PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Masaki Kunieda
Former Japanese Ambassador to Syria

The speech and Q & A will be in English.

Did the Arab Spring see its end in Damascus? And did the media reflect the reality of what is happening in Syria?

More than one year has passed since the beginning of the unrest in Syria. Most of the media outlets portray the events in this important Middle Eastern country as "A president killing his people" but new information has surfaced indicating that that phrase was not true. From the beginning there has been a presence of armed groups targeting government security forces, also Al Qaeda has infiltrated the country and it is operating there. Just last Thursday a double suicide car explosions targeted the heart of Damascus, 55 people were killed and more than 500 injured. The US Defense Secretary pointed that AL Qaeda fingerprints were clear in that terrorist attack. On the other hand some of the Syrian opposition, still claim that Syria is experiencing a peaceful movement calling for democracy.

Masaki Kunieda will help us solve the puzzle.

Kunieda is the former Japanese ambassador to Syria, he is very well informed about what is happening there from both government and opposition sides. He went to Damascus last March and interviewed many high-ranking officials from the Syrian government and opposition leaders. He is preparing to publish a book about the situation in Syria next month and will share his views with us.

Menu:
Seafood Croquette with Tomato Sauce, Carrots and Green Vegetables, Seasonal Salad

Masaki Kunieda, Former Japanese Ambassador to Syria