New Blog on the New Website

Hello Loyal Blog Readers,

The YPs have a new blog on the new World Affairs Council of Oregon website. In the future, please check the new blog at http://worldoregon.org/blog/young-professionals for information and updates on our events.

War and Famine in Somalia (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 17 August 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

With millions of people in need of food, hundreds of thousands have fled to the capital or neighboring Kenya, overwhelming refugee camps. In addition to starvation, the UN estimates that cholera immediately threatens the lives of half a million children. As if all of this wasn't enough, reports now indicate that the theft of food aid is on a scale previously unimaginable. What if anything can or should the international community do?

Open Discussion (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 3 August 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

Ongoing debt ceiling negotiations, brutal crackdown on protests in Syria, terrorist attack in Norway, and violent separatist attacks in China are just a few of the issues in the news this week. For our meeting this Wednesday, come ready to discuss any international topic that is currently on your mind.

Elections of Thailand

Elections in Thailand (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 20 July 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

The last time a Shinawatra was in power in Thailand, they were ousted in a military coup that catapulted the country into a State of Emergency. Protesters marched on Bangkok and occupied various parts of the city for over two months before the army assaulted the protesters' camp, killing over thirty and wounding hundreds. When Yingluck assumes the role of Prime Minister later this week, will an effort toward national reconciliation begin, or will the country suffer another coup and renewed violence?

Flight for Freedom

September 8 or 9 – 12, 2011

The City of New York is busy preparing for a remembrance of those lost with numerous services and events planned over the course of the weekend including the dedication of the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site. Join Portland’s Flight For Freedom in New York September 8 or 9 - 12, 2011 to remember those who have fallen and celebrate the human condition as we join together in observance of the dedication of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Comprised of 1,000 people from Oregon and Southwest Washington, participants descended on New York City three weeks after the attacks. From the depths of despair, individuals rallied in spirit and action, coming together to support the victim's families, their co-workers and communities. This was the first group to travel to New York, lending both moral and economic support to a community in need.

In the spirit of peace and unity shared by so many in the days after the attack we are delighted that the Portland Gay Men's Chorus will perform BraveSouls and Dreamers, a dramatic cantata that reflects upon the human and spiritual consequences of war and the universal desire of peace at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Sunday, September 11, 2011. This performance by PGMC and other artists will be the culminating event marking this momentous occasion for the Oregon Freedom Flyers.

Don't miss your chance to travel to one of the greatest cities in the world and join in what is sure to be a once in a lifetime milestone occasion.

Registration Deadline: August 01, 2011
http://www.flightforfreedom.com/

Geopolitics of Food (YP DIscussion Group)

Geopolitics of Food (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 6 July 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

As the UN Food Price Index has eclipsed previous all-time highs, food prices are nearly doubling in poorer countries, governments are teetering, and scarcity is the new norm in world politics. Are we seeing the beginning of a global power struggle for food security? Or will international cooperation expand to ensure world food supplies?

Turkish Democracy (YP Discussion Group)

Turkish Democracy (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

Turkey's recent election produced a landslide victory for the ruling AK party, but failed to return a large enough majority to unilaterally rewrite the constitution. The mildly Islamist AK party is pushing to make religion a more central part of secular Turkey, but has proceeded incrementally. AK won mainly for their responsibility for Turkey's continued development. Is Turkey a model for the Arab Spring countries? Or, will the mix of religion and rapid growth lead to a crash in the near future? Where does an ascendant Turkey fit in with Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of the World?

International Job in the Mayor's Office

Hey Everyone,

Mayor Adams' office is hiring an international policy fellow. Applications are due soon so follow the link for more information: http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=51108&a=348319

International Bond Markets (YP Discussion Group)

International Bond Markets (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 8 June 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

Even with the recent warning by Moody's on the Debt Ceiling, the fight over debt in the US is tame by international standards. Huge protests have broken out across Spain and resistance to Greek austerity measures has grown more aggressive. Is the role of the international bond market exaggerated for the benefit of local politicians? Or, are bond traders really the ones calling the shots?

Obama and the Arab Spring (YP Discussion Group)

Obama and the Arab Spring (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 25 May 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

From the first stirrings of unrest in Northern Africa, President Obama has talked about a new opportunity for the US to bring its actions closer in line with its values. During the Arab Spring, has Obama's policy differed significantly from the normal trajectory of American policy? Does the killing of Osama Bin Laden create new opportunities for diplomatic action? Will Obama halt the momentum of the movement with his new focus on the Israel/Palestine standoff?

Bin Laden's Legacy (YP Discussion Group)

Bin Laden's Legacy (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

The killing of Osama Bin Laden was a cathartic experience for the American public, but the War on Terror continues. His impact on the US and the rest of the world was dramatic, but was it lasting? What is Bin Laden's legacy? Is the Arab Spring a refutation of his ideology? Will the US ever be able to return to a pre-9/11 mindset?

Brian Michael Till Conversations with Power

What do the world’s most influential people have to say about leadership?

Brian Michael Till has collected key lessons directly from the mouths of the world’s most prominent leaders including Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Ehud Barak, and Václav Havel, and Nobel Laureates Mikhail Gorbachev, Pervez Musharraf, and FW de Klerk. He will lead a discussion on strategies for global leadership in the 21st century and share these leader’s candid personal reflections and regrets and their advice for future generations. Join the conversation at Habibi Lebanese Cuisine in downtown Portland.

Brian Michael Till is a Research Fellow at the New America Foundation and a correspondent for The Atlantic.

Pre-event happy hour and networking at 5:30; talk begins at 6:30

Presented by the Young Professionals and PSU Alumni Association
Light refreshments and no-host bar.
$5 Council Members; $10 Non-Members
Register at www.worldoregon.org

Guantanamo (YP Discussion Group)

Guantanamo (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

The newest Wikileaks file dump concerns the background and treatment of the Guantanamo inmates. President Obama appears to have given up on his campaign pledge to close the prison, which continues to highlight the contradictions and challenges of the ongoing War on Terror. How should the US and global community prosecute these types of "irregular" combatants? What military and diplomatic challenges are involved with the issue?

Shanghai Tunnel Ethnic History Tour

YPs Present:
Shanghai Tunnel Ethnic History Tour

Saturday, May 7th at 4:30 pm
Hobo's Restaurant - 120 NW 3rd Ave

Pre-Registration is required!

Descend into one of the darkest and most fascinating chapters of Portland history with a tour of the notorious Shanghai tunnels: An underground maze beneath Old Town that many believe was used to kidnap unwary souls into service as shipmates and prostitutes.

The Shanghai Tunnel Ethnic History Tour provides insights into Portland's historic Chinese, Japanese, and Gypsy communities, and the ways in which the demands of a burgeoning international trade in goods and slaves affected their shared destinies. Join us for this fascinating adventure that walks the line between history and legend.