A Year in Tahrir: The Future of the Arab Spring and Its Implications in the US
On April 14, 2012, the National Security Network along with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding and Wayne State University Law School hosted a daylong conference titled “A Year in Tahrir: The Future of the Arab Spring and Its Implications in the US.” The host organizations brought together 11 leading experts in their fields to discuss the current movements happening in many countries around the world. The speakers gave short presentations with the most up to date information including discussion of a United Nations resolution that was passed during the conference. Then audience members were able to engage the speakers in an open dialogue during an ample question and answer period. A reception after the conference allowed participants and speakers to extend the conversation, exchange contact information, and form working relationships. The full list of speakers is below on the program.
The approximately 60 attendees ranged from Wayne State University students to members of the Arab American community not only from Detroit but also surrounding suburbs to a Congressional Staffer. The conference facilitated connections to be made not only between participants but speakers as well. During different panels, speakers were live tweeting their opinions at each other to continue the discussion.
To view a full video of the conference courtesy of Star Sky TV, click here.
Pictured: Speakers Kahaleed Elgindy, Abdullah Arian, Mark Goldberg, Leila Hilal, Saeed Khan, Wayne State University Law School Dean Robert Ackerman, National Security Network Executive Director Heather Hurlburt, Institute for Social Policy Executive Director Shireen Zaman, Wayne State University Professor and conference organizer Greg Fox, conference organizers Zainab Aljebori and Emma Einhorn.
Media Coverage:
Greg Fox, Marc Lynch, and Saeed Khan on local radio: http://www.wdet.org/shows/craig-fahle-show/episode/arab-spring-one-year-anniversary/
WWJ 950 local CBS radio was there, they interviewed Marc Lynch and Saeed Khan which aired on Sunday 4/15.
The conference was picked up by AP and USA Today.
The South End, a local paper attended the conference and did a write up.
In addition, the student newspaper was there for the last panel.
Other hits:
http://www.undispatch.com/un-dispatch-heading-to-motor-city
http://lawreview.wayne.edu/news.php?id=8562
http://www.13abc.com/story/17443745/mich-university-hosts-conference-on-arab-spring
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2012/04/wsu_hosts_conference_on_arab_s.html
http://www.mifox32.com/story/17443745/mich-university-hosts-conference-on-arab-spring
National Security Network, Wayne State University Law School, and Institute for Social Policy and Understanding Present:
A Year in Tahrir:
The Future of the Arab Spring and its Implications in the United States
9:00 AM: Welcome from Wayne State University Law School Dean Robert Ackerman
9:10 AM: The Spark of Revolution
The Origins and Current Status of the Arab Spring Reform Movements
Maya Berry, Arab American Institute
Michael Hanna, The Century Foundation
Radwan Ziadeh, U.S. Institute of Peace
Moderator: Heather Hurlburt, National Security Network
10:45-11 AM: Break
11 AM: The Foundations of a New Middle East?
A look at the legal, political, economic and civil society structures being developed in the region
Abdullah Al Arian, Wayne State University
Khaled Elgindy, Egyptian American Rule of Law Association and the Brookings Institute
Leila Hilal, New America Foundation
Moderator: Greg Fox, Wayne State University Law School
12:45-1 PM: Break
1 PM: Lunch Panel: External Actors: Help or Hindrance
What Should be the Role of International Actors in the Transitions?
Marc Lynch, George Washington University
Mark Goldberg, Writer, Blogger
Moderator: Heather Hurlburt
2:45-3 PM: Break
3 PM: The Arab Spring and American Politics
The Arab Spring and its impact on American culture and politics
Fay Beydoun, Arab American Chamber of Commerce
Imad Hamad, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
Saeed Khan, Wayne State University
Moderator: Shireen Zaman, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
4:30 PM Reception Courtesy of Habib’s Cuisine
Special Thanks to our Co-Sponsors:
American Society of International Law
American Branch of the International Law Association
Detroit Council for World Affairs
International Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan
American-Arab Student Union of Wayne State University
US-Iraqi Youth
And to Star Sky TV for recording the conference
