How our U. S. Government views the questions to which you responded

Submitted by Fred E. Vanosdall (United States), Jan 21, 2013 at 00:34

Long title of comments - only because of presentations I have heard by Members of the Department of State who have worked, lived and viewed both Russia and Japan.

Those staff, one with 5 or so years in Russia and 7 years in Japan, seemed very comfortable and very knowledgeable in those Languages and about each countries', culture, people, developments over time and spoke freely with members of the audience, after the presentation, in their natuive languages.

What could we expect of such staff in Turkey? My personal contact with AID personnel in Turkey 20 years ago did not comment on Islam as a area of interest or concern in their work there. So is the changes you view a result of hardship or problems evolving from within or external presence, internal or external influences?

Internet: Keywords, references or authors to read - just a direction to pursue.

My vocabulary does not permit me to address problematic issues well. I am reading more and moreabout the Western Powers influence in the Middle East following both WWI and WW ii. Primarily Britain and France in the partitioning of Middle Eastern Territories.

Regards,

Fred.

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