An International Summer!

As we prepare ourselves - as students, staff and faculty - to launch a brand new academic year full of promise (and lots of study and hard work), let's take a moment to reflect on this summer when we have had a steady diet of international food for thought. No, no, no, I'm not referring to time at the beach, in the mountains, or on the back deck savoring such international delights as a refreshing gazpacho or an ice cold tropical fruit smoothie - though these delights and the environments in which we enjoy them certainly are conducive to thought! Rather, I'm referring to the steady stream of headlines and news reports that have screamed stories of world events at us over the past few months.

First on the list, at least from a US perspective, is Iraq. If we have paid attention, we've been following stories highlighting such issues as reemerging ethnic rivalries, continued resistance to foreign occupation, flawed or questionable intelligence data and its use, the difficulties of 'nation building,' and international diplomatic challenges presented by a widely unpopular war. Somewhat overshadowed by Iraq this summer have been such equally important stories as those related to peace in the Middle East, conflict in Liberia, a deadly heat wave in Europe, terrorism in South Asia, the worldwide SARS epidemic, the ongoing global struggle against HIV/AIDS, and the fascinating efforts by Argentina's new leader to cope with his country's troubled past. And, there is always AHNOLD - included herein only because of his Austrian roots!

As you turn your attention to your work and studies, please save some space for these and other important, insightful and fascinating international stories that will continue or emerge over the next couple of months, and inform yourself of the impact they have on our world and our lives.