RE: Bridge between the Cultures--a Middle East public education program

Mamoun Sakkal

To: Potential Supporters and Donors:

I encourage you to give financial and in kind supports to Scott C. Davis and Cune Press in their efforts to conduct public education on the Middle East. The activities of Davis and his authors at Cune Press are understanding between East and West and to begin the healing process after 9-11. In my judgment Mr. Davis has demonstrated his ability to properly handle the funds he raises and to effectively accomplish his public information goals.

Background

I have known Scott C. Davis of Seattle, Washington USA since 1981. I was working as an architect in the office of Alexander Bertulis in Seattle. Mr. Bertulis was a long time associate of Mr. Davis. As a building contractor, Mr. Davis created the Saleh Al-lago restaurant which I designed in Greenlake neighborhood of Seattle. This was in 1982. In addition to his construction activities, Mr. Davis was and is a serious writer. His first book won the Washington State Book Award when it came out in 1988. In addition to doing several residential remodeling projects together, Mr. Davis and his wife were frequent visitors at our house in Seattle and also participated in some of the social activities of the Arab Center of Washington with which my wife and I have been involved.

In 1994 Mr. Davis began a book publishing company called Cune Press. I served as the founding Art Director, a volunteer position that I hold to this day. You can learn more about Cune Press on the web at www.cunepress.com. You can also learn more about Mr. Davis at www.scottdavis.com.

Recommendation

There is a tremendous need for even-handed information in the United States about Arab and Muslim culture. The story of Davis and also of his wife interacting with the Arab Middle East is one that can reach non-Arab Americans quite effectively.

In spring 2002, Davis demonstrated hi ability to participate in the US media by doing 61 radio interviews over several months' time. Radio talk show hosts are constantly in need of someone to represent an Arab or Muslim viewpoint. And it is most effective if these views are delivered by an American who can not easily be attacked by crank callers.

Following the 1967 war, the Arab league sponsored public information officers in the United States who traveled from community to community and presented a reasonable face to the American public. Sad to say, this activity has ceased long ago. With encouragement and financial support Davis and Cune Press can begin to fill the need