Every day we see news about atrocities and violence in Syria. Much of the media focuses on sectarian violence and ISIS-created mayhem. But even with the chaos and human suffering, there are signs of hope.
On May 21, 12-2 pm, the Center for International Private Enterprise and the Stimson Center will co-host a discussion on A Way Forward for a Viable Syria: An Insider Perspective from the Private Sector and Civil Society. One of the main reasons for the rise of ISIS and other extremist movements is that Syrians are disenfranchised by their failed government and the lack of economic opportunity. The panelists will talk about the role of democrats from the private sector and civil society in reshaping Syria if it is to survive tyranny and extremism. Syrian business and community leaders will offer first-hand accounts of the situation on-the-ground and discuss openings for progress. A positive and compelling counter-narrative to the regime’s false narrative and ISIS’s extremist messaging will also be discussed, as well as stabilization lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Featuring:
Ayman Tabbaa, Chairman of the Syrian Economic Forum, an independent think tank that is the voice of the pro-democracy Syrian business community. Tabbaa is a businessman from Damascus, Syria.
Panelists include:
Geneive Abdo, Fellow in the Middle East program, Stimson Center; Non-Resident Fellow, Brookings Institution
Abdulwahab Alkebsi, Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, Center for International Private Enterprise
Ellen Laipson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Stimson Center
Watch this event below or here.