11 Nov 2011

Welcome to the Seventh Floor!

When I started writing as a diplomatic editor some time ago, I immediately realised how important is to reach the core of each issue. Actually I felt very much like a freshman in a School of Journalism who was unable to convince his professors if structure and the content of his article would be appropriate; by the way I have never graduated from such a school and yes I have to admitt that still now I feel stressed about the core of my text. After the first shock, I chose the calm thoughts which gave me the answers that I was looking for

Readers always prefer to end up with a conclusion rather than a question; the problem is that most of the times when it comes to an International Relations Article we are prone to analysis or even theories rather than finding the core or coming to a conclusion. But is it always possible to come to a conclusion? Obviously not, what I am stressing  though is the need to provide for the reader the answer, or the path to find the answer by presenting all the possibilities. For instance I cannot conclude or even predict whether Iran will comply with the International Community position but I can demonstrate the options and limits for each side and I can present before the eyes of my readers all the drivers, like the balance of power in the Middle East, the adequate or inadequate arsenal of Tehran etc, that could be decisive for the future.

Trying to focus on the core and be consistent on this commitment I chose the title Seventh Floor for obvious symbolic reasons; In the U.S State Department ,the Secretary and his/her most high ranked officials are located in the seventh floor. Since this floor symbolizes the heart of decision-making in the diplomatic arena, l suggest that we start our journey with a promise not to discover in which floor the Secretary is but together to reach the core of as much international issues as possible. Welcome aboard my friends!