The Bush administration plans to launch an effort this fall to promote democracy in the Middle East "in order to improve political institutions and public debate in often repressive societies," The Washington Post reported Wednesday.
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell will unveil next month a program aimed at promoting economic, education and political reform, including $25 million for pilot projects and additional millions for training political activists, journalists and trade union leaders, according to U.S. officials.
A major goal of the new U.S. plan, which would include a review of the effectiveness of $1 billion in U.S. foreign aid to the Middle East, is to develop economic opportunities and political safety valves in a region that is home to significant anti-American sentiment, the daily added.
According to officials, Bush administration's ambitions are modest, adding that the president and his foreign policy advisers are wary of jeopardizing U.S. ties with Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The U.S. initiative calls for incremental progress -- slowly building a freer press, more functional local governments and more engaged civic organizations. According to The Washington Post, Sept. 11 attacks prompted the administration to shift tactics in the Middle East. (Albawaba.com)
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