“U.S. Involvement in the Middle East: The Origin and Consequences”

Who: Lawrence Freedman, Professor of War Studies, King’s College, London
Event: In recent decades the Middle East has proved to be one of the most troubling as well as important parts of the world. The war in Iraq, the standoff with Iran, the regular failures of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and the continuing danger posed by al Qaeda all testify to the complexity of the region’s problems. In his new book, A Choice of Enemies: America Confronts the Middle East, Lawrence Freedman argues that three pivotal events in 1979 helped establish the foundations for U.S. involvement in the Middle East that would last for thirty years without offering any straightforward or bloodless exit options. Sir Lawrence joins the Council to make the case that these three strategic choices and subsequent crises led the United States into the predicament that it finds itself in today.
Admission Costs: Council Members: Free, Students: $5, Nonmembers: $15