The James Logan Courier

By Erik Lacitis
The Seattle Times (MCT)

SEATTLE — After the 36 spots for Arabic 101 were filled at Bellevue (Wash.) Community College this past quarter, there was still a waiting list of 14 students. An additional 21 students were signed up for Arabic 102.

Robert Foulk was one of the lucky ones who got into the introductory class. He showed up recently wearing his Air Force ROTC fatigues.

"I'm planning to be a pilot, and if I'm staying in the Middle East, it's a huge language to learn," said the Maple Valley, Wash., 19-year-old.