Monday, March 9, 2015

World Affairs Council of Western Colorado
 
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Take an opportunity to better learn about ISIS
In an ongoing campaign of terror that includes beheadings and destroying priceless artifacts, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is sparking outrage around the world. The rise and expansion of ISIS represents a major turning point in international relations, according to Dr. Nader Hashemi, a Middle East scholar who will be hosted by WACWC in April.
"Not only has this group destabilized the Middle East but it has now morphed into a global security crisis," Hashemi said. "It seems as if we are going through another '9-11 moment' in our battle with Islamist extremism."
In a presentation set for 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, at the Avalon Theatre, Hashemi will examine the roots of this crisis in the Middle East. His lecture will also address these questions: How should United States and the international community respond to the menace of the Islamic State? Does the U.S. have the right strategy in confronting the ISIS crisis?
Hashemi's lecture is entitled "A Framework for Understanding the ISIS Crisis: Examining the Root Causes of Islamist Extremism" and will be hosted by the World Affairs Council of Western Colorado. WACWC members and students will be admitted at no charge. There will be a suggested contribution of $5 for non-members.
Hashemi is the director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.  He holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Toronto.
Before joining DU in 2008, Hashemi was at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University. Prior to his time at Harvard he was an associate professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.
His scholarship includes the book, "Islam, Secularism and Liberal Democracy: Toward a Democratic Theory for Muslim Societies." His forthcoming book is "Iran's Green Movement: A Political and Intellectual History."
More information about Hashemi may be found at http://naderhashemi.com
"Attendance at this presentation offers a unique opportunity in Grand Junction to learn about the newest world crisis," Paul Didier, president of World Affairs Council of Western Colorado, said. "It is very possible that the U.S. could take a larger role in defeating ISIS and it therefore should be of interest to people of all ages and political persuasions."

More information about WACWC may be found at

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