Review of Middle East regional cooperation program (project no. 398-0158.25)

Egyptian/Israeli scientific and technical cooperation has yielded significant achievements in the fields of agriculture, public health, and marine technology. The projects have dealt with subjects of high priority, and both Egyptian and Israeli efforts resulted in work of considerable utility to both countries. Good professional relationships have been established, as well as cordial personal friendships. Despite a background of political tensions and violence in the area, the scientific work was not affected significantly. The very favorable environment for collaboration that has emerged can be attributed to five factors. First, U.S. academic entrepreneurs have been present from the beginning to stimulate interest in the program, bring the various parties together, assist in the development of concrete projects, and help to overcome difficulties in implementation. High-level host government support has been a second important contributor to program success. Especially in Egypt, such support has served as an important buffer for participating scientists facing opposition from their colleagues and home institutions. The U.S. Government and institutions have also provided an important umbrella of support. Project coordinators are another key element. Several of the participating Egyptian and Israeli scientists have had an association that antedates the program, and the program has strengthened that association significantly. Finally, the continuing interest and financial support on the part of Congress have been essential. Despite the generally warm and relaxed associations that have evolved, continuing sensitivity to certain key aspects of the relationships must be acknowledged. In particular: those relationships must represent a partnership among equals; U.S. evenhandedness in dealing with the two parties is essential; and a low profile regarding publicity is necessary to minimize the risk of media distortions. A congressional initiative thrust the MERC program upon A.I.D., which already had large bilateral programs to monitor with limited staff. Despite its initial reluctance to undertake an activity at variance with its normal work, A.I.D. has turned in a performance of considerable merit. Nevertheless, we have heard some criticism of its burdensome bureaucratic methods. Our recommendations in this area concern, first, the strengthening and greater flexibility in the administrative arrangements. A second, even more important set of recommendations, seeks closer integration of activities among the various collaborators who individually are functioning quite well. (Author abstract)