- Monday, February 27, 2017
- 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
- Chapel Sanctuary
- FREE
Panel discussion: Bert de Vries (History), Doug Howard (History), and Becca McBride (Political Science)
Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the ongoing civil war in Syria. Millions have fled their homes, nearly half of them departing for other countries as refugees. Why does the war continue? What are the interests of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Russia, and Turkey? Is there real hope for a lasting peace?
About the panelists
Bert de Vries is professor emeritus of history and director of the archaeology program. He has worked extensively in the Middle East, including decades of archaeology research and community development in Umm el-Jimal, Jordan. A passionate peace activist, he helped organize Healing Children of Conflict in West Michigan, a non-profit dedicated to the medical treatment of children injured by the wars in Iraq and Gaza.
Doug Howard is professor of history with expertise in the history of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey. He teaches courses on early world history, Middle Eastern societies, India, U.S.-Middle east Relations, and Islam.
Becca McBride is assistant professor of political science. She previously worked for the U.S. government as a Russian analyst. She teaches courses in international relations and comparative politics.
About the Just Citizenship series
This series has been organized by the Dean for Research and Scholarship under the Provost's Faith and Citizenship Initiative.
What does it mean for Christians to think deeply and act justly in this time of political uncertainty? Just Citizenship is a weekly series of interdisciplinary lectures and panel discussions addressing current issues and asking how Christians can work for renewal in society. Join us in the Chapel each Monday at 3:30 during the spring semester; all of these events are free and open to the public. Find out more about the series and related events.
The Just Citizenship series has been approved for State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) in the state of Michigan. For every forum you attend, you can earn one clock hour of SCECH credit for certificate renewal. For more information and a SCECH application form, please visit our homepage for the series.
