began to make their way out of the National Mall. Mayhem ensued, fences were broken and tempers flared. It is amazing how uncivilized and rude the crowd was. They also left behind tons and tons of trash. That is somewhat ironic given that most of the people there were self-identified "environmentalists."

I made my way back to campus, via the I-395 tunnel and up Massachusetts Avenue, which was lined with vendors and Obamaphernalia. I bypassed the vendors and decided to go to Brooks Brothers instead. I arrived on campus and went to sleep. I was exhausted.

The inauguration of President Obama was the highlight of my time so far in Washington, D.C. It will probably not be my last inauguration, though. I plan to be in this city for a while. Ideally, I will get closer to the US Capitol every time. For now, I am enjoying my time as the loyal opposition. I wish President Obama and his administration well. There are many challenges ahead and I hope he delivers his campaign promises to the millions of people he inspired across the country and around the world. The expectations are great, but to quote former President Bush, we must have "...confidence in freedom's power, and trust in the people...[in order] to do their business."

Hear, Hear!

"But before our old soldier fades away, it is worth acknowledging that McCain ran a valiant race against impossible odds. He will be--he should be--remembered as the most worthy presidential nominee ever to be denied the prize." -Charles Krauthammer