The National Security Forum Presents:
“Islam and the Arab Turmoil”
With
Richard Hobbs, John Jandali, and Larry Martines
The Ramada Inn, Thursday, January 26th, 9:00 am
The Arab Spring showed early promise of ushering in an era of democracy in the Mideast, but recent events raise instead the specter of Islamic militants seizing power, the peace treaties and tacit arrangements with Israel disintegrating, and Iranian influence spreading. Our distinguished panel will first look at the ideological underpinnings of Islam—how Jihadist in orientation is the religion and what influence does that belief system have in driving events today? The primary focus of the panel, however, will be on analyzing the dynamic political changes underway in the region, following the Egyptian elections (where the Islamic parties won a majority), Syria on the precipice of civil war, unrest in Iran, and ferment in formerly stable monarchies (Bahrain). We will also look at how key Islamic groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Muslim Brotherhood are faring.
COL/Dr. Dick Hobbs will begin the program with an overview of the influence of Islam on contemporary Muslims. Hobbs will assert that Islam is fundamentality a totalitarian ideology, not a religion in the Western sense, but a guide for every aspect of life. He will show that Islam commands the creation of a government ruled by Sharia, that it is a capital crime to leave Islam – apostasy – that violence supersedes toleration – abrogation – and that while there are moderate Muslims, there is no moderate Islam.
Dr. John Jandali will analyze events in Egypt and Syria, primarily. The recent parliamentary elections in Egypt have given more than 60% of the vote to Islamist parties. What does that mean? Can the U.S., or should the U.S., work with the Muslim brotherhood? Syria has descended into virtual civil war, with the minority Alawite (Shia) government under Bashar al-Assad combating a revolution led by the majority Sunnis. Jandali will also touch on unrest in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
Larry Martines will direct special attention to the current condition and future influence of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Should the Syrian government fall, what would this mean for Lebanon, and in particular, Hezbollah. How strong is Iranian influence with both groups, and to what extent will the turmoil in the Middle East, and in Iran itself, impact these groups.
COL/Dr. Richard Hobbs is a retired combat infantry officer, professor, and businessman. He has worked, taught, and written in the international arena for over 50 years including at the Pentagon, the State Department, and in international operations for a major corporation. A.F. John Jandali is of Syrian descent, has a PhD in international politics & economics, is a former professor of Political Science (Wisconsin, UNR), and for the last two decades has been in the private sector, currently VP/ General Manager of Boomtown Casino Reno. Larry Martines, former Director of Nevada Homeland Security, retired from a major law enforcement agency. He is a consultant for “three letter” government agencies on international terrorism, has been a multi-national corporate security chief, and has served on a RAND Global Terrorism think tank.
Please RSVP (ACCEPTANCES ONLY) by calling 746-3222. A complete breakfast will be served. There will be a $15 dollar charge at the door for the presentation and breakfast. We recommend arriving by 8:30 to enjoy some pre-presentation food and conversation.
