Asia America Initiative

The Asia America Initiative is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and a field office in Manila, Philippines. It is dedicated to promoting democratic ideals, strengthening international security and mediating in conflict-plagued areas throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

History and Mission

The Asia America Initiative (AAI) was founded in 2002 by Al Santoli, who was then Senior Vice-President of the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC). Under the directive of the AFPC, AAI was formerly known as the Asia-Pacific Initiative. [ American Foreign Policy Council: Asia-Pacific Initiative [http://www.afpc.org/api.shtml] ] In 2004, it changed its name to the Asia America Initiative and officially established itself as an independent nonprofit organization. It has since continued its work in providing humanitarian aid, conducting policy forums, and publishing strategic reports under this status.

AAI operations are rooted in the belief that international security and the defense of human rights are inseparable. Therefore, victory over terrorist movements requires the foresight to provide humanitarian assistance in at-risk, impoverished communities. As a catalyst for policy innovation, AAI's field programs deliver direct aid to populations targeted for terrorist recruitment. By integrating human rights, civil society, and livelihood skills as key components for peace mediation, AAI aims to empower communities on the front line of terror to deter violence by building hope. [ About AAI [http://www.asiaamerica.org/About.html] ]

Publications

AAI publishes strategic reports that focus on developments and emerging security threats throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

[http://www.asiaamerica.org/publications/default.html#AsiaInFocus Asia In Focus] analyzes developments in security, politics and related social and economic issues that impact the stability of the region. In addition, this publication highlights how strategic setbacks in Central Asia can be avoided and how emerging local and international trends have a direct influence on the root causes of terrorism and the flow of arms from the Silk Road to the Southeast Asian island nations.

[http://www.asiaamerica.org/publications/default.html#ChinaInFocus China In Focus] monitors reforms in the People's Republic of China and the issues in Sino-American relations. The report also analyzes China’s rapid economic development and its social and strategic implications.

Programs

Development for Peace in Sulu

In 2002, AAI began working in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the Sulu Province of the Philippines. Because of the persistent violence caused by militia groups, the area remains one of the most impoverished in the country. [National Statistical Coordination Board - 2005 Gross Regional Domestic Product-Per Capita. [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/grdp/2005/2005concap.asp] ] The Development for Peace in Sulu (DPIS) program was created as a model for grassroots development to establish sustainable peace in an area long-plagued by conflict and terror. AAI has partnered with local community leaders to provide material assistance and training in order to improve the health, education, and livelihood opportunities in the region.

AAI’s DPIS program received a 2004 Presidential Citation from Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for providing over $3 million dollars in medical and educational assistance to the poverty-stricken community of Muslim Mindanao. [Testimony Before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission [http://www.uscc.gov/hearings/2005hearings/written_testimonies/05_07_21_22wrts/santoli_albert_wrts.htm] ]

Adopt a Classroom

The Adopt a Classroom project is a joint collaboration between AAI and the [http://www.mwcoalition.org/ Muslim Women’s Coalition] that provides direct support for 25,000 students in more than a dozen schools throughout the Jolo region of the Philippines. Schools and individuals worldwide can “adopt” a classroom by donating money or school supplies. These gifts are then sent directly to schools in Jolo, helping to improve the education system and to build hope in the war-torn and impoverished community.

Humanitarian Aid and Human Rights

In response to urgent crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region, AAI partners with other non-governmental organizations to provide humanitarian relief. Past projects have provided medical supplies and HIV/AIDS medicine to Cambodia, funding for the food, shelter, and education of Burmese orphans in Thailand, and an emergency airlift of medical supplies to victims of the devastating 2005 Pakistan earthquake.

AAI also works to support activists and political prisoners dedicated to the cause of universal human rights. Notable projects have included:

* Nominating Dr. Nguyen Dan Que for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote democracy, peace, human rights in Vietnam
* Writing a letter to Chinese President Jiang Zemin demanding the release of democracy activist Dr. Yang Jianli
* Conducting an interview with former Tibetan activist and Chinese political prisoner Ms. Ngawang Sangdrol

Policy Forums

AAI participates in a number of events dealing with security in the Pacific Rim. In July 2005, Director Al Santoli offered testimony at a U.S.-China Commission hearing on China's Growing Global Influence. The hearing examined China's influence and activity around the world, its energy policy, and its direct and indirect effects on U.S. interests.

AAI has also hosted a number of policy forums with international security experts and political officials touching on issues ranging from Nepal’s Maoist insurgency to the inner workings of North Korea.

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Al Santoli is the founder and president of AAI, a New York Times best-selling author, a nominee for both the Pulitzer Prize and American Book Award for History, and editor of AAI’s “In Focus” publications. Over three decades - as a historian, journalist, soldier, national security advisor in the U.S. Congress, human rights monitor, and as a foreign policy expert - Mr. Santoli has directly participated in seeking solutions to some of the most dramatic and complex events that have shaped U.S.-Asian relations.

AAI also conducts an active Education/Mentoring Program, maintaining a team of interns for three to five month residencies.

References

External links

* [http://www.asiaamerica.org Asia America Initiative Official Website]
* [http://us.oneworld.net/article/view/144418/1/9509 OneWorld People of 2006: Al Santoli & the Asia America Initiative]