Ambassador Nabil Fahmy Egypt Vows Not to Bow to Terrorists by Larry Luxner Egyptís first terrorist attack since 1997 will undoubtedly hurt tourism but wonít dissuade Egyptian leaders from pursuing peace between Israel and the Palestinians, vows Nabil Fahmy, Cairoís ambassador to the United States. Fahmy was interviewed just days after terrorists killed 34 people at three tourist sites in Egyptís Sinai Peninsula. The Oct. 7 car bombings targeted the Taba Hiltonójust 500 meters from the Israeli borderóand two other beach resorts long frequented by vacationers from the Jewish state. more... David Paull Nickles State Department Historian Urges Diplomats to Embrace TechnologyóCarefully by John Shaw David Paull Nickles, a historian at the State Department, is not the sort of person to offer unsolicited advice. But if pressed, Nickles would probably urge diplomats in Washington to slow down, delve into a good history book, and study the lessons learned by their predecessors, especially regarding the use of technology. more.... Peruís New Ambassador Defends President Toledo Against Corruption Charges by Michael Coleman Nobody said developing a democracy was easy, and the president and people of Peru are still struggling to get past the hardest part. Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, who is entering the fourth year of a five-year term, took office with a pledge to crack down on corruption, a frequent scourge of fledgling democracies. But in recent months the presidentís own administration has become mired in allegations of corruption, and many of the nationís 28 million people are impatiently awaiting the economic opportunities that Toledo promised would accompany the move toward democracy. more... . Losing Weight More Complex Than Taking One Kind of Diet Pill by Gina Shaw Letís face it: Americaís fat. With our national weight ballooning dailyóaccording to the National Institutes of Health, fewer than half of the adults in the United States currently have a healthy weight, and nearly a third of us are obeseóthe diet dilemma has gone beyond just how to look good in a swimsuit. With our ever-increasing weight, weíre at an ever-increasing risk for a host of medical problems: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiac problems and increases in cancer deaths. more.... Report on How to Revitalize U.N. Points to Issue of Restructuring Security Council by Sean OíDriscoll NEW YORKóIn December, a high-level panel of diplomats will present a report to the United Nations that is likely to lead to the biggest shake-up of the organization since its foundation. more.... Capital Diplomacy This new series highlights past and upcoming events around the Washington area that showcase how the diplomatic community lends its support for a worthy cause. more....

Culture Section Check out the arts section for the latest in museum exhibits, dance, theater and much more. See November 2004 Winter Getaways Insert Despite International Condemnation, Sudanís Top Diplomat Denies ëGenocideí by Larry Luxner Khidir Haroun Ahmed is very much on the defensive these days. As Sudanís highest-ranking official in Washington, Ahmed is in the awkward position of having to justify his governmentís continuing war against rebels in western Darfur provinceóa war that has led to human suffering on a scale that is unmatched anywhere else in Africa at the moment, or the world for that matter. more.... Diplomats, Officials Calling Actions of Putin Threat to Russian Democracy by David Tobenkin Although Vladimir Putinís official title in Russia remains ìpresidentî and not ìczar,î a chorus of foreigners and Russians alike say that a series of steps he has taken to centralize power under himself are a threat to Russiaís democracy and free market. Others, however, say that the moves may be relatively less objectionable given the daunting challenges facing the Russian state. more.... Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky Aircraft Compete for Presidential Marine One Bid by Alan B. Nichols In mid-December, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Lockheed Martin expect to hear from the U.S. Navy as to which company will be awarded a multibillion-dollar contract to build the next generation fleet of presidential helicopters, known as Marine One. more.... Hong Kongís Margaret Fong Takes on Trade Issues by Larry Luxner The personalized District of Columbia license plate on Margaret Fongís BMW reads ìHKSARîóa tribute to Hong Kongís unique, often misunderstood status as a Special Administrative Region of China. more.... The Washington Diplomat Sponsers First Embassy Golf Tournament by Anna Gawel On Sept. 30, The Washington Diplomat sponsored the first Embassy Golf Tournament at the 18-champion ship-hole Cross Creek Golf Club in Beltsville, Md. more....