In late 2005, I was appointed to Macquarie University’s Centre for Middle East and North African Studies. We organised the Robert Fisk lecture in early 2006, the largest event ever held on campus. We are currently planning a conference in early December, titled “The Journalist and Islam: competing agendas, political correctness and the war on terror.” A mix of local and international journalists, academics and business figures will debate the most pressing issues of the early 21st century.
I have just been appointed an Honorary Associate at Macquarie University’s Department of Politics and International Relations. I will participate in some academic activities (lectures, seminars and the like) as well as other university events.
I thank the university for the opportunity.
That’s awesome Ant,
I hope you can get some good conservative journo to participate, so that the event doesn’t get canned by the right as a left wing rally of sorts. Maybe you should even get Tim Blair to show up and practice thinking on his feet. Based on his interview, God knows he needs the practice.
http://www.abc.net.au/queensland/conversations/
Also, it might be an idea to extend an invitation to the AJC, to see if they have the courage to turn up. That way, when they do their drive by attack piece on the event, they can be rebutted by pointing out that they were invited to join, but declined.
At past Middle East Centre events, people like Ron Weiser (spelling) have given up their time to put across an Israeli perspective in various seminars. The NSW JBD also used to send a youngish PR dude along to do the same thing.
I always found them insightful and a nice counterbalance to what the other side was offering. Eg, the MEC would have Ali Kazakh or someone give the Palestinian perspective on Jerusalem one week and Ron Weiser would come along the following week.
Good on you Antony, keep up the good work! We need people like you.
From the Blue Mountains
Lynda