2006

November 15, 2006

"Afghanistan: A close-up view from the Inland Empire "
 Dr. Richard H. Hart
 Chancellor, Loma Linda University

“Afghanistan” is in the news headlines almost daily, sometimes called “the other war” differentiate it from Iraq. Most of the stories and television coming from Afghanistan show American and NATO military operations. Dr. Hart’s talk will offer a very different view. At the request of the Afghanistan Ministry of Health, Loma Linda University has taken on huge challenges: Offering health care in the midst of civil conflict, and running a hospital in the capital, Kabu. Dr. Hart will show pictures of the life of people in Kabul, and of the dramatic work being done by the team from Loma Linda, along with Afghan doctors and nurses, working full time at Madr Akbar Khan Hospital. Overall security is a major problem.

Monday, July 10, 2006

"The Arabs Take a Chinese Wife"
  Ambassador Chas Freeman

Ambassador Chas Freeman, who was an Ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, is president of the Middle East Policy Council. A "China hand", he began his State Department career as interpreter for President Nixon on his historic trip to China and later served as Deputy Chief of Missino in Beijing. Ambassador Freeman, one of this countr's most distinguished diplomants, works with and advises government and businesses leaders of the Middle East, China, Europe and Africa through his company, Projects International.

Tuesday June 20, 2006

"Thinking About Our World: How's it going in the Middle East?"
  Ambassador Ed Peck

With touches of humor along with a clear, critical appraisal of the current issues, Ambassador Peck, explained his "Peck's Postulates: The 4 Keys to Total Understanding of International Relations, including the Middle East."

Monday June 5, 2006

"Focus on Italy"
 The Honorable Diego Brasioli

Welcome by The Honorable Dom Betro, Member of Riverside City Council

Introduction and Moderator by Dr. Salvatore Rotella, Chancellor of Riverside Community College District

Italy had a newly elected government. The election in Italy and recent elections in other European democracies had brought out the similarity of problems in the region, such as immigration, the economy, social and relogious concerns, workforce preparation, how to assist senior citizens and more.

Monday February 27, 2006

"Syria: Challenges and Crisis"
   His Excellency Imad Moustapha, PhD.

Ambassador of Syria to the United States, and noted as the most outspoken and eloquent diplomat in recent years, spoke on the callenges and crisis that Syria is currently facing.

Thursday, January 12, 2006

18th Annual Town Meeting

   "Russia in transition:
   From Perestroika to Putin"

Dr. Wayne Limberg, U.S. Department of State.
Les Janka, President of Les Janka International.
Dr. Graeme Auton, University of Redlands.
Dr. William C. Green, Cal State University, San Bernardino.

In this roundtable discussion we looked into different aspects of Russia today. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet union brought great hopes for Russian democracy. In recent years, however, the prospects have faded as President Vladimir Putin has consolidated power over the press, economic assets and electoral process.

2005

December 7, 2005

"Iraq Confidential: The Untold Story of the Intelligence Conspiracy to Undermine the UN and Overthrow Saddam Hussein."

Scott Ritter
Former U.N. weapons inspector to Iraq

As a chief weapons inspector for the United Nations Special Commission in Iraq, Scott Ritter was labeled a hero by some, a maverick by others, and a spy by the Iraqi government. In charge of searching out weapons of mass destruction within Iraq, Ritter was on the front lines of the ongoing battle against arms proliferation. His experience in enemy territory served as the basis for his book Endgame, which explored the shortcomings of American foreign policy in the Persian Gulf region and alternative approaches to handling the Iraqi crisis.

October 6, 2005

"The War on Terrorism"

John C. Andrews
West Coast Editor and Bureau Chief
"The Economist"

JOHN ANDREWS, senior editor and writer for The economist, the prestigious British weekly. He has been The Economist's West Coast bureau chief since 2003. He has been with The Economist for the past 23 years, working in London, Singapore, Hong King, Brussels, Washington DC, Paris and now in Los Angeles.

