Radical Islamic extremists and their terrorists tactics are forcing the United States to engage in a new kind of war—a war that can’t be won through military combat alone. Unless accompanied by cross-cultural efforts to build understanding and foster tolerance, clearing out insurgent strong holds will never yield a lasting peace. Might expanding the US Peace Corps—a long established, highly regarded grassroots diplomatic program—to more Muslim countries be an effective complementary strategy in fighting the “War on Terror?”
America’s reputation as a land of freedom, prosperity and promise is being overshadowed by one of a bully and a war monger. Military efforts are necessary to respond to immediate security threats, but these actions have not helped build a global audience interested in hearing about the virtues of a democratic and open society. As fighting continues in Iraq, foreign relations with Iran remain hostile and violence escalates in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the United States needs to repair its image not just with heads of states, but with the non-violent Muslims exposed to the fundamentalist teachings of the extremists trying to recruit new soldiers to join their crusade.
But can a bunch of idealistic American college graduates living in villages in the Middle East really have an impact on winning the hearts and minds of Muslims across the world? The task is enormous compared to the capabilities of the program, but what the impact may lack in breadth, it makes up for in a depth that is genuine and lasting in a way no public diplomacy campaign could ever be. However, just as this unconventional war has required updated military tactics, the Peace Corps must adapt its structure in Muslim countries to reflect the cultural understanding it aims to foster. Jordan being the only Middle Eastern country where the Peace Corps currently exists should serve as a test case for building an effective program before needed expansions are considered.
While most Peace Corps volunteers (PCVs) experience a very free, unstructured and unregulated lifestyle in their host countries, volunteers in Jordan, especially young single females (who usually make up two-thirds of the group), must adhere to strict customs that define culturally acceptable behavior—always covering arms and legs, not being out after dark, not sitting by men on the bus, only talking to men in the presence of family—in addition to abiding by extensive Peace Corps security regulations requiring staff approval of any travel beyond one’s home village. Respecting cultural norms is imperative to gaining the acceptance of one’s community, but doing so while trying to honestly present oneself as an American creates great tension in the role of cultural ambassador.
High “early termination” (ET) rates should be a major concern for an organization whose mission’s fulfillment greatly depends on the number of volunteers in-country. Today, Jordan has the third highest ET rate of the 74 Peace Corps countries with over 50 percent of volunteers choosing to leave within a year of arrival. Daily harassment or spying from other villagers, security concerns or expulsion for unauthorized travel outside the village are common causes of the high turnover.
Restructuring the program to help volunteers adapt to the unique constraints on life as a PCV in a Muslim country will enable a richer more lasting cultural exchange. Allowing volunteers to live in pairs not only has safety advantages but is more consistent with the cultural emphasis on family since no Jordanians live alone, like volunteers currently do. Identifying and training a Jordanian counterpart for each volunteer will cultivate a deeper cross-cultural relationship and facilitate the development of lifelong technical skills. Adjusting travel policies to allow volunteers to meet up with each other on weekends will foster a natural support system, promote the interchange of ideas and end unsafe late night traveling.
Legislation has been proposed in Congress to double the funding and number of PCVs by 2011, the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps. Yet, money should be used to replicate success, not mediocrity. The need for a successful Peace Corps initiative in the Middle East to use as a model for expansion is too great to allow inaction in addressing its weaknesses. Minor adjustments in program structure can have a major impact on fighting terrorism, anti-Americanism, ignorance, racism, and religious fanaticism at home and abroad and should be made before any expansion is considered.
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