The U.S. and Middle East: The Future Relationship
A PUBLIC POLICY CONFERENCE
October 18-19, 2012
Houston, Texas USA
An esteemed group of policy makers and specialists who have their fingers on the pulse of US-Middle East economic, political, and security relations will explore the future of the relationship with the U.S. in light of a vastly revised international landscape. A significant outcome will be a set of recommendations on how to ensure a harmonious future. A luncheon roundtable discussion will take place involving the Consuls General of Israel and Egypt (October 19). Please click on the program link for specific information on each session. The event is free to the public with the exception of the luncheon roundtable. We request that you register in advance to enable us to provide enough seating. Please direct any questions to Ms. Dixie Groll at grollda@sfasu.edu. The event is held at the Magnolia Hotel (1100 Texas Street) in downtown Houston. Parking is behind the hotel.

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Middle East Conference Links
The New Agenda in the Middle East
Moderator: Richard Sindelar, professor, University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX
Panelists:
Chase Untermeyer, international business consultant and former U.S. ambassador to Qatar
Ben-Dror Yemini, opinion page editor, Maariv
Alaa Issa, Consul General of Egypt
The New Agenda in the Middle East video
The Political Context: Governance, Regional Cooperation and Demographics
Moderator: Ursula Muenzel, internatinal consultant and adjunct professor of International Studies, University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX
Panelists:
Alan G. Misenheimer, director, Office of Near East and South Asia Affairs, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, U.S. State Department
Nader Hashemi, director, Center for Middle East Studies and assistant professor, University of Denver
Thomas W. Lippman, scholar, Middle East Institute
The Political Context: Governance, Regional Cooperation and Demographics video
The Security Context: National Defense, Regional Threats and Social Well-Being
Moderator: Michael Tkacik, professor and director of the School of Honors, Stephen F. Austin, State University, Nacogdoches, TX
Panelists:
Roby Barrett, president, Stratplan International and senior fellow, Strategic Studies Department, Joint Special Operations Univesity
Marvin Weinbaum, scholar-in-residence, Middle East Institute
Michael Ryan, senior fellow, The Jamestown Foundation
The Security Context: National Defense, Regional Threats and Social Well-Being video
Lunch Roundtable: Consul General Discussion
Alaa Issa, Consul General of Egypt
Meir Schlomo, Consul General of Israel to the Southwest
Lunch Roundtable: Consul General Discussion video
The Economic Context: Resources, Globalization and Prosperity
Moderator: Brian Murphy, dean, College of Liberal and Applied Arts, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX
Panelists:
Hisham Foad, director, Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies, San Diego State University
Augustus Richard Norton, director, Institute for Iraqi Studies, Boston University
Riza Demirer, associate professor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Illinois
The Economic Context: Resources, Globalization and Prosperity video
Moderators' Forum: Policy Recommendations
Moderator: Steven Galatas, associate professor, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX