Benjamin Orbach discusses & signs Live From Jordan May 12, 2007

On the eve of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Pittsburgh native and graduate student Benjamin Orbach traveled to Amman, Jordan, in search of answers. Young, confident, and optimistic, Orbach anointed himself America’s secret diplomatic weapon. He was finishing a degree in Middle Eastern studies, had a working knowledge of Arabic, and possessed enough determination to attempt to “negotiate a peace treaty.” Live from Jordan is the incredible story, told via eloquent, thoughtful and irreverent letters home, of Orbach’s 13-month journey through the Middle East.

Orbach is Deputy Regional Coordinator of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) at the U.S. Department of State. He designs democratic reform projects and manages U.S. support for such programs in seven Middle East and North African countries.

Official Website: http://www.josephbeth.com