Arab Spring Panel Discussion April 11

The Middle East Committee at College of DuPage will host a panel discussion entitled “The Arab Spring: Past, Present and Future,” from 1 to 3 p.m., on Thursday, April 11, in the Health and Science Center, on the College's main campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

During this free event, the panel members will share their views on the wave of demonstrations, protests and civil wars that recently swept through the Middle East and North Africa. Each member will give 20 minute presentations based on their unique perspectives and experiences followed by an open discussion.

Mauritania native Mohamed Lemine Ahmed Cherif, College of DuPage Arabic Instructor and Fullbright Scholar, will discuss how the Arab Spring might be received should it reach Mauritania and what he expects for the country in the future.

Ahlem Ben Fattoum, Benedictine University Arabic Instructor and Fullbright Scholar, will share her views on what lead to the start of the Arab Spring in her native country of Tunisia, the impact it's had on the country and what the future may hold.

Youssef Ismail, College of DuPage student, member of the Community College Initiative Program and native of Egypt will share his views on the effect the uprising has had on Egypt and what he expects for the future of the country.

College of DuPage Professor of Political Science Dr. Carol Riphenburg visited Egypt on her third Fullbright grant during the fall of 2012 to work on her project, “Women and Political Participation in Egypt: Opportunities and Encumbrances Following the January 25 Revolution.” She will share her experiences, views and observations from her recent stay in Egypt.

This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Field Studies/Study Abroad Office at (630) 942-2356.