Category Archives: NCUSAR

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

Pivot or Remain in Place? Examining the U.S. Military Presence in Arabia and the Gulf

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On June 29, 2023, the National Council convened an online briefing program “Pivot or Remain in Place? Examining the U.S. Military Presence in Arabia and the Gulf.” The conversation analyzed the military and economic dimensions, geopolitical implications, and knock-on effects of the proclaimed American pivot to Asia.

 

 

Joining the program were:

Featured Specialists:

  • Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow; former Defense Attaché of Qatar to the United States; former Official Spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Defense
  • Ms. Kirsten Fontenrose, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Senior Gulf Affairs Fellow; President of Red Six International, an advisory firm providing U.S. government approved technical expertise to partner nations on defeating drones
  • Colonel (Ret.) Abbas Dahouk, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Board of Directors Member; Former Senior Military Advisor to U.S. Department of State; Former U.S. Defense and Army Attaché to Saudi Arabia; HyphenPoint LLC Principal

Moderator and Discussant:

  • Colonel (Ret.) David Des Roches, U.S. Department of Defense National Defense University Near East/South Asia Center for Strategic Studies Associate Professor; National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Senior International Affairs Fellow

Context Provider:

  • Dr. John Duke Anthony, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Founding President and CEO

A video recording of the program is available above.

Carolinas Committee on U.S.-Arab Relations Spring 2023 “NEWSLINES”

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Cover of the Spring 2023 NEWSLINES newsletterThe Carolinas Committee on U.S.-Arab Relations (CCUSAR), with Dr. Joe P. Dunn serving as Director, is an initiative of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. Dr. Dunn is an alumnus of the Council’s Malone Fellowship in Arab and Islamic Studies Program, the coordinator of the Southeast Model Arab League conference, and the faculty advisor heading the Converse College Youth Leadership Development / Model Arab League program.

CCUSAR recently published its Spring 2023 “NEWSLINES” newsletter, available for download through the link below.

The issue features:

  • Powerful illustrations and testimonials from participants in the National Council’s Youth Leadership Development Program / Model Arab League, sharing how the program impacted them; along with
  • Highlights from the 2023 National University and Southeast Regional Youth Leadership Development Program / Model Arab League conferences; and also
  • A story about interfaith dialogue in Spartanburg, South Carolina; together with
  • A book review of They Call Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl’s Fight for Freedom by Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri.

DOWNLOAD “CCUSAR NEWSLINES (Spring 2023)” [PDF]

Energy Trends and Their Implications for the U.S. and Arab Region

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On April 14, 2023, the National Council convened an online briefing program “Peering Over The Horizon: Examining Future Energy Trends And Their Implications For The U.S. And Arab Region.” The discussion examined current and future energy dynamics.

As the structure of energy demand changes, with the importance of fossil fuels predicted to decline in the decades to come, how can energy production and delivery systems incorporate a growing share of renewable energy and manage increased electrification? Will the transition to a low-carbon world require a range of other energy sources and technologies, including low-carbon hydrogen, modern bioenergy, and carbon capture, use, and storage? What factors are most critical in shaping regional and global energy dynamics, and how might they shift in the years ahead? This National Council program explores these questions and more.

 

 

Joining the program were:

Featured Specialists:

  • Dr. Shihab Kuran, Leader of renewable energy projects in Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere; Power Edison Founder, President, and CEO
  • Mr. Phillip Cornell, Economist Impact Principal for Energy and Sustainability; Atlantic Council Senior Fellow; former Saudi Aramco, International Energy Agency, and World Bank Group Advisor

Moderator:

  • Mr. Colby Connelly, Energy Intelligence Senior Research Analyst; Middle East Institute Program on Economics and Energy Non-Resident Scholar.

Audio and video recordings of the program are available above and below, and on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and elsewhere.

“Energy Trends and Their Implications for the U.S. and Arab Region” podcast (.mp3)

The Impact of Growing Military and Civil Instability in the Middle East and North Africa Region

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On March 14, 2023, the National Council hosted an online briefing program examining Center for Strategic and International Studies Emeritus Chair in Strategy Dr. Anthony H. Cordesman’s recent report, “The Changing Strategic Importance of the Middle East and North Africa (Volume Two): The Impact of Growing Military and Civil Instability in the MENA Region.” Dr. Cordesman highlighted some of the data in the report, and discussed key issues shaping regional security and stability.

 

 

Joining the program were:

Context Provider:

  • Dr. John Duke Anthony, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Founding President and CEO; Author, inter alia, of Arab States of The Lower Gulf: People, Politics, Petroleum.

Featured Specialist:

  • Dr. Anthony H. Cordesman, Center for Strategic and International Studies Emeritus Chair in Strategy; Formerly Served the U.S. Departments of Defense, Energy, and State, and the White House National Security Council

Moderator:

  • Mr. David Des Roches, U.S. Department of Defense National Defense University Near East/South Asia Center for Strategic Studies Associate Professor; National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Senior International Affairs Fellow.

Audio and video recordings of the program are available above and below, and on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and elsewhere.

“The Impact of Growing Military and Civil Instability in the Middle East and North Africa Region” podcast (.mp3)

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Fellow Nawaf Al-Thani Visits the Virginia Military Institute

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Last month, National Council Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani visited the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia (VMI), with a delegation of Council leaders. During the visit, Sheikh Nawaf spoke to academy cadets about dynamics of small state security, and he met with VMI faculty, cadets, and leadership. Joining Sheikh Nawaf in the Council delegation were Council Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony, who has a long association with VMI; Board Member Colonel (Ret.) Abbas Dahouk, a former Senior U.S. Department of Defense official serving in the GCC region; together with Council Executive Vice President Patrick Mancino.

(Left) National Council Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani with Virginia Military Institute Superintendent Retired Major General Cedric Wins. (Right) Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani speaks to VMI cadets about small state security dynamics.

Sheikh Nawaf is the former Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché of Qatar to the United States, Mexico, and Canada in the rank of Brigadier General as well as the former Official Spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Defense. In recognition of his service, he has received numerous distinguished commendations and citations from the Qatar Armed Forces along with several NATO militaries and multinational organizations. Sheikh Nawaf joined the National Council as a Fellow last fall and was a featured speaker at the Council’s 31st Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference.

(Left to Right) National Council Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony, Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani, and Board Member Abbas Dahouk meet with Virginia Military Institute leadership in Lexington, Virginia.

Dr. Anthony is a 1962 graduate of VMI where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in History. He attended on a four-year, all-expenses State Cadetship Award after the completion of his U.S. Army active duty military service. At VMI, Dr. Anthony was elected president of his class all four years in addition to serving as president of the Corps of Cadets’ governing bodies during his First Class (Senior) Year. In 2012, he served as Dean’s Visiting Chair in International Studies and Political Science, where he taught VMI’s first-ever course on “Politics of the Arabian Peninsula.”