(Washington) – On the eve of a visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the United States for the U.N. General Assembly, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) offers six experts for interviews as needed. Their names, phone numbers and specialties are listed below.

Daniel Brumberg, Acting Director of the Muslim World Initiative
Brumberg focuses on democratization and political reform in the Middle East. He recently commented on the disputed June presidential elections (view video). Brumberg edited the newly released book, "Conflict, Identity and Reform in the Muslim World." Phone numbers:  202/429-3883, 202/421-3909

Steven Heydemann, Vice President for the Grant and Fellowships Program; Special Adviser for the Muslim World Initiative
Heydemann examines the politics and political economy of the Arab world, including the Levant and issues of economic and political reform, human rights, and democratization.  He contributed to the volume "Conflict, Identity and Reform in the Muslim World."  Phone numbers:  202/429-4715, 202/360-0056

Qamar-ul Huda, Senior Program Officer, Religion and Peacemaking Center of Innovation
Huda works on Islamic thought and philosophy on violence and conflict resolution. In addition to contributing to the volume "Conflict, Identity and Reform in the Muslim World," Huda will be moderating a discussion with H.E. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Conferences on September 30. Phone numbers:  202/429-4707, 202/215-4987

Paul Hughes, Senior Program Officer, Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention; Executive Director of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the U.S.
Hughes, former head of USIP's Iraq programs, is available to comment on the nuclear weapons and international engagement issues. Phone numbers:  202/429-7167, 301/461-8910

John Limbert, Author and Professor, U.S. Naval Academy
USIP Press will release retired Ambassador Limbert's new book, "Negotiating with Iran" on September 23. A career Iran watcher, Limbert discusses opportunities and challenges in pursuing engagement with Iran. Phone numbers: 410/293-2984

Robin Wright, incoming USIP Jennings Randolph Senior Fellow
A former Washington Post correspondent, Wright has been traveling to Iran since 1973 and has written four books on the revolution. She visited Iran as the election campaign began this year. Her most recent book is "Dreams and Shadows: The Future of the Middle East."  Phone number:  202/320-0888

For additional information, please contact Lauren Sucher, 202/429-3822 or lsucher@usip.org, or Allison Sturma, 202/429-4725 or asturma@usip.org, in USIP's Office of Public Affairs and Communications.