Fireworks tonight- Free

Presented by: Rose Festival Association About: Portland's downtown waterfront illuminates during the Fireworks Spectacular, the Portland Rose Festival's kick-off event. More Info: Billed as one of Oregon's largest fireworks displays, this thunderous pyrotechnics show soars over the Waterfront Village beginning at nightfall. Visitors can expect some special features this year -- this year's show will be choreographed to music to add excitement and 'punch' (as our fireworks experts say). HOURS: Approximately 9:45 p.m. PHONE: 503.227.2681 ADMISSION/TICKETS: Free outside of the Waterfront Village gates or $5 gate admission. Tickets may be purchased on-site.   LOCATION: Tom McCall Waterfront Park S.W. Naito Parkway and Columbia Street Portland, OR

Thanks to all who came to YP Trivia at Lucky Lab NW tonight!

YP DISCUSSION: RESURGENT TALIBAN

Resurgent Taliban (YP Discussion Group)

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

Wednesday, 13 May 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)
(Upstairs in the back room.)

As the U.S. shifts its focus from Iraq to Afghanistan in the war against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, militants are reshaping the war by taking over new areas in Pakistan. What does this mean for the U.S. strategy? Is the Pakistani government strong enough to retake control? Is Pakistan's nuclear arsenal vulnerable? Will their military use the developments as a pretext to stage another coup? And what does the new fighting mean for the people forced to flee? Is there any hope for good government and peace in the region? Start the discussion on our blog.

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog
Facebook: Become our Friend!

Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

Trivia Night: 5/11 @ 6:30pm Luckylab NW

Join the World Affairs Council, Young Professionals on Monday, May 11th @ 6:30pm - Lucky Labrador NW for Trivia Night Do you know which European city has the largest Muslim population?   Or what is the longest river in Oceania?  Which famous German politician changed his name from Herbert Ernst Frahm?  Or the name of Lebanon's most famous salad?   Bring your friends, or come alone (we will place you on a team). Trivia Night is a fun opportunity to acquaint and socialize with fellow Portlanders who share your zest for all things international! Spaces are limited so please RSVP!    Event Information: Monday, May 11 6:30 pm to 8:30 p.m. Location: Lucky Labrador Beer Hall 1945 NW Quimby Portland, OR 97209

MercyCorps Special Invite: Visit Africa From Your Home

Greetings!

I want to personally invite you to an exciting opportunity to hear from our Board Chair Linda Mason, who recently visited our programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Jenny Vaughan, Head of Office in Central African Republic.

This special Mercy Corps conference call and online presentation will be held on Wednesday, May 13 (details below). Our speakers will be discussing some of Mercy Corps' recent work to fight poverty in Africa through investing in women. We're helping women to not only feed their families now - but to change their communities for the long term, despite lack of access to clean water, persistent health problems, and ongoing conflict such as the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session.

I hope that you are able to join us!

Best,

Minda Seibert, Mercy Corps Community Relations Officer
-------------------

Fight Poverty. Empower Women.
The Way Forward in Africa
A Special Mercy Corps Conference Call

Wednesday, May 13
5:30 p.m. PST / 8:30 p.m. EST
Call toll-free 1-800-761-5415 to join the call.

Join Board Chair Linda Mason, recently returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Jenny Vaughan, Head of Office, Central African Republic, to hear stories of the extraordinary women and communities you are helping in Africa, through your support of Mercy Corps.

Please click here to register for this event. It's easy and you'll also receive instructions for accessing the visual presentation online.

If you have any questions, or if you are unable to join the call, but would like to access a recording of the call, please contact Minda Seibert at mseibert@mercycorps.org or reply to this email.

___________________________________________

Minda Seibert
Mercy Corps
Community Relations Officer
3015 SW First Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 595-8005
800-292-3355 ext.405
mseibert@mercycorps.org

Mercy Corps helps people in the world's toughest places turn the crises of natural disaster, poverty, and conflict into opportunities for progress. Driven by local needs and market conditions, our programs provide communities with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives. Our worldwide team of 3,700 professionals is improving the lives of 14.5 million people in 37 countries. For more information, visit www.mercycorps.org.

If you are interested in attending a Mercy Corps event or fundraiser, check out www.mercycorps.org/events to see if there is an event in your area. If you are organizing an event, let me know so it can be posted.

