List of Persian/Iranian Events for 2009-01-22

"Transforming Afghanistan from a Failed to a Viable State"

Arif Z. Lalani, Senior Visiting Fellow, Munk Centre for International
Studies; Former Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Jordan

Thursday, January 22nd at 4 p.m.
Seaborg Room, Berkeley Faculty Club
Public reception following
(Map: http://berkeley.edu/map/maps/CD56.html)

***Please Note: Due to the reception, following Ambassador Arif Lalani's talk, RSVPs are required.***

Arif Lalani served as Canadian Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan from 2007 to 2008, and to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Iraq from 2006 to 2007. Ambassador Lalani will discuss his views on current conditions in Afghanistan, giving an insider's account of the evolving political and security situation. He will discuss Canadian efforts to assist in reconstruction and recovery, and explore what lessons we can learn for other fragile and conflict-affected states.

SPONSORS: The Institute of International Studies, The Religion, Politics and Globalization Program, The Human Rights Center, International House, Canadian Studies Program, and The Institute of Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies. Ambassador Lalani's lecture has been made possible by the generous support of the Office of the Consulate General of Canada, San Francisco | Silicon Valley.

Simon Shaheen is one of the most significant Arab musicians, performers, and composers of his generation. His soaring technique, melodic ingenuity, and unparalleled grace have earned him international acclaim as a virtuoso on the oud and violin. His work reflects a legacy of Arabic music, while it forges ahead to new frontiers, embracing many different styles in the process. This unique contribution to the world of arts was recognized in 1994 when Shaheen was honored with the prestigious National Heritage Award at the White House.

$30 General; $25 Skirball Members; $20 Full-Time Students

Advance tickets: Available on site, online at www.skirball.org, or by phone at (877) SCC-4TIX or (877) 722-4849