In a new Washington Post blog entry, Thomas Farr continues his efforts (see previous post) to shine a spotlight on President Obama's failure to yet appoint an ambassador at large for religious freedom, as required by the International Religious Freedom Act (Farr himself was the first director of the State Department's International Religious Freedom office, from 1999-2003). This time he claims new evidence to support his belief that the Obama Administration is "indifferent" to the cause of religious freedom around the world.
Frankly, it didn't seem that things could get much worse for the prospects of a revived IRF diplomacy. Then, last week, the Obama administration issued its National Security Strategy.
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What does America's new U.S. National Security Strategy say about the U.S. policy of advancing religious freedom?Nothing. Zero. Nada.
Of course, it doesn't say nothing (read the National Security Strategy here). Farr admits the policy includes a reference to the importance of individuals' freedom "to worship as they please," one of 4 "universal values" (alongside individuals' freedom to "speak their mind, assemble without fear" and "choose their own leaders") that the United States "will work to promote worldwide." What he seems to want is a more concerted effort to put the issue of religious freedom at the forefront of diplomacy. Will an ambassador at large on the issue help? I don't know. But Farr passes along rumors that the President is poised to fill the position.
At this writing, the President is said to be about to nominate as ambassador a Baptist pastor who is well connected in the administration. But she also appears to lack any experience either in international religious freedom or diplomacy.
