India-born American columnist Fareed Zakaria has been named to the United States Advisory Group on Public Diplomacy for the Arab and Muslim world.

Congress requested the setting up of the US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy to study the efficacy of the Department of State's public diplomacy efforts in the Arab and Muslim world and recommend policy initiatives.

The commission has invited 13 members, including 38-year-old Zakaria, Newsweek International editor, to join the group. Edward Djerejian, Director, James A Baker III Institute of Public Policy, will head the commission.

Secretary of State Colin Powell and Patricia S Harrison, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational Affairs and Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, chose Djerejian for the post in consultation with the advisory commission.

The advisory group will report its findings and recommendations to Congress and the secretary of state.