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Part of the book series: Palgrave Macmillan Series in Global Public Diplomacy ((GPD))

Abstract

American public diplomacy in the Middle East was a focus of renewed interest following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Despite an initial outpouring of public sympathy for America following the 9/11 attacks and dramatically increased funding for public diplomacy efforts, favorable ratings have dropped precipitously. Egyptian—and Arab—public opinion of the United States has reached new lows. America is losing the battle to win the “hearts and minds” of Arabs and Muslims in the Middle East.

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Philip Seib

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© 2009 Philip Seib

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Amin, H. (2009). The View from Egypt. In: Seib, P. (eds) Toward a New Public Diplomacy. Palgrave Macmillan Series in Global Public Diplomacy. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230100855_6

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