The U.S./Middle East Project initiated consultations among leading policy institutions in the Arab world, Europe and the United States and assisted them in the formation of an international consortium that will focus on issues associated with democratization and regional reform. The purpose of this network is to mobilize the Arab research capacity in support of reform in the Arab World that is realistic and home grown. The U.S./Middle East Project continues to serve as consultant to this initiative in coordination with four European policy institutes and provides support as needed. Financial oversight of the Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) was assigned to the Center for European Reform in May 2005. In September 2005, Dr. Bassma Kodmani was made full-time director for the program. From October 24-25, 2005, the Secretariat of the Arab Reform Initiative convened in Cairo to discuss the organization's work plan for 2006. Dr. Kodmani anticipates publication of several topical and country studies in the coming year. In addition, ARI will co-sponsor two conferences in 2006 focusing on comparative experiences in democratic transition and security sector reform in the Arab world, respectively. The Arab Reform Initiative's website is now accessible to the public [in both English and Arabic] at http://www.arab-reform.net/ and ARI publications are now regularly disseminated to International Board members, key policymakers, policy professionals, academics and members of civil society throughout the Middle East, United States and Europe.