Morocco has been called a cool country with a hot sun; those who visit may also call it a hot country with cool people. Meridian International Center had the opportunity to see the North African nation’s many facets as part of a delegation dispatched to examine the political economic and cultural landscape in Morocco. Much of Morocco’s dynamism is related to its history as a melting pot of cultures; from Berber to Arab to Jewish to European to African, elements of each culture was incorporated into its evolution as a nation. The country has also managed to weather the...

Hi there, Meridian Readers — we’re back and better than ever. A lot happened in the diplomatic community while we were gone, so let’s dive in and catch up. What Happens If the 2020 Election Is a Tie? Publication: The Atlantic | By Norm Ornstein We get it. It feels like 2019 just started, you’re thiiiis close to using that gym membership you signed up for on January 1– but it’s already time to look ahead to 2020. Because politics. Polls are already suggesting the 2020 presidential election will be neck and neck, and may result in a tie....

There’s only a few days left before the holiday weekend, Meridian Readers. Hang in there. You got this. Now, let’s chat about diplomacy. Iran slams new US sanctions, says they mean end of diplomacy Publication: CNBC | From The Associated Press We know we talked about Iran last week, but tensions between the U.S. and the Middle Eastern country haven’t eased. On June 24, President Trump hit Iran with new sanctions against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his associates. U.S. officials also said they planned sanctions against Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Yikes. Who’s not so thrilled about these...

Meridian implements the Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) on behalf of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Each year, this dynamic youth leadership program engages 150 African high school students and adult mentors from across Africa for a three week U.S.-based training and cultural exchange. PAYLP is a chance for participants to learn and refine leadership and public speaking skills, but the lasting impact of the program is widely seen once participants return home. Below are few of stories of PAYLP alumni who have transformed their communities since completing the program. Cathrine Muradzika |...

It’s Sunday, Meridian Readers! You know what that means, it’s time to jump into this week’s roundup of diplomatic news. We hope you had a great first weekend of summer, now let’s get started. India uses yoga diplomacy to assert rising global influence Publication: ABC News | By Emily Schmall & Mariya Amrayeva Downward dog diplomacy? That’s an alliteration we’re here for. Here’s the scoop: Prime Minister Narendra Modi successfully lobbied the United Nations to designate June 21 International Yoga Day. “Let our motto be yoga for peace, harmony and progress,” Modi said before beginning an hour-long yoga sesh....