Dick Lugar: “it is clear, especially in the aftermath of the war in Iraq, that we have to redouble our efforts to improve perceptions…”

“it is clear, especially in the aftermath of the war in Iraq, that we have to redouble our efforts to improve perceptions about America in the Islamic world. Addressing this urgent priority should be high on the State Department's public diplomacy agenda. We have heard reports that the program is off to an excellent start. Despite the many cultural and political obstacles, recruiting for the first year has proceeded successfully. Substantial applicant pools appeared even in countries where difficulty in attracting applicants was expected. Students are currently being recruited in 12 countries: Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Syria, and in West Bank/Gaza as well. Six additional countries--Algeria, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia--will be added to the program next year. From an applicant pool of 3,000 in Indonesia, 20 have been selected. In Turkey, 200 students applied and 20 were chosen. Over 300 applications have been received in Jordan. Gender distribution varies by country, but we expected that as many as 40 percent of the program participants will be female.”