TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

PUBLIC PROGRAM

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE REGISTER AT THE DOOR.

THE MIDDLE EAST: A NEW BEGINNING OR ANCIENT HISTORY?

Neil MacFarquhar, United Nations Bureau Chief, The New York Times
David Makovsky, Ziegler Distinguished Fellow and Director, Project on the Middle East Peace Process, The Washington Institute

In his June 2009 speech from Cairo, President Barack Obama called for a "new beginning between the United States and Muslims," and said together they could confront violent extremism across the globe and advance the timeless search for peace in the Middle East. This speech left the Islamic world in anticipation of significant change, but such change has proven easier said than done, even as stability in the greater Middle East continues to be critical to U.S. national security. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs welcomes two regional experts, Neil MacFarquhar and David Makovsky, for a discussion on the Middle East.

Neil MacFarquhar is the United Nations bureau chief for The New York Times. He previously served as the Cairo bureau chief for The Times from 2001 to 2005. MacFarquhar’s reporting career began in Libya, where he grew up, covering the Middle East for The Associated Press for seven years. He has also lived in and reported from Israel and Kuwait. Fluent in Arabic and French, MacFarquhar holds a B.A. in international political economy from Stanford University. His most recent book, The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday, will be available for purchase and signing following the program.

David Makovsky is the Ziegler distinguished fellow and director of The Washington Institute's Project on the Middle East Peace Process. He is also an adjunct lecturer in Middle Eastern studies at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. Prior to joining The Washington Institute, Makovsky was a journalist for eleven years covering the Middle East. His writings have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, the Chicago Tribune, Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Policy. His most recent book, Myths, Illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction in the Middle East, was coauthored with Dennis Ross, and will be available for purchase and signing following the program.

Additional Resources:

• David Makovsky, "Middle East Peace: Ground Truths, Challenges Ahead,” Testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, March 4, 2010
• Neil MacFarquhar, "U.S. Circulates New Draft Proposal for Iran Sanctions," New York Times, March 3, 2010
• Neil MacFarquhar, "Gaza War Inquiries Demanded," New York Times, February 26, 2010
• David Makovsky, "Prospects for the Resumption of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks," PolicyWatch #1620, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, January 15, 2010
• David Makovsky, "Obama and Netanyahu: Lessons of 2009," Op-Ed, Haaretz, December 1, 2009
• David Makovsky, "Beyond Settlements: U.S. Policy Options Going Forward," PolicyWatch #1579, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, September 16, 2009
• Neil MacFarquhar, "In Iran, Both Sides Seek to Carry Islam’s Banner," New York Times, June 21, 2009

The Chicago Club
81 East Van Buren
Chicago, IL 60605
Business attire is required.

5:30 p.m. Registration and cash bar reception
6:00 p.m. Presentation and discussion
7:15 p.m. Book signing and cash bar reception

Young Professional Members $10
Members $20
Nonmembers $30
President’s Circle, Corporate Members, and Student Members complimentary

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