Author Series Event
Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion Across the Islamic World
Author Robin Wright
September 26, 2011 | New York, NY
October 5, 2011 | Washington, DC

In Rock the Casbah, foreign correspondent and television commentator Robin Wright takes readers deep into rebellions against both autocrats and extremists that are redefining politics, culture, and security threats across the Islamic world. Through her personal accounts, Wright chronicles the new order being shaped by youth-inspired revolts toppling leaders, clerics repudiating al Qaeda, playwrights and poets crafting messages of a counter-jihad, comedians ridiculing militancy, hip-hop rapping against guns and bombs, and women mobilizing for their own rights. See invitations for details for NY and DC events.
View invitations and register for 09/26 NY or 10/05 DC

Author Series Event
Haunting Legacy: Vietnam and the American Presidency from Ford to Obama
Authors Marvin and Deborah Kalb
September 27, 2011 | Washington, DC

The US had never lost a war–that is, until 1975. The legacy of this first defeat has haunted every president since, especially on the decision of whether to commit troops to war. In their new book, Haunting Legacy, the father-daughter journalist team of Marvin and Deborah Kalb present the important history of presidential decision-making on one crucial issue: in light of the Vietnam debacle, under what circumstances should the United States go to war? The authors assert that every president has faced the ghosts of Vietnam in his own way, though each has been wary of being sucked into another unpopular war. View invitation and register

Famine in the Horn of Africa
Allan Jury, World Food Programme
August 8, 2011 | Washington, DC

August 8 – WFPG held a Beyond the Headlines Series program on "Famine in the Horn of Africa" with Allan Jury, director of the US relations office for the World Food Programme (WFP). Jury gave a detailed account of the dire situation on the ground for Somalis suffering from the famine, the obstacles WFP is experiencing in getting food distributed to victims, and the impact of the famine on neighboring countries. A lively conversation ensued on donor responses and overall planning for future food security.
Photos and article

Women and War: Power and Protection in the 21st Century
Kathleen Kuehnast, United States Institute of Peace
Chantal de Jonge Oudraat, United States Institute of Peace
July 29, 2011 | Washington, DC

July 29 – Women's Foreign Policy Group held a brown-bag Author Series luncheon on "Women & War: Power and Protection in the 21st Century" with co-authors Kathleen Kuehnast and Chantal de Jonge Oudraat. Kuehnast is director of the Gender and Peacebuilding Center at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), and de Jonge Oudraat directs USIP's Jennings Randolph Fellowship Program. They discussed UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and efforts to promote women's involvement in peacebuilding, security, education, and international decision-making. Photos and transcript

African Women Leaders: Their Role in Promoting Investment, Trade and Peace
H.E. Sheila Siwela, Ambassador of Zambia
July 13, 2011 | Washington, DC

July 13 – WFPG members and guests gathered at the Embassy of Zambia to recognize the women ambassadors from Africa. Host Ambassador Sheila Siwela was joined by her colleagues Ambassador Tebelelo Seretse of Botswana, Ambassador Fatima Veiga of Cape Verde, Ambassador Faida Mitifu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ambassador Amelia Sumbana of Mozambique for a discussion moderated by WFPG President Patricia Ellis. Photos and transcript