Model Arab League Forecast: February 2017
Postponement Announcement: February 16 Conference on “U.S.-Libya Relations”
and
EVENT POSTPONEMENT – “Libya-U.S. Relations 2017”
Due to events and circumstances beyond the organizers’ and sponsors’ control, the conference on “Libya-U.S. Relations 2017: New Vision, Hope, and Opportunities,” originally scheduled for February 16, 2017, has been postponed.
As a result of Executive Order 13769 of January 27, 2017, which bans Libyan travelers from entering the United States, it will not be feasible for the full complement of speakers, sponsors, and guests to be in Washington, D.C., for the event as originally planned. In the interest of maximizing conference participants’ benefit in exploring current and future political, security, oil and gas, healthcare, and infrastructure investment issues in Libya – as well as the future of U.S.-Libya relations – a new date for the conference will be announced soon.
Thank you for your patience as the conference organizers and sponsors work to set a new date for the event. Many have recognized the importance of this conference and there appears to be political will to enable it to succeed. Conference organizers and sponsors hope to have an update on the conference status within the next two weeks.
If you have already registered for the conference, your registration will be applied to the new conference date. Refunds are available but individuals are encouraged to await developments regarding conference rescheduling before making a refund request.
Should you have any further questions, please contact Ms. Rihab Elhaj at relhaj@ncuslr.org or Dr. Hani Shennib at hshennib@mail.com.
Fast Facts: Highlights of the National Council’s 2016 Achievements
“Libya-U.S. Relations 2017: New Vision, Hope, and Opportunities” **Conference Postponed**
and
Invite you to attend a full-day conference:
Libya-U.S. Relations 2017
New Vision, Hope, and Opportunities
Date TBD*
Pavilion Room
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
Washington, DC
Featured Speakers Include:
| “Oil & Gas in Libya: from Trepidations to Exhilaration?” | “What Went Wrong in Libya: Reflections from the Top” | “What Went Wrong in Libya: Reflections from the Top” |
 Mr. Mustafa Sanalla Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (Libya) |
 H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Jebril Former Prime Minister of Libya |
 H.E. Ali Zeidan Former Prime Minister of Libya |
| “Private-Public Joint Enterprises and Investment in Libya” | “Fate of the U.N. Sponsored Agreement in Libya” | “The Humanitarian and Health Crisis in Libya: Magnitude and Needed Measures” |
 Fawzi Farkash Chairman, Libya Investment Authority |
 Jonathan Winer Special Envoy for Libya, U.S. Department of State |
 Dr. Syed Jaffar Hussain Representative & Head of Mission, World Health Organization for Libya, U.N. Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Libya |
| “The Trump Administration Perspective on Libya: Considerations and Expectations” | “Mapping Investments in Libya: Opportunities and Challenges” | “The Central Bank of Libya: Walking a Fine Line” |
 Dr. Walid Phares Foreign Policy Advisor to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Campaign 2016, author, consultant and commentator on Middle Eastern affairs and global terrorism |
 Mohamed Mohamed Ben Yousef General Manager, Libyan Foreign Bank |
 Ali Hebri Governor, Central Bank of Libya |
| “Economic and Security Implications of Libyan Instability on its Neighbors” | “Social Capital & Nation Building in Libya: A Bottom Up Approach and Role of Women” | “Congress and Libya: How Will Future Policy on Libya be Shaped?” |
 Dr. Gawdat Bahgat Professor of National Security Affairs, Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University |
 Zahra Langhi Chairperson, Libyan Women’s Platform for Peace |
 Mr. Christopher Blanchard Middle East Analyst, Congressional Research Service |
| “Chasing ISIS and its Allies Across Libya: How to Secure the Country” | “Rebuilding the Libyan Economy & Investment Opportunities” (MODERATOR) | “How Significant is Libyan Oil & Gas to Loco-regional and Global Security?” |
 Col. Wolfgang Pusztai Chairman of the Advisory Board, National Council on U.S. Libya Relations, and Former Defense Attaché, Austrian Ministry of Defense |
 The Hon. David Mack Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, U.S. Department of State |
 Dr. Paul Sullivan Professor of Economics, National Defense University, and Senior International Affairs Fellow, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations |
Along with other distinguished specialists. Full agenda announced soon.
Continue reading
Dr. John Duke Anthony on Inside Story (Al Jazeera English)
On December 21, 2016, Dr. John Duke Anthony, Founding President & CEO of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, appeared on Inside Story on Al Jazeera English. The program explored the political and security ramifications of terror attacks in European countries.
Twenty-First Annual Oman Cultural Immersion Program — February 22 – March 8, 2017
Applications Now Being Accepted for the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’
Twenty-First Annual Oman Cultural Immersion Program
February 22 – March 8, 2017
The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations is pleased to offer, through its Joseph J. Malone Fellowship in Arab and Islamic Studies Program, the Twenty-First Annual Oman Cultural Immersion study visit to the Sultanate of Oman, February 24 – March 8, 2017. Fellows are required to participate in and complete a pre-departure orientation in Washington, D.C. to be held on February 22-23. This unique opportunity will provide a privileged first hand exposure to one of the Arab world’s most demographically, geographically, and socially diverse countries.
The National Council is currently accepting applications to participate in this study visit. APPLY NOW!
American professionals in academia, government, the military, non-governmental organizations, business, religious institutions, the media, civic associations, as well as the fine arts, humanities, and the social sciences are invited to apply.
