Hill Forum on WMDs in the Middle East 9/29/2003
From: Maya Berry of the MidAmr Group, 202-210-8679 News Advisory: The American Arab Chamber of Commerce and the MidAmr Group will be hosting a Hill luncheon briefing on the issue of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Middle East on Wednesday, October 1 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in room HC-7 of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The briefing, "WMDs in the Middle East: The Broader Problem and Possible Solutions," will focus on chemical, biological and nuclear weapons presence in the region and disarmament efforts. The issue of WMDs is one of America's primary national security concerns, particularly since September 11 and the subsequent war on terrorism. The threat of biological, chemical, or nuclear attack was central to President Bush's decision to launch the war in Iraq. However, the volatility of the Middle East extends far beyond Iraq's WMD program and the questions surrounding it. While there have been numerous allegations about WMD in regard to specific Middle Eastern countries, little is known about the actual proliferation of these weapons in the Middle East and the threat they pose to the region and world. In fact, while serious discussions and negotiations about arms control and weapons proliferation have taken place in Washington regarding every other region of the world, rarely have these important issues been discussed in regard to the Middle East region. Speakers include: Joseph Cirincione, Director of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Non-Proliferation Project, Dr. Michael Donovan, Research Analyst with the Center for Defense Information, and Dr. Imad Mustafa, Deputy Ambassador of Syria. These experts -- from a leading think tank, an advocate from a U.S.-based non-proliferation group and a top regional diplomat -- will offer an interesting look at this growing problem. Attendance is by invite only. RSVP required at (webmaster@midamr.org) or 202-210-8679. --- The American Arab Chamber of Commerce is a leading organization promoting commercial ties between the United States and the Arab World. The MidAmr Group is a full-service government affairs firm seeking to improve U.S. bilateral relations with the Arab world. |