| Author | Message | | The Saint | | Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2002 7:12 pm Post subject: ****INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM**** |
| I'd completely forgot to post this here. There is going to be a two day conference at the University of Exeter on July 14th (this coming Sunday) and 15th, "International Terrorism, the US and the Arab world". Bit late for some to make plans now maybe, if you haven't heard about it already. It's going to be well worth going to if you can make it, I shall be travelling down to Exeter to attend. More information can be found here:
http://www.ex.ac.uk/iais/conf/index.html
This is from Saint, I haven't logged on. | |  | | The Saint | | Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2002 7:37 pm Post subject: |
| INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM, THE UNITED STATES AND THE ARAB WORLD
14-15 July 2002
To be held under the auspices of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies (University of Exeter), the Centre for Arab Unity Studies (Beirut), and the Centre for Policy Analysis on Palestine
PROGRAMME
Sunday, 14 July
(9.3O-11.00): Tea/coffee reception
First Session (11.00--12.30): The Roots of the Anti-Terrorist Crusade in the United States: from Regan to Bush
An analysis of the elements of continuity in US policy with regard to “terrorism”, and the manner in which the concept has been used to signify other types of violence in the world. Attention to be given to perceptions on the roots of terrorism, the politics of double standard, distinctions between international terrorism and freedom/liberation struggles, the dimension of state terrorism, and the ways in which political Islam has been linked to international terrorism.
Speakers
Main paper: Professor Naseer Aruri (University of Massachusetts)
Second paper: Dr Samih Farsoun (American University, Washington)
(12.30-1.30):Lunch
Second Session (1.30—3.00): Terrorism and the Arab World
Examining the roots of terrorism within the contemporary Arab world, and the ways in which the campaign against international terrorism impinges on political developments within these countries. Attention to be given to the linkages between social deprivation and political extremism, the role played by the Palestine issue, the character of Arab regimes and the relevance of this for political extremism, the manner in which different governments have sought to promote their own interest through identifying their domestic struggles with a fight against terrorism, and the extent to which current US policies are affecting the stability of Arab regimes.
Speakers
Main paper: Mr Toby Dodge (Royal Institute for International Affairs)
Second paper: Dr Mustafa Barghouti (The health, development, information and policy institute, Palestine)
(3.00-3.30): Cream tea
Third session (3.30-5.00): Terrorism, representation and misrepresentation
Looking at the role which perceptions of ‘self’ and ‘other’ have historically had in the relation between the Christian West and the Muslim Arab world and how this has more recently translated into a correlation between international terrorism and Arab Muslim identity. Attention to be given to representation and misrepresentation in both its historical and current context. In the current context this would include looking at “media campaigns” towards Arab countries, and whether these are orchestrated politically; the manner in which the supply of “intelligence information” is managed by governments; the media’s handling of developments in Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and Sudan in the light of the “international terrorism” issue; and the Arab media’s role in the ongoing crisis.
Speakers
Main paper: Dr Sadiq Jalal al-Azm (Wissenschaft Kollege, Berlin)
Second paper: Mr Martin Woollacott (The Guardian)
(5.00-5.30): Tea/coffee
Fourth Session (5.30-7.00): Racist Backlash and Islamophobia
Focusing on the impact which the ongoing campaign against terrorism is having on relations between Arab/Muslim communities in the West and the wider national community in the states concerned. Separate analyses to be given of the situation in the US and that in the UK. Attention to be given to changes in legislation which affects the minority communities; the implications which these changes have for the civil rights of individual members of the communities; Islamophobia in the media and as expressed by public figures—and attempts to counter this; civic relations involving the police; and the possibility of a backlash against Westerners in Muslim countries, stemming from resentment at US/UK governmental policies (domestic and international).
Speakers
Main paper: Dr Susan Akram (Boston University)—to cover the US
Second paper: Prof. Jorgen Nielsen (University of Birmingham)
Monday, 15 July
Fifth Session (9.30—11.00): “The Clash of Civilisations”
Looking at the extent to which this concept has become a revived political discourse, and the implications which this has for the Arab-Western relationship. Attention to be given to a critique of the notion itself; an assessment as to whether it has in fact entered into the conceptual framework within which Western policy-makers work (and if so, what the practical effects of this have been on US/UK-Arab relationships); the Israeli dimension to this way of thinking; the possibility that the notion may become a self-fulfilling prophecy; and how the discourse may be used in shaping future policies.
