Puneet Talwar has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to a key diplomatic position, becoming the second Indian American to join the state department. Talwar, who was a key aide of President Barack Obama on the Middle East, will now serve as the assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs.
Bangladesh trade privileges suspended over safety
By Matthew Pennington The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — President Barack Obama announced June 27 the suspension of U.S. trade privileges for Bangladesh because of concerns over labor rights and worker safety that intensified after hundreds died there in the global garment industry’s worst accident earlier this year.
U.S. Senate calls for more engagement with Sri Lanka
The report released Monday, Dec. 7, by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee warns that neglecting Sri Lanka as it emerges from three decades of bloody civil war could result in a shift toward China and other countries that place “greater value on security over freedoms.”