Check out how a benefit concert that brought together four bands made up of teenagers from Portland area high schools, and hundreds of local youth raised over $6,000 for Mercy Corps' worldwide children's programs.

This email was delivered to you by Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps. You can take your email address off Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps' email list, or update your preferences and/or send comments to Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps. If you request to be taken off Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps' email list, Minda H. Seibert of Mercy Corps will honor your request. Postal address: 3015 SW First Ave., Portland, OR 97201

The Dark Side of Dubai

After an excellent presentation on Dubai by a fellow YP'er Michelle Diamond, I came across a very interesting and compelling article that appeared in early April in The Independent on the current state of affairs in Dubai.  Here is a link. For those who are interested in the daily lives of ex-pats, there is a link to a blog maintained by an Independent-affiliated writer. 

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta 5/1-5/4

The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a Five-day celebration that attracts 300,000 people to Waterfront Park each year. The Fiesta brings to Portland and all Oregonians the beautiful colors, cuisine, arts, music and folklore of Mexico and specifically, Guadalajara, Portland's sister city.   More info at: http://www.cincodemayo.org/

YP DISCUSSION: DISEASES WITHOUT BORDERS

Diseases Without Borders (YP Discussion Group) The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group: Wednesday, 29 April 2009 | 7:00 p.m. Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP) (Upstairs in the back room.) Germs don't respect national borders. Swine flu, Bird flu, West Nile virus, and SARS have caused global scares. Is the world health community doing what is necessary to control these diseases? Is it too late once they've made the news? Is there anything we can do to stop them before they start? For example, is global warmingto blame? What about modern food production and trade? Or is it simply a consequence of a more interconnected world? Start the discussion on our blog. Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog Facebook: Become our Friend! Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

Spring Trivia Night - May 11th

Young Professionals     Spring  Trivia Night      YP Social Event Monday, May 11th - 7:00 p.m.  at Lucky Labrador Beer Hall     Do you know which European city has the largest Muslim population?   Or what is the longest river in Oceania?  Which famous German politician changed his name from Herbert Ernst Frahm?  Or the name of Lebanon's most famous salad?   International Trivia Night - Eat, Drink & Win Prizes!   Bring your friends, or come alone (we will place you on a team). Trivia Night is a fun opportunity to acquaint and socialize with fellow Portlanders who share your zest for all things international! Spaces are limited so please RSVP!    Event Information: Monday, May 11 7:00 pm to 8:30 p.m.   Location: Lucky Labrador Beer Hall 1945 NW Quimby Portland, OR 97209

 

Tulip Festival in Woodburn till 5/3

Tulip Festival near Woodburn, OR till May 3rd Family and pet friendly Beautiful fields $10 per car weekend/$5 weekday (go b4 noon on weekend) http://www.woodenshoe.com/

PORTLAND’S FOOD CART FESTIVAL 4/18

Dutch tacos, vegan milkshakes, Schnitzelwiches, Italian meatball sandwiches—Portland's street-food scene has transcended the "roach coach" model and come into its own as a uniquely local gourmet movement with a side of ethnic flavor. These mobile kitchens turn out dishes that rival those of any brick-and-mortar restaurant, but faster and for less than $8. Only problem is, with upward of 170 carts in town, it's difficult to try them all.   That's where EAT MOBILE comes in. Here's your chance to celebrate Portland's street-food scene and sample dishes from some of Willamette Week's favorite food carts all in one place—for the recession-busting price of $5. The event is on Saturday, April 18, from 5:30–9:30 pm, at the Disjecta space at 8371 N. Interstate Avenue, conveniently located near the Denver MAX stop.    This year you'll enjoy samples from Al Forno Ferruzza, Altengartz Bratwurst, Cafe Velo, Fat Kitty Falafel, Flavour Spot, Garden State, Junior Ambassadors, Taqueria Los Gorditos, LeRoy's Familiar Vittles, Lulu's Confections, Moxie Rx, Nuevo Mexico, Sip, Soup Cycle, Tabor, The Grilled Cheese Grill and Todbott's Triangles.    https://www.mercycorpsnw.org/

Greek Rebetiko Festival 2009- Portland, Or.

Portland Rebetiko Festival 2009

Music of the Greek Urban Diaspora

Film

Thursday, April 23

Rembetiko

Award Winner :

1984 Berlin International Film Festival

1983 Thessaloniki Film Festival

Starring Sotiria Leonardou

Directed by Costas Ferris

Dispossessed and persecuted, a band of Rebetes, musicians and singers of the Greek "Blues," struggle in the early decades of 20th century Greece as their music evolves and flourishes. The drama follows the life of their female singer as history unfolds. Based on the life of Rebetissa, Marika Ninou, and called "one of the most absorbing and

provocative films to come out of the Hellenic Republic," Rembetiko features the score of renowned composer Stavros Xarhakos.

Dancing to Greek music follows.

Doors open 6:30 pm • Screening 7:00 pm

Alexis Restaurant, Upper Banquet Room

215 West Burnside • Portland, Oregon

$25 admission includes Hors d'Oeuvres

No-Host Bar

Lecture & Concert

Saturday, April 25

Christos Govetas & Pasatempo

Free Lecture 5:30 pm

Christos Govetas of Seattle's Rebetiko band,

Pasatempo, discusses the genre and demonstrates its techniques.

Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum

3131 NE Glisan Street • Portland, Oregon

Concert 8:00 pm

Pasatempo, acclaimed Rebetiko ensemble, plays storied songs of heartache, passion, exile and longing. The music emerged from the memories of early 20th century refugees of the Asia Minor Disaster and their underworld haunts. Hear them bring alive this intoxicating, powerful music and evoke the underground culture that nurtured

the Greek "Blues."

$15 admission • food & drink additional

Doors open at 7 pm

Fr. Elias Stephanopoulos Center

3131 NE Glisan Street • Portland, Oregon

Reservations

Paula Diamond 503.697.1066

gpdiamond@comcast.net

Chryssie Voreas 503.939.1469

portogirll2006@yahoo.com

Dinner in Dubai- April 28

Have you ever wondered about Dubai?
Have you seen the TV specials highlighting the most glitzy clubs, outrageous bars, fantastic beaches and out of this world real estate? If you are wondering about Dubai, its real estate market, social scene and traveling opportunities, please join us for "Dinner in Dubai" at Al-Amir restaurant in downtown Portland.

Native Oregonian, Michelle Diamond will be speaking about her three-month visit to Dubai and her travels around the Middle East this past winter. The evening starts at 7pm. The event costs $20 and includes a fabulous Arabic dinner and a complimentary glass of wine. We look forward to you joining us for a night of story telling, question answering and Middle Eastern flare.

 

Spaces are limited so please RSVP!

Details: 
April 28, 2009, 7 p.m.
al Amir Lebanese Restaurant, 233 SW Stark Street

Obama's European Tour (YP Discussion Group) The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group: Wednesday, 15 April 2009 | 7:00 p.m. Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP) (Upstairs in the back room.) President Obama just returned from his first trip overseas and he covered a lot of ground, not just geographically, but policy-wise as well: the global economic crisis, repairing relations with our European allies, extending a hand to Turkey and the broader Islamic world, formulating a bold new goal in nuclear non-proliferation, and visiting the troops in Iraq. Was the trip a success? Is Obama on the right track with how he is trying to recalibrate U.S. foreign policy? Some of his efforts were part of a larger emerging strategy to change the way the U.S. engages and influences the rest of the world. Will it work? Start the discussion on our blog. Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog Facebook: Become our Friend!

SPRING BEER & WINE FEST this weekend

Friday, April 10 & Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the 15th Annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest. Hop aboard the Tour de Cheese Mingle with artisan brewers, vintners, distillers & cheese makers Nibble on tasty gourmet delights Get schooled at the Chefs Stage - and eat your homework Groove to tunes from hot NW bands Admission is free the first two hours each day. Starts at noon. http://www.springbeerfest.com/

Human Trafficking (YP Discussion Group)

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

Wednesday, 1 April 2009 | 7:00 p.m.

Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP)

(Upstairs in the back room.)

Hundreds of thousands of people fall into slavery each year (some estimates even put the figure into the millions). According to the CIA tens of thousands are brought to the U.S. each year (including to Oregon). Recent movies have highlighted this brutal trade (such as Taken andSlumdog Millionaire) where people are used as domestic servants, beggars and thieves, laborers, and in the sex trade. Part of organized crime, human trafficking is often associated associated with the drug and arms trade, such as along the Mexican-U.S. border. What are the conditions that lead to this practice? Why is it so difficult to stop? How many of these victims wind up here in Oregon? Start the discussion on our blog.

