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AAI Tackles Roots of Conflict in Lebanon, Palestine, Israel; Future Role For the US

Wednesday July 26, 2006

US Aid Groups to Discuss Humanitarain Crisis on the Ground

Washington – On Friday, July 28, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm, the Arab American Institute (AAI) will hold a briefing on Capitol Hill titled, “Understanding the Conflict and the Role of the United States.”

The first hour will focus on internal Lebanese political dynamics, including challenges surrounding the implementation of UNSCR 1559, and possibilities for positive US engagement. This panel will feature Joseph Cicippio, who was held for five years as a hostage during Lebanon’s civil war and is a former CFO of the US Agency for International Development; Paul Salem, director-designate of Carnegie’s Middle East Center in Beirut; and AAI President James Zogby.

The second hour will explore the deepening humanitarian crises in Lebanon and Gaza from the perspective of leading humanitarian organizations with decades of experience in the region. Serge Duss, World Vision’s Senior Advisor for Global Affairs will be joined by representatives from Catholic Relief Services and Mercy Corps.

WHAT: Crisis in Lebanon Palestine and Israel: Understanding the Conflict and the Role of the United States

WHO: Joseph Cicippio, former hostage in Lebanon; former CFO, USAID
Paul Salem, Director-designate, Carnegie Middle East Center, Beirut, Lebanon
James Zogby, President, Arab American Institute
Serge Duss, Senior Advisor for Global Affairs, World Vision
Representatives from Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps

WHEN: Friday, July 28, 2006
12:00-1:00 PM Panel I: Lebanese Political Dynamics and the Role of the United States
1:00 – 2:00 Panel II: The Humanitarian Crisis: Views from the Ground

WHERE: Capitol Building, Room SC-207

RSVP: Please reply to Natasha Tynes at (202) 429-9210 ext. 26 or ntynes@aaiusa.org