WASHINGTON - The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) launched today a new Web site featuring more information packed into an easy-to-use format. The site has been structured for more efficient searching and features a number of new resources, including an online media kit, podcasting, high resolution photos of experts and events, and opinion pieces by staff and fellows. "The new version of the Web site makes it easier to locate information related to a specific conflict or universal topi...

Washington - The U.S. Institute of Peace has published a new report exploring Palestinian public opinion and the future of the Arab-Israeli peace process, titled Willing to Compromise. The report, written by Khalil Shikaki, analyzes survey data from more than 100 polls conducted over the past eleven years to identify long-term trends in Palestinian public opinion concerning the peace process, the use of violence against Israelis, and the Palestinian Authority, and makes policy recommendations...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Institute of Peace recently unveiled a new organizational structure designed to improve integration, promote innovation, and increase the impact of its work. The new structure is built around three new strategic centers oriented to the goals of the Institute and the three major phases of conflict. These centers include the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention, headed by Dr. Paul Stares; the Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution, headed by Dr. David Smock; ...

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Institute of Peace announced today that Brenda Oppermann, most recently a policy advisor on gender and democracy issues with USAID's Iraq Reconstruction Office, will be chief of party at the Institute's Baghdad office starting in January. A. Heather Coyne, the current chief of party, will return to Washington to work as a senior program officer in the Institute's new Center for Conflict Management and Resolution. "The Baghdad office is essential to our Iraq programs bec...

WASHINGTON – Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, co-chairs of the Task Force on the United Nations, are scheduled to testify before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Science, State, Justice and Commerce (SSJC) on Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m. in Room 2359 Rayburn House Office Building. SSJC Chairman Frank R. Wolf (R-VA), who authored the legislation mandating the report, will preside. Gingrich and Mitchell will discuss the findings and...

WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has named Barry Lowenkron, assistant secretary for democracy, human rights, and labor, as her ex-officio designee to the Board of Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace. In her letter to Institute President Richard Solomon announcing the designation, Secretary Rice expressed her wish to "maintain the close relationship that exists between the Institute and the Department of State." She called the Institute "one of the best organizations for t...

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Institute of Peace released a major report today on Iran and Iraq: The Shia Connection, Soft Power, and the Nuclear Factor, which underscores Iran's critical relationship with post-Hussein Iraq. Furthermore, it highlights how Iran's relations with the United States, other countries in the region, and the international community could impact regional stability. "The greatest threat to regional stability with respect to Iran and Iraq currently revolves around the Iranian ...

WASHINGTON – Richard H. Solomon, President of the U.S. Institute of Peace, announced today that Pamela Keeton, formerly with Powell Tate|Weber Shandwick, a powerhouse public relations firm inside the beltway, is the organization's new director of public affairs and communications. Keeton will oversee external outreach, including the Institute’s Web site; media relations; internal communications; marketing; and alumni relations. Keeton has led a two-track, varied career in public affairs, inc...