No survivor owes the world an account of their torture and survival . Elizabeth shares her hostage story because she knows too many Iraqis cannot. Thank G-d she is now safe at home. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/w...

🆕#NDI announces the 2025 Madeleine K. Albright Democracy Awardees! ⭐️ Nino Dolidze of Georgia ⭐️ Chisankho Watch of Malawi Honoring their courage & leadership in defending election integrity & democratic participation. bit.ly/4qAqsAT

It was great to share thoughts with Dr. Tamara Wittes @tcwittes.bsky.social, president of the National Democratic Institute, on the most pressing challenges in democracy support worldwide and discuss the importance of free and fair elections. Looking forward to future exchanges.

The Nobel prizes for Peace and Literature this year both shone a light on the struggle for freedom.These laureates are a powerful reminder that the human demand for voice and choice is irrepressible. #FreedomWorks

Want to spend some time getting inspired about the future of democracy? Join me, @mcfaulmike.bsky.social and more at #TEDxMidAtlantic! My talk will be on “Democracy, Fast and Slow” — how we can make democracy work in our supercharged attention economy. Details: mailchi.mp/251bd014cc05...

After 2 1/2 years of horrific captivity, Elizabeth is finally safe.  ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוהינו מלך העולם מתיר אסורים!

Shocked at the murder of Andriy Parubiy today. Andriy was a Ukrainian patriot, a statesman, and a valued partner to NDI. May those responsible for this horrific act face swift justice.  #NDI will uphold Andriy’s cause, democracy & freedom in #Ukraine. Wishing comfort to his family & friends.

The National Democratic Institute is honored to receive a major gift from the MacArthur Foundation! This vote of confidence strengthens #NDI work to protect elections, promote accountability & expand democratic participation worldwide. Read the full statement ⬇️ bit.ly/45ryvYc

NDI identified five key challenges to ensuring election integrity: effective autonomy of electoral bodies, prevention of undue interference, reduction of polarization and premature fraud claims, prevention of electoral violence and easing tensions that affect civic space. www.upi.com/Top_News/Wor...

Elections are the heart of democracy. NDI’s Pre-Election Assessment Mission identified five key challenges and urged action to strengthen the integrity of Honduras’ 2025 elections 🇭🇳 ndi.org/publications...

Chisankho Watch+NDI! The forthcoming elections are not just about choosing leaders; they are a test of Malawi’s democratic commitment and a chance to advance the values that citizens care about most: peace, security, stability, and prosperity for all. ndi.org/our-stories/...

Chisankho Watch+NDI! The forthcoming elections are not just about choosing leaders; they are a test of Malawi’s democratic commitment and a chance to advance the values that citizens care about most: peace, security, stability, and prosperity for all. ndi.org/our-stories/...

Thank you, @crow.house.gov, for joining NDI last night to celebrate our shared commitment to democracy with diplomatic partners from both sides of the Atlantic. We are grateful for your continued support!

May our celebration of American independence reinforce our commitment to continue our march toward a more perfect union, to stand by those still seeking their freedom around the world, and to support the activists and reformers working to strengthen their own democracies. Let freedom ring.

May our celebration of American independence reinforce our commitment to continue our march toward a more perfect union, to stand by those still seeking their freedom around the world, and to support the activists and reformers working to strengthen their own democracies. Let freedom ring.

False Solomons Seal. Grand Teton NP.

Grateful to @congresswomanscm.bsky.social for our time discussing how @NDI democracy support helps prevent terrorism and promote peace and stability in Syria, Yemen, and across the Middle East. Smart investment!

Triteleia in the Tetons.

Sticky geranium, Grand Teton National Park.

Former RFE/RL journalist Ihar Karnei has been freed from unjust detention in Belarus, announces the broadcaster's president. about.rferl.org/article/form...

I’m grateful to @kim.senate.gov for taking time to talk with me and my colleagues about the global fight for freedom. Supporting citizens who are securing rights and building democratic governance in their own countries advances American security and prosperity as well as American values.

Now, their work is in jeopardy. That's why I sat down with the presidents of all three orgs to discuss what we need to do to ensure these programs that have long had bipartisan support can continue to grow and help shape the world around us for the rest of this century. (3/3)

The NED, NDI, and IRI are three organizations that lead global democracy programs and give people the tools they need to self-govern effectively. For generations, their work has been instrumental in making our country safer and more prosperous. (2/3)

When democracy flourishes around the world, it has an real impact here at home. It means our country is safer and our businesses have a fair playing field to operate in new markets. (1/3)

The team at @ndidemocracy.bsky.social mourns the passing of Rep Gerry Connolly, a powerful voice for democracy and champion of those who seek it. May his memory be a blessing to his family, his NoVa community, his staff, & his colleagues of both parties who share his commitment to freedom for all.

An honor to speak alongside democracy champions Jerzy Pomianowski, Carine Kanimba, Leopoldo Lopez and Jeffrey Ngo at #CDS2025 #defenddemocracy

Russia is doing the destroying, so Ukraine has a legit claim to the RU assets we hold, says @kajakallas.bsky.social. Would we seriously return these assets to Russia when our own countries are paying the cost for the war today? #cds2025

EU High Commissioner @kajakallas.bsky.social notes it’s 60 days since Zelenskyy called for unconditional ceasefire. Putin, she says, has made clear he still wants war. #cds2025 #defenddemocracy

“Europe must rearm, economically, morally, and militarily.” Anders Fogh Rasmussen at #CDS2025

Anders Fogh Rasmussen opens #CDS2025 decrying the return of 19th-century ideas like territorial expansion in world politics.

Excited to be here with freedom activists and democratic electeds and officials from around the world. We begin tomorrow!

What the rain did to the peonies. There’s always next year!

Evening song.

The National Endowment for Democracy has been an effective, low-cost tool to support democracy— with bipartisan support for four decades. See here for the toll of cuts in testimony by @tcwittes.bsky.social and Dan Twining, heads of the Democratic & Republican institutes: thehill.com/opinion/whit...

White dutch iris amongst the peonies.

Peony

Peony

Morning light.

To mark the end of #NationalParkWeek, here is Lockhouse 7 on the C&O Canal in all its spring glory.

Golden ragwort, or ragweed. C&O National Park

Spring Beauty

Mertensia virginica (Virginia bluebells) Off the C&O Canal

Violets

Pawpaw