Explore 'Shifting Alliances in the Middle East' with Great Decisions Feb. 25

The St. Charles Public Library is host to Great Decisions, America's largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. This month's discussion, "Shifting Alliances in the Middle East," will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, in the library's Carnegie Community Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave.

From a proxy war in Yemen to an ongoing civil war in Syria, a number of conflicts have shaken the traditional alignments in the Middle East to their core. As alliances between state and nonstate actors in the region are constantly shifting, the U.S. has found itself between a rock and a hard place. In a series of disputes that are far from being black-and-white, what can the U.S. do to secure its interests in the region without causing further damage and disruption?

Future topics include: "Rise of ISIS;" "The Future of Kurdistan;" "International Migration;" "Korean Choices;" "The United Nations Post-2015 Development Agenda and Leadership;" "Climate Geopolitics: The Road to Paris and Beyond;" and "Cuba and the U.S."

The annual series features a DVD on each topic, followed by a moderated discussion among the participants.

Participants are asked to review the relevant chapter of the Great Decisions briefing book, which is available for purchase for $25 at the library's Reference Desk and also to check out. Registration is not required.

The Foreign Policy Association is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to broadening public involvement with the most important foreign policy issues facing the United States. Each year, thousands take part in the Great Decisions discussion groups around the country to increase their awareness and understanding of U.S. foreign policy concerns. Visit www.fpa.org/great_decisions/.

For more information, call (630) 584-0076 or visit www.stcharleslibrary.org.