The Islamist Tide In Pakistan Is Turning, And None Too Soon

In October, the State Department cosponsored a Jazz Fest in the online universe Second Life, where 65 percent of approximately 1 million "residents" are outside the United States—fertile ground for cultural outreach, officials say. America's signature sound seemed like a perfect starting spot: "[Jazz] is a very strong public diplomacy tool for us," says William May of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

During the eight-hour event—held in a virtual replica of D.C.'s National Mall—some 250 "residents" listened to real-life artists like the U.S.'s Jean Munro and Uruguay's Ankari Holder, who enjoy increased popularity thanks to regular SL gigs. Pleased with the turnout despite a "low key" ad campaign, organizers expect participation to increase significantly for future shows, which may include festivals with China and Brazil.

The first concert concluded with a Web chat on jazz's ability to transcend nationality—the same idea that led President Dwight D. Eisenhower to dispatch musicians like Louis Armstrong overseas in the 1950s to help thaw cold-war tensions. With SL's popularity rising, and the U.S.'s image falling, the State Department might be wise follow Ike's lead and continue to invest in the diplomatic possibilities of virtual jazz.
—Brian Byrnes

New Amsterdam: Razing The Red Lantern
As legions of foreign backpackers can attest, Amsterdam without the Red Light District would be like Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Yet the city has unveiled an ambitious plan to replace the brothels and sex bars with galleries, fashion boutiques and upscale restaurants.

Last December, Mayor Job Cohen presented a scheme to upgrade the historic area that has, since the 15th century, been Europe's tawdriest haven of sexual permissiveness. Cohen's plan is to revoke the licenses of suspected sex bars (starting last month with two popular sex venues, the Casa Rosso and the Banana Bar) and then buy the real estate to rent or sell to more-wholesome businesses.

The cleanup follows a nationwide backlash against 1960s liberalism that has led to stricter rules on selling pot and a pending ban on hallucinogenic mushrooms. A recent survey showed that 67 percent of Amsterdam residents support the clampdown on illegal prostitution. "People in Amsterdam and the rest of the country are starting to discern real tolerance from bogus tolerance," says Deputy Mayor Lodewijk Asscher, dismissing critics who say a clean Amsterdam will be a bore. He notes that Rudy Giuliani heard similar warnings when he scrubbed Times Square in the mid-'90s, only to see "record tourist numbers each year since." Yes, Amsterdam will stay popular. As for its conservative politicians, Giuliani's career now suggests a different fate.
—Thijs Niemantsverdriet

© 2008