Diplomatic Dispatches: CBSNews.com

Diplomacy Plods On

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:53:44 EDT

Even as the ongoing financial crisis has shaken the political establishment to its core, and the presidential campaign has pushed the current Oval Office occupant to the sidelines, U.S. diplomacy on the world stage trudges ahead.

Free Foreign Policy Advice

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:00:04 EDT

Candidates Obama and McCain are not suffering from a shortage of advice. Almost everyone they encounter has his or her two cents worth of opinions to whisper in the candidates" ear.

Libya's Evolution

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:00:06 EDT

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice"s historic visit to Libya is not a shock. But Charles Wolfson says it raises the question of whether similar trips to Pyongyang and Tehran would make problems easier to solve than they proved to be with Tripoli.

What Summer Doldrums?

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:30:08 EDT

This last month of summer the temperatures and humidity have been cooler than normal but the foreign policy and national security problems have been hot, hot, hot.

Deciphering White House Policy On Iran

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:08:31 EDT

The evolution of White House policy, from naming Iran a member of the "axis of evil" in 2002, to dispatching the State Department"s No. 3 official for a meeting with Iran"s top nuclear negotiator, has been long and frustrating path.

Israel At 60: Prosperity Without Peace

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:30:04 EDT

For all of the achievements of Israel in its 60 years as a modern state, Charles Wolfson says there remains at its core a key piece of unfinished business: making peace with all its Arab neighbors and most especially with the Palestinians.

Iran's Nuclear Program Priority For Rice

Thu, 01 May 2008 21:00:03 EDT

CBS News' Charles Wolfson says Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has her work cut out for her on her diplomatic mission to London and the Middle East.

Great Wall Of Criticism Facing China

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:00:08 EDT

Human Rights activists, well aware that China wants to use the Olympics to showcase the nation's modernization, are pressuring China"s political leadership to bring about change in the government"s attitude on human rights.

Where In The World Is Condi Rice?

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:30:02 EDT

Friday morning she was in Brazil. After that she was off to Chile. Secretary Rice returns to Washington on Saturday, and leaves Sunday for Russia. Rice is traveling so much these days one really needs a world map and a GPS device to keep up.

Diplomatic Dispatch: Visit To Afghanistan

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:09:00 EST

On an unannounced trip to Afghanistan, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice faced two challenges: convince NATO allies to carry more of the security burden, and persuade the nascent Afghan government to make better use of the billions it gets in aid.

A Career Diplomat Says Good-Bye

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:27:07 EST

R. Nicholas (Nick) Burns, career foreign service officer and self-described super fan of Red Sox Nation, is giving up one of his passions - and it is not his love for the Red Sox.

Bush's Last-Chance Trip To The Middle East

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:30:03 EST

State Department reporter Charles Wolfson says now very well may be the best time for President Bush to make a trip to the Middle East, the region which has every indication of dominating his last year in office.

It's Been A Strange Year

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:00:03 EST

State Department Reporter Charles Wolfson says it was an active but strange year for U.S. diplomacy. He looks at efforts on North Korean and Iranian nuclear programs, stabilizing Iraq and bringing peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Annapolis Is Over. Now What?

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:07:42 EST

Now that the international diplomatic spotlight has left Annapolis, Maryland along with Bush, Abbas and Olmert, Charles Wolfson wonders if the peace process is back on track.

Annapolis... And The Day After

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:52:21 EST

Next week's conference in Annapolis will hopefully launch Israelis and Palestinians on the path to a peace agreement but as Charles Wolfson notes, what makes this gathering different is the huge level of international support for the process.

Condi's Crisis In-Box Is Full

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:00:02 EST

Crisis management has always been part of the job description for any secretary of state, but as Charles Wolfson notes, Condoleezza Rice has a surfeit of international imbroglios on her plate.

U.S. Looks To Mend Rift With Turkey

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:30:04 EDT

The last thing the U.S. needs is a problem with Turkey, a vital supporting player in the Iraq war and a key NATO ally. But Charles Wolfson says that's just what it has, as tensions between Turkey and Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq escalate.

Blackwater Probe Likely To Reveal Little

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:30:03 EDT

CBS News' Charles Wolfson says it is not obvious that any of the investigations now underway will get a fix on the "ground truth" of the role of private security firms in Iraq.

