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News Release

Last modified: Tuesday, July 14, 2009

IU faculty forum Saturday to focus on crisis in Iran

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2009

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A panel of Indiana University faculty and students this Saturday (July 18) will present a forum on the recent elections and protests in Iran.

The question-and-answer session will begin at 4 p.m. in Ernie Pyle Auditorium in the IU School of Journalism, 940 E. Seventh St. The public is invited.

Panelists will include:

• Daniel Beben, a Ph.D. student in Iranian history in the departments of history and Central Eurasian studies
• Jamsheed Choksy, professor of Central Eurasian studies, history and religious studies and a member of the National Council on the Humanities
• Shahyar Daneshgar, professor of Persian language in the Department of Central Eurasian Studies
• Paul Losensky, professor of Persian language and literature in the departments of Central Eurasian studies and comparative literature
• Abdulkader Sinno, professor of Middle Eastern politics in the departments of political science and Near Eastern languages and cultures.

"The outcome of current events in Iran does matter to everyone, globally and locally, in Tehran and in Bloomington. A cultured yet tormented nation's freedom hangs in the balance," Choksy said. "With it swing practical considerations such as oil prices, peace in the Middle East and even nuclear proliferation. More importantly, what happens in the coming weeks will determine if Iranians regain unalienable rights of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'"

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