Last week David, Rob and myself went to one of the wonderful Arts and Lectures programs that run throughout each term. This particular lecture focused on the Middle East. Each speaker did a 40-45 minute presentation about their current books followed by what was supposed to be a 20-25 minute panel discussion/conversation that ended up lasting an hour.
The entire evening was very enlightening and extremely interesting.
The first speaker was Steve Coll:
Steve Coll: The Bin Ladens – An Arabian Family in the American Century
Two time Pulitzer Prize-winner and author of the national bestseller Ghost Wars and the forthcoming The Bin Ladens, Steve Coll presents the story of the Bin Laden family’s rise to power and privilege, revealing new information to show how American influences changed the family and how one member’s rebellion changed America. President of The New America Foundation, Coll writes for The New Yorker and served for more than 20 years as a reporter and ultimately as managing editor of The Washington Post.
What I enjoyed most about Steve's presentation was the family background that he presented about the Bin Laden family. In all the media outlets we only hear about Osama and his anti-americanism. Although, I do not agree or condone the actions that he has taken, is taking, and plans to take I did find it interesting learning about his father, brother, and family. Our parents always help shape and influence us into the people we become later in life. I liked how Steve approached this topic and bringing to light the family background of the Bin Ladens' to give the audience more insight into the number one enemy of the state.
The next speaker was Robin Wright:
Robin Wright: Dreams and Shadows – The Future of the Middle East
National Magazine Award-winner Robin Wright has reported from more than 140 countries on six continents, covering U.S. Foreign Policy for The Washington Post and The New York Times among others. She has covered every major political change in the Middle East, from the rise of militant Islam to the war in Iraq, and authored several books including the newly-released Dreams and Shadows, which weighs the prospects and perils of change in the Middle East that will most absorb and challenge the world for the next generation.
I especially enjoyed Robin's lecture! Robin said that scholars always say that progress and change will never happen to the Middle East because there are no Ghandi's. Mandella's, or Martin Luther King's to inspire change. Robin disagrees and she gave numerous examples. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing her stories of advocates for change that are fighting for progress and change in places that seem impossible. These types of tales are right up my alley. As most of you know from my previous posts and my reading docket I love reading about people placed in extraordinary situations. The running theme of Robin's presentation was that change maybe slow but there is a beacon of light shining in the region, and that shining light is the hope of change. Although we may not hear about them in the news or on television their are people in these faraway places that are working peacefully for change in the region.
1 comment:
This sounds so interesting, thats awesome that you are taking advantage of the opportunity to check that stuff out!
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