For much of the western world, the hopeful “Arab Spring” has seemed to become the “Arab Winter” dominated by fundamentalists. The all-purpose cry of “Islam is the answer” may well be a phrase encapsulating the beliefs or ideals guiding extremists—even some rebels. But was an Islam state the point of the original demonstrations and protests? Crucial questions remain. Guest speakers, experts in their fields, will address vital subjects such as: How individual nations affect and are affected by the conflicts; The right and responsibility of the U.S. and the world to intervene; and Rebels—freedom fighters or extremists. Our class will explore past and present, the intricacies of the people and culture of the Middle East and North Africa, in order to try to understand the conflicts raging in this embattled area.
TOPICS and SPEAKERS for Each Week
Feb. 25 – Dr. Nader Hashemi, D.U. - The Menace of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria—How Should the World Respond?