Travel to Canada
Secretary Rice (Oct. 25): "We've had extensive discussions of our bilateral agenda but also of the many, many issues that the United States and Canada are cooperating on across the world.... We have a really good friend in Canada.... We are each other's largest trading partners. And so there is always a great deal to talk about when I'm with the Canadians and I'm delighted that I've had the chance to be here." [full text; trip page]

Hurricane Wilma
In Washington, the State Department has a 24-hour task force to help oversee the U.S. response to the damage in Mexico, as well as a Call Center to handle public queries. This Center can be reached toll free at 1-888-407-4747, or from overseas at 1-202-501-4444. [full text; also see fact sheet]

The Mehlis Report
Secretary Rice (Oct. 21): "...an initial reading of the report is deeply troubling. You have clearly a case in which there is an implication...that Syrian officials were involved in the assassination of Rafik Hariri. You also have a clear indication that the Syrian Government has not been cooperating...." [full text; more from trip]

The United Nations
A new historical background paper describes the U.S. and the founding of the United Nations.  

Earthquake in Pakistan and India
The United States' initial $50 million relief package includes food, water, medical supplies, blankets, tents and humanitarian assistance personnel to assist Pakistan following the earthquake that struck on October 8. The Department of Defense is providing additional transportation, food, tents and other relief supplies. We continue to coordinate with the Government of Pakistan to assess needs and faciliate distribution. [more; view photos; also see USAID's earthquake relief update.]

For the many Americans who will want to make private contributions to assist the victims of this disaster, we recommend that they contact the American Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, or the American Council for Voluntary International Action.

Avian Influenza
A number of countries are reporting cases of avian influenza, commonly referred to as “bird flu” in their domestic and wild bird populations. The H5N1 strain of influenza causes severe disease in domesticated fowl. In addition, there are confirmed cases of bird-to-human transmissions of avian influenza in the South East Asia region, many of which have resulted in death. [more]

Key Policy Fact Sheets
See one-page summaries of key foreign policy issues from the Bureau of Public Affairs.