British Children To Visit Afghanistan, Iraq

LONDON — British children are to make visits to war-ravaged Afghanistan and Iraq under a classroom exchange program.

The plan is the latest step in a dramatic change in outlook for the British Council as it prepares to mark its 75th anniversary next year. Promoting ties with Muslim countries has emerged as a top priority and is closely linked to the Government's efforts to fight terrorism. Only older children are likely to be involved in the exchanges.

"We will apply a risk assessment to travel and be pragmatic," a council spokesman, James Rowe, said. "We have recently had visits to Yemen go ahead and that country has a reputation for violence."