For this first Independent Viewpoints (IV) event, “A Dialogue on Shias, Sunnis, and Politics in Iraq,” our keynote speaker Dr. Noam Chomsky will touch upon the importance of civic involvement and political action in the US, Iraq and its future, and on how American foreign policy can change to foster a desire for unity in Iraq. Mr. Najam Haider,  doctoral candidate at Princeton University in the Department of Near East Studies and an adjunct Professor at New York University, will be conducting this dialogue with Dr. Chomsky.

We are also excited to bring you our Muslim Speakers’ Panel.  The panel consists of two Sunni and two Shia Muslims who will present their views on the situation in Iraq, the role of the American-Muslim community in the US political system, our civic responsibilities, and how we can come together with our fellow Muslims and Americans to work for political change. Both will be followed by Q & A from the audience.

The impetus behind this event is clear: the war in Iraq is the hottest and most divisive issue in the world today.  But the war and its implications do not only matter to American Muslims, they affect everyone. The tension that exists between Sunnis and Shias in Iraq has reached a breaking point, and now is the time for all of us in the global community—Muslim and non-Muslim—to act.  This is why the program will not only be for Muslims, but open to the general public as well.

This is also a time when American foreign policy in the Muslim world matters more than ever.  American Muslims—with their varied and diverse viewpoints—must engage in healthy and open dialogue in order to establish a stronger voice in the political arena and hope to achieve some sort of consensus on key issues.  The Muslim Speakers’ Panel is a representation of many different ideologies, both religious and political.  We hope it this will encourage others to initiate such dialogues in their communities in order to increase civic participation by American Muslims and concerned citizens around the country.

We need a lot of help with this event, from programming to fundraising to marketing. If you would like to volunteer, you can purchase an IV T-shirt for $10, which will afford you free admission to the event in May.  If you have already bought an IV T-shirt, you do NOT need to buy a ticket to this event but you MUST claim your free ticket otherwise you will not be allowed into the event.  To inquire about volunteering or to claim your free ticket, write to us at volunteer@independentviewpoints.org with your name, address, and where you bought your T-shirt.  Thank you.

	Date: Saturday, June 3rd 2006 Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Venue: New York Society for Ethical Culture 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West New York, NY 10023 www.nysec.org AM Session: Shia-Sunni Speakers' Panel Discussion Moderated by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! PM Session: A Dialogue with Noam Chomsky Small Group Discussions: 8-10 audience members in each group, Seating is limited Ticket Price: Tickets are no longer available online, however, there are many seats still available.  Tickets will be $20 at the door. Click here for more info

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