On two Monday evenings two weeks apart, experts on the Middle East will offer to the public their insights into the turmoil that has engulfed the entire region.  --  On Mon., Oct. 26, Dr. Steve Niva of Evergreen State College will speak about his extensive research into ISIS, its leadership, ideology, and strategy.  --  Two weeks later, on Mon., Nov. 9, Niva and Elizabeth Murray will discuss the Iran nuclear deal.  --  Murray recently retired from a 27-year government career as an analyst specializing in the politics and media of the Middle East.  --  Both events will be held in the University Place Library on Bridgeport Way.  --  They are co-sponsored by United for Peace of Pierce County and the Tacoma Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace.  --  See below for details.[1] ...

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WHAT: The Mess in the Middle East: Two Evenings of Unraveling
WHO: Steve Niva & Elizabeth Murray
WHEN: Mon., Oct. 26, 2015 @ 7:15 p.m. & Mon., Nov. 9, 2015 @ 7:15 p.m.
WHERE: University Place Library at Bridgeport & S. 35th (just past Whole Foods), University Place, WA

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On Monday, October 26, 2015, at 7:15 p.m., Dr. Steve Niva of Evergreen College will give a talk entitled "ISIS: Authentic Islam or Manipulating Religion?"  Discussion will follow.

Dr. Steve Niva teaches International Politics and Middle East Studies at the Evergreen State College in Olympia.  His primary areas of research and writing include asymmetric warfare, counterinsurgency, and political violence in the Middle East.  He is an expert on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.  His most recent work, on the rise of ISIS as a terror insurgency, is based on a reading of ISIS's strategic documents and study of the group's battle tactics.  Dr. Niva will address the question of how Islamic ISIS is, and the role of faith and cynicism in the rise of the terror army in Iraq and Syria.
  
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On Monday, November 9, 2015, also at 7:15 p.m., Dr. Niva will be joined by Elizabeth Murray for a discussion entitled "Why the Iran Deal is Good for the U.S." 

Elizabeth Murray served as Deputy National Intelligence Officer for the Near East in the National Intelligence Council before retiring in 2010 after a 27-year career in the U.S. government.  She specialized in Middle Eastern political and media analysis.

Much more was spent on advertising trying to defeat the Iran deal than was spent on promoting its passage.  There have been many expressions of concern that the agreement leaves the U.S. and the rest of the West more vulnerable than before.  Speakers will present their perspectives on the issue, arguing that the Iran nuclear deal is in the best interests of the U.S. and in fact makes us safer.

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Both events are open to the public.  They are co-sponsored by United for Peace of Pierce County (WA) and the Tacoma Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace.  For more information, please write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..