How does a new higher education system emerge from a civil society that is challenged by social and economic crisis? Walid Phares, born in Beirut, Lebanon, and an expert on Middle Eastern affairs and ethnic and religious conflict, will review the geopolitics of the region, and initiate a discussion on the future of Iraq that would include pluralism, respect for human rights, and democracy. Phares is widely published, and the author of eight books on the Middle East, including: Pluralism in the World, and The Iranian Islamic Revolution. He has conducted congressional and U.S. State Department briefings on terrorism, religious conflict, and ethnic coexistence and teaches on Middle East politics and history. He has appeared on many national, and international networks as an analyst of Middle East issues and serves on executive boards of several national human rights organizations and think tanks.