Political Islam and the United States: A Necessary Engagement

Political Islam and the United States: A Necessary Engagement

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2009

CHICAGO AND THE WORLD FORUM
FAULT LINES OF FAITH? RELIGION AND POLITICS IN WORLD AFFAIRS
Political Islam and the United States: A Necessary Engagement

Emile Nakhleh, Former Director, Political Islam Strategic Analysis Program, Directorate of Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency

Emile NakhlehAmerica’s relations with Islamic countries have long been fraught with complications, yet are now at the forefront of the Obama administration’s efforts to reengage the world. Emile Nakhleh makes a vigorous case for a renewal and reassessment of public diplomacy and policy toward the Arab and Islamic worlds. He calls for a serious, coordinated, high-level effort to chart a new course for U.S.-Islamic world relations – and argues that U.S. national interests and security depend on it.

Emile Nakhleh was a senior intelligence service officer and director of the political Islam strategic analysis program in the Directorate of Intelligence at the Central Intelligence Agency. Previously, he was chief of the regional analysis unit in the office of Near Eastern and South Asian analysis. He was awarded several senior intelligence commendation medals, including the Intelligence Commendation Medal (1997), the William Langer Award (2004), the Director’s Medal (2004), and the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal (2006).

Prior to joining the CIA, he taught for twenty-six years and was the John L. Morrison Professor of International Studies at Mount St. Mary’s University. He is a widely recognized expert on political Islam in the Middle East and Islamic world, political and educational reform, regime stability, and governance in the greater Middle East.

He holds a B.A. from Saint John’s University, an M.A. from Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. from American University. His new book, A Necessary Engagement: Reinventing America’s Relations with the Muslim World, will be available for purchase and signing at the program.

The Fairmont Chicago
200 North Columbus
Chicago, IL 60601

5:30 p.m. Registration and cash bar reception
6:00 p.m. Presentation and discussion
7:15 p.m. Cash bar reception and book signing

Young Professional Members $10
Members $20
Nonmembers $30
President’s Circle, Corporate Members, and Student Members complimentary