Culture and Dialogue Thrive as Al

Culture and Dialogue Thrive as
Al-Hewar Center Begins 6^th Year

Al-Hewar Center ended the 20^th century on a good note. In December, the Center celebrated its 5th anniversary with an Iftar for current members and friends of the Center hosted by Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Abdulwahab AlHajjri. As we enter the 21^st century, the Center is continuing its activities, hosting several meetings and cultural events every month.

Al-Hewar Center is a discussion forum in Vienna, Virginia (in metro Washington DC), which places an emphasis on open and respectful dialogue among Arabs from all backgrounds and beliefs, and between Arabs and others, in order to achieve deeper understanding and cooperation within the community and better relations with others.

To date, the Center has hosted over 380 meetings and special events. The Center also publishes Al-Hewar Magazine and hosts a Website in order to reach out to new generations and the entire world.

In order to continue and grow – and to fulfill its promise and purpose – the Center needs the community’s participation. All are welcome to join and participate in the Center’s lively and informative discussions. Members also receive a complimentary subscription to the magazine. People who do not live in the metro Washington area can participate by subscribing to Al-Hewar magazine, which features transcripts of many of the presentations given at the Center.

Since October, Al-Hewar Center has hosted the following events:

A conversation with Syrian foreign policy analyst, Dr. Murhaf Jouejati about "A Syrian Perspective on the Syrian-Israeli Track" (see his presentation in this issue of the magazine), followed by a conversation with Charge d’Affaires of the Lebanese Embassy Mr. Hassan Najem.

An Open Discussion about "The Middle East Peace Process and the Future of the Arab World."

A Conversation with Sudanese scholars Dr. Ahmed El-Bashir and Dr. Ahmed Kheir about "Conflicts within the Sudanese Government and Their Effect on Foreign Policy."

A Conversation with Ambassador of Egypt Nabil Fahmy about "American Egyptian Relations and New Developments in the Middle East." (See the summary of his presentation on the next page).

Open discussion about "Lessons that the Arabs can Learn from the Experiences of the Twentieth Century."

Panel discussion about "The Arab Nationalist Movement in the 1950’s and the Islamic Awakening in the 1980’s: Remarks and Conclusions," featuring Dr. Taha Jaber Alalwani, Dr. Clovis Maksoud, and Mr. Sadek Sulaiman with remarks by Chief Representative of the Arab League Dr. Khalid Abdulla.

A conversation with former Lebanese Ambassador Dr. Mohamad Chatah about "The Lebanese Economy - Now and in the Future." (See the summary of his presentation on the next page).

A conversation with Dr. Nasr Aref, professor of political science from Cairo University, about "The Freedom of Thought in the Muslim World."

A conversation with Mr. Mohammed Abu-Ali, financial advisor with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, about "Investing with Ease: Will You Achieve Your Financial Dreams?"

Discussion with Dr. Mona Abul-Fadl, Chair of Women’s Studies at the Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences, about "Tradition and the Contemporary Arab Woman". Followed by an open discussion with Six Members of The Legal Committee of the Palestinian Legislative Council (a special project sponsored by the West Bank/Gaza Mission of USAID).

A conversation with Dr. Taghreed Alqudsi, professor of Library and Information Systems at the Kuwait University and visiting professor at the University of Maryland, about "Literature for Arab Children and Young Adults." Followed by an open discussion with Syrian thinker, Dr. George Jabbour, about "The Three Initiatives Needed to Serve Arab Civilization."

The best way to be involved is to subscribe either to the Center or the magazine (Center members receive a complimentary subscription to the magazine). Annual membership in the Center is only $100 for an individual, $135 for a family, 50% discount for students with valid ID. Annual magazine subscriptions are only $30. Memberships/Subscriptions may be sent to Al-Hewar, P.O. Box 2104, Vienna, Virginia 22180 – you will find a Subscription Coupon elsewhere in this issue of Al-Hewar Magazine.