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Peace Picks October 13-19

After the Syrian Pullback: What’s Next for Middle East Policy|October 15, 2019|9:15am-11:00am|Hudson Institute|Stern Policy Center, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Suite 400, Washington DC 20004|Register Here

Hudson Institute will host a debate on the latest developments in Syria and Turkey, the impact on U.S. interests, and the future of U.S. Middle East policy. Hudson Senior Fellow Mike Doran will argue in favor of the president’s withdrawal, while Hudson Fellow Blaise Misztal and Former Assistant Secretary of Defense Mary Beth Long will present the counterargument that this move is detrimental to U.S. interests in the region.

The Trump administration’s decision to move U.S. forces out of the way of a Turkish military operation in northeastern Syria is a fundamental change to the last five years of U.S. policy in the region. The decision appears to bring to an end the U.S. partnership with Syrian Kurdish forces, forged in the fight against the Islamic State, while potentially reinvigorating the flagging U.S.-Turkish alliance. The debate will explore the broader implications throughout the region.

Speakers

Blaise Misztal Fellow, Hudson Institute

Mike Doran Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute

Mary Beth Long Former Assistant Secretary of Defense, U.S. Department of Defense

Program

Registration: 9:15 a.m. — 9:30 a.m.

Introduction: 9:30 a.m. — 9:35 a.m.

Panel Remarks and Discussion: 9:35 a.m. — 10:35 a.m.

Audience Q & A: 10:35 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.

Iraq Conference|October 15, 2019|10:00AM-4:00PM|Middle East Institute|1763 N St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036|Register Here

The Middle East Institute (MEI) is pleased to host its second Iraq Conference, which will bring together leading policy voices to explore the key challenges and opportunities confronting current and future generations in Iraq. Four panels and two keynotes will explore the ways in which Iraqis, the United States, and the international community must adapt to the political, economic, and social changes facing Iraq.

Agenda:

10:00-11:30AM | Panel I: Regional Cooperation: Operationalizing the Baghdad Declaration

The opening panel will examine opportunities for growth in regional cooperation. Specifically, panelists will propose economic, security, and trade policies which encourage bilateral and multilateral solutions to systemic regional issues.

Joey Hood
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs
Randa Slim
Director of Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program, MEI
H.E. Fareed Yasseen
Ambassador to the United States, Republic of Iraq
Ross Harrison, moderator
Senior Fellow, MEI

11:30AM-1:00PM | Panel II: Rebuilding Iraq’s Social Fabric: A Way Forward for IDPs and Communities Liberated from ISIS

This panel will address the urgent humanitarian concerns, economic desperation, and legal limbo facing internally displaced persons in Iraq, and propose policy solutions regarding livelihoods, safe resettlement, and minority rights protections. Panelists will also explore the legal and social challenges Iraq is facing in dealing with the aftermath of the war against ISIS.

Basma Alloush
Policy and Advocacy Officer, Norwegian Refugee Council
Amb. Rend Al Rahim
President, Iraq Foundation
Rasha Al Aqeedi
Managing Editor, Irfaa Sawtak
Hallam Ferguson
Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for the Middle East, USAID
Joyce Karam, moderator
Washington Correspondent, The National UAE

1:00-1:30PM | Lunch

1:30-2:45PM | Panel III: Energy, Water, and Climate Change

This panel will explore the ways in which the water crisis and the long term effects of climate change have impacted Iraq. Panelists will explore policy solutions to these challenges and prospects for energy innovation. 

Omar Al Nidawi
Program manager, Enabling Peace in Iraq Center
Abbas Kadhim
Director of Iraq Initiative, Atlantic Council
Bilal Wahab
Nathan and Esther K. Wagner fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Randa Slim, moderator
Director, Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program, MEI

2:45-4:00PM | Panel IV: Forecasting Local Provincial Elections and the Popular Mobilization Forces

The closing panel will focus on the upcoming local provincial elections and the importance of political pluralism and participation of Iraqis. The panelists will examine the influence of the PMF and will propose policy solutions to Iraq’s political system and institutional crisis.

Naufel Al Hassan
Former Chief of Staff, Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Iraq
Shahla Al Kli
Principal Development Specialist, DAI 
Michael Fleet (via skype)
Senior researcher, Institute on Governance
Hafsa Halawa
Independent Consultant and Political Analyst
Ambassador (ret.) Gerald Feierstein, moderator
Senior Vice President, MEI

The Syrian Conflict and Kurdish Issue: A Regional Dilemma|October 16, 2019|11:00AM-12:30PM|Turkish Heritage Organization|National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington DC 20045|Register Here

Join THO on October 16, starting at 11:00 AM for a panel discussion on the latest situation in Syria and the realties in the region. We’re delighted to be joined by a group of experts who will analyze the situation and offer their expertise.

Speakers: 

Eva Savelsberg, President of the European Center for Kurdish Studies, Germany 

Kyle Orton, Senior Foreign Policy Expert, United Kingdom

Abdullah Kedo, Executive at Political Commission of Kurdish National Council & Member of Yekiti Party 

*Lunch will be served

Yemen at a Crossroads: Are New Conflict Dynamics Reshaping the Country’s Future?|October 16, 2019|12:30PM-2:00PM|The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington|1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 1060, Washington, DC 20036|Register Here

Recent developments in Yemen’s war, in particular violent clashes between forces operating within the Saudi-led coalition supporting President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, have focused attention anew on deep North-South fissures, the viability of the internationally recognized government, and the boost Houthi rebels have received from the drawdown of Emirati forces. What appears certain is that the dynamics of Yemen’s protracted war have changed materially: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have invested deeply in the conflict, are seeking to protect both national security and economic interests. An emboldened Houthi insurgency seems determined to press its advantage. Even extremist and terrorist groups have re-emerged to assert their capacity to act as spoilers in any political settlement.

Have the Houthi rebels, for all intents and purposes, won Yemen’s war? Is the notion of a unified Yemeni state yet another casualty of the conflict? How are neighboring countries calculating the impact of recent events on their core interests? Have Saudi Arabia and the UAE unleashed forces in Yemen that will threaten these interests and test their alliance?

Speakers

Elana DeLozier – Research Fellow, Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Abdulghani al-Iryani – Political and Development Consultant on Yemen

Charles Schmitz – Professor of Geography, Towson University

Ambassador Stephen A. Seche, Moderator – Executive Vice-President, AGSIW

Refugees in Lebanon: Perspectives from on the Ground|October 16, 2019|2:00PM-3:30PM|Middle East Institute|1763 N St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036|Register Here

In recent months, refugees in Lebanon are facing a dismal climate of social polarization, opportunistic political rhetoric, and increasing hostility, with the demolition of some informal camp settlements, enhanced labor law restrictions, and widespread protests. Humanitarian programs must navigate tensions between host, Palestinian and Syrian refugee communities against the backdrop of Lebanon’s serious economic and environmental difficulties.

The Middle East Institute (MEI) and Anera are pleased to invite you to a panel discussion of the many challenges facing Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

Speakers

Dima Zayat | Anera Deputy Country Director, Lebanon

Serene Dardari | Anera Communications and Outreach Manager, Lebanon

Mona Yacoubian | Senior Advisor on Syria, the Middle East, and North Africa, United States Institute of Peace 

Randa Slim (moderator) | Senior Fellow and Director of Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program, MEI

Exploring New Approaches for Atrocity Prevention|October 16, 2019|3:00PM-4:30PM|United States Institute of Peace|2301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037|Register Here

A new report from the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC) proposes an international doctrine called the “Right to Assist,” which would strengthen external support for nonviolent civil resistance campaigns demanding rights, freedom, and justice against nondemocratic rule. Drawing from social science research and insights from practitioners, Right to Assist argues that support for nonviolent civil resistance can help avert atrocities and civil war, as well as increase the prospect for long-term democratic stability.

Join USIP for a discussion on the Right to Assist doctrine with ICNC President Hardy Merriman, co-author of the report, and other civil resistance experts. The event will look at how Right to Assist could be implemented, as well as how increased external support might be viewed from the perspectives of efficacy, international law, practical concerns, and possible unintended consequences. Join the conversation on Twitter with #PeoplePower4Peace.

Speakers

Quscondy Abdulshafi
Research Consultant, Dexis Consulting Group-OTI/USAID

Ariela Blätter
Program Officer, Atrocities Prevention and Response, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund

Alejandra Espinoza
Executive Director, Voices of Nicaragua

Nancy Lindborg
President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace 

Hardy Merriman
President, ICNC

Maria Stephan
Director, Program on Nonviolent Action, U.S. Institute of Peace  

Complex Puzzle, Shifting Pieces: The Domestic, Regional, and International Forces Reshaping the Gulf|October 17, 2019|8:30AM-5:00PM|Gulf International Forum|The National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington DC 20045|Register Here

It comes as no surprise that the past year has been a remarkable one for the Gulf region. The sheer change in circumstances for the region compared to this time in 2018 is staggering. While last year’s conversation was unduly concerned with the ramifications of the still-ongoing ‘Gulf Crisis’ the apparent institutionalization of the rift has seemingly killed the bloc’s original purpose. Arising within this void have been the proliferation of new questions related to the War in Yemen, deepening inter-Gulf tensions, a post-JCPOA Iran, and an Iraq precariously fending off a resurging ISIS. Meanwhile, the region has brought about renewed skepticism from the United States and other Western nations, leading to questions concerning the Gulf’s place in the world order. In both hemispheres, a once-quiet region has been vaulted into the spotlight for reasons related to conflict, economics, geopolitics, and human rights. Given these complex dynamics, GIF is looking forward to our Second Annual Gulf International Conference “Complex Puzzle, Shifting Pieces: The Domestic, Regional & International Forces Reshaping the Gulf.” Please join us for a day of panel discussions and presentations that seeks to offer clarity concerning inter-Gulf dynamics, conflict scenarios in Iraq and Yemen, the looming presence of Iran and possible changes to the U.S-Gulf relationship.

