National Security Forum » Meetings http://nationalsecurityforum.org Tyrus W. Cobb - Former Special Assistant to President Reagan Thu, 17 May 2012 16:39:22 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Meeting on Reframing Islam in the U.S. Media http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/meeting-on-reframing-islam-in-the-u-s-media/ http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/meeting-on-reframing-islam-in-the-u-s-media/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 20:49:53 +0000 Maria http://nationalsecurityforum.org/?p=898 Continue reading →]]>       REFRAMING ISLAM IN THE U.S. MEDIA

     With Dr. Munir Jiwa

       The Ramada, Tuesday, May 22, 9 am

Dr. Munir Jiwa will speak about the media narratives that shape the American perception of Islam, and the broader, deeper realities that characterize the world’s second largest religion.

In this presentation, Dr. Jiwa discusses the popular media frames through which Islam and Muslims enter the popular imagination in America, namely: the events of 9/11; violence and terrorism; the Muslim women and veiling; Islam and the West and questions of compatibility and values; and finally Middle East politics. Dr. Jiwa will speak about the broader and deeper realities that characterize the world’s second largest religion, including a theology of pluralism and a commitment to inter-religious dialogue and understanding.

Dr. Jiwa is the Director and Assistant Professor at the Center for Islamic Studies at the Graduate Theological Union and a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley. He has graduate degrees from both Columbia and Harvard Universities.

This event is co-sponsored by the National Security Forum, the Northern Nevada International Center, and the World Affairs Council of Northern Nevada.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 to enjoy pre-meeting coffee and conversations. A full breakfast will be served and the cost is $15 ($10 for students with I.D.), payable at the door. Please RSVP (attendees only!) through the website (click here) or by emailing twcobb@aol.com.

]]> http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/meeting-on-reframing-islam-in-the-u-s-media/feed/ 1 The Syrian Rebellion – Any way out of the Morass? http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/the-syrian-rebellion-any-way-out-of-the-morass/ http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/the-syrian-rebellion-any-way-out-of-the-morass/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 17:28:45 +0000 Maria http://nationalsecurityforum.org/?p=891 Continue reading →]]> Dr. John Jandali’s presentation to the National Security Forum last week provided a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the rebellion in Syria. Jandali discussed the powerbase of the Assad Family, the ethnic division of the country, the desperate nature of the opposition (both inside and outside Syria), the implications for neighboring states and radical elements (especially Iran and Hezbollah), and the interest in key outside powers (U.S. / Russia).

Dr. Jandali is in daily contact with key players inside Syria. I think you will find his analysis of the events in Syria and his recommendations regarding military intervention (against) and for a Russian/U.S. led diplomatic solution to be of great interest. At our request, Jandali has provided a comprehensive overview in the attached document that provides more background and detail with respect to his analysis.

-Ty

SyrianRebellionJohnJandali

]]> http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/the-syrian-rebellion-any-way-out-of-the-morass/feed/ 0 May 3 Meeting on the Syrian Rebellion with Dr. John Jandali http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/may-3-meeting-on-the-syrian-rebellion-with-dr-john-jandali/ http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/may-3-meeting-on-the-syrian-rebellion-with-dr-john-jandali/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:00:32 +0000 Maria http://nationalsecurityforum.org/?p=885 Continue reading →]]> If you have not RSVP’d yet, please do so!

The National Security Forum presents

DR. JOHN JANDALI

The Syrian Rebellion:

Any Way out of the Morass?

The Ramada, Thursday, May 3, 9 am

Syria’s rebellion is a now a major challenge America faces. A country of 22 million, Syria, with a 74% majority of Sunni Muslims, has been governed for 40 years by a disciplined military dictatorship under the minority sect known as Alawites.  An offshoot of Shiite Muslims, Alawites comprise no more than 12% of the populace. A military dictatorship that started with Hafez Assad (1971-2000), who took power in a military coup, remains firmly in the hands of his son, Bashar Assad, aided and supported by family and clan members.

Hafez Assad laid the foundation for this police state by giving the army and security forces far-ranging power. Assad created a one party state, abolishing all constitutional rights and civil liberties. This is the regime that Bashar Assad inherited. The Assads developed close ties with Iran and have served as a conduit for Tehran’s interests in the area, including providing weapons to Hezbollah and other militant groups.

The Syrian uprising started a year ago with non-violent demonstrations that spread throughout the country. The situation deteriorated rapidly amid a ferocious army crackdown that resulted in widespread death and destruction. The UN estimates that more than 8,000 have been killed so far, and the toll is rising rapidly. Opposition leaders have been organized under the umbrella of neighboring Turkey, and a “Free Syrian Army”, composed mostly of soldiers and officers defecting from the regime’s military, has been trying to defend civilian communities. But the opposition groups lack unity, and the “Free Syrian Army” is no match against the regime’s sophisticated and well trained army and security forces.

Dr. Jandali will discuss the nature, composition, and dynamics of the opposition, focusing on elements of friction, lack of cohesion and unity. He will explore what diplomatic and military options and avenues are left, including outside military intervention ( Turkey- Arab Gulf States, US/Europe?), arming the opposition, or (Coalition) diplomacy? He will evaluate the prospects for the mission led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, which — combined with the Moscow peace initiative as first steps — could provide a unique opportunity for the international community to support and endorse.

