Over the course of the next several months, The Middle East Institute will be hosting a series of talks on Lebanon  in an effort to encourage debate about and understanding of the challenges and obstacles faced by the Arab world’s most vibrant democracy, yet one challenged by both internal and external threats. 

MEI is  launching the series with a presentation by Maura Connelly, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State responsible for Lebanon. Ms. Connelly, who will have recently returned from a trip to the Middle East, will examine current US policy toward Lebanon, highlighting the United States' strong bilateral relationship with the Beirut government and its efforts to support Lebanese independence and sovereignty.

BIO:
Maura Connelly is the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. State Department. In the late 1980s, Connelly served as Political Officer and Acting Head of the Political Section in Algiers. She later served as Political Section Chief at the Jerusalem consulate (1993-1996) where she won the Director's General Award for her reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Connelly has also served at the U.S. Embassy in London as the Minister Counselor for Political Affairs from 2005-2008 and Charge d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria from 2008-2009.


Additional Lectures to Include: 

U.S. Military Assistance to Lebanon:
A Discussion of the Pros and Cons
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Featuring:
Aram Nerguizian, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
David Schenker, Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Lebanon and Syria: The Challenge of an Evolving Relationship
April 2010
Featuring:
Andrew Tabler, Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Mona Yacoubian, United States Institute for Peace

Political and Economic Reform: The Way Forward in Lebanon
May 2010
Featuring:
Paul Salem, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Samir Daher, Former World Bank Economist

More talks to follow

Because of the popularity of MEI programs and limited seating, MEI anticipates a capacity audience for the program.  MEI wishes to accommodate all registered guests but will give MEI members and supporters priority seating.  We encourage you to become an MEI member if you wish to avoid sitting in the overflow room. Early arrival for all is encouraged.

Please RSVP online or by email to rsvp@mei.edu.