Schedule of Events

9:00-9:15 Opening Remarks – Dania Thafer, GIF Executive DIrector

9:15-9:45 Keynotes – the Honorable Ambassador Chas W. Freeman Jr. and Dr. Abu Bakr al-Qirbi

9:50-11:05 – Panel 1: The Changing Same: New Developments for Old Challenges Facing the Gulf

• Congressman James P. Moran Former member, US House of Representatives
• General (Ret.) Mark T. Kimmitt Fmr Asst Sec State for Political-Military Affairs
• Dina Esfandiary Intl Security Program Fellow, Belfer Center for Science and Intl Affairs
• Dr. Lina Khatib Head of MENA programs, Chatham House
• Dr. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen MENA Fellow, Rice University Baker Inst. for Public Policy

11:10-12:25 – Panel 2: Triumphs and Tribulations of Implementing Gulf Economic Visions

• Dr. Tarek Yousef Director, Brookings Center – Doha
• Dr. Bessma Momani Professor, Dept of Poli. Sci University of Waterloo
• Dania Thafer Executive Director, Gulf International Forum
• Dr. Jassim Hussein Former Member, Parliament of Bahrain

12:30-1:00 – Network/Break for Lunch

1:00-2:00 – Lunchtime and Award Ceremony

• Husham Althahabi Founder – The Iraq Home for Creativity
• Maali S. Alasousi Country Director, Direct Aid Organization

2:10-3:25 – Panel 3A: Changing Dynamics of Security and Defense in the Gulf

• Professor David Des Roches Associate Professor, NESA Center for Security Studies
• Dr. Capt Jeffrey Macris USN. RET. Professor of History, United States Naval Academy
• Elana DeLozier Research Fellow, Washington Institute for Near East Policy
• Ambassador Gerald Feierstein Fmr. United States Ambasador to Yemen
• Becca Wasser Policy Analyst, RAND Corporation
• Dr. Abbas Kadhim Director and Senior Resident Fellow Iraq Initiative, Atlantic Council

2:10-3:25 – Panel 3B: Cracked but Unbroken: Women and the Gulf’s Glass Ceiling

• H.E. Dr. Hend al-Muftah Member, Qatari Shura Council
• Negar Morazavi Consultant Editor, The Independent
• Dr. Sahar Khamis Associate Professor, University of Maryland
• Dr. Lana Baydas Human Rights Expert
• Dr. Maalak al-Rasheed Professor, Kuwait University

3:30-4:45 – Panel 4A: Congress and the President: US-Gulf Policymaking in a Divided Government

• Rachel Oswald Foreign Policy Reporter, CQ Roll Call
• Aaron David Miller Fmr. Senior Advisor-Arab Israeli Negotiations, State Dept.
• Steve Simon Fmr. Senior Director-MENA, National Security Council
• The Honorable Mary Beth Long Fmr. Asst. Sec. Def., United States Department of Defense
• Khalil Jahshan Executive Director, Arab Center – DC
• Sheikh Abdulla al-Ali al-Sabah Kuwaiti Academic and Researcher

3:30-4:45 – Panel 4B: Manipulating Religion: Political Islam and the Region’s Competition for Dominance

• Khaled Saffuri Director, National Interest Foundation
• Dr. Abdullah Baabood Professor, Singapore National University
• Dr. Bulent Aras Senior Scholar, Wilson Center
• Dr. Courtney Freer Research Fellow, London School of Economics
• Dr. Kristin Diwan Senior Resident Scholar, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington

4:50-5:00 – Executive Director’s Closing Remarks

What’s Next for Democracy and Women’s Rights in Afghanistan?|October 18, 2019|8:30-9:30AM|United States Institute of Peace|2301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC 20037|Register Here

Join Rep. Susan Davis and Rep. Martha Roby as they reflect on important progress made by and for Afghan women within the domestic, civic, military, and political spheres, which they have highlighted in annual congressional delegations to Afghanistan over the past 12 years. Afghan women have expressed their sense of empowerment, resilience, and determination as they have gained influence over this period. They have also emphasized the challenges they face in securing their critical role in the future development of their country. Rep. Davis and Rep. Roby, who recently led a bipartisan member delegation to Afghanistan in May 2019, will reflect on the past, present, and future of the country. Light refreshments will be served.

Speakers

Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA)
U.S. Representative from California

Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL)
U.S. Representative from Alabama 

Nancy Lindborg, moderator
President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace