Presented by Jeffrey Gedmin, President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Inc. As the U.S. prepares to elect a new president who will face new challenges in the post-Soviet era -- from al-Qaeda and their affiliate jihadists, to North Korea and a resurgent Russia -- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's mission is as important as ever. RFE/RL journalists, at great risk to themselves, bring uncensored news and information to people who live in closed societies with access only to state-controlled media. Broadcasting in 28 languages to 20 countries, including Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia, the republics of the Caucasus and Central Asia and to nations in Eastern Europe that have yet to complete a successful transition to democracy, RFE/RL remains one of the most effective conduits of American "soft power."