Kissinger: Still A Star
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger got the most
attention at the American-
Russian Cultural Cooperation
Foundation’s black-tie gala
“Salute of Arts and Culture
to Diplomacy” at the Russian
Embassy on November 15.
In his familiar gravely voice,
this famous secretary of state,who
helped negotiate an end to the
Cold War advised that “a growing
Asia, the religious-driven Islamic
world, and a Europe where the
structure has changed,” will take
“persistent cooperation, mutual
trust and friendship to re-stablish
a new world order.”
The big celebration, marking 200 years of
diplomatic and cultural exchange between
the two giant nations, was full of lively
storytelling and music. Foundation Chairman James W. Symington, subbing for a flustricken
opera star, sang the beloved Russian
song, Moscow Nights, with wife Sylvia at the
piano. And, the light-hearted Symington
didn’t miss announcing Foundation board
member Jane Sloat’s unusual wedding
night. “She just got married to C. Jackson
Ritchie three hours ago. Now, that’s what I
call devotion to this Foundation!”
AYENDA: HOPE FOR AFGHANISTAN
Ambassador Said Jawad and his wife Shamim welcomed an impressive list of
Washington’s top power players to their
Kalorama residence in October for the
Ayenda Foundation’s Afghan Children
Initiative. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, Senator John Sununu of
New Hampshire, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, Under Secretary of State
for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky and Kalorama neighbor and
former U.N. delegate Esther Coopersmith were guests for this benefit dinner sponsored
by Freddie Mac and co-chaired by Timothy McBride, co-founder of Ayenda and a senior
vice president of Freddie Mac. “Afghanistan’s future depends on
literate, educated and healthy children,” said
Dobriansky, also noting that Ayenda not only
enhances the welfare, education, health, shelter
and safety of Afghan children but encourages
their artistic and athletic abilities too. |
Funds
from this second annual gala will go to a
learning center for an isolated orphanage, song
books of traditional Afghan songs (which were
lost under Taliban rule) and a soccer field.
According to Shamim Jawad, it is the
children themselves, despite their obvious
hardships, who inspire her. “When you travel
to Afghanistan, the first thing that you notice is
the children. You will never forget their bright,
curious eyes or their gentle,
musical laughter.”
Building Bridges
Former Jordanian Ambassador Karim Kawar and his wife Luma were back in town in mid-October
to host the inaugural conference
of their new foundation “Bridges
of Understanding” with cofounder
and businesswoman Kathryn Hubbard. “Bridges,”
in partnership with Meridian
International Center, aims to
increase understanding and
acceptance between the United
States and the Arab and Muslim
world. This one-day conference
brought together top government, corporate
and think tank leaders, along with ambassadors
from Egypt, Morocco, the Arab League and
the current ambassador from Jordan, PrinceZeid Bin Ra’ad Al-Hussein.
“This was a great beginning,” said Karim
Kawar, “We already have important projects and
action, not just words, after only six months.”
Cigars and Rum Despite the downpour, guests flocked to
Ambassador Flavio Espinal and wife Minerva’s
second annual Cigar and Rum Night at the
Residence of the Dominican Republic on
October 24. “They always have the best parties,”
pal Debbie Sigmund said. Avid Latin dancers
proclaimed Victor Victor’s band incredible,
and everyone enjoyed DR;s two favorite
products -- Brugal Rum and Pro-Cigars
smokes, which come from the Ambassador’s
hometown of Santiago. Without question, this
was commercial diplomacy at its finest.
Readers wishing to get in touch with Gail can
email: columns@washingtonlife.com. |
