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May 2016

The Foreign Service Journal covers foreign affairs from an insider's perspective, providing thought-provoking articles on international issues, the practice of diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service. Including the AFSA News section, The Journal is published monthly (January-February and July-August issues combined) by the American Foreign Service Association.

The May issue focuses on life after the Foreign Service.

We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.

FOCUS ON LIFE AFTER THE FOREIGN SERVICE

Retirement Planning 101

Life after the Foreign Service begins with planning. Here’s how to get started.

BY JOHN K. NALAND

Retiring Early and Finding Your “Ever After”

Early, voluntary retirement can open the door to pursue your dreams.

BY DEAN J. HAAS

From Consul General to Police Volunteer

Police work offered me a way to keep on watching that endless parade of human experience that I loved as a consular officer.

BY ANN B. SIDES

Playing the “REA” Game—FS Work in Retirement

Re-employment as an annuitant is an important option for retirees. Here’s how it works.

BY LAWRENCE COHEN

It Takes a Village

A growing trend helps Foreign Service retirees to finally settle down.

BY MARTHA THOMAS

What We’re Doing Now

BY FORMER AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE

FEATURE

Delivering Foreign Agricultural Aid to Africa—What Works?

The record of U.S. agricultural development assistance in Africa over the years is uneven. Here’s how involving agribusiness and trade associations can help.

BY BARRY HILL

COLUMNS

President's Views

Structuring the Conversation

BY BARBARA STEPHENSON

Speaking Out

Hippocrates and Hobbes, Assad and ISIS

BY RAYMOND SMITH

Reflections

Israelit Friedhof: A Forgotten Cemetery in Vienna

BY JEFFREY GLASSMAN

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Avoiding the Overpayment Hassle

BY ANGIE BRYAN