Speakers
Main paper: Prof. Bryan Turner (Cambridge University)
Second paper: Dr Michael Prior (University of Surrey)
(11.00-11.30): Tea/coffee
Sixth Session (11.30—1.00): The Palestine Issue: the Way Forward?
Examining the effects which the international terrorism question have had on the Palestine issue, on the strength/weakness of the Palestinian movements relative to Israel, and on the balance between Israel and the Arab states. Attention to be given to the change in US policy, the role of the EU, and the part which has been and may be played by Arab states. Consideration also of the current state of the intifada, and the prospects for a negotiated settlement.
Speakers
Main paper: Mr Ghassan Khatib (Palestinian Minister)
Second paper: Dr Beverley Milton- Edwards (Queen’s, University of Belfast)
(1.00-2.15): Lunch
Seventh Session (2.15—3. 45): Global Institutions, the US and the Arab World
Focusing on the use which has been made—and has not been made—of global institutions in the struggle against international terrorism, and the manner in which this may be changing the role of these institutions. Attention to be given to the implications which this may have for the Arab world, and in particular for Arab countries which may be targeted for future action; the dimension of US international hegemony; and possible responses from countries seeking to buttress international institutions
Speakers
Main paper: Mr Hussein Amin (Former Egyptian ambassador)
Second paper: Prof. Michael Hudson (Georgetown University)
(3.45-4.30): Tea/coffee | | | | msteffan1 | | Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2002 8:11 pm Post subject: |
| Leave the trenchcoat behind Saint..And give us a report on the interesting bits if you can when you get the chance.
They taking questions from the floor? | | | | Saint | | Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2002 2:44 pm Post subject: |
| | Quote: | | Leave the trenchcoat behind Saint..And give us a report on the interesting bits if you can when you get the chance. |
Will do M...
| Quote: | | They taking questions from the floor? |
I've been told that they are by the chap that invited me, whether they are or not for sure though I don't know, I'm taking some notes with me though, just in case I get the chance. :wink: | | | | funglefoot | | Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2002 8:22 pm Post subject: |
| | Having noted the auspices under which this lecture series is being held and having noted the programme and the pauses for tea/coffee; lunch; cream tea; I was surprised that there was no scheduled pause for prayers. Can you comment on this please Saint or when you report back could you mention whether the audience were invited to observe the ritual prayer sequences. | | | | Saint | | Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2002 11:31 pm Post subject: |
| | Quote: | | Having noted the auspices under which this lecture series is being held and having noted the programme and the pauses for tea/coffee; lunch; cream tea; I was surprised that there was no scheduled pause for prayers. Can you comment on this please Saint or when you report back could you mention whether the audience were invited to observe the ritual prayer sequences. |
No Fungal, lots of interesting debate and discussion, but no set prayer time.  | | | | Saint | | Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2002 12:12 am Post subject: |
| | Quote: | | And give us a report on the interesting bits if you can when you get the chance. |
It was all Interesting, and very well balanced, I had lots of people said to me that due to the venue it would be one sided, from one point of view, that was not the case at all.
Lots of groups, political, ethnic and religious were represented, there were about sixty people I suppose, including the speakers, who sat in the audience when not talking.
When I was sitting in the conference hall I had a Doctor of Economics, an American-Israeli on my right, a chap from Libya who's been in this country four years, who'd witnessed the US bombing of Libya and had lost many family members in the attack on my left.
In front of me was a Doctor of Theology, a biblical scholar, among other things, next to him were two Israeli girls, one a Jew of Russian decent the other an Israeli-Arab, the other side of him was a former Egyptian ambassador. Behind me was an Imam from the Sudan, a Hindu lady from India that used to work for the Indian government and American Human Rights worker, so as you can see it was quite a varied audance. The papers discussed are going to be published soon, on the internet too hopefully, so I'll post them here as there are sent to me or posted on sites.[/quote] | | | | Anglo Thug | | Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2002 11:29 pm Post subject: |
| | It will be interesting to view the findings of a serious debate rather than the second hand gossip from the media giants. Balanced, you say? That will be even more interesting. | | | | | ©2002-2009 WarWithoutEnd.co.uk |
