American Diplomat

Dave Harden, formerly of USAID, compares service within AID to the mainstream Foreign Service (where is most of the money and the leadership opportunity, for example?), and connects the economic dimension of international development to American domestic politics. Harden is running for Congress, using his development experience and lifelong knowledge of rural voters' needs.

Inclusive, powerful leadership. Colin Powell not only engaged Americans of every level on his team, but also eased the worries of potential adversaries. Powell led with insight into human needs for respect and belonging.

Humility, respect, sense of humor, honor, but above all, empathy. Colin Powell is remembered by many who loved him. Tune in for stories of the man he was.

Ted Osius retired from his post as US Ambassador to Vietnam when asked to implement covertly-devised deportation policies he found morally repugnant and un-American. Hear about his crisis of conscience and also of the heroic service of senators John McCain and John Kerry, Vietnam vets who did the right thing at great political cost. And read Ted's new book "Nothing is Impossible: America's Reconciliation with Vietnam".

It's 1990, and Ian Brownlee, out walking his dog, meets a man whose visa application he had refused just that very morning. The man is about to swim across the river to his probable death, so Ian advises him of a much safer spot to cross, about 200 yards thataway. These are the old days of immigration. When and how did immigration become a multibillion dollar business and a hot-button in domestic politics? Ian is the expert.

But what of the rest of her countrywomen? Here's a quick midweek update with our Afghan friend Toobah, in her words. Enjoy!

"Never, ever allow free and fair elections" is Fidel's advice to Daniel Ortega, today's strongman leader of Nicaragua. Bob Callahan describes today's authoritarian regime in this Central American nation.

Pardis Mahdavi relays her experience of the Iranian sexual revolution and similar movements in the Middle East, including Afghanistan. Why was the summer of the cockroaches her favorite? There weren't enough cockroaches for everybody! And this is to say nothing of the orgies. Listen and find out what all of this could possibly mean.

Nancy Ostrowski experienced the events of 9/11 first-hand, which inspired her to embark on a journey to a more satisfying, new career with USAID. See also her article in the Sept 2021 Foreign Service Journal, "Getting Off the X", and her book, Unplugged, published under the name Nancy Whitner-Reiter.

Consular officer Alan Eaton helped scores of Afghans at risk evacuate from Kabul, working from inside the Abbey Gate at the airport at exactly the moment when our friend Toobah was on the other side of the gate, trying to get through. As Alan explains, "This is Jews in Germany, 1940: These people have to get out." Some did get out, some didn't. Alan shares these human moments.