The Foreign Service Journal, December 2003

one family, clan or occupation resist dealing with others? The knowledge required to answer these questions is acquired over time, through a series of assignments in a country and a region. Acquiring this understanding is the unique task of the Foreign Service. It All Adds Up to What? As they rise in the Service, our senior officials should be expected to make judgments based on a broad body of knowledge they have acquired. “This is unlikely.” “This makes no sense; try again.” “This is a plausible strategy that will achieve our objectives.” These are the kinds of judgments senior officials should find themselves making, grounded in a solid understanding of the society and culture that is the object of the pro- posed action. If we learn nothing else from our experience in Iraq, and from the debate over the quality of intelligence acquired through clandestine as well as overt means, let us hope that in the future, our political leadership will have the good sense to ask for and to listen to the judgments of those who have devoted their lives to cross- cultural communication in pursuit of the national interest. Policy-makers ignore such knowledge at their peril, and the nation pays the cost. ■ During his 35-year career in the Foreign Service, Charles (“Chuck”) O. Cecil served in five Arab countries and four countries in sub-Saharan Africa, ending his overseas service as ambas- sador to Niger, 1996-99. He retired in 2001 and now devotes himself to pho- tography and writing. 18 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 3 S P E A K I N G O U T We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. There’s more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: • 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant • Continental breakfast • Weekly buffet dinner • Daily maid service • Free local calls • Health club • Internet access in lobby • Weekend transport to local hot spots For example: Potomac Mills Mall or Mt. Vernon! Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 a rlington@dcexeclub.com al exandria@dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington or Alexandria locations.... Executive Club Suites still offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests! In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . • Electronic locks on guest rooms • 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle • RT Grocery pickup weekly • Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting • Grilling area We accept the first sliding per diem (your 100% for 60 days, then the 50% reduction w/weekly maid & w/o meal coupons.) Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 w ww.execlubdc.com or r eservations@dcexeclub.com Language competency, complemented by a sincere interest in foreign beliefs, is the foundation upon which true understanding — real intelligence — rests.