Former President of Lebanon Amine Gemayel
Case Western Reserve University October 7,2016
Amine Gemayel, President of Lebanon from 1982-1988, was the guest speaker at Case Western Reserve University on FRiday October 7, 2016. The event was sponsored by the CWRU Center for International Affairs, The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity, Cleveland Council for World Affairs and the Kataeb Chapter of Cleveland.
Tamara Gemayel of the Kataeb Chapter of Cleveland
Amine Gemayel was elected to the presidency in September 1982, in place of his brother Bachir Gemayel who had been elected the previous but had been assassinated before taking office. His topic was: Managing the World Crisis of the Middle East: Imperatives and Alternatives. It was a discussion on why the Middle East has continued to struggle with war and is unable to find peace and sovereignty in their own countries.
David Fleshler, Vice-Provost of international affairs at The Center for International Affairs at Case Western Reserve University welcomed the crowd and told the President of the international accomplishments of CWRU.
David Fleshler
He then introduced former President of Lebanon Amine Gemayel.
NOTE: All the images below with a white arrow in the middle are videos. (The other images are just photos) You can click on the white arrow to watch the video of whatever is described. Make sure your speakers are on and you can make the video full screen once it begins by clicking the icon in the lower right corner.
Former President of Lebanon Amine Gemayel
In his presentation (video below) President Gemayel spoke about Syria, the refugee situation, Iran, Russia, the US, Isis and more.
Former President of Lebanon Amine Gemayel
***
Stay informed about the local Lebanese community by signing up for the free Cleveland Lebanese eNews mailings. You can select other groups as well. It's easy and free.
In the Q&A session, President Gemayel was asked about the situation in Syria including the No Fly Zone, Russia and the US and so on. He said the major powers were using the situation for their own interests.
David Fleshler and President Amine Gemayel
He was asked next about the return of the presidency in Lebanon (and also about the US presidential elections) and said that Lebanon has been kidnapped.
Former President of Lebanon Amine Gemayel
Ramez Islambouli, a native of Lebanon and Arabic language professor at Case Western Reserve University, asked if he would support the election of a president of Lebanon even if not a Christian?
Next a student asked about the importance of arts and culture.
Another student asked about the possibility of Israel and the Arab world uniting to defeat Isis.
CWRU student asks President Gemayel a question
The last question was about the possibility of a future nation for the Kurdish people.
David Fleshler presents President Gemayel with a book
After the presentation a reception was held where people posed for photos with the President.
President Amine Gemayel and Tony Abdulkarim
***
Want to learn about ethnic and cultural events in Cleveland such as this? Sign up for the free eNews and every Wednesday morning you will receive a free e-mail listing the next week's events. It's easy and free.
