The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs leads U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa region through carefully administered diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance that advances the interests, safety, and economic prosperity of the American people
The grant program focuses on supporting and strengthening American-style higher education programs in Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). It aims to facilitate critical thinking, tolerance of different opinions and beliefs, and foster community cohesion and engagement. Key goals include strengthening the diversity of the student body and faculty, ensuring high academic standards and progressive curricula, supporting retention of students, faculty, and staff, and equipping graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills for leadership roles in governmental, non-governmental, and private sectors.