Ambassador of Bolivia Jaime Aparicio Gas Line Project Is Exposing Boliviaís Woes by Larry Luxner Until a few months ago, mountainous Bolivia was pretty much a forgotten land tucked away in the Andesóits 8 million people considered among the poorest in South America. Then, in mid-October, the countryís worst violence in 30 years erupted when thousands of indigenous protesters blocked the streets and highways of the capital city, La Paz, demanding the resignation of President Gonzalo S·nchez de Lozada. The president eventually did resign but not before riot police had killed more than 80 demonstrators. Bolivia suddenly made headlines in U.S. newspapers, and the countryís ambassador in Washington, Jaime Aparicio, was thrust into the spotlight for the first time in his career. more... Terrorism Expert Says U.S. Needs Broader International Strategy by John Shaw Jessica Stern said President Bushís passionately declared war against international terrorism is viscerally appealing, psychologically soothing and emotionally compelling. But it is also, she argues, doomed to fail. Stern, a professor at Harvard University and one of the nationís top experts on terrorism, said international terrorism is a complex phenomenon that cannot be defeated by only using a tightly focused military strategy. more.... Transforming the Military May Be Elusive Goal for Rumsfeld by Alan B. Nichols Soon after he took office in 2000, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld made the rounds through the Pentagon, announcing a broad plan to transform the military from a Cold War-oriented leviathan into a lean, 21st-century, high-tech strike force. But three years later, this bold announcement has been mired in criticism and ongoing doubts about the Bush administrationís ability and willingness to make over the U.S. military. more.... Holidays Are Season to Brace Yourself for Heartburn by Gina Shaw Deck the halls with boughs of Ö Nexium? ëTis the season to be Ö extremely uncomfortable? As December ushers in the traditional holiday parties and celebrations of many cultures and faiths, tagging right behind the feasting is another holiday tradition: heartburn. more.... Letter to the Editor: "Religious Fervor May Dominate Emerging Indian State of Nagalim" - October 2003

Culture Section Check out the arts section for the latest in museum exhibits, dance, theater and much more. Free Trade Accord Represents Victory for Chilean Ambassador by Larry Luxner On Jan. 1, 2004, after years of sensitive negotiations and bureaucratic delays, a free trade agreement will finally take effect between the United States and Chile, marking an important milestone in bilateral relations that could have far-reaching implications for the rest of Latin America. more.... ëEmbassy Residencesí Offers Rare Look Inside Diplomatic Homes by Larry Luxner ìEmbassy Residences in Washington, D.C.î brings to life the little-known and sometimes secret stories behind 41 of Washingtonís most sumptuous diplomatic residencesómost of whose interiors have never been seen outside diplomatic circles. more.... Several New, Renovated Chanceries to Debut in Active Building Season by Alan B. Nichols Diplomatic staff at the embassies of Greece and CÙte díIvoire will soon be settling into their new chancery buildings. The soon-to-be-completed chanceries highlight an active construction season for Washingtonís embassies. In addition to Greece and CÙte díIvoire, Sweden will be premiering its long-anticipated new embassy overlooking the Georgetown waterfront in a few years, and renovations are currently nearing completion at the embassies of Luxembourg and Estonia. more.... Diplomats Pay Low Prices at Little-Known Duty Free Shop by Carolyn Chapman The Diplomatic Duty Free Shop, a centrally located boutique that is open only to diplomats stationed in the United States who have tax-exempt status, is a shopper's paradise for the holiday season. more....