Author Archives: NCUSAR

Founded in 1983, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (NCUSAR) is a non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization dedicated to improving American awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the Arab world.

Summer 2024 Washington, DC Internship Program

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Washington, DC Summer Internship Program

June 3 – July 26, 2024

NCUSAR Washington, DC Summer Internship Program Students

The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ 2024 Washington, DC Summer Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students an eight-week professional, academic, and career opportunity internship with an organization in the nation’s capital. The program features a demanding mix of professional involvement, intellectual challenge, career exploration, and cross-cultural encounters designed to provide students with a rich and varied experience.

  • Professional work experience: Students are placed with one of over a dozen Near East and Arab region-related organizations with offices in Washington, D.C., where they are expected to work 35-40 hours per week under the direct supervision of their host organizations. Internships are unpaid.
  • Academic seminars: Students take part in twice-weekly seminar sessions designed to provide them with greater depth of knowledge about the Arab region, to underscore the cultural, economic, and political diversity of Arab states, and to explore the intricacies of Arab-U.S. relations. There will be a particular emphasis, though not exclusively, on Arabia and the Gulf.
  • Site visits: Students receive a behind-the-scenes look at many of the central institutions of the federal government, national security policymaking, international diplomacy, and international business.

NCUSAR Washington, DC Summer Internship Program

About the Program

The National Council’s Summer Internship Program offers professional work experiences combined with twice-weekly evening seminars that bring academic specialists and experienced foreign policy practitioners to meet with students in candid off-the-record discussions and dynamic question-and-answer sessions. Its objectives are:

  1. to provide a realistic work experience in a Washington, D.C.-based office that will provide pathways for career development;
  2. to offer interns exposure to the foreign policy analysis and advocacy processes in the nation’s capital;
  3. to incorporate a strong academic component focusing on U.S. political, economic, and cultural relations with Arabia and the Gulf region;
  4. to help participants begin the process of career networking by introducing them to working professionals in government, business, journalism, and NGOs; and,
  5. to highlight the wide range of career opportunities awaiting those who aspire to work in the field of U.S.-Arab relations, as well as to provide counseling on graduate school and fellowship application processes.

As complements to the program, interns will also be exposed to Washington, D.C., in a less formal manner via films, cultural events, embassy and museum visits, off-the-record conversations with former diplomats, group dinners, and suggestions for exploring the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital. This allows students to not only experience working in the city but also encourages them to appreciate the experience of living in a diverse urban environment, and to take advantage of the exciting cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities available in D.C.
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[Preview] Geopolitical Crossroads in Yemen: Unraveling Yemen’s Future Amidst Trade Routes and Conflict – December 14, 2023

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The Washington Center for Yemeni Studies and the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations invite you to:

Geopolitical Crossroads in Yemen: Unraveling Yemen’s Future Amidst Trade Routes and Conflict

Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of the India-Middle East-EU trade route and its potential impact on Yemen’s economy. Against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict and maritime threats in the Red Sea, specialists will delve into the regional competition over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the prospects for lasting peace and sustainable development.

Speakers:

  • Sami Hamdi, Managing Director and Head of Political Risk of the International Interest.
  • Colonel (Ret.) Abbas K. Dahouk, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Council on U.S. Arab Relations, Founder and President of HyphenPoint LLC.

Moderator:

  • Marwa J Ghumrawi, Operations and Communications Manager of the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies.

 

🔍 Key Focus

  • Implications for Yemen’s Economy
  • Geopolitical Challenges Unveiled
  • Prospects for Lasting Peace and Sustainable Development

 

🗓️ Date & Time:

December 14, 2023, 2:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

 

🌐 Virtual Venue:

Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/9294347323?omn=97332166419

Meeting ID: 929 434 7323

Keynote Remarks by HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud [40th Anniversary Gala]

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On November 16, 2023, the National Council held a special evening celebration of the 40th anniversary of its establishment as a Washington-based, non-profit, educational NGO. The program featured keynote remarks by HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud.

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Presents ‘Public Service Achievement Award’ to H.E. Mohamed M. Abou El Enein

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On the occasion of its 40th Anniversary Gala Celebration, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations presented its PUBLIC SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD to H.E. Mohamed M. Abou El Enein, Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament and Chairman of Cleopatra Group.

خور عبدالله الكويتي: بين التحديات الإقليمية والنظام الدولي

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On September 26, 2023, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Board of Directors Member, former Senior Military Advisor to the U.S. Department of State, former U.S. Defense and Army Attaché to Saudi Arabia, and HyphenPoint LLC Founding Principal Colonel (Ret.) Abbas Dahouk took part in an online discussion about strategic ramifications for relations in the Gulf with reference to Dorra Gas Field and the the Khor Abdullah waterway. (Program in Arabic.)

 

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Announces Landmark Executive Leadership Transition

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H. Delano Roosevelt Appointed New President and CEO as Organization Founder Dr. John Duke Anthony Becomes Strategic Advisor

Washington, D.C., U.S.A.: As it marks its 40th anniversary, the Board of Directors of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (“National Council” or “Council”), an American non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization, is proud to announce that Mr. H. Delano Roosevelt has been appointed the National Council’s second President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2023. Founding President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. John Duke Anthony will retire on September 30, 2023. He will remain with the Council as a Strategic Advisor to the new President and CEO.

Mr. Roosevelt remarked: “It is with great pleasure and humility that I accept the position of President and CEO of the National Council. I have enjoyed being associated with this splendid organization for many years and would like to thank the Board of Directors for having the confidence in me to serve them and the Council in this new capacity for years to come. I would also like to thank Dr. John Duke Anthony for his added confidence and very much look forward to working with him in his new capacity as Founding Senior Advisor.”

