The good-will tour of the Middle East by the imam behind the proposed mosque near ground zero is just part of the U.S. government's efforts to reach out to the Muslim world.
This year, the Obama administration will spend nearly $6 million to restore 63 historic and cultural sites, including mosques and minarets, in 55 nations.
Under a program established by Congress in 2001, the State Department will fund at least five projects in as many countries to the tune of $271,000.
Those include the 16th century Grand Mosque in Tongxin, China, and the 18th century Golden Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan.