Panel Discussion: Effects of the Iraq War

March 4, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Free and open to the public.

On March 4, a panel discussion will ask respected Iraqi and American voices to explore the effects of the ongoing war in Iraq. As the war continues, what does each country need for healing? With North Africa and the Middle East experiencing massive popular movements for more democratic political systems, where does Iraq stand after nearly 8 years of a U.S.-led war justified, in part, by claims of “bringing democracy to the Middle East”? What, if anything, should be the future U.S. role in Iraq and the Middle East more generally?

The panel will be moderated by Harry Boyte, Director of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at Augsburg College, and panelists will be:

• Suaad Allami, Iraqi women’s rights lawyer and winner of 2009 International Women of Courage Award
• Wes Davey, Iraq War veteran and co-founder of Minnesota chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War
• Tom Hanson, former U.S. foreign service officer, currently Program Secretary of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Committee on Foreign Relations

We recognize that this will be hard with the war still ongoing, but our aim is to look forward and give serious thought to what the war has done and is doing to each country. While Americans have seen a small part of the devastation and tragedy of the war, we want to take a step back to look at the collective and long-term effects of the war and how both countries might start to move forward toward healing and a more peaceful future.

Parking available in the 21st Avenue ramp. Hourly or Special Event rates apply.