Press Release
The Middle East Institute (MEI) is pleased to announce that it will join the Iraq Advisory Council (IAC) in co-sponsoring the IAC Hisham al-Hashimi Forum.
The first IAC Hisham al-Hashimi Forum is planned to coincide with the first anniversary of the assassination of the late Hisham al-Hashimi in July 2021. The Forum will be held in Baghdad, and will be attended by the highest level of Iraqi, regional and international decision makers and experts.
“The Middle East Institute is honored to participate in the conference commemorating Hisham al- Hashimi, a highly esteemed Iraqi colleague and scholar. MEI scholars have appreciated over the years Hisham’s analysis of Iraqi political dynamics and his research on extremist groups in Iraq and the region. Hisham's work played a defining role in the world’s understanding of Iraq, its politics, its people’s aspirations, and the many challenges facing them in their enduring task to re-build their country after decades of conflict. Hisham never shied away from speaking truth to power. And for that he paid the ultimate price”, said Randa Slim, MEI Senior Fellow and Director of the Program on Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues,
“We are delighted to be partnering with MEI in our upcoming IAC Hisham al-Hashimi Forum” said Farhad Alaaldin, Chairman of IAC. “MEI is one of the leading U.S. think tanks focusing on Iraq and the Middle East, they have worked with Hisham and have very high regard for his work on security and reconciliation.”
About the Middle East Institute
Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. It is a non-partisan think tank providing expert policy analysis, educational and professional development services, and a hub for engaging with the region's arts and culture.
MEI mission is to increase knowledge of the Middle East among citizens of the United States and to promote a better understanding between the people of these two areas
The Middle East Institute is leading the way for a new kind of think tank: one that thrives on the intersection of policy and culture. Our centers reflect our dedication to promoting understanding of the region through a wider lens.
About IAC Hisham alHashimi Forum
The IAC-Hisham alHashimi Forum is established in commemoration of Dr. Hisham Al Hashemi, a member of the Board of Directors of the Iraq Advisory Council (IAC) , who was assassinated in Baghdad on 6th of July 2020. Hisham was unique as a person and as expert on security affairs, terrorist groups, peace and stability. He was also very generous in sharing his vast amount of knowledge that he has accumulated with journalists, fellow researchers from world class research centres and think thanks, universities and government and nongovernment organisations.
About IAC
The Iraq Advisory Council (IAC) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation based in Baghdad and registered in accordance with the Iraqi law. The Council’s membership and staff consist of a group of highly qualified experts, academics and former policy makers. They bring to the Council years of experience in diverse fields, including in the law, politics, diplomacy, security, economy, finance, oil and gas, agriculture and academia. IAC members include former ministers, members of parliament, advisors to the Iraqi President, Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament, ambassadors, CEOs, economists, lawyers, financiers and university professors. Through this membership, IAC is uniquely able to leverage a deep knowledge of the Iraqi system in addition to a broad network of contacts throughout Iraqi governmental and non-governmental institutions. IAC through its members collectively seek to enhance the civil society-state relationship, democratic process, rule of law, social justice, good governance and institutionalisation in Iraq.