Building Bridges With America

Dr. Khaled Batarfi, kbatarfi@al-madina.com

Last week I was invited to join the Saudi American Interactive Dialogue in Jeddah, titled “Fostering Community: Building Bridges of Understanding and Cooperation.” Sixty Americans and Saudis sat with each other on ten round tables, three from each side on every table, with one chosen as a moderator and presenter. We discussed two main issues: “The role of religion and social responsibility in community development,” and “The creating of a responsible media.” The conference was sponsored by Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and key business entities.

Dr. Batarfi turns in an interesting report on the Saudi-American Interactive Dialogue which met in Jeddah last week. This Saudi-sponsored effort to improve relations is a worthwhile one. His article is also worth reading.