Objective: To establish centers of Foundation activity in Iran consistent with a proven and measurable history of success to:

1. Commence a program of inter-religious engagement in Iran
2. Discuss the problems of Iran with the rest of the world, and look at ways to address these issues
3. Examine Iranian educational methodology and gain an understanding of the religious ideology of Iranian leadership
4. Enable Iranian engagement with the West
5. Establish an Iranian Institute of Peace

Commitment: Obtain funds to establish centers. Costs are estimated at $585,800 for one year.

Background: It is often said that the key issues in the Middle East are the three I’s: Israel/Palestine, Iraq and Iran. The final "I" has been neglected and resulted in very few people understanding or working on the growing crisis of the relationship between Iran and the rest of the world. The FRME serves to approach religion and conflict in a pragmatic and fully engaged capacity. It is involved in other aspects of conflict resolution including economics, education, and social and medical rehabilitation. The FRME follows a systematic program of encounter and education, and is responsible for funding for these programs and providing the FRME staff on the ground.

For several months the religious and political leadership of Iran has asked the FRME to begin a program of engagement in their nation. They have heard of our work in Iraq through Shia religious leadership and are very keen that such engagement should begin in Iran. The core team will include Kamran Mofid, the chair of the Economic Forum of the FRME, and Canon Andrew White, CEO of FRME. A detailed proposal is available upon request.

Partnership Opportunity: The Foundation for Reconciliation in the Middle East is actively seeking partnership opportunities to fund the $585,800 necessary to move forward on further engaging Iranian leaders in an inter-religious dialogue.

Update:
December 2005:
The planning phase for establishing the Iranian Institute of Peace is still in development. Contacts are still being maintained with various religious leaders from Iran.