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A billion-dollar-plus spending spree has failed to influence opinions about the United States in the Arab and Muslim world. In fact, the image of America has precipitously declined despite a concerted government effort to create radio pals, teen zines, "Shared Values," and a yet-unseen TV network. What should we do? Spend more money, of course:

The committee found that the State Department spent about $600 million last year on its programs to advocate American policies, and $540 million more for the Voice of America and other broadcast networks.

If the $100 million to expand economic aid in the Middle East is included, the report notes, the total is about three-tenths of a percent of the Defense Department budget.

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Senior State Department officials said that they were very pleased with the report and that they hoped it would pave the way for increased financing for these activities.