June 7, 2005

WHAT"SON THE AGENDA FOR CONDOLEEZZA RICE?
An update of the Bush foreign policy and a look at the year ahead

Les Janka
President
Les Janka International

A look at the year ahead for the Bush Administration foreign policy. In the big picture, the United States has not only the War on Terrorism and but efforts in support of democracy in Iraq. Major strategic challenges lie ahead from Russia and China, while we are still coping with the first two items. What are developments in the evolving relationship of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia? What will happen to the price of oil?

April 27, 2005

DOES THE PRESS STILL MATTER?
a discussion with Mr.Bill Keller
Executive Director
The New York Times

People are concerned with "the media," and they both demand a free press and criticize the way news is selected, written and edited. How will people seeking news deal with the impact of the Internet, radio and TV talk shows, advocacy journalism, tabloids and "blogs"

February 16, 2005
IRAN BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Dr. David Yaghoubian
Assistant Professor of History
California State University, San Bernardino

The World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California presents Dr. David Yaghoubian presenting a slide show and talk about current dialy life in Iran.

January 12, 2005
17th Annual Town Meeting
NATIONS BUILDING IN THE MIDDLE EAST:
Internal forces and outside pressures in Saudi Arabia and Iran

Les Janka, Consultant on international business; adviser to Presidents Nixon, Ford and Readan on the Middle East and security issues.

2004

Thursday, September 9, 2004
U.S. AND SAUDI ARABIA: A CHANGING RELATIONSHIP

Ambassador Edward S. Walker
President
Middle East Institute

The World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California presents AMBASSADOR EDWARD S. WALKER speaking on the changing relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia

Edward S. Walker was U.S. Ambassador to Israel from 1997 to 1999, and to Egypt from 1994 to 1997, as well as serving in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon and Tunisia.

Tuesday, June 29, 2004
"Israel and Palestine: Unequal"

Rev. W. Clarke Prescott
Rector
All Saints'Episcopal Church

The Israelis and the Palestinians seem in a permanent struggle over land and water, human rights and basic survival. Father Prescott had recentrly traveled to Israel and shared some of his experiences and observations.

April 1-3, 2004
Understanding the Middle East: Perspectives on Politics, History, and Culture

Session I: Understanding the Complexities of the Middle East

Nail A. Al-Jubeir, Director of the Information Office of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington, D.C.

Jerome Segal, Senior Research Scholar, Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy, University of Maryland.

Hon. Edward L. Peck , Former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq

Session II: The Middle East: The Past 60 Years

Sharon Lang, Associate Professor of Anthropology, University of Redlands.

David Yaghoubian, Assistant Professor of History, California State University, San Bernardino.  

Laurence Michalak , Postdoctoral Scholar, Alcohol Research Group associated with the School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley.  

Session III: Post-Saddam Middle East

Les Janka , Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense

Yahi Abdul-Rahman, F ormer Chairperson of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California.

Session IV: Aspects of Islamic Civilization

Hon. Thomas Simons , Former U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan

Zayn Kassam, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Pomona College

Michael G. Morony, Associate Professor, Department of History, University of California, Los Angeles.  

Session V: Art and Culture

Rebecca Brown, Assistant Professor of Art History, University of Redlands

Samy Shavit Swayd, Visiting Professor, San Diego State University

Ahmet Karamete, Imam, Masjid Omar Mosque, Los Angeles.  

Mustafa Karamate, Senior Programmer, IslamiCity at www.islam.org

Dany Doueiri, Professor of Arabic, California State University, San Bernardino

Session VI: Inter-Religious Dialogue

Abdollah Gilani, Imam, West Los Angeles Iman Mosque.  

Rabbi Leslie Bergson, Jewish Chaplain and Hillel Director, The Claremont Colleges

Reverend Roy Riggs, Pastor, Corona United Methodist Church.

Session VII: Music and Dance Performance with Commentary

University of California, Santa Barbara Middle East Ensemble

Scott Marcus, founder and director, University of California, Santa Barbara Middle East Ensemble.

Alexandra King, Dance Director, University of California Santa Barbara Middle East Ensemble Dancers.  

Keynote Address

"The Bush Administration and the Credibility Gap"

Dr. Yvonne Haddad, Professor of History, Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University.  

