The LAU-MEPI
Leaders for Democracy Fellowship
Arabic Program

As part of the activities of the LDF program organized by the LAU in Beirut and funded by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the head of the Political and Economic Section at the United States Embassy in Beirut, Rice Smith met with the leaders at the Crown Plaza in Beirut underscoring American Policy.
There were a number of constructive discussions about the situation in the Middle East during which the dialog covered the crises in the Arab world and their solutions. Smith also spoke about American policies and strategic views related to the difficulties and ongoing conflict in Iraq and Syria where the struggle is underway with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In turn the participants discussed with Smith the priorities of the United States in the Middle East for the next phase and ways to implement these priorities.
Worthy of note is that the Leaders for Democracy program, funded by MEPI is hosting participants from various Arab countries for a ten-week period composed of a four-week academic term and a six-week term that is dedicated to participants’ practical training at Lebanese civil society organizations.