Twitter to save Iraq?
The founder of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, is among the delegation
Could the likes of Twitter play a key role in the future of Iraq? The US government appears to hope so, as it has sent a delegation of new media experts to the country.
Nine chief executives, vice-presidents and senior managers from companies including YouTube, Google and Twitter are considering how the area can embrace emerging technologies to improve its current situation.
The experts will also look at how people can be empowered to follow careers as web entrepreneurs and gain tools to build digital networks across the region.
According to the US government, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has been a "strong proponent" of the use of new media technologies to improve both political and social relations between countries.
Robert Wood, the acting spokesperson for the Department of State, added: "As Iraqis think about how to integrate new technology as a tool for smart power, we view this as an opportunity to invite the American technology industry to be part of this creative genesis."
Some of the experts have already commented on the trip through the platforms they had a hand in creating.
Twitter founder Jack Dorsey has revealed insights into the stay through the website and described a conversation with Iraqi students as both "amazing" and "inspiring".
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