Iran Controversy Marches On

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:00:03 EDT

Despite Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's swagger in New York this past week, says CBS News' Charles M. Wolfson, don't think the U.S. giving up on applying pressure on Tehran. There's much going on behind the scenes.

A Few Eyes On North Korea, Too

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:01:07 EDT

CBS News' Charles M. Wolfson says this week has brought not just anxiety (troop surge talk) and dread (a new bin Laden video) but also hope for progress in an unlikely corner: the Korean Peninsula.

Playing Tag With Diplomatic Vehicles

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 07:24:48 EDT

CBS News' Charles M. Wolfson says foreign diplomats stationed in the U.S. will be getting new license plates, both for security and to avoid confusing them with Buckeyes.

The Dog Days Of D.C.

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:30:02 EDT

What do White House political adviser Karl Rove and baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. have in common? They both made news in Washington during the dog days of August, says CBS News' Charles Wolfson.

Capital's Summer Topic: Iraq, Not Humidity

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:30:05 EDT

This will be an unusual summer in the nation's capital, Charles Wolfson says. Everyone will be talking about President Bush's Iraq war strategy rather than the weather.

Restarting The Mideast Peace Process

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:00:05 EDT

Although the odds are long, CBS' Charles Wolfson thinks Tony Blair's Middle East peace mission does have some chance of success.

A Two State (Palestinian) Solution?

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:34:57 EDT

Charles Wolfson wants to know how the world will respond to Hamas' new power. The Bush Administration and its European allies are holding talks on ways to bolster their support for the new Palestinian government being formed by Salam Fayyad.

Passport Snafu

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:30:08 EDT

Charles Wolfson reports on the behind the scenes scramble to help American travelers survive a huge backlog in passport applications.

The Palestinian Street Fight

Fri, 18 May 2007 15:00:06 EDT

CBS News' Charles Wolfson doesn't see any easy solutions to the violence in Gaza " or any great interest by anyone to finding those solutions.

What Now For Syria and Iran?

Fri, 04 May 2007 16:30:05 EDT

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice broke diplomatic ice with Syria and Iran this week at a summit in Egypt. Where does the U.S. go from here, asks State Department reporter Charles Wolfson.

Iranian Hostage Crisis Redux

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 16:00:03 EDT

The hostage standoff between Iran and Great Britain is entering its second week, and there's growing concern over how and when the situation will be resolved, writes Charles Wolfson.

Iraqi "Neighbors Meeting" A Positive Step

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 13:30:08 EST

The news that U.S. officials would sit down with officials from Iran and Syria at a regional conference in Iraq may not signal a major policy shift for the Bush administration, but it is a positive development, writes Charles Wolfson.

Mideast Summit's Low Expectations Met

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:00:07 EST

After meeting with Israel"s Prime Minister and the Palestinian President, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced the two leaders "affirmed their commitment to a two-state solution." But obstacles remain, writes Charles Wolfson.

Pushing Israelis And Palestinians

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:30:09 EST

Trying to fulfill her pledge of re-energizing White House efforts to get Palestinians and Israelis back to serious peace negotiations, Condoleezza Rice convenes a meeting of the U.N., the EU, Russia and the U.S., Charles Wolfson writes.

U.S. Boosts Commitment To Afghanistan

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 17:48:17 EST

Charles Wolfson reports that the U.S. is redoubling its efforts to help Afghanistan combat the Taliban and wants help from some of its partners to do the job.

The Last Big Push On Iraq

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:00:06 EST

CBS News reporter Charles M. Wolfson explains what's behind the president's changes in his foreign policy team, and points out the wild card in the hand that's being dealt.

Some Progress, But Little Joy In Darfur

Mon, 25 Dec 2006 08:00:06 EST

Although diplomats point to small advances in easing the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, the progress seem small in deed compared to the endless suffering of thousands there, writes CBS State Department Reporter Charles Wolfson.

Recalibrating Iraq Policy

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 20:30:04 EST

In the wake of the Iraq Study Group recommendation of a slow exit from Iraq, the signals from the White House couldn't be clearer: adjustments but no major policy shifts, says State Department reporter Charles Wolfson.

Bush And Iraq's PM To Meet In Jordan

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:00:07 EST

A State Department official says President Bush's message to the Iraqi leader will be "things have changed since the election" when they meet next week for what's characterized as a "consultation, reports Charles Wolfson.

