The Osher Lecture Series Presents: AFTER THE DEFEAT OF ISIS, WHAT COMES NEXT IN THE MIDDLE EAST?
by Robert Ford, former U.S. Ambassador to Syria
THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018 at 1:30 P.M. at CATAMOUNT ARTS, EASTERN AVE. ST. JOHNSBURY
Is this the end finally of extremism in the Middle East? Are we at last safe from the influence of military groups in Syria and Iraq? Can we bring American forces, numbering around 6,000, home from Syria and Iraq? Would banning visitors and refugees from the Middle East best ensure our safety at home here? If the answers to these questions are not clear or just plain "no", then what should we be doing next as the Trump administration enters its second year in charge of U.S. national security policy? Ambassador Robert Ford (retired) who worked in Syria and Iraq for almost ten years for the U.S. Department of State will assess the situation in the Middle East, the prospects for stability, what it means for the United States and its allies like Israel, and what we need to do in 2018 and beyond to safeguard our national security from challenges in the Middle East.
Join the St. Johnsbury Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Vermont to explore a variety of topics and issues. There is a series of eight lectures on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Catamount Arts starting on March 8, 2018 to April 26, 2018.
Membership is $30. Non-members may attend any single session for $6.
On March 15th at 12:30 p.m., before the AFTER THE DEFEAT OF ISIS, WHAT COMES NEXT IN THE MIDDLE EAST? lecture, a delightful luncheon will be prepared by the students of the St. J Academy's Culinary Arts Program under the direction of Award Winning Chef Jerry Prevost. It will be served downstairs in the Catamount Arts building, FREE to all Spring Season Members; all others, by donation.
There's an interesting topic for everyone. Even if you may not be particularly interested in a certain topic, come on over for it anyway. It's a worthwhile hour- and -a - half for a few weeks. You never know what you may learn! And that's the whole idea...to keep on learning lifelong!
SPRING 2018 LECTURES:
March 15, 2018: After the Defeat of Isis, What Comes Next in the Middle East? - Robert Ford
March 22, 2018: Bill Monroe and the Birth of Bluegrass- Bob Amos
March 29, 2018: Capturing Starlight-Student Astronomy in the NEK- Bill Vinton
April 5*, 2018: From Martha to Melania: The Changing Roles of First Ladies- Cynthia Bittinger
April 12, 2018: My Journey as a Muslim from East to West- Florian Rexhepi
April 19, 2018: El Camino de Santiago, Part II- Learning to Walk Softly- Mary Sturtevant
April 26, 2018: Woody Guthrie: Dustbowl Balladeer- Mark Greenburg