The Twenty-First Annual Oman Cultural Immersion study visit will provide participants an educational experience that few Westerners and even fewer Americans have had. The program is choreographed to provide Malone Fellows an unparalleled diverse exposure to Oman — one of the most historically and culturally rich of all Arab and Islamic societies. Until relatively recent times, the Sultanate languished in its status as one of the most forgotten corners of all Arabia. Anyone in doubt about the extraordinary opportunity that being able to visit Oman in this manner presents need only consult any of the several National Geographic Magazine features on the country in the past two decades.
End Pictures: inlaid Islamic niches at the Grand Mosque in Oman’s Capital Territory; Middle Pictures: Bedouin Omani girls in the Sharqiyyah Sands.
NCUSAR’s Summer 2017 Washington, DC Internship Program – Applications Due February 24
Washington, DC Summer Internship Program
May 30 – August 4, 2017
The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ Washington, DC Summer Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students a ten-week professional, academic, and career opportunity internship in the nation’s capital. The program features a demanding mix of professional involvement, intellectual challenge, career exploration, and cultural encounters designed to provide interns with a rich and varied experience during their time in Washington.
- Professional work experience: Interns are placed with one of over a dozen Near East and Arab world-related organizations in Washington, D.C., where they are expected to work 35-40 hours per week under the direct supervision of their host organizations.
- Academic seminars: Interns take part in twice-weekly seminar sessions designed to provide them with greater depth of knowledge about the Arab world, 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: Interns receive a behind-the-scenes look at many of the central institutions of federal government, national security policymaking, international diplomacy, and international business.
About the Program
The National Council’s Summer Internship Program offers professional work experiences combined with twice-weekly evening seminars that bring academic experts and experienced foreign policy practitioners to meet with the interns in candid off-the-record discussions and dynamic question-and-answer sessions. Its objectives are:
- to provide a realistic Washington, D.C. work experience that will pave the way to career development;
- to offer interns firsthand exposure to the foreign policy analysis and advocacy processes in Washington, D.C.;
- to incorporate a strong academic component focusing on U.S. political, economic, and cultural relations with Arabia and the Gulf region;
- to help participants begin the process of career networking by introducing them to working professionals in government, business, journalism, and NGOs; and,
- 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 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 Washington, D.C. 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 the nation’s capital.
Listen to the 2016 Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference
Complete audio recordings from the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ 2016 Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference, “The Next U.S. Presidency and U.S.-Arab Relations: Probabilities, Possibilities, Potential Pitfalls,” are now available from the Council. Listen to and download each session below, or visit the National Council’s podcast feed through iTunes or FeedBurner to access recordings from the conference along with other Council programs.
-
Welcome and Introductions
With Mr. John Pratt and Dr. John Duke Anthony.
-
Remarks from the Office of the Vice President of the U.S.
With Mr. Greg Simon.
-
The Palestine Future
With Mr. Omar Faqih.
-
A Conversation With Dr. Khalaf Al-Habtoor
With Dr. Khalaf Al-Habtoor and Ms. Randa Fahmy.
-
Egyptian-U.S. Relations: A View from Cairo
With Mr. Mohamed M. Abou El Enein and Mr. Oilver Zandona.
-
Have The U.S. and The GCC Countries Become Oil Rivals?
With Dr. Herman Franssen, Mr. Nathaniel Kern, and Dr. Paul Sullivan.
-
Remarks from National Council Findley Fellows
With Ms. Lucy Greer and Mr. William Christou.
-
Luncheon Welcoming Remarks
With Ms. Cate Luzio.
-
Keynote Address by HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal
With HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal.
-
Remarks from Secretary Chuck Hagel
With The Honorable Chuck Hagel.
-
Arab-U.S. Defense Cooperation
With Mr. Dave Des Roches, Mr. John “Fozzie” Miller, The Honorable Buck McKeon, Dr. Anthony Cordesman, and Mr. Nawaf Al Thari.
-
The GCC: Role in Regional Dynamics
With Dr. John Duke Anthony, Dr. Khalid Al-Jaber, Dr. Abdullah Al Shayji, Dr. Joseph Kechichian, and Mr. Khaled Almaeena.
-
A View from Yemen
With H.E. Dr. Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak.
-
Updates from the GCC-U.S. Business Groups
With Mr. Danny Sebright, Mr. Edward Burton, Ambassador (Ret.) Patrick Theros, and Ms. Shireen Said.
-
Looking Closer at Saudi Arabia Vision 2030
With Dr. John Duke Anthony, Mr. John Pratt, Ambassador (Ret.) James Smith, Ms. Seema Khan, Ms. Julie Monaco, and Mr. Newton Howard.
-
Remarks from National Council Student Interns
With NCUSAR Student Interns.
-
Keynote Address by HH Prince Abdullah Al-Saud
With HH Prince Abdullah Al-Saud and Mr. William Bodie.
-
A Conversation with H.E. Adel Al Toraifi
With H.E Adel Al Toraifi and Mr. David Ignatius.
-
Perspectives on the Arab-U.S. Relationship from the Media
With Dr. David Ottaway, H.E. Adel Al Toraifi, Mr. David Ignatius, Ms. Yara Bayoumy, Ms. Raghida Dergham, and Mr. Julian Pecquet.
-
Arab-U.S. Relations and the Next U.S. Presidency
With Dr. Abderrahim Foukara, The Honorable Mona Makram-Ebeid, Ambassador (Ret.) Robert Ford, Ms. Elisa Catalano Ewers, Mr. Saed Moujtahed, and Mr. Steve Clemons.
-
A Keynote Conversation with General (Ret.) David Petraeus
With H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, Gen (Ret.) David Petaeus, and Professor David Des Roches.
Visit the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations in iTunes.