The Citizens Diplomacy Reality Tour to Iran will give participants a chance to see inside this much-maligned nation and gain first-hand experience of the effects of the political policies of both the United States and Iran. Participants will have a chance to put a human face on this ongoing political dispute and help facilitate understanding and respect between people of different nations.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has ensued for sixty years, while Israel's forty year occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip is the longest in modern history. Travel to Palestine and Israel, and learn how fair trade cooperatives are restoring hope and providing economic alternatives to a population under occupation. Harvest olives with Fair Trade farmers, use organic farming practices, witness the community building strengths of Fair Trade cooperatives, and cultivate a greater appreciation of Palestinian traditions, food and people. You will also discuss integral human rights issues with Palestinian and Israeli organizations, as well as observe first-hand the effects of occupation on the Palestinian economy, tourism and life. Learn how to help change the U.S.'s negative role in the conflict, and the benefits of supporting Palestinian Fair Trade products in the U.S. Resources from the trip will support self-sufficiency and promote solidarity between internationals and Palestinian farming communities.

The war in Iraq has done untold damage to civilians in Iraq and the surrounding regions, where many Iraqi refugees have fled. As the war rages on the refugee situation is worsening and requires ever-more attention. Meet with Iraqis to hear first-hand accounts of conditions on the ground; talk with them about their view of the American occupation and prospects for reconciliation in post-occupation Iraq. Learn about the political situation in both Jordan and Syria by meeting with academics, activists, business people and humanitarian relief workers. Hear their perspectives on the status of refugees and the role of the US government in their respective countries. Join Global Exchange in observing and beginning to understand the dynamics between the Iraqi refugee population and the existing Palestinian population present from the 1948 and 1967 wars.

Our fact-finding delegations to Palestine & Israel strive to further the U.S. public's understanding of the conflict and the region's realities by giving people first-hand exposure to the human rights abuses occurring in the Occupied Territories. Participants have the opportunity to hear a diverse spectrum of Palestinian and Israeli voices and learn about their understanding of the conflict and hopes for a solution.