National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (NCUSAR) is an American non-profit organization with the goal of improving Americans' knowledge and understanding of the Arab world.

Founded in 1983, NCUSAR has public charity status in accordance with Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions are tax-deductible.

The headquarters of the Council are located at 1730 M Street, Washington DC. Utilizing its politically central location and ties with sister organizations, the Council plays a role in convening regular meetings of the heads of a dozen Arab-U.S. relations organizations concerning the sharing of information, discussion of strategies, avoiding duplication of effort, and identifying and pursuing opportunities for greater inter-organizational cooperation.

The Council is staffed by professionals and experts in the field of Arab politics. Most notable is President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony. Vice Presidents Patrick Macino and Dr. James Winship act as Director of Development and Program Manager respectively, while Megan Geissler heads the nationally recognized Model Arab League. These managers are backed by a team of interns who work seasonally. A fall spring internship opportunity is offered to college students, and a special fellowship exists for summer interns.

The National Council is supported primarily by philanthropists, individuals, and institutions in the United States and the Arab world. Their involvement with the Council often begins with a single event or activity and grows into a broader relationship based on a shared commitment to the Council's vision and mission. The number of people involved with the Council has grown over the years.

The National Council's vision is a relationship between the United States and its Arab partners, friends, and allies that rests on as solid and enduring a foundation as possible. This concerns mutual political endeavors, economic ventures, and reciprocal appreciation for culture and heritage.

The National Council's mission is educational. It intends to improve American awareness and understanding of Arab countries, the Middle East, and the Islamic world. It does this by promoting programs for leadership development, educational lectures and publications, and public forums.

NCUSAR hosts the annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference, a gathering to discuss that year’s pressing issues in the Arab world. It also sponsors the intercollegiate Model Arab League, a student forum similar to the Model United Nations. Study abroad opportunities exist in the form of the Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies and the Cairo League of Arab States Exchange. The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations periodically sponsors public educational programs on Capitol Hill. There, an assemblage of specialists analyze, discuss, and debate issues of importance to the relationship between the U.S., Middle East, and Islamic World. Such events seek to strengthen trust and friendship while examining complex political issues.

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