Grace Farms Foundation, in partnership with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), today announced the upcoming public convening of military, public policy and research experts to discuss the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and their importance to United States national security and values. Rod Khattabi, Director of Law Enforcement & Risk Officer at Grace Farms Foundation, will begin the program introducing the topic The Humanitarian Impact of Conflicts in the Middle East. Distinguished panelists from ISW, including former CIA director and retired Gen. David Petraeus, former Conn. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, ISW President Dr. Kimberly Kagan and ISW Director of Research Jennifer Cafarella will discuss how malign state and non-state actors are driving conflicts across the Middle East causing humanitarian catastrophes, compounding governance failures, and exacerbating violent extremism.
“There is an urgent need to develop and implement creative, enduring strategies which address the humanitarian, political, and security problems that can stem from involvement in conflict,” said Khattabi. “This conversation is part of a larger dialogue to help us approach the human impact of conflict thoughtfully, especially when it comes to human trafficking, so that our actions advance the common good.”
The June 18 panel will focus on how the United States, its allies, and non-governmental organizations can tackle the complex challenges posed by groups like the Islamic State group (IS) and al Qaeda, states perpetuating conflict across the Middle East, and the related conditions on the ground.
“The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and their outcomes are critical to America’s national security and values. Our conversation will help inform both our collective understanding of the nature of the challenges and the requirements for addressing them,” said Kagan.
Petraeus, an ISW Board Member, led the population-centric military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan and also served as CIA Director. Lieberman, an ISW Board Member, has been a champion for the strategic and moral dimensions of American leadership in the Middle East. Cafarella, Director of Research at ISW, is a leading expert on IS and the conflict of Syria. Finally, Dr. Kagan, President of ISW, is a military historian.
The event is free, but registration is required. On-site parking at Grace Farms will be available and overflow parking will be provided at Oakridge Common, with shuttle service running throughout the evening. More information can be found at www.gracefarms.org/calendar.
