Challenges that have faced the United States and mainly the west such as the Cold war and the September 9/11 attacks can be viewed as bringing a greater importance and transforming public diplomacy.
The war on terror that was lead by President George Bush during his time in office saw the invasions of Iraq and subsequently Afghanistan.The extents and consequences of these wars have seen questions arise not only in the eyes of the world but very importantly in the minds of people duelling in the countries involved.
Clarification is required through diplomacy towards these countries in order to bring about an understanding and bridge the negativity that may tarnish the images of these countries invading their territories.
The recent unexpected visit of Prince Charles to Iraq to enlighten the troops fighting in Basra was deemed as not welcome by the lay people of Basra due the occupation of British troops in their motherland.
Whether the visit was superficial and mainly for his own benefits as said by some of the locals,an important form of public diplomacy can be seen as he managed to meet with senior members of the community such as Basra's governor Abdull Latif and the Archbishop Gabriel Kassab of the Christian community.
The risk of Prince Charles being in Iraq was imminent hence the secrecy prior to his visit meeting with local community bridges some misunderstandings and may clear critics about his visit within the local community and uplift the general view of the local people to the troops in this area of Basra.
Frank
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