Middle East Expert to Address Current Crisis

For Immediate Release Contact: Tom Gallagher
March 14, 2011 415-826-1362

sanfranpda [at] aol.com

Middle East Expert to Address Current Crisis
What are the prospects for democracy after rebellion?

With the recent overthrow of the Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak, ongoing popular efforts to oust Moammar Khadafy in Libya, and similar movements for democracy and reform erupting in neighboring Middle Eastern nations, can nonviolent, democratic systems evolve from the turmoil?

Professor Stephen Zunes will address this and related questions at a public forum on Tuesday, March 22 at the Unitarian-Universalist Church in San Francisco. The talk, which will take place in the MLK room at 7 pm, is sponsored by Progressive Democrats of America-San Francisco (PDA-SF).

Dr. Zunes is a Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco, where he chairs the program in Middle Eastern Studies. He serves as a senior policy analyst for the Foreign Policy in Focus project of the Institute for Policy Studies and as chair of the academic advisory committee for the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict. Dr. Zunes’s books include Tinderbox: U.S. Middle East Policy and the Roots of Terrorism and Western Sahara:_War, Nationalism & Conflict Irresolution. His columns appear in several leading political blogs, including the Huffington Post.

The March 22 forum is free of charge and wheelchair accessible. Dr. Zunes’ remarks will be followed by an open discussion session. Light refreshments and beverages will be available.


Progressive Democrats of America is a nationwide organization that works to strengthen the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. It operates both inside and outside of the Party to mobilize progressive action on issues like the ongoing wars, Medicare for all, a green economy, fair immigration policies, government accountability, corporate personhood and fair trade. For more information, call 415-826-1362 or email sanfranpda [at] aol.com .


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