BY JOHNATHAN RIEHL | The Seeds of Peace youth leadership program first rose to prominence in 1993 because of its success in working with Israeli and Palestinian teenagers. But with the success of its camp in Otisfield, Maine, and its strong support in Congress, Seeds of Peace also has broadened its focus to others areas of conflict around the globe.
Reflecting this expanded mandate, language in the committee report on the fiscal 2003 House Appropriations foreign operations spending bill praises Seeds of Peace not only for its work with Middle Eastern teens, but also for its efforts with youngsters from rival communities in Cyprus and the Balkans. The program also now includes teenagers from Afghanistan.
Seeds of Peace President Aaron D. Miller notes the Afghan program is focused on conflicts within that country, setting it apart from “the traditional Seeds of Peace model,” which deals more with issues of coexistence and mutual understanding between children from clashing nations and cultures. As an example he points to the program for teenagers from India and Pakistan—whose governments and people have clashed fiercely over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
“India and Pakistan came about in large part because of State Department interest in Seeds of Peace,” said Miller, a former diplomat and peace negotiator. “They saw it work in the Arab-Israeli issue.”
The program also has hosted teens from Cyprus, home to an enduring conflict between its Greek and Turkish communities.
Miller said the program’s reach may also soon extend to include young Iraqis—and, possibly, young Americans. He envisions a component program in which American teens would interact with Arabs and Muslims, learning to work together and understand each other.
“I think there is a huge gap that continues to separate [American and Middle Eastern] attitudes and perceptions,” Miller said.
Considering the Bush administration’s renewed interest in the peace process and the American role in reshaping Iraq, Miller said that Seeds of Peace’s expansion could follow in the short term.
“I think we’re better positioned than many organizations to take advantage of whatever opportunities come our way,” he said. “I’m trying even this summer to explore the possibility of getting young people from Iraq,” he said. “With the renewed focus [on the Middle East], if the situation on the ground improves, it will allow us to operate more effectively.”
Miller believes Iraq youngsters could benefit from the experience of attending the program’s summer camp.
“I see it as a chance to expose Iraqi kids to a variety of experiences,” he said. “They can learn from watching Israelis and Arabs interact, Indians and Pakistanis … It empowers these kids.”