October 18, 2006
For Immediate Release
For an interview:
David Keller
(801) 863-6363
For additional information:
http://www.uvsc.edu/ethics/
Ethics Center Invites Scholar to Discuss Conflict in the Middle East
Business executive and professor of foreign policy, Omar M. Kader will be speaking on, “The Rising Influence of Iran in the Middle East Conflict: How did it happen and what are the likely consequences to the U.S.” October 26 at 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. in the Faculty Seminar Room, LC 243.
Kader, born in Provo, earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California where he wrote his dissertation on foreign policy and international terrorism. He served as assistant dean in the College of Social Sciences and taught political science and international relations at Brigham Young University. Kader also served in Washington, D.C. as the executive director of the United Palestinian Appeal, a Palestinian charity and later as executive director of Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), a civil rights group.
“Mr. Kader comes from a Palestinian background and is deeply ingrained and knowledgeable with current events in the Middle East,” said David Keller, director of the UVSC Center for the Study of Ethics. “This is a golden opportunity for students and faculty to learn and have open dialogue with someone who is extremely proficient in foreign affairs.”
Kader is very active in civic affairs. In 1994, he accompanied President Clinton to Jordan as a member of the White House delegation to the peace signing between Israel and Jordan. He frequently provides expert commentary to news organizations and conducts public speaking engagements on the development of political issues in the Middle East.
“UVSC students should be very concerned with what is going on right now in the Middle East,” said Keller, “Even though things are happening miles away, it should be of direct concern to us how the U.S. could or should act in future situations.”
Kader is also founder and CEO of Planning and Learning Technologies, Inc. (Pal-Tech) a management consulting firm focusing on training, technical assistance and management. Started in 1987, Pal-Tech has had an average annual growth rate of 24 percent since 1997. Pal-Tech now has approximately 155 employees and annual revenue of $29 million. The firm currently has contracts with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, the Department of State's Foreign Service Institute and the Agency for International Development. Pal-tech now has five offices in the United States and two in the Middle East.
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College Marketing Contact:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written By:
Rodney Hansen
(801) 863-7205
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