Zogby: Future bright for Arab world

John Zogby, President and CEO of Zogby International, a world renowned public opinion and market research firm, told leaders and senior officials from the U.S. and numerous Arab nations that the peoples of different nations need to build their relationships with each other based on commonalities, not differences.

"Americans need to know who the Arabs are as people, and vice versa," Zogby said. "There is an economic boom going on in the Arab world right now, and it extends far beyond oil. Both Arabs and Americans need to focus on those things that they have in common, and need to learn to tell their success stories to the world. Otherwise, news outlets in both regions will focus on the negative, because the negative story is so much easier for them to tell."

Zogby addressed an audience of corporate and government leaders and diplomats during the U.S.-Arab Economic Forum now underway. The event features 800 participants, including heads of state from the Arab world and top-level representatives from the Bush Administration. They are gathered to discuss everything from prospects for peace in the Middle East to the development of economic relations that span many industries.

Zogby International has polled extensively around the world, including the Middle East. Zogby announced last week the opening of its branch office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

"Forums like this bring together the best and brightest visionaries from both the private and public sectors to promote value based leadership in the Middle East and GCC," said Ashraf Faramawi, International Project Manager.

Zogby will address dozens of Silicon Valley chief executive officers from top high-tech firms, discussing the impact that technology has had on the American political landscape and where technology is most likely to affect the U.S. political process in the near-and long-term future.