Contact IFES and USIP for event and ticket information.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)
The United States Institute of Peace invites you to:
ONLINE DISCOURSE IN THE
ARAB WORLD:
Dispelling the Myths
At the United States Institute of Peace
1200 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 200036
Main Conference Room
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Live video stream and online discussion at http://origin.usip.org/arabblogs/
Please join USIP's Center of Innovation for Science, Technology, and Peacebuilding when we present findings from an unprecedented, comprehensive mapping of the Arabic-language blogosphere, exploring its implications for political change and conflict in the Middle East.
At this event, Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet & Society will present for the first time its new report on the Arabic-language blogosphere. The unprecedented application of cutting-edge social network mapping analysis to more than 10,000 blogs from 18 countries will change your view of political and cultural discourse in the Arabic-speaking world.
The report provides fresh insight to questions of critical concern as a new U.S. Administration strives to engage the Arab and Muslim worlds:· To what extent is the Internet an organizing tool for extremist organizations, versus a vehicle for building a robust civil society?
· How do the diverse people of the Arab world – young and old, men and women, radical and reformist – express their hopes for themselves, their nations, and their faiths?
· How does online discourse and organization vary under repressive regimes, democratizing nations, and active conflict zones?
Daniel Brumberg, Director of USIP’s Muslim World Initiative, and Saad Ibrahim of Voices for a Democratic Egypt will discuss the evolution of online discourse in the Arab world, and implications for attempts by the Obama Administration and the international community to bring peace and stability to the Middle East. Bloggers from throughout the Arab world will also contribute their first-hand perspectives on the political impacts of online discourse in their communities.
Following on their groundbreaking 2008 analysis of the Iranian blogosphere, Berkman’s research shows how dialogue on the Web is revolutionizing grassroots political activism in countries where the traditional mass media is heavily constrained by the state. Because of the interactive nature of blogs, we can see the conversations that used to take place only in coffee houses and living rooms. By understanding authentic online conversation among Arabs, in Arabic, this research will put to rest tired stereotypes about a radicalized, monolithic “Arab Street.”
Speakers
Bruce Etling and John Palfrey, Harvard University, Berkman Center for Internet & Society
John Kelly, Morningside Analytics
Daniel Brumberg, Georgetown University, Acting Director of USIP's Muslim World Initiative
Saad Ibrahim, Voices for a Democratic Egypt
Raed Jarrar, Iraqi Blogger, Raed in the Middle
Sheldon Himelfarb, United States Institute of Peace (Moderator)
Bloggers from throughout the Arab world will also participate live, online and via video, including Fouad al-Farhan (Saudi Arabia), Laila El Haddad (Palestine), Amira Al Hussaini (Bahrain), Anas Qtiesh (Syria), and Nora Younis (Egypt).
We will be streaming the event live online at http://origin.usip.org/arabblogs/
This event is part of the Center’s ongoing “Blogs and Bullets” initiative examining the relationship between online discourse and violent conflict.
Media Inquiries
Please contact Lauren Sucher (lsucher@usip.org) in the USIP Office of Public Affairs and Communications.
*Online attendees will be provided an email reminder with link to the online live video and audio stream of the event.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is an independent, non-governmental organization providing professional support to electoral democracy. Through field work, applied research and advocacy, we strive to promote citizen participation, transparency, and accountability in political life and civil society
The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan institution established and funded by Congress. Its goals are to help prevent and resolve violent international conflicts, promote post-conflict stability and development, and increase conflict management capacity, tools, and intellectual capital worldwide. The Institute does this by empowering others with knowledge, skills, and resources, as well as by directly engaging in peacebuilding efforts around the globe.
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