Optimists & Pessimists

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 12:00:04 EST

Charles Wolfson says the Democrats' victory last week has forced political leaders in Washington and Baghdad to focus on the key element of Iraq strategy: determining the basis for withdrawal of American troops.

Election Day Matters Overseas

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:30:05 EST

No matter which candidates win, the results from this year's midterm elections will have an effect on foreign policy considerations in the remaining two years of the Bush presidency, Charles Wolfson says.

Mixed Messages On Iraq

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:30:09 EDT

Charles Wolfson says trying to measure whether the Bush administration and Iraq's new government are on the same page is not the easiest game in town.

Revenge Of The Axis Of Evil

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 12:00:04 EDT

Charles Wolfson says President Bush's now-infamous "axis of evil" speech is coming back to haunt him. Mired in Iraq, the U.S. has little recourse except to hope that the international community can make sanctions work in Iran and North Korea.

North Korea At A Fork In The Road

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:15:21 EDT

CBS News State Department reporter Charles Wolfson says North Korea's announcement that it intends to test a nuclear weapon has left the world wondering what Kim Jong Il really wants.

Sticks And Stones .

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 14:30:05 EDT

CBS News State Department reporter Charles Wolfson weighs in on the devil slur made against President Bush by Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. It's not that big a deal, says Wolfson.

Americans Weren't Only Victims Of 9/11

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:31:54 EDT

CBS' Charles Wolfson notes that while the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center killed more than 2,700 Americans, hundreds of people from dozens of other nations also lost their lives.

Darfur's Ongoing Tragedy

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 20:00:03 EDT

CBS' Charles Wolfson writes on the diplomatic inertia hindering efforts to send a peacekeeping force to Sudan's western region of Darfur. So the killing and raping and displacement goes on and on and on.

The Juggler-In-Chief

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 16:30:11 EDT

Now that his vacation is over, President Bush is back to juggling the various international crises facing him, reports Charles Wolfson. Any one by itself would be a problem, let alone three huge ones.

Is This The Right Time?

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 01:00:51 EDT

Charles Wolfson gives us some insight on the work Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has to do to bridge the diplomatic gap between a state, Israel, and a terrorist organization, Hezbollah.

Mideast: Many Questions, Few Answers

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 17:00:46 EDT

Charles Wolfson says everyone wants to see the hostilities in the Middle East end, but there are few easy answers. How do you make peace between a recognized international state and a terrorist organization?

Mideast: A Rerun Or New Era?

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 17:10:01 EDT

Charles Wolfson says Hamas has been on a collision course with Israel and the United States ever since winning democratic elections in January. Is the current crisis the turning of a new page in how the Arab-Israeli conflict is being waged?

G-8 Gives Iran A Deadline; Now What?

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:30:30 EDT

CBS News State Department reporter Charles Wolfson says when Iran does answer the Group of Eight demands " on its own schedule " it's likely to try to strike bargains over its nuclear program. How the G-8 will respond is unclear.

The Ball Is In Tehran's Court

Sun, 04 Jun 2006 17:00:25 EDT

Charles Wolfson reports that after months of indirect negotiations, the ball is in Iran's court now that the American government has offered face-to-face talks.

Libya: A Victory For Diplomacy

Fri, 19 May 2006 14:36:01 EDT

The renewal of diplomatic relations between the United States and Libya is a victory for the diplomatic process, says Charles Wolfson.

Is Iran Trying to Send a Signal?

Fri, 12 May 2006 19:06:09 EDT

The Bush administration sees Mahmoud Ahmadinejad"s 18-page letter as "an attack on the President and on his policies." But maybe, just maybe, Charles Wolfson says, it could also be the Iranian regime"s way of making a diplomatic overture.

Hu's Visit Bigger For China Than U.S.

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 16:35:32 EDT

Chinese leader Hu Jintao will receive full military honors when he arrives for meetings with President Bush this week. But Charles Wolfson says the reception will appear more impressive in Beijing than in Washington.

Diplomatic Double-Teaming On Iraq

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:00:13 EDT

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice capped a week on the road with a surprise trip to Iraq to push for the formation of a new government.

Iran: To Talk or Not to Talk

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 16:34:59 EST

The Bush administration's policy toward Iran during the past year has been aimed at isolating that country from the international community. But Charles Wolfson says there seems to be an exception to this policy of isolation.

