Middle East and North Africa Events
Gender and Islam in Africa: Rights, Sexuality, and Law
September 15, 2011 // 12:00pm — 1:00pm
Middle East Program
Gender and Islam in Africa examines ways in which women in Africa are interpreting traditional Islamic concepts in order to empower themselves and their societies. African women, it argues, have promoted the ideals and practices of equality, human rights, and democracy within the framework of Islamic thought, challenging conventional conceptualizations of the religion as gender-constricted and patriarchal.
September Crisis or Compromise: The Palestinians, the UN, and the Peace Process
September 13, 2011 // 9:30am — 11:00am
Middle East Program
The much anticipated UN Palestinian initiative has sparked enormous controversy and concern. Some fear it; others welcome it; and many just don’t think it matters much.
Iran 1953 and the Uses of Middle East History
September 12, 2011 // 4:00pm — 5:30pm
History and Public Policy Program
Former New York Times Istanbul Bureau Chief Stephen Kinzer ties together the events of the 1953 Iranian Coup, the evolution of present-day Iran and Turkey and the upheaval of today's "Arab Spring."
Suspended Somewhere Between
July 28, 2011 // 4:00pm — 5:30pm
Middle East Program
Akbar Ahmed’s book of poetry, Suspended Somewhere Between, is personal, historical, and political. During this special event, featuring poetry readings from this new book, Ahmed discussed the role of the arts in interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue.
Security, Politics, and a Two-State Solution: A View from Israel
July 25, 2011 // 4:00pm — 5:30pm
Middle East Program
Four prominent Israelis – Shaul Arieli, Shlomo Gazit, Alon Pinkas, and Gilead Sher – with decades of experience in military and security issues, outline Israeli views on a two-state solution in a discussion moderated by Wilson Center scholar Aaron David Miller.
The Arab Spring: The Changing Landscape and Implications for Development
July 22, 2011 // 12:00pm — 1:15pm
Wilson Center on the Hill
David Ottaway, who covered the Middle East for The Washington Post, will provide an overview of recent activities in the region and their impact on the political and economic landscape. Margot Badran, a scholar on the Middle East, will share her insights on the events in Egypt and provide a perspective on Egypt’s path to development. They will also examine what implications this may have for the U.S. relationship with the region.
Arab Spring or Arab Winter (or Both)? Implications for U.S. Policy
July 19, 2011 // 9:30am — 11:00am
Middle East Program
Marwan Muasher, Ellen Laipson, Rami Khouri and Aaron David Miller discussed perspectives and policy implications of this year’s unrest in the Middle East, pointing out key observations and implications for the United States.
Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion Across the Islamic World
July 13, 2011 // 12:00pm — 1:00pm
Middle East Program
In “Rock the Casbah,” Wright, an acclaimed foreign correspondent and television commentator, tells the personal stories behind the rejection of both autocrats and extremists in the Muslim world.
Libya: Death of an "Idea"?
July 12, 2011 // 12:00pm — 1:00pm
Middle East Program
Even though neither the members of the Transitional Council nor the international community have expressed the willingness to see Libya divided, and continue to pay lip service to the "idea" of one united Libya, de facto, they are preparing for such a possibility. Karim Mezran provides analysis of the evolution of the revolt, its dynamics, and its potential outcomes.
An Israeli-Palestinian Agreement? What's Possible and What Isn't
June 28, 2011 // 10:00am — 11:30am
Middle East Program
The Israeli-Palestinian peace process is at an impasse. Fears of violence, unilateral actions, and UN action in the fall are poised to fill the ever expanding vacuum in the absence of serious negotiations. Are sustainable negotiations possible by year's end? And what are the likely consequences if they aren't?