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U.S. initiative to boost influence in Middle EastSUMMARY
The United States Middle East Partnership Initiative will provide a framework and funding for the United States to work together with governments and people in the Arab world to expand economic, political and educational opportunities for all. The initiative will include the more than $1 billion in assistance that the U.S. government provides to Arab countries annually. The United States is also committing $29 million in initial funding for pilot projects in support of reform in each area listed above. The Bush administration will also request significant additional funds next year. The initiative is a partnership between the United States and governments in the Arab world, other donors, academic institutions, the private sector and non-governmental organizations. As part of the initiative, the State Department will review existing assistance programs in the region in an effort to ensure the aid is reaching as many people as possible across the region, with a particular emphasis on women and children. The State Department also wants to ensure that it provides the most effective and efficient assistance possible. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage will serve as coordinator for the initiative. The initiative will be managed by the Near East Affairs Bureau of the Department of State. UPDATE• "Partnerships for Learning " program will share knowledge with all levels of society in the Middle East through programs such as a Georgia State University workshop for non-governmental leaders from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. • Programs focused on improving the lives of girls and women through literacy training and scholarships to stay in school. The initiative will focus in particular on connecting more schools and students to the Internet. • Scholarships for undergraduate study in the United States and in American universities within the region, focusing on degrees in fields such as economics, education, business administration, information technology, and the sciences. • Assistance to Arab members of the World Trade Organization to help them comply with their commitments and technical assistance on WTO criteria to aspiring WTO members in the region. • Enterprise funds with private sector management to provide capital and technical assistance to promising entrepreneurs and their business ventures. The State Department will also establish new micro-enterprise programs to help new micro-business. • Through mechanisms such as the Middle East Democracy Fund, assistance to non-governmental organizations and individuals from across the political spectrum working for political reform. • Support for establishment of more non-governmental organizations, independent media outlets, polling organizations, think tanks, and business associations --- groups that create the foundation for a vibrant democracy. • Training and exchanges for electronic and print journalists. KEY QUESTIONSWill the Bush administration be able to secure funds from Congress to continue the initiative? How will residents of Middle East nations react to increased U.S. aid? KEY PLAYERSRichard Armitage -- Deputy Secretary of State Colin Powell -- U.S. Secretary of State George W. Bush -- U.S. President
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