Timing

Engaging Hamas: Risks and Opportunities

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 / Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm 

Based on a recent USIP report "Hamas: Ideological Rigidity, Political Flexibility" by Paul Scham and Osama abu-Irshaid, this discussion will explore how the international community can detect and take advantage of any willingness by Hamas to compromise, without making ourselves vulnerable to manipulation. How should we interpret this movement, what is the role of Shari'a law in Hama's political behavior and what are the policy implications of the report?

ReligionConflict Analysis & Prevention

Assessing the Impact of Lebanon's June 7th Parliamentary Elections

Date: Monday, June 15, 2009 / Time: 6:00am - 8:00am 

On June 7th, Lebanon held its long-anticipated parliamentary elections, a critical next step in Lebanon's post-civil war transition. While many observers underscore the potential repercussions of a Hezbollah-dominated March 8th bloc win, the margin of victory will be slim regardless of which side wins.