It appears as if the U.S. is inching ever closer to some kind of military intervention in Syria. Join us for a discussion with subject matter experts about what course of action would be best for the U.S. regarding the current conflict in Syria.

Panelists include:

• Phyllis Bennis directs the New Internationalism Project at the Institute for Policy Studies. She is also a fellow of the Transnational Institute in Amsterdam. She has been a writer, analyst, and activist on Middle East and UN issues for many years. In 2001 she helped found and remains on the steering committee of the U.S. Campaign to End Israeli Occupation. She works closely with the United for Peace and Justice anti-war coalition, co-chairs the UN-based International Coordinating Network on Palestine, and since 2002 has played an active role in the growing global peace movement. She continues to serve as an adviser to several top UN officials on Middle East and UN democratization issues.
• Jomana Qaddour is a researcher at a DC foreign policy think tank, with a focus on Syria, Palestine, and the Islamic World. Born in Syria, she graduated from the University of Kansas with a Juris Doctorate with a certificate in International Trade and Finance. In response to the crisis in Syria, in 2011, Jomana and her father co-founded Syria Relief & Development Inc., an organization that seeks to provide direct emergency and ongoing humanitarian relief for Syrians who have been affected by violence, poverty, hunger or homelessness. She also serves as legal counsel of the organization. Jomana also volunteers with the Syrian Emergency Task Force, where she worked with a team of lawyers to prepare a civil law suit against the Syrian regime. Jomana regularly participates in meetings with State, USAID, and other think tanks to discuss the humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis, foreign policy options, and the inclusion of Syrian women in the political process.
• Rafif Jouejati is the English spokeswoman for the Local Coordinating Committees in Syria, a network of activists. She is also the director of FREE-Syria, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that focuses on women’s empowerment, and a member of the Day After Project, which is developing a transition plan for the country.

Moderated by Felicia Eaves, a dedicated human rights activist and advocate for nearly 20 years. Felicia became active in the most recent U.S. anti-war movement and served as Vice Chair of Black Voices for Peace. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Steering Committee for the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation.

This event is free and open to everyone.