 

Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog

Facebook: Become our Friend!

Submit your discussion topic ideas for future meetings.

CLINIC: Budget World Travel 3/25/09 7pm REI FREE

Somewhere between hostels and luxury hotels is the sweet spot of travel. REI adventurer James Hetland shares tips on how to have a better experience while spending less wherever in the world you?re headed. Learn how to save money while staying in nice places, eating great food, and never getting ripped off. James will share tips that are applicable to travel anywhere in the world: plane tickets, exchange rates, lodging, food, transportation, and more. In the last six years, James has: Lived in Germany for 4 months. Traveled in Venezuela for 3 weeks. Spent over a week each in Japan, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, France, England, Italy, Greece, and Mexico. Spent smaller amounts of time in Latvia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria. He and his wife will be leaving for a month in Chile and Argentina a week after this presentation. Location:REI Portland, 1405 NW Johnson St. Contact:Customer Service, 503-221-1938 Cost: Free Registration Required? No. http://www.rei.com/category/4500012

Fair Trade Festival: 3/28 FREE

The Fair Trade Federation is holding a fair trade festival at their annual conference. Shop your values while learning about the fair trade movement and how it impacts poor communities around the world. Join Global Sistergoods and 44 other vendors from around the country at this exciting and fun event! March 28, 2009, 3:30-6pm, Cascade Ballroom, Doubletree Hotel,1000 NE Multnomah FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! for more information: http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ht/d/sp/i/9668/pid/9668 -- Kristi Jo (KJ) LewisGlobal Sistergoodswww.globalsistergoods.com, 503-737-1956 cell

Portland Film Crew Ambushed in the Congo

Willamette Week is reporting that a movie crew from the local outfit Spin Films has been rolled by FARDC thugs in the Congo.

The crew was filming a documentary urging a stop the DRC's 10-year civil war. It looks as if they suffered a major setback, losing all their primary equipment.

We wish them well.

A Multipolar World (YP Discussion Group) The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group: Wednesday, 18 March 2009 | 7:00 p.m. Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP) (Upstairs in the back room.) Fareed Zakaria, who spoke at our most recent International Speaker Series event, writes about the changing dynamics of world power in his latest book, The Post-American World. What will this world look like, especially as China and India (among others) continue to grow their economies? Will the U.S. loose influence in the world? Will solving the world's problems be easier or more difficult as a result? Start the discussion on our blog. Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog Facebook: Become our Friend!

Attacks on lesbians in South Africa

In the last decade or so, South Africa has become infamous for violent crimes committed there- kidnapping, murder, burglary, rape.  It now appears that rape and killing of lesbian women is becoming more of a norm rather than a grisly exception to a crime pattern.  The Guardian has a compelling story of South African problem with rape, as highlighted by a gruesome gang rape and murder of a famous South African football star who was openly lesbian.  Perhaps more appalling than the murders is the police's failure to do much about this. 

Chinese Censors Confounded by Grass-Mud Horse

Those of you who attended the event on the Chinese Internet last summer will find the following interesting and very funny:

NYTimes.com - A Dirty Pun Tweaks China's Online Censors

Ah, the trials of the grass-mud horse!

This reminds me of other stories of folks circumventing censors, such as fairy tale movies in German-occupied France poking fun at the Nazis in a way best understood by the locals. (For example, see comment by metaphor-2 here and the description of Continental films here.)

19th Annual Kells Irish Festival

19th Annual Kells Irish Festival - Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub THE SIGHTS, THE SOUNDS, THE TASTES OF IRELAND! Kells' 19th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Party begins: Friday, March 13, 2009 Welcome to the 19th Annual Kells Irish Festival! The venerable Kells (Portland) is once again celebrating Irish-Style, beginning Friday, March 13th thru Tuesday, March 17th, 2009, Saint Patrick's Day! Get 'Irish' with a few thousand of your best friends and experience one of the biggest Saint Patrick's events, in the Northwest! EVENT DAY(S): 03/13/09 - 03/17/09 LOCATION: Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub 112 SW 2nd Avenue Portland, OR 97204 HOURS: www.kellsirish.com PHONE: 503 227 4057 ADMISSION/TICKETS: www.kellsirish.com

Mercy Corps Gets Funds for Gaza

Willamette Week is reporting that Mercy Corps has received a $10 million grant from Qatar Charity to help rebuild Gaza.