The Nuclear Deal With India

Fri, 03 Mar 2006 16:04:59 EST

The pact will help relations with India and American businesses could stand to reap huge profits, but the agreement is flawed, according to many, and will run into strong opposition in Congress, reports Charles Wolfson.

Infiltrating Iran

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:34:52 EST

The recent efforts by the Bush administration to support democracy and reforms in Iran appear to be a not-so-subtle signal that it wants to undermine, or perhaps, overthrow the current regime in Tehran, reports Charles Wolfson.

Hamas Win Bad Omen For Mid-East Peace

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 12:04:28 EST

Now that the reality of a Hamas victory in the Palestinian elections has sunk in, Middle East political analysts express pessimism over the future of the peace process, as Charles Wolfson reports.

Rice Seeks To Transform Diplomacy

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 18:25:40 EST

One does not normally associate the word "transformation" with "bureaucracy." But that"s exactly what Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is doing as she explained plans for what she calls "Transformational Diplomacy," says Charles Wolfson.

Iran, The U.N. And U.S. Diplomacy

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 18:04:01 EST

The Bush administration's diplomatic efforts on Iran are in overdrive. Charles Wolfson says the administration is showing that it learned from its experience with Iraq that there is more than one way to confront a threat.

The Sharon Effect In Washington

Fri, 06 Jan 2006 19:33:57 EST

Ariel Sharon's departure from the political stage will be felt most acutely by Israelis and Palestinians. Charles Wolfson says it will also have a very big impact in Washington.

'No Corners' In Iraq

Sun, 18 Dec 2005 11:33:44 EST

After a seemingly successful election in Iraq, the future of democracy there seems bright. But what do a series of missteps " and justification speeches " by the administration signal? Charles Wolfson offers explanations and hopes.

Dayton Accords A Decade Later

Wed, 23 Nov 2005 16:00:04 EST

Much progress has been made in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Charles Wolfson says some of the lessons learned there could also apply to the war, and subsequent rebuilding, in Iraq.

Rice At Work

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 16:00:03 EST

Charles Wolfson says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice"s willingness to risk failure paid off after non-stop diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and Far East.

Squeezing Syria

Fri, 28 Oct 2005 18:00:05 EDT

Charles Wolfson says Syrian President Asad"s grip on power is at risk from the U.N.-led probe into the assassination of Lebanon"s former prime minister. The Security Council will consider imposing sanctions on anyone who does not cooperate.

Saddam On Trial

Thu, 13 Oct 2005 15:00:05 EDT

Charles Wolfson says that in the minds of Iraqi citizens " and the victims who survived a brutal dictatorship " the trial of Saddam Hussein may be as important to Iraq"s future as an up or down vote on a constitution.

Karen Hughes: Diplomat

Sat, 01 Oct 2005 16:04:13 EDT

Bush confidante Karen Hughes has wound up her trip to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey - meeting with government officials and citizens to try to improve America's image in the Arab world. CBS' Charles Wolfson reports.

Hughes Meets Critics In Turkey

Thu, 29 Sep 2005 14:30:30 EDT

President Bush's adviser Karen Hughes was named to a State Department post designed to change Islamic perceptions about America. Hughes is now touring the Mideast and Charles Wolfson is along and filing updates with CBSNews.com.

Iran's Nuclear Ambition

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 19:36:02 EDT

CBS News State Department Reporter Charles Wolfson examines the diplomacy " or lack thereof " regarding Iran's nuclear pronouncements made during the U.N. General Assembly session.

Katrina's Impact On Foreign Policy

Fri, 03 Mar 2006 13:35:00 EST

With the U.S. facing a domestic crisis in the wake of Katrina, other countries may attempt to test the White House by trying to influence policies it cares about, says CBS' Charles Wolfson.

An End And A Beginning

Fri, 19 Aug 2005 21:30:28 EDT

Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip puts pressure on Palestinian political leaders who soon will have to run the place, reports Charles Wolfson.

No Diplomatic Dog Days

Thu, 11 Aug 2005 17:30:19 EDT

August finds Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other senior diplomats engaged in serious diplomatic and politically important negotiations affecting foreign policy goals. Every top agenda item seems to be getting high profile attention.