A Workshop for Teachers

Audrey Shabbas, teacher workshop leader, Middle East Policy Council. 

March 17, 2004
The Challenges of Homeland Security
Richard Andrews
Senior Director, Homeland Security
National Center for Crisis and Continuity Coordination (NC4)

February 18, 2004
Operation Freeze: a Mission to Antarctica
Lt. Col. Timothy J. Harris
4th Air Force Chief of Airlift Standards and Tactics
March Joint Air Reserve Base
Col. David Walker, Ret.
4th Air Force Director of Conversions
March Joint Air Reserve Base

January 14, 2004
16th Annual Town Meeting
“Making and Sustaining Peace in the Post 9-11 World”

Robert Bradtke
Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs
United States Department of State

Ambassador Ramiro Cibrian
European Union

Peter Hunt, CMG
Consul General of Britain

Les Janka
Consultant on international affairs

President, Les Janka International

2003

January 15, 2003
15th Annual Town Meeting: “Myths and Realities of United States – Mexico Relations”
Music Room at the Mission Inn

Carlos I. Giralt-Cabrales
Consul General of Mexico

Denison “Denny” Offutt
International Relations Officer, Office of Mexican Affairs at the U.S. Department of State in Washington

Laurence Iliff
Journalist in Mexico

Jan Rus III
Social Anthropologist.

Les Janka
President of Les Janka International

Student Town Meeting: U.S. – Mexico Relations: Past, Present, and Future
Landis Auditorium, Riverside Community College
Co-Sponsored by Inland Empire Consortium for International Studies

January 19-31, 2003
“ Asia: The U.S. and the Region”
National World Affairs Conference
Asilomar Conference Center – Pacific Grove

March 28, 2003
“ War in Iraq…What Happens Next”
Music Room at the Mission Inn

Ambassador Edward L. Peck
Former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq

March 31-April 6, 2003
“ Jiangmen – Riverside Sister City Exchange Program”

Dr. Shao Feng Ma
Chair-Department of Pediatric Surgery
Jiangmen Central Hospital

Dr. Qing-Yun Guo
Associate Chief Pediatrician of Neurology and Neonatology
Jiangmen Central Hospital

April 1, 2003
“ Current Development in China and U.S.-China Relations”
The Hall of Letters, University of Redlands

His Excellency Ambassador Zhong Jianhua
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China

April 10, 2003
“ After the Bombing: The Business of Rebuilding Iraq”
The Galleria Room at the Mission Inn

Adrian Wooldridge
The Economist Correspondence
Author of “The Company”

May 14, 2003
“ Colors of Romania: Through My Father’s Eyes”

Martin Tobias
Artist

Catalin Ghenea
Acting Consul General

Kelly Nafie
Peace Corps volunteer to Romania

May 21, 2003
“After Saddam: What’s Next for the Gulf?”

His Excellency Abdulla Y. Bishara
Former Ambassador of Kuwait to the United Nations
Former Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council

July 31, 2003
“The War on Iraq – Close-Up Views From the Inland Empire”
Music Room at the Mission Inn

Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Harris
4th Air Force Chief of Airlift Standards and Tactics
March Joint Air Reserve Base

David Bauman
Photographer
The Press-Enterprise

Michael Coronado
Staff Writer
The Press-Enterprise

September 4, 2003
“TIME Magazine Covers Iraq”
Health Education Center at Riverside Community Health Foundation

Brian Bennett
Senior Reporter

Terry McCarthy
Los Angles Bureau Chief

October 1, 2003
“Iraq: Pandora’s Box is Open”
Audio and video tape available for purchase
Galleria Room at the Mission Inn

Ambassador Edward L. Peck
Former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq

October 23, 2003
“NATO: Managing Peace, Dealing with Crisis, and Preventing Conflict”
Audio tape available for purchase
Music Room at the Mission Inn

Squadron Leader Andrew R. Roberts
British Royal Air Force

December 3, 2003
WILD ABOUT MARS!

Dr. Aban Daruwalla
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Kimberly DeRose
Student Scientist