Let's hope the cash infusion helps both the war-torn region and the budget-torn local nonprofit.

Global Food Supply (YP Discussion Group) The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our biweekly discussion group: Wednesday, 4 March 2009 | 7:00 p.m. Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & 23rd (MAP) (Upstairs in the back room.) Food: It's a good thing. Will it last? As the world's population grows, will the food supply keep up? Are "frankenfoods" the answer, or a real problem? Should we really be diverting valuable calories into the fuel supply? Do you know where your lunch comes from? We will be pondering these questions and more as part of the Great Decisions series. Start the discussion on our blog.   Stay Informed: The Official YP Blog Facebook: Become our Friend!

Carnival Party: 2/28

Presented by: PSU Model United Nations

About:
Support PSU Model United Nations and come dressed up! Music featuring DJ ATM. Event starts at 8:30pm.

Location:
Holden's Bistro,
524 NW 14th Avenue (between Hoyt & Glisan)
Portland, OR 97209

Admission:
$5 and must be 21 or older.

Bullseye Gallery presents Due North Scottish Highlands till 3/21-Free

North Lands Creative Glass is a European center for glass excellence located in the northernmost county of the Scottish Highlands. Since opening ten years ago, its workshops, residencies, and annual conference have drawn artists from around the world to inhale the heady mix of dramatic climate, wild sea, and eccentric villagers and to exhale artwork that reshapes these elements in endlessly variable ways.   For the last seven years Portland's Bullseye Glass Company has collaborated with the North Lands program, an informal partnership that is reflected in the high percentage of Bullseye's gallery artists who have journeyed to the remote fishing village in order to work in the North Lands studios. Due North spotlights only a few of these artists and their unique responses to the history, the weather, the landscape, the sheep, and each other. HOURS: 10-5 PHONE: 503-227-0222 http://www.travelportland.com/event_calendar/?EventID=7757 Admission is free LOCATION: Bullseye Gallery 300 N.W. 13th Ave. Portland, OR 97209

YP DISCUSSION: CUBA AFTER CASTRO

Dear Young Professionals,

Greetings from the World Affairs Council of Oregon!

Wednesday, February 18, 7:00pm - YP Discussion Group:
TOPIC:  Great Decisions:  Cuba After Castro

For the next several discussion meetings the Young Professionals will cover topics congruent to the Great Decisions lectures being held at Portland State University. (Note that the schedule for Great Decisions has changed and Cuba After Castro will be taking place this week.)

 
The YPs will cover the topics on Wednesday evening, and on Friday afternoon you're invited to attend free, expert-level lectures held on the campus of Portland State University.

Great Decisions is a nation-wide program of the Foreign Policy Association to broaden public involvement with the most important foreign policy topics facing the U.S. PSU is hosting lectures on each topic covered in the Great Decisions briefing booklets (schedule/details here).

DISCUSSION LOCATION:  Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & NW 23rd (MAP), upstairs - back room.

Can't make it this Wednesday?  Post a comment to our blog and we'll bring it up at the meeting for you!

FACEBOOK:  Become our Friend!

We hope to see you at an upcoming event!

All Regards,


Arnold Engelmann*
Young Professionals Steering Committee

YP - PDX (OFFICIAL YP BLOG)
World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::  

* I will be taking over as discussion group coordinator from Reno. Reno has been coordinating the discussion groups since the beginning of the YPs, which he helped found, and has been instrumental in building the group into what it is today. I have some big shoes to fill. We wish Reno the best. - Arnold

Elizabeth Leach Gallery presents Drake Deknatel’s Berlin Portraits till 2/28- FREE

Presented by: Elizabeth Leach Gallery Drake Deknatel's Berlin Portraits reflect a distinctly European influence, demonstrated by his focus on a singular concept, worked and reworked in multiple versions. Primarily known for his abstract expressionist-style paintings, which have been exhibited widely in the Pacific Northwest and Europe, Deknatel revisits a more representational approach in this body of work, which he completed towards the end of his life. After discovering a photograph of himself as a child, dressed in his father's flight jacket, Deknatel began a series of paintings that examine his childhood memories and experiences. HOURS: Tues-Sat 10:30-5:30 PHONE: 503.224.0521 Admission is free LOCATION: Elizabeth Leach Gallery 417 NW 9th Avenue Portland, OR 97204

