Jan 4th, 2009 · U.S. Marines are trying a new tactic in Fallujah: cattle. They're providing dairy cows to 50 women widowed in the past few years of fighting. The hope is that the cows will provide a steady source of income for the women. Marine Maj. Meredith Brown and State Department worker Jennifer Vitela talk to host Guy Raz about the project.
Nov 11th, 2008 · More than 14,000 Iraqi refugees are expected to enter the U.S. this year, and most of them have gravitated to Detroit. But the economy is so bleak that the State Department no longer wants to allow Iraqis to settle in Michigan unless they have immediate relatives already living there.
Jul 31st, 2008 · The State Department hopes patriotism will compel American civilians to leave their comfortable lives in the U.S. for far-flung locales and potentially dangerous work: saving states the U.S. classifies as "failing." Critics say the program will be seen as nation building.
Jul 18th, 2008 · U.S. Undersecretary of State William Burns will participate in talks between the E.U. and Iran Saturday, aimed at ending the Iranian uranium enrichment program. The State Department says Burns will not negotiate, but his presence in the room is seen as a softening the Bush Administration's policy of not negotiating with Iran.
May 19th, 2008 · Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expressing concern that the State Department has become stretched too thin by the diplomatic demands of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Gates is arguing for more resources for Foggy Bottom.
May 1st, 2008 · A State Department report on global terrorism says Iraq suffered the largest number of terrorist attacks in 2007. Ambassador Dell Dailey says the U.S. visited the home countries of foreign fighters in Iraq to get help in curbing the suicide attacks — stressing that the fighters will pose a danger if they return home.
Apr 24th, 2008 · Two former Marines are suing the Virginia-based contracting firm that handles security at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, and its British parent company for firing them after they accused the firm of misleading the State Department to get a contract to secure the embassy. The lawsuit is raising new questions about outsourcing security for diplomats abroad.
Mar 21st, 2008 · State Department employees have snooped inside the passport files of all three presidential contenders. The State Department has apologized and is investigating. Two employees have been fired. The Justice Department is weighing whether a criminal investigation is warranted.