The goal of any intervention—diplomatic or military—must have as its objective a peaceful transition of power in Syria, monitored by a UN/Arab League peace-keeping force. Jandali will assert that Russia, with U.S. cooperation, could be a key for “regime change” and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Dr. Abdulfattah John Jandali was born in Syria and earned his PhD from the University of Wisconsin. He has held academic positions at UNR, Wisconsin, and Michigan State, specializing in IR and Middle East history and politics. He is intimately familiar with Syria’s elite as well as the opposition. For the last three decades, John has been in the private sector and is currently VP and GM of the Boomtown Casino and Hotel.

Please RSVP through the website(ACCEPTANCES ONLY) by clicking here or by calling 775-746-3222. A complete breakfast will be served. There will be a $15 dollar ($10 for students with I.D.) charge at the door for the presentation and breakfast. We recommend arriving by 8:30 to enjoy some pre-presentation food and conversation. (This session is open to the public, but we must have RSVPs).

 

]]> http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/may-3-meeting-on-the-syrian-rebellion-with-dr-john-jandali/feed/ 0 Rise and Fall of China with Powerpoint http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/rise-and-fall-of-china-with-powerpoint/ http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/rise-and-fall-of-china-with-powerpoint/#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:04:24 +0000 Maria http://nationalsecurityforum.org/?p=859 Continue reading →]]>

The “Rise” of China — and Its Coming “Fall”?

What it Will Mean for the United States.

 With Richard Mueller

Former Foreign Service Officer and experienced “China Hand” Richard Mueller gave a thoughtful presentation on China to the National Security Forum recently. The PowerPoint talk that Richard gave is attached—we thought you might enjoy perusing his slides.

Mueller noted that little more than three decades ago China was an inward looking country reliant primarily on its own productive abilities. It espoused a revolutionary ideology in opposition to Western capitalism and Soviet communism. The improvement of relations following President Nixon’s historic visit encouraged the PRC to participate more fully in the post-World War II international architecture – the UN, World Bank, IMF, etc.

In many ways US policy has succeeded brilliantly as China embarked on far-reaching economic and social reforms and (limited) political reform.  The US-China relationship has grown rapidly and broadly, and the two countries have acted to avoid military conflict and destructive confrontation, with Taiwan as a prime example.  China has now become a global player — economically, politically and increasingly, militarily.

As Richard notes, Chinese policy and practice today reflect a newly-developed self-confidence in identifying and protecting core interests even as they have led to frictions with neighbors and the US.  They also reflect leaders’ appreciation of China’s weaknesses, among them systemic governance questions, extreme income differentials, stresses on social cohesion, pervasive corruption, environmental degradation, a lack of openness and transparency and little modern experience as a world power.

There is also ongoing and intensive Chinese political debate on the best approaches to dealing with these internal and external issues. Mueller argues that China realizes it needs a stable world order in which to pursue its rapid economic development. Military conflict would seriously jeopardize that needed stability.

But can China choose and sustain policies that allow it to work collaboratively with other countries to ensure that long-term stability?  What are its core interests, including its objectives with regard to North Korea, Iran and Pakistan/ Afghanistan?

Richard Mueller’s 32-year Foreign Service career was capped by service as American Consul General in Hong Kong, 1993-96. Previously he served in the US Liaison Office in Beijing, 1976-78, and had two postings to the American Embassy in Saigon.  In Washington he worked for Secretaries Henry Kissinger, George Schultz and Jim Baker. Following his retirement from the State Department in 1998, he embarked on a twelve year education career, first as Head of School of Northfield Mount Hermon School in Northfield, MA, and then Head of School of Hong Kong International School. He and his wife, Claire, who was also career Foreign Service, relocated to Reno in 2010.

Richard’s presentation is attached for your review.

ChinseNSFPresentation2.29.12(1).ppt

]]> http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/rise-and-fall-of-china-with-powerpoint/feed/ 0 Save the Date! http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/save-the-date/ http://nationalsecurityforum.org/meetings/save-the-date/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:35:40 +0000 Maria http://nationalsecurityforum.org/?p=856 Continue reading →]]> The National Security Forum presents

 DR. JOHN JANDALI

 The Syrian Rebellion: Any Way out of the Morass?

The Ramada, Thursday, May 3, 9 am

Dr. Jandali will discuss the nature, composition, and dynamics of the opposition, focusing on elements of friction, lack of cohesion and unity. He will explore what diplomatic and military options and avenues are left, including outside military intervention ( Turkey- Arab Gulf States, US/Europe?), arming the opposition, or (Coalition) diplomacy? He will evaluate the prospects for the mission led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, which — combined with the Moscow peace initiative as first steps — could provide a unique opportunity for the international community to support and endorse. The goal of any intervention—diplomatic or military—must have as its objective a peaceful transition of power in Syria, monitored by a UN/Arab League peace-keeping force.

No need to RSVP at this time. Formal announcement to follow.

 

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