The June Beirut Exchange program rests on three tracks:
Academic - Participants will attend a series of lectures and colloquia led by leading academics and public intellectuals. Topics will include: International law in theory and practice in the Middle East; The United Nations as peacekeeper and mediator; Engaging political Islam; Pax Syriana in Lebanon; Asymmetrical conflict: the July 2006 Lebanon war; The Dubai model and its impact on the Middle East.
Language - Participants will have the option of attending 30 hours of Arabic language instruction at the Saifi Institute for Arabic Language in Beirut. Modules for both colloquial and formal Arabic will be available at different levels.
Dialogue with Leaders - Participants will have the opportunity to meet, listen and engage social, political and economic leaders from across the spectrum in Lebanon - with a particular (though not exclusive) emphasis on exposure to leading Islamist and opposition currents.
Previous Speakers:
• Omar Bakri, Iqra Islamic Trust for Research and Islamic Studies
• Bilal Baroudi, As-Salam Mosque Tripoli
• Nicholas Blanford, Times of London
• Richard Chambers, International Foundation for Electoral Systems
• Alastair Crooke, Conflicts Forum
• Robert Fisk, The Independent
• Timur Goksel, American University of Beirut
• Judith Palmer Harik, Matn University
• Nadim Houry, Human Rights Watch
• Rami Khoury, American University of Beirut
• Karim Makdisi, American University of Beirut
• Michael Miller, European Commission
• Ibrahim Mussawi, Al-Intiqad
• Nir Rosen, Journalist
• Osama Safa, Lebanese Center for Policy Studies
• Paul Salem, Carnegie Middle East Center
• Milos Struger, UNIFIL
• Mohammed Zadah, Iranian Embassy
All academic programming will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hamra, Beirut. Tuition is 70% refundable up to three days before the program commences, should the situation in Lebanon warrant a cancellation. (Airline tickets and accommodation should be purchased with travel insurance.)
Apply before April 15, 2008 for the March Beirut Exchange.
Posted by Siba Sami Ammari
