Mideast Peace Talks, Syrian Refugees and SU Connection

The Feb. 20 session of TMR will feature Charles Benjamin, president of the Near East Foundation, who will discuss the Mideast Peace Talks, Syrian refugees and the connection these issues have with Syracuse University.

Benjamin has more than 20 years of experience in international development, with extensive experience in community development and natural resource management throughout the Middle East and Africa. He also served in Morocco as a Fulbright scholar, conducting research on traditional irrigation systems and agricultural development in the Draa Valley, and as a Peace Corps volunteer, teaching at Hassan II University in Casablanca. Prior to becoming president of NEF in January