Perspectives on Syria and the Middle East

Middle East
featuring

George Novinger, Deputy Chief of Mission in Damascus, 2008-10 (retired)
Thursday, February 16, 2017
5:30 – 6:15 reception, meet the speaker
6:15 – 7:30 pm talk & discussion
Alumni Center, University of California Riverside
$30 members  $35 non members 
$0 students (talk only)

The calamitous Syrian civil war drags on even since the pull back of Russia and the Assad government’s re-conquest of Aleppo. There are talks in which some of the combatants are represented interspersed with breached ceasefires. In this complex scenario, he Syrian government and its military forces are on one side with its allies, with over a dozen discordant rebel factions including ISIS fighting against Assad’s military coalition. The rebels also fight among themselves since each group has its own agenda. Some groups and governments supporting particular factions have stepped back, but not completely.

Retired American diplomat, George Novinger who served in Damascus at the beginnings of the disputes will offer his perspectives on the major groups involved and thoughts on what the future might bring to this troubled country and the rest of the Middle East. He will explore aspects of the political, economic, social, and religious environment in Syria that led to the start of what seems an endless conflict in Syria.  If peace is possible, the issues of refugees and the ongoing divisions and goals among the major players involved must be addressed. We will examine Syria’s possible future scenarios and end with what will likely be a lively Q&A session.

For mail-in registration, download and print the attached  flier (click link below). Complete it by hand, enclose payment and mail to the WAC , PO Box 1268, Riverside, CA 92502.
                           Syria-NovingerFeb16_flier.pdf