Iraq Forum 2008: Keynote Speakers

Amb. Edward W. Gnehm & The Hon. Samir Sumaida'ie | Rep. John D. Dingell (MI-15th)

The Iraq Forum is very proud to present our two esteemed keynote speakers. In the opening address, Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm, Jr. introduces His Excellency Samir Shakir Mahmoud Sumaida’ie, Iraq’s Ambassador to the United States, who provides an insightful perspective on U.S.-Iraqi relations, chronicles the plight of Iraqis under Saddam Hussein's regime and concludes with an account of the current humanitarian challenge. In the closing address Zahir Janmohamed of Amnesty International USA introduces Congressman John D. Dingell of Michigan's 15th District who discusses current Congressional action to assist vulnerable Iraqis.

Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm Jr. is Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs at the Elliott School of International Affairs, a position he has held since 2006. Prior to his work at the Elliott School, Ambassador Gnehm had a 36 year career as a distinguished member of the United States Foreign Service. He last served in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and in 2004 was awarded the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Award for his work there. Currently, Ambassador Gnehm serves as Vice Chair on the Board of the NGO ANERA (American Near East Refugees Aid).

The Hon. Samir Shakir Mahmoud Sumaida'ie is the Iraq Ambassador to the United States, a position he has held since 2006. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Ambassador Sumaida’ie served as Iraq’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and was the Minister of Interior in Baghdad. At the age of 29 Ambassador Sumaida'ie was forced to flee Iraq, an experience that enhances his understanding of current humanitarian challenges. As a founding member of the Association of Iraqi Democrats and the Democratic Party of Iraq, he is also a qualified expert on the political climate of his country.

John D. Dingell (20:43)

Dingel Closing Keynote from Sarah Shannon on Vimeo

Congressman John D. Dingell represents Michigan’s 15th Congressional District and is the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. John Dingell is currently the longest serving member in the House of Representatives with a career spanning 50 years. Over the last five decades, Congressman Dingell has diligently written laws to protect the health and environment of U.S. citizens. Notable examples include the 1990 Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, as well as laws that address healthcare needs like the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

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IRAQ FORUM 2008 is a joint initiative of EPIC, Refugee Council USA, InterAction, and a coalition of more than 20 organizations taking humanitarian action for peace in Iraq. Special thanks to the Institute for Middle East Studies at The George Washington University for hosting this historic gathering. All videos are produced by Rouane Itani of Aflama, LLC. ©2008 Iraq Action Days, All rights reserved.

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