Oregon Historical Society presents Happy Bday Oregon

The Oregon Historical Society is proud to host a birthday party for the great state of Oregon. There will be cake, children's activities, music, readings from Oregon Authors, and much more. Exhibits will be open to the public, with many local organizations participating in the festivities. HOURS: Sat 10-5 Sun Noon-5 LOCATION: Oregon Historical Society 1200 SW Park Avenue Portland, OR 97204 PHONE: (503) 306-5221 Admission is free

Japanese Garden presents Free Admission Day: 2/16

This is our fourth year hosting Free Admission Days," Steve Bloom, the Garden's Executive Director. "The response from the community has been fantastic, with over 9,000 people visiting the Garden over the three Free Days in 2008. We are excited to carry on the tradition this year." During Free Admission Day, the Garden's first Art in the Garden Exhibition will be open in the Garden's Pavilion. Titled Shodo: The Way of the Brush, this outstanding exhibition features fine calligraphy by Master Calligrapher Yoshiyasu Fujii of Tokyo with work by members of the Meito Shodo Kai. The exhibition is also free of charge. EVENT DAY(S):02/16/09 LOCATION: Japanese Garden 611 S.W. Kingston Ave. Portland, OR 97201 HOURS: 10-4 PHONE: (503) 223-1321

Valentine Story Project

Presented by: NW Documentary About: This Valentine's give your loved one the gift of story, for free! Stop by our creative loft during the week before Valentine's Day to participate in the NW Documentary Public Story Project. You can record a special story for a special someone.You leave with a complimentary CD of your story to give for Valentine's Day,and to treasure, laugh about, and reminisce for years to come. More Info: Event is free HOURS: 12-7 pm PHONE: 503.227.8688 LOCATION: NW Documentary 115 SW Ash Street, Suite 620 Portland, OR 97204

YP DISCUSSION: THE ARCTIC AGE

Dear Young Professionals,

Greetings from the World Affairs Council of Oregon!

Wednesday, February 4, 7:00pm - YP Discussion Group:
TOPIC:  Great Decisions:  The Arctic Age

For the next several discussion meetings the Young Professionals will cover topics congruent to the Great Decisions lectures being held at Portland State University.

The YPs will cover the topics on Wednesday evening, and on Friday afternoon you're invited to attend free, expert-level lectures held on the campus of Portland State University.

Great Decisions is a nation-wide program of the Foreign Policy Association to broaden public involvement with the most important foreign policy topics facing the U.S. PSU is hosting lectures on each topic covered in the Great Decisions briefing booklets (schedule/details here).

DISCUSSION LOCATION:  Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & NW 23rd (MAP), upstairs - back room.
Can't make it this Wednesday?  Post a comment to our blog and we'll bring it up at the meeting for you!

FACEBOOK:  Become our Friend!

We hope to see you at an upcoming event!

All Regards,



Reno J. Tibke
Young Professionals Steering Committee
World Affairs Council of Oregon Board of Advisors 

YP - PDX (OFFICIAL YP BLOG)
World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::  

Peres' soliloquy in Davos

You may have read about Turkish PM Erdogan walking out of the Davos- hosted session on Gaza.  Here is the video of the entire session. 

Present were the Arab League Secretary Amr Moussa, Israeli President Shimon Peres, UN Sec General Ban Ki-moon, and Turkish PM Erdogan.  The entire video will be fascinating for any student of Middle Eastern politics, but Peres' speech is passionate, compelling and not to be missed.  You don't have to agree with the policies of Israel to find yourself  agreeing with Peres' views on Israel's role and its future vis-a-vis Palestinians. His passion is of a man who has been with Israel from her birth, who cares deeply about her present and her future, but who also realizes that the resolution of the Palestinian question is of the most importance to Israel's survival. 

In contrast, Erdogan, who after leaving Davos, was met by joyous crowds back in Turkey,  comes off rather immature in his attempt to deliver the same stump speech that every other Middle Eastern politician has been propagating against Israel, and then storming off when David Ignatius cut him off.