The Foreign Service Journal - October 2017

6 OCTOBER 2017 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 49 AFSA Hosts “Redesign” Event 50 State VP Voice—Getting the Job Done (During Chaotic Times) 51 USAID VP Voice—USAID’s AFSA Standing Committee 51 Short-TermTelework on Medevac 51 Harassment in Cuba 52 WhereWe Stand—The Foreign Service Act, Our “Constitution” 53 ATense and Thrilling Read: Enemy of the Good 53 AFSAWelcomes New Foreign Service Officers 54 Reaching Out Across the United States 56 GB Members Spell Out Priorities at Retreat 57 AFSA Governing Board Meeting Notes, Aug. 16 57 AFSAWelcomes Pickering and Rangel Fellows 58 Retiree Corner 59 AFSA Hails New Staff 60 FSJ Wins Two Silvers at AMP AFSA NEWS THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION On the Cover: Amosaic of ceramic tiles on the domed ceiling of the pavilion erected over the tomb of Hafez (1315-1390), the beloved Persian poet, in Shiraz, Iran. Photo: DYNAMOSQUITO [CC BY-SA 2.0]/FLICKR. Below, British paratroopers in Hamminkeln, Germany, on March 25, 1945, during Operation Varsity. Credit: IMPERIALWAR MUSEUMS OFTHE UNITED KINGDOM/EN.WIKIPEDIA. Departments 10 Talking Points 61 Books 74 Local Lens Antalya, Turkey By J e n D i n o i a Marketplace 65 Classifieds 67 Index to Advertisers 68 Real Estate FOREIGN SERVICE 7 President’s Views Stewards of a Vital Institution By Ba r ba r a S t e p h e n s o n 9 Letter from the Editor The Iran Policy Puzzle By Sh awn Do rma n 16 Speaking Out Decision-Making in Times of Uncertainty By Ch a r l e s Ra y Perspectives 71 Reflections Mercy Is Its Own Reward By An d re a Ko rma n n Lowe 53