The Commonwealth Club presents Middle East History 101: Origins of the Current Conflict August 15, 2006

MIDDLE EAST HISTORY 101 | TUESDAY AUGUST 15
GEORGE BISHARAT, Professor of Law in Middle Eastern Societies, UC Hastings
NOEL KAPLOWITZ, Former Professor of International Relations and Middle East Affairs, UC Davis, UC Berkeley and UCLA
ANDREW ROSS, Executive Foreign and National Editor, San Francisco Chronicle
FREDERIC WEHREY, International Policy Analyst, RAND Corp.
KAREN BRESLAU, San Francisco Bureau Chief, Newsweek - Moderator

THE ORIGINS OF THE CURRENT CONFLICT

The current clash between Israel and Hezbollah is deep-seated in the conflicts that have stretched over the last century between the many cultures, nationalisms and religions of the Arab world. Hezbollah, Hamas, Sunnis, Shiias and the Israeli Defense Forces - who are they and why does reconciliation seem impossible? We will explore how leaders from Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and the United States have each contributed to the conflict. Join INFORUM in exploring the region's history and learn why this subject remains a hotbed of debate across the world.

This is Part I in a series of programs exploring the current conflict. Part II, "Where Do We Go From Here - A Town Hall" will take place on August 22.

6:00 Check-in | 6:30 p.m., Program | 7:30 p.m., Wine and Hors d'oeuvres Reception | Club office, 595 Market St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco | $12 for Members, $20 for Non-Members, $7 for Students (with valid ID; to reserve student tickets call 415-597-6705)
Hotel Sponsor: The Archbishop's Mansion

To make a reservation please call 415-597-6705 or register online at
http://www.commonwealthclub.org/INFORUM
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INFORUM is a division of The Commonwealth Club by and for people in their 20s and 30s, with a mission to inspire debate around civic issues. We are a connector between ideas, individuals and communities.

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