Almost exactly five years ago, Dr. Sanford Silverburg, professor of political science at Catawba College, spoke at the institution’s College Community Forum on the topic of American power as it relates to the problems of the Middle East. A lot has happened since then, most notably the military intervention in Iraq and the subsequent removal of Sadaam Hussein from power. How has that action affected the balance in the Middle East, and what foreign policy decisions will the U.S. confront as a result?

Although much has happened in the past five years in the Middle East, the fundamental problems remain unchanged. The threat of terrorism continues, as does the still unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict. In the current era, however, Middle Eastern issues reach far beyond local conflicts and include economic, social, and of course religious frictions that are world-wide in scope. How best can the United States address Middle Eastern problems that, in an increasingly interconnected world, have now become our problems as well?

Dr. Sanford Silverburg holds a doctorate from American University and is a specialist in Middle Eastern affairs. He is a frequent commentator on currentEvents, particularly those involving American foreign policy. He will once again address the above questions and more at the upcoming Catawba College Community Forum, the first Forum presentation of the new academic year. Join us on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in Tom Smith Auditorium of Ralph W. Ketner Hall on the campus of Catawba College for an informed and timely discussion of American policy in the Middle East. The event is free and open to the public.  

Almost exactly five years ago, Dr. Sanford Silverburg, professor of political science at Catawba College, spoke at the institution’s College Community Forum on the topic of American power as it relates to the problems of the Middle East. A lot has happened since then, most notably the military intervention in Iraq and the subsequent removal of Sadaam Hussein from power. How has that action affected the balance in the Middle East, and what foreign policy decisions will the U.S. confront as a result?

Although much has happened in the past five years in the Middle East, the fundamental problems remain unchanged. The threat of terrorism continues, as does the still unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict. In the current era, however, Middle Eastern issues reach far beyond local conflicts and include economic, social, and of course religious frictions that are world-wide in scope. How best can the United States address Middle Eastern problems that, in an increasingly interconnected world, have now become our problems as well?

Dr. Sanford Silverburg holds a doctorate from American University and is a specialist in Middle Eastern affairs. He is a frequent commentator on currentEvents, particularly those involving American foreign policy. He will once again address the above questions and more at the upcoming Catawba College Community Forum, the first Forum presentation of the new academic year. Join us on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in Tom Smith Auditorium of Ralph W. Ketner Hall on the campus of Catawba College for an informed and timely discussion of American policy in the Middle East. The event is free and open to the public.