The Spiro Ark together with STAND WITH US presents: "Voices from the Middle East: Muslims, Arabs and Others"

The Spiro Ark together with STAND WITH US are hosting a series of informative and compelling sessions with speakers whose lives and professions are closely tied to the Middle East. These by-weekly lectures offer those attending, the opportunity to listen to fascinating personal stories of courageous individuals that tell a different story from the perception we have of the Middle East portrayed by the mainstream media.

At present the Middle East is in a turmoil as a wave of revolutions sweeps across the region, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. This series will address the relevant issues facing today's Middle East, such as the Islamisication and radicalisation of the region, the strategic dynamics that are now shaping the area, the continuing struggle of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the hope for democracy and political reform within the Arab world.

The lectures by various individuals hailing from the Middle East will challenge and re-address misconceptions through the personal experiences of the speakers.

Amongst the themes to be dealt with are:

• How do people growing up in the Middle East become indoctrinated and radicalised into a life of terrorism?
• For those caught up in a life of radical Islam is there a way out and can the forces of moderation and peace prevail?
• What is the ideology of the Islamic Terrorist organisations?
• Is there freedom of speech and academic freedom of expression in the Middle East and what impact does the region have on our universities in Britain?
• What is life like for Israeli Arabs living in Israel?
• What threat does Shia Iran pose to the Sunni Arab States and for the future peace and stability in the Middle East?

The Series will begin at the Spiro Ark in Mid-May. Seats are limited. Book your tickets online or over the phone.