Solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict topic at Rice’s Baker Institute Oct. 13

MEDIA ADVISORY

David Ruth
david@rice.edu
713-348-6327

Jeff Falk
jfalk@rice.edu
713-348-6775

Solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict topic at Rice’s Baker Institute Oct. 13

HOUSTON – (Oct. 7, 2014) – Yair Hirschfeld, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, will discuss his new book, “Track-Two Diplomacy Toward an Israeli-Palestinian Solution, 1978-2014,” at the Baker Institute Oct. 13. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Who: Yair Hirschfeld, the Baker Institute’s Isaac and Mildred Brochstein Fellow in Middle East Peace and Security in Honor of Yitzhak Rabin.

Edward Djerejian, the Baker Institute’s founding director and a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, will provide introductory remarks.

What: A presentation titled “Track-Two Diplomacy Toward an Israeli-Palestinian Solution.”

When: Monday, Oct. 13, 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Rice University, James A. Baker III Hall, Kelly International Conference Facility, 6100 Main St.

The struggle for a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an important component in the wider struggle between the forces of extremism and moderation in the region, according to event organizers. For more than 30 years, Hirschfeld has been involved in this effort, and his new book, “Track-Two Diplomacy Toward an Israeli-Palestinian Solution, 1978-2014,” highlights the successes, failures and lessons learned from his decades of experience working to establish a lasting peace, organizers said.

In the book, Hirschfeld describes the causes that led to the successful conclusion of the Oslo Accords, as well as an inside look at the treaty’s later failures and stumbling blocks. The book also addresses the importance and problems of U.S. mediation, the impact of regional powers and the ongoing struggle between radical militant Islamic forces on one side and the pragmatic pro-Western Arab states and Israel on the other.

A book signing will follow the presentation. Copies of Hirschfeld’s book will be provided for sale by Rice University Bookstore.

Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.

The public must register to attend this event at http://bakerinstitute.org/events/register/1666/?submit=RSVP.

For a map of Rice University’s campus with parking information, go to www.rice.edu/maps.

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Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute ranks among the top 15 university-affiliated think tanks in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes — including a public policy course — and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog.