The Middle East Partnership Initiative: An Overview

RS21457 -- The Middle East Partnership Initiative: An Overview

Updated July 20, 2005

Summary

The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is a program designed to promote political, economic, and educational development in the Middle East. This report provides an overview of the MEPI program, its perception in the Middle East, and its role in the debate over U.S. efforts to promote democracy in the Arab world. For FY2006, the Bush Administration has requested $120 million for MEPI. For FY2005, Congress appropriated $75 million for MEPI, half of the President's original request. MEPI has received an estimated $294 million in funding since its creation in FY2002. This report will be updated as developments unfold.