I have know problem with Peace Corps being seen as a way of advancing diplomacy. However,it's primary focus should be to help countries that need the help, not some political or public relations agenda. One of the strengths of Peace corps, is that it is invited into the"host country."

If some country does not invite us, or kicks us out, then do not press the issue.

If the U.S. wants better diplomatic relations, look at who is being assigned to the embassy. Just do not use people like me who would be more than willing to fulfill president Kenndy's goal of making sure all people in the world have a chance to improve there standard of living. Peace Corps volunteers do as well as they do in the countries that they go to, because they "chose" to live in the circumstances. I would go anywhere Peace Corps chose to send me, based on where they felt they could best use me. If peace Corps sent volunteers to countries that had negative ideas about America, the countries, that truly need the hep would fall to way side