FAO Quotables

"But being right, even morally right, isn't everything. It is also important to be competent, to be consistent, and to be knowledgeable. It's important for your soldiers and diplomats to speak the language of the people you want to influence. It's important to understand the ethnic and tribal divisions of the place you hope to assist."
-Anne Applebaum

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Website (and Publication) of the Week: Human Rights Watch!

               Recently I had the opportunity and pleasure to learn about Human Rights Watch and the incredible work they do around the globe in very dangerous and oppressed locations.  I am always amazed to discover an organization about which I know nothing--especially one that creates such PHENOMENAL products and one with a heart for humanity. 

Take 5 minutes and check out their yearly global report.  Your jaw will

D
    R
        O
            P

when you read their accounts of abuses.

  I've included links to purchase the very thick report (probably 4-5 inches thick in fact; also available on kindle) or you can download it as a PDF for free! 




FUUO Idea:  How about we give Foreign Area Officers (FAO) an opportunity to conduct all or part of their In-Country-Training (ICT) working with Human Rights Watch (or another NGO) overseas (in country or at one of their headquarters)?  This obviously wouldn't work for every officer or in every circumstance but how better to bridge the gap between Defense and NGO/IGO/OGOs than to work side by side.

FUUO Idea #2:  At the end of the fall and spring quarter at NPS (Naval Postgraduate School), we have an enrichment week in which no classes are scheduled, why not give FAOs an opportunity to intern at HRW (or any other NGO) headquarters (or at one of their other locations)?  HRW gets a competent, intelligent officer and the FAO gains insight and experience outside of his/her normal area of expertise/experience.  #WIN-WIN


P.S. In case you forgot:
http://fuuo.blogspot.com/2010/10/fuuo-defines-chatham-house-rules.html

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