Did you know that the U.S. State Department has a blog? It's called DipNote (short for diplomatic note) and according to the “About” page the blog, “offers the public an alternative source to mainstream media for U.S. foreign policy information. This blog offers the opportunity for participants to discuss important foreign policy issues with senior Department officials.” Two bloggers, an editor, and guest bloggers from various offices at State provide short breezy posts that highlight recent news and diplomatic initiatives. Recent posts noted the changing status of Kosovo, calls for the expansion of the G8, U.S. policy toward Iran, and a festive 4th of July photo gallery. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, it's not the personal blog of Secretary Rice, but really, when would she have time to blog with her busy global travel schedule and high profile meetings, not to mention those early morning workouts. Still, for a large bureaucracy like the State Department, the blog is a welcome breath of fresh air and represents a serious attempt to engage with a public that all to often seems uninterested in foreign affairs.
