International Focus Magazine Vol. 1, #2 | Page 7

introduction Editor’s Note I’ve I’ve been thinking a great deal about the state of the world at this point in history. When looking at the ebb and flow of international relations what I see today is those who would divide us gaining ground by convincing their followers that the other isn’t worthy of the basic human value of compassion. I’m speaking not of compassion in emotional terms but compassion in terms of the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It’s the compassion due every person simply because they are human. For me, it’s at the core of the soft power of diplomacy. It’s the value that can be leveraged to resolve the most intractable diplomatic impasses. Looking outward I see conflict and impasse but looking inward, towards the international community I have a very different, unique experience. That uniqueness, I believe, comes from the golden rule. As a society, we put ourselves in the position of having to live the golden rule as part of our work and lifestyle. It’s how we keep the lines of communication open and continue to trade perspectives. This month iF Magazine continues to demonstrate the uniqueness of the global family with our guest Mr. Phillip Aronoff, Honorary Consul General of Hungary in Houston. His part in the diplomatic world involves Political stability fostered through economic cooperation. At the intersection of business and diplomacy, he is an entrepreneur and Houston’s point of contact for the Hungarian diplomatic corps. With compassion in mind, Anita Long Managing Editor Our target audience is as diverse as the planet and we strive to have something for everyone in every issue. Our readers are mostly college-educated, they share common interests in entertainment, diversity in culture, taste and faith. They assimilate, eat out often and are easy to court. Many are business owners and professionals, they are middle-aged and higher and make business and family time top priorities. iF Magazine | www