Mr. Roosevelt is the grandson of former U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and a descendant of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. He has an extensive history of professional and philanthropic engagement in the Arab region, and has served on the National Council’s Board of Directors and its International Advisory Committee for many years. His dedication to building bridges of friendship and pursuing peace through mutual understanding positions him well to guide the Council into its next era.

Under the leadership of Dr. Anthony, the National Council has spent the past four decades tirelessly pursuing its mission to enhance American knowledge and understanding of the Arab countries, the Middle East, and the Islamic world. Since 1983, the organization has played a vital role in nurturing dialogue, fostering educational initiatives, and cultivating exchanges between the United States and the Arab region. The Council’s Board of Directors expressed their gratitude to Dr. Anthony for his long and distinguished service.

Mr. H. Delano Roosevelt (at podium) and Dr. John Duke Anthony (seated at table) sharing the stage at the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ 2022 Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference.

Dr. Anthony, who was intimately involved in the selection process, said: “I am thrilled that my trusted colleague and dear friend will be taking up the mantle. The United States and America’s friends, allies, and strategic partners will be pleased with this announcement. One could not ask for a more qualified individual with whom to work in our quest to place the cultural and people-to-people components of the Arab-U.S. relationship on the firmest foundation possible.

“It is my firm belief that only through education, understanding, and cultural exchange can Americans and Arabs alike be more aware and appreciative of the mutually reciprocal ties that link us in myriad ways, which are the envy of the rest of the world. Going forward, education and exchange between our two peoples will continue to serve humanity and make our world a better place.”

The National Council will celebrate its 40th Anniversary at a gala to be held on November 16, 2023, at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington. The evening program will include a silent auction, music and entertainment, keynote remarks, and the recognition of several outstanding leaders. In addition to commemorating four decades of Council programs, projects, events, and activities, the event will also celebrate Dr. Anthony’s legacy of academic scholarship and promoting dialogue. As it marks four decades of advancing mutual understanding, the Council looks forward to building on its work and charting a course ahead in pursuit of its educational mission.

About the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations: Founded in 1983 and based in Washington, D.C., the National Council is an American non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization dedicated to improving American knowledge and understanding of the Arab region. Information about the Council’s programs, projects, publications, public affairs events, and outreach activities can be found at ncusar.org.

National Council on US-Arab Relations Signs Memorandum of Understanding with King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies

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Organizations to Collaborate on Programs, Publications, and Activities Analyzing the Gulf Cooperation Council, its Six Member-Countries, Arabia and the Gulf, and U.S. Relations with the Region

Washington, DC, USA & Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The Washington, D.C., U.S.A.-based National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (National Council) recently executed a Memorandum of Understanding for future strategic cooperation on matters of mutual interest with the Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS). The National Council and the King Faisal Center agreed to coordinate efforts to promote understanding of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its member countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), regional and international issues affecting the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula regions, and the multifaceted and mutually beneficial U.S.-Gulf relationship. Through research projects, educational programs, events, and activities, the organizations will pursue creating greater national, regional, and international awareness on issues pertaining to security, stability, peace, and sustainable development in the Gulf region. Under the Memorandum of Understanding each party will maintain its independent status.

National Council Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony said that the agreement, “formalizes a longstanding cooperative relationship between our two organizations. Working with the King Faisal Center strengthens the National Council’s efforts to help build and maintain as many new and existing U.S.-Arab friendships, alliances, and strategic partnerships as possible. The Council looks forward to continue cooperating with the King Faisal Center to provide a platform for a wellspring of academic, intellectual, and cultural knowledge for humanity.”

King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies Chairman HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud (at podium) has regularly been a featured keynote speaker at the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conferences since HRH first addressed the forum in 2006. Photo: National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, 2017.

Dr. Anthony highlighted that “the National Council, as an educational organization, is dedicated to improving American awareness and appreciation of the multifaceted mutuality of benefits that derive from the Arab-U.S. relationship. In its efforts to help strengthen and sustain these benefits, the Council undertakes a variety of activities. Among them are months-long student internships, study abroad scholarships, educating and training the future generation of Arab region specialists, participation in annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conferences, and, in 24 American cities and five Arab countries annually, leadership development programs that have reached more than 50,000 emerging leaders.”

About the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations: Founded in 1983 and based in Washington, D.C., the National Council is an American non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization dedicated to improving American knowledge and understanding of the Arab region. Information about the Council’s program, projects, events, and activities can be found at ncusar.org.

About the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies: The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies was established by the King Faisal Foundation. Its goal is to further the late King Faisal’s mission of enhancing knowledge and understanding about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world. The King Faisal Center has long served as a leading academic, intellectual, and cultural hub. Information about the Center’s programs, projects, events, and activities can be found at kfcris.com.

The Road to 2050: An Assessment of Arab Regional Possibilities and the Future of U.S. Cooperation

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On August 9-10, 2023, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations will broadcast “The Road to 2050: An Assessment of Arab Regional Possibilities and the Future of U.S. Cooperation”—a unqiue series of online discussions and remarks where specialists examine trends shaping the future of Arab-U.S. relations.

  • Day 1 Schedule of Speakers and Sessions (pdf)
    • Includes:
    • “Future of U.S. Defense and Strategic Cooperation” Session
    • “Economic Impact and Energy Transition in the MENA Region” Session
    • Remarks from Dr. John Duke Anthony, Dr. Paul Salem, and Mr. Sean Carroll
  • Day 2 Schedule of Speakers and Sessions (pdf)
    • Includes:
    • “Empowering Arab Youth for the Future: Navigating Vision 2050 Trends and Challenges” Session
    • “Vision 2050: Major Trends Shaping the Future of the Arab World” Session
    • Remarks from Ms. Jasmine Zaki, Mr. Husam Kaid, and Dr. John Duke Anthony

Day 1

 

Day 2