Djerejian to discuss new book at Baker Institute event Sept. 23

Djerejian to discuss new book at Baker Institute event Sept. 23

BY FRANZ BROTZEN
Rice News staff

Ambassador Edward Djerejian, founding director of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, will discuss his recently published book, “Danger and Opportunity: An American Ambassador’s Journey Through the Middle East,” at the Baker Institute at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23.

	EDWARD DJEREJIAN

Djerejian, a U.S. diplomat who served eight presidents from Kennedy to Clinton, publicly shares for the first time intimate details and colorful anecdotes of his service in the Middle East. During his tenure, he developed close professional relationships with many of the region’s secular and religious leaders and was a key adviser to Washington’s highest-ranking officials and political leaders. He was instrumental in formulating U.S. policy in the region and participated actively in Arab-Israeli peace negotiations, the release of U.S. hostages in Lebanon and the formation of the U.S.-led coalition against the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

A leading expert on the Middle East, Djerejian asserts that Americans are confronted with one of the most important challenges of our time: the struggle of ideas between the forces of extremism and moderation in the Arab and Muslim world. He argues that mistakenly assuming that radical political ideologies fell with communism at the end of the Cold War, policymakers are employing insufficient strategies to promote the important political, economic, commercial, cultural and security interests that the United States — and the rest of the world — have in the region.

Djerejian explains what has gone wrong with U.S. policy and suggests a way forward for future administrations. The United States must learn to deal with the complex religious, ethnic and cultural factors at play in the Middle East, he wrote, and must not impose U.S. political structures on the Arab and Muslim world. In his book, Djerejian outlines specific coherent strategies necessary to respond effectively to the imminent danger and dynamic opportunity presented by the struggle within the Islamic world.

The book has met with wide critical acclaim from leaders and statesmen.

Former President Jimmy Carter wrote: “Ed Djerejian, one of our nation’s most respected diplomats, frames the need for settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict in the context of the larger forces at play in the Muslim world with gripping personal narratives and coherent policy recommendations. ‘Danger and Opportunity’ enriches our comprehension of one of the central issues of our time.”

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger wrote: “‘Danger and Opportunity’ deserves the attention of policymakers for its insightful and pragmatic road map that provides the best chance for empowering the moderate and marginalizing the extremist elements that are seeking to tear apart the civil institutions of the region.”

Former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III wrote: “Few people understand the Middle East as well, or have as much hands-on experience with it, as Ed Djerejian. He was my right-hand man for this region when I was secretary of state, and he played a key role in making the Madrid Peace Conference possible. The only American to ever serve as ambassador to both Syria and Israel, he expertly weaves those and other unique experiences with his vast knowledge and astute analysis of that critically important region of the world into this enlightening book. ‘Danger and Opportunity’ is a must-read.” Baker is honorary chair of the Baker Institute.

Former U.S. Rep. Lee H. Hamilton, president and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center, wrote: “Those in government have long been beneficiaries of Edward Djerejian’s unparalleled expertise in Middle Eastern affairs. In ‘Danger and Opportunity,’ Djerejian provides the general public with a sweeping overview of the myriad challenges the United States faces in the region, as well as pragmatic policies for managing them. It is a timely, persuasive and immensely enjoyable book that anyone interested in America’s relationship with this critical region must read.”

Books will be provided for sale at the event courtesy of Brazos Bookstore.

The event will be held in James A. Baker III Hall’s Doré Commons. Rice faculty, staff and students who want to attend must RSVP by e-mail (bipprsvp@rice.edu) or by fax (713-348-5993).