Joe Pitts, August 20, 2004

We learned from the 9/11 Report that in order to combat the threat of terrorism we need to employ a comprehensive plan marshaling every aspect of national power, including military, to defeat it. And we will do that. But in addition to fighting terrorism on every front, we also need to address the root causes of terrorism: quality of life, poverty, desperation.

That’s why I believe a critical aspect of our foreign policy must involve people-to-people connections. The idea is that people need to connect with people: professionals with professionals, students with students, and so on. This idea is what inspired me to introduce two bills to establish exchange programs in Central Asian countries.

H.R. 2809 and H.R. 2810 each authorize pilot exchange programs of academic internships in public policy for future leaders of the republics of Central Asia. The programs would complement our existing exchange programs with Central Asia by targeting undergraduate and graduate students for six-month internships in public positions and utilizing a proven model that combines a four-day-a-week, on-the-job practicum with a day of class work.

But cultural outreach needs to begin right here. The government can’t and shouldn’t do it all. Personal connections make a difference. Just ask Umar Ghuman.

A moderate, Umar was elected to the Pakistani Parliament in an election that saw the surrounding areas support extremist candidates overwhelmingly. Why? What was different? Certainly he is worthy of a seat in Parliament. He is a principled, decent, capable man.

However, he would partly attribute his success to the goodwill generated by the people of the 16th District. Over the last several years many people have donated money to purchase, refurbish, and ship medical vehicles and supplies to Kashmir, the region of Pakistan which Umar represents.

When I visited Pakistan in January I met with Umar and saw the positive effects of these efforts. As I traveled through the area with several of my colleagues, people in the region waved American flags and thanked me as someone who represents those who gave generously to make this happen. This type of exchange, these people-to-people connections, produced amazing results.

So, one asks, why is this important? First, terrorism is a very real problem. The longer we ignore the areas in which terrorism is bred (like Central Asia), the more severe the threat becomes. Second, we can make a difference. Government cannot do it all. A simple gesture by a group of people can go a long way towards planting the seeds of peace and hope in areas that know only violence and despair.

And so, with the help of many constituents, I have developed some ways for people to get involved.

There are of course efforts to send supplies overseas. I have mentioned the mobile dispensaries. But we also have sent schoolbooks, wheelchairs, dialysis machines, and many other items that meet tangible needs without relying on a government program.

There is also the annual Ambassador Visit. Each year, I invite every Ambassador to the United States to Pennsylvania. My wife, Ginny, and I bring two busloads of Ambassadors to our district, along with their spouses. These ambassadors stay with host families and experience America outside the beltway (a first for many of them).

This is a strategic opportunity. An ambassadorship to the United States is only given to someone with powerful connections in his or her home country. So, if we build relationships with these diplomats, we make inroads in strengthening ties with leaders in those countries and help America’s image overseas.

And there are advocacy opportunities. Religious liberty is among my highest priorities. It’s more than just a few words in the Constitution; religious liberty is among the most fundamental human rights. So, I established the Religious Prisoners Congressional Taskforce to act as a clearinghouse of sorts to learn about people held because of their faith and what people here in the United States can do to advocate for their release.

These efforts are not a cure-all for foreign policy challenges. For instance, a citizen cannot negotiate peace treaties. But in times such as these, every effort to overcome misunderstanding helps. And we do not need to rely on the government to do it all.

Congressman Joe Pitts, a Republican, represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District, which includes Lancaster County and parts of Chester County and Berks County.