The Christian Science Monitor reports on the “quiet diplomatic drive that has been working since 9/11 to build positive ties between the U.S. and Pakistan: exchange programs”:

“Every year, more than 2,000 Pakistanis participate in a range of initiatives, from English-language scholarships to fully funded academic or professional-development programs in the US. Taken together, these initiatives – run by the US Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital – make up the largest cultural and educational exchange program of any US embassy in the world, according to US officials here. And despite misunderstandings and some rough edges, it seems to be working.”

“’These programs are instrumental in expanding the positive view people will have of the U.S.,’ says Mosharraf Zaidi, a political columnist [in Pakistan]. Reciprocal exchanges from the U.S. are few, given safety concerns, but the State Department says it is working to increase the number of American participants. In April, 15 American academics came to work in Pakistani universities and research institutions, but that’s up from only two last year.

“’The more exposure there is, the better.... [It’s] beneficial in the long run for both countries to engage with each other more,’ says Mr. Zaidi.”