Iraq Forum 2008: Panel I.
Understanding the Conflict in Iraq & Current Trends
SUMMARY: Marc Lynch introduces Panel I, in which we hear from Phebe Marr, “arguably the greatest of the American historians of Iraq", as she “puts some flesh on the bones” of the humanitarian crisis by adding historical depth to the dialogue. Marr is followed by comments from Nabil al-Takriti of the U.S. Institute of Peace, who begins with discussion on current statistics and demographic trends in Iraq. Al-Tikriti then addresses the phenomena of “nowhere to run, nowhere to hide,” which refers to the problem facing refugees with absolutely nowhere to go. Al-Tikriti concludes with comments on the American debt to Iraq. The panel discussion ends with questions from the audience.
Phebe Marr (28:59)
Marc Lynch is an Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University. Lynch has published numerous articles in distinguished publications including Foreign Affairs, The Wilson Quarterly, The National Interest, Politics and Society, The European Journal of International Relations, Millennium, Security Studies, and Global Society. Mr. Lynch’s current research focuses on the relationship between new media technologies and Islamist movements, public diplomacy, and Arab public opinion. He also runs the popular Middle East politics blog, Abu Aardvark.
Dr. Phebe Marr is a renowned historian, author of the book The Modern History of Iraq and a former Middle East consultant at the United States Institute of Peace. In 2006, Dr. Marr was one of an elite few experts asked to be a contributor to the Iraq Study Group. In addition to her work with think tanks, Dr. Marr continues to be a leading U.S. specialist on Iraq and is frequently asked to consult with the government on Iraqi affairs.
Nabil Al-Tikriti is a Senior Fellow at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. Al-Tikriti examines population displacement in Iraq and its neighboring countries. His particular focuses are demographic changes occurring since 2003 and the effects and implications these changes have on the region. In 2004, Al-Tikriti joined the Department of History and American Studies at Mary Washington University. In addition to his scholarship, Al-Tikriti volunteered with the Catholic Relief Services humanitarian assistance project in Iraq in 1991-1992 and later served with Doctors Without Borders as a relief worker in Somalia, Iran, Albania, Turkey, and Jordan. _______________________________________
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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