Public Events Registration
Events are open to the public at no charge. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Doors open 30 minutes before programs begin. Register by phone at (212) 992-8380 or e-mail details to scps.global.affairs@nyu.edu.
Unless otherwise indicated, all events take place downtown at the Woolworth Building, 15 Barclay St.
Center for Global Affairs
Global Leaders: Conversations with Alon Ben-Meir
Featuring: The Honorable Dr. Hamid Al Bayati, Ambassador of Iraq to the United Nations
|
To watch a specific portion of the presentation, click below: Part 1: Welcome by Vera Jelinek, Director CGA Copyright © 2007 NYU SCPS. All rights reserved. |
|
On Thursday, March 1, 2007, New York University's Center for Global Affairs hosted The Honorable Dr. Hamid Al Bayati, Ambassador of Iraq to the United Nations as part of its ongoing public forum 'Global Leaders: Conversations with Alon Ben-Meir.' In this engaging and provocative series, Alon Ben-Meir, professor of international relations, journalist and author, hosts leaders from around the world in conversations that probe critical global issues and the policies our guests are designing to address them. Previous guests have included the Ambassadors of Syria and Egypt to the United States, among other distinguished dignitaries.
The conversation could not have been more timely or necessary, as the escalating violence has led to the death of over 650,000 Iraqis and 3400 coalition forces. In addition to the human cost, reports now suggest that the price tag of the war has already topped $700 billion and suggest that it may cost in excess of $1.2 trillion. In the face of such stark and humbling figures, the evening raised questions about the management of the war, the future of U.S. involvement in the region, and whether the potential outcome will be worth the price.
With incredible candor, Ambassador Al Bayati and Professor Ben-Meir explored the future of a stable and democratic Iraq, the proposed troop buildup of American forces, the influence of Syria and Iran in the region, the roots of sectarian violence, and the steps required to bring an end to the widening insurgency.
The evening was presented as part of the Center for Global Affairs commitment to create a community of global citizens dedicated to changing the world.