Dialogue of Civilizations

This new Search for Common Ground program has been launched to address the mutual fear and suspicion prevalent in the West and the Muslim world. Even before September 11, 2001, signs of distrust, fear, and misunderstanding between the West and the Muslim world had become increasingly evident. These fears and suspicions mainly arise from perceived and real injustices, extreme inequalities in political and economic opportunity, and pervasive stereotypes. The Dialogue of Civilizations program, through various methods and projects, aims to alleviate these fears and improve relations between the Muslim world and the West (particularly the US), and to address current tensions by building cultural bridges and generating Islamic-Western cooperation based on shared values.

Three projects are envisioned initially: (1) an American/Arab film summit to be held in cities in the US and the Arab world; (2) convening a workshop and the establishment of a network of dialogue centers working on issues of improving relations between the Muslim world and the West; and (3) producing and distributing a video that includes interviews with media professionals, civil society leaders, and prominent thinkers who would share their perceptions of the current state of Islamic-Western relations and identify possibilities for future cooperation.

For additional information, contact Ms. Jenin Assaf, Program Manager, Dialogue of Civilizations Program, 1601 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20009, USA; phone 202-777-2207; e-mail .

Bulletin of Regional Cooperation in the Middle East Summer 2001 Copyright 2004 Search for Common Groun