[PhillipHer]

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Int...ons/wm2339.cfm
March 11, 2009
Why President Obama Should Not Attend the Alliance of Civilizations Forum

"...There is remarkably little information on exactly what the AoC has accomplished aside from holding meetings and establishing Alliance-approved databases of experts and organizations who can discuss youth, education, media, and migration issues.

"There is major cause for concern considering the AoC's ongoing support of constraints on freedom of expression and speech. As U.N. High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Jorge Sampaio announced at a 2008 press conference in Iran, "There is a balance to be found between freedom of expression and respect for religion and for religious feelings and principles."[11] These types of platitudes are unworthy of a true effort to promote frank dialogue. Freedom of expression means little if it is subject to the sensitivities and feelings of those who may be offended by personal statements on, or media coverage of, religious matters. ..."

http://tinyurl.com/dgkqbo
Alliance of Civilizations Implementation Plan 2007-2009

"...The AoC Secretariat will collect information on initiatives underway and best
practices related to the subjects prioritized in consultation with GoF members, civil
society groups and implementing partners, such as the following seven subjects:
i. Cross-cultural and inter-faith dialogue and cooperation;
ii. Regional fora for interfaith and intercultural dialogue and cooperation;
iii.
Media literacy programmes;
iv.
Training programs for journalists in cross-cultural news coverage;
v.
Government programmes, civil society organizations and academic
initiatives that educate and empower Muslim immigrants in the U.S. and
Europe;
vi.
Curricula for teaching about religions in schools through consensus
processes, and curricula for religious schools; and
vii.
Human rights education programmes that communicate the universality of
human rights within diverse cultures and religious traditions. ..."

Going past diplomatic language and all manner vague wording, I look for specifics that can be put in place. I worry about a crackdown on freedom of speech and in particular how teaching about religion in schools, including religious schools. will be affected. If a school takes government money, pressure can be put on the schools as to what they can teach about their own religion as well as other religions. Efforts along these lines have already been put in place in a few places.

It's not just Obama being there, it's all of the support staff working with EU people who will determine what will be the outcome of discussions there.