Visiting Middle East Scholar Dr. Bassam Haddad Shares New Insights on 2011 Syrian Uprising at Georgetown Qatar

English , Qatar - قطر , Snippets , / Wednesday, March 27th, 2024

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) recently welcomed Dr. Bassam Haddad, a distinguished scholar, for a series of discussions on the Syrian conflict and pertinent Middle Eastern issues. Dr. Haddad, the Founding Director of the Middle East and Islamic Studies Program at George Mason University, shared insights from his latest book, “Understanding The Syrian Tragedy: Regime, Opposition, Outsiders,” shedding light on the evolution of the conflict from its inception in 2011 to its current complexities.

Characterizing the situation in Syria as a continuous “calamity,” Dr. Haddad emphasized its humanitarian toll and the impact of external influences, which have led to its militarization and radicalization. He highlighted the shift from democratic aspirations to a multifaceted proxy war, diminishing the hopes of the original activists.

Dr. Haddad elaborated on how Syria’s conflict became entangled in regional and international power struggles, diverting attention from its initial democratic goals. Despite initial hopes for intervention, meaningful action from key players like Russia, Iran, and the US has been lacking, leaving Syrians to face a bleak reality. He stressed the importance of economic recovery for Syria, albeit acknowledging that progress may be slow.

During his time at GU-Q, Dr. Haddad engaged with students and faculty, sharing insights from his documentary and leading discussions on contemporary issues. His contributions extended to workshops and classroom sessions, enriching the academic experience of the GU-Q community.

In addition to Dr. Haddad’s engagements, GU-Q will host Prof. Noura Erakat, an esteemed human rights attorney and Associate Professor at Rutgers University, for a public talk titled “The Potential and Limits of International Law in Achieving Accountability in Gaza” on Wednesday, March 27. Interested participants can register on the GU-Q website for further details.

These initiatives reflect GU-Q’s commitment to fostering informed dialogue and scholarly engagement on critical Middle Eastern issues.