14 NOVEMBER 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Industry leaders echoed this sentiment, with representatives from Microsoft, IBM, and Google highlighting the importance of investing in local infrastructure, education, and the development of AI models for diverse languages and communities. SecState Visits Haiti On Sept. 5, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Haiti to reinforce the U.S. commitment to a multinational security mission aimed at combating gang violence and supporting the country’s political transition. In his meeting with Haitian leaders, including Prime Minister Garry Conille and the Transitional Presidential Council, Blinken emphasized the importance of swiftly establishing a Provisional Electoral Council to oversee general elections. During a press conference that same day, Blinken acknowledged the progress made since the formation of the Transitional Presidential Council and underscored the need for more international support. He also highlighted U.S. efforts to ensure the mission is sustainable, including consideration of a UN peacekeeping operation. The UN-backed Multinational Security Support mission, led by more than 380 Kenyan personnel, has intensified operations with the Haitian National Police in Port-au-Prince, aiming to end gang control. Blinken also announced an additional $45 million in humanitarian aid, bringing total U.S. support to Haiti this year to more than $210 million. International Treaty for Taliban Accountability Since retaking control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban has systematically stripped women and girls of their rights, from education and employment to basic freedoms of speech and movement. The regime’s latest decree, making it illegal for women’s voices to be heard by male strangers in public, has sparked global condemnation but no real consequences. A potential international treaty, however, could provide new leverage. In October, an UNGA committee met to decide whether to advance a treaty that criminalizes crimes against humanity, including “gender apartheid.” The proposed treaty has gained momentum amid rising global conflicts and growing awareness of the Taliban’s repression of Afghan women. If approved, the treaty could bring legal pathways to hold violators accountable for enforcing systemic gender oppression. Proponents of the treaty, including Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, have called on countries to classify gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. International recognition of this crime Secretary Blinken meets with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille on Sept. 5. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE H osted by Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Carnegie Connects delivers timely discussions on today’s most pressing foreign policy challenges. Drawing on his extensive background in U.S. foreign policy and Middle East diplomacy, Miller engages experts and policymakers to provide thoughtful analysis on critical global issues. Many episodes tackle Middle East concerns, especially the Israel-Hamas war. In the Sept. 19 episode featuring former acting Assistant Attorney General Mary B. McCord and Southern Poverty Law Center Senior Fellow Eric K. Ward, Miller tackles the rising concern of political violence in the U.S. ahead of the 2024 elections. Together, they explore the drivers of political violence and discuss ways to mitigate the threat. Another recent episode dives into the escalating tensions in the Middle East following significant strikes by Israel against Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Miller speaks with Amos Harel, Haaretz’s military correspondent, to analyze the potential for a major regional war and the prospects for de-escalation through diplomacy. Podcast of the Month: Carnegie Connects The appearance of a particular site or podcast is for information only and does not constitute an endorsement.
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