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The Events

All presentations, exhibits, displays, and tours are free and open to the public. No registration required.

The following artistic performance requires a paid admission:

"The Truest Expression of a People Is in its Dance and in its Music." (Agnes de Mille)

Performance Saturday, January 14, 2012, 8:30 pm. An evening of folk dances from Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the Ukraine. Tickets are $15 and are available online and at the door. Open seating.

Photos
Sunday, January 15, 2012
5:30PM
Date5:30 PM

"Either We Depend on God or on Power": The Case of the Arab Spring

Protest in Hama, a city in northwestern Syria.

A discussion about the events in Arab countries and the role of religion in the fight for freedom, with Frank ANDERSON, Former Chief, Near East Division, Directorate of Operations, CIA and Wael FAROUQ, Professor of the Arabic Language Institute at the American University in Cairo.

The cry for freedom, more freedom, seems to be the catalyst of the struggles and conflicts taking place in the Arab countries. Entire populations were ready to risk their lives in the name of it. What is the origin of this desire and thirst – to the point that it is preferred over life itself? How does religion influence freedom?   Does religion limit or restrict personal and social freedom? Does religion tame freedom? Is religion an ally or enemy of power?  Recent events in the Arab countries prompt these important questions of freedom and faith.