The Translation Project, an Initiative of The Rosenkranz Foundation, Awards First Grants for the Distribution of Writings on Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights in the Middle East

NEW YORK, March 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Translation Project, a new initiative of The Rosenkranz Foundation that aims to counter Islamic extremism through funding the translation and dissemination of books and texts promoting tolerance, moderation and respect for individual rights in the Middle East, announced today that its first two grants will be awarded to The Cato Institute's Lamp of Liberty and the Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation.

"There is an ideological battle taking place in the Middle East between moderate intellectuals and radical extremists," said Robert Rosenkranz, chairman of The Rosenkranz Foundation. "Access to writings that promote the rule of law, free markets, tolerance and democracy will help moderate Muslims win the war of ideas. We are pleased to help the Lamp of Liberty and the Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation lead the effort through the Translation Project," he added.

The Cato Institute's Lamp of Liberty distributes books and newspaper articles written by enlightened authors throughout the Middle East. Promoting values such as the rule of law, human rights and democracy, the writings include the works of Adam Smith, Milton Friedman, Hernando de Soto and Voltaire.

"This grant comes at an important time when Arab societies face a choice: to renew Arab culture through freedom, or to fall into the abyss of intolerance and violence," said Tom G. Palmer, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and director of the Lamp of Liberty.

The Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation, is a Washington, D.C. based, non- profit dedicated to promoting democratic ideals in Iran. The Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation distributes articles on liberal ideals and human rights to Iranians. The Foundation's online database, Omid, details many of the human rights violations that have occurred in Iran since the Islamic Republic was formed in 1979.

Ladan Boroumand, research director at the Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation, said: "This grant is a wonderful opportunity that will make available in Persian authors such as, Milton, Locke, Voltaire, Spinoza and the Federalists. Iranians will see that other people, in other times have faced similar problems of intolerance and despotism."

About The Translation Project and The Rosenkranz Foundation

The Translation Project was established by The Rosenkranz Foundation in June 2006 to provide information that counters the radical ideologies promulgated by Islamic extremists. It funds groups that translate and disseminate books and texts promoting tolerance, moderation, respect for individual rights and liberal values throughout the Middle East.

The Rosenkranz Foundation was established in 1985 to encourage achievement and innovation in public policy research, higher education and the arts, with an emphasis on Asian art. For more information about The Rosenkranz Foundation, please visit http://www.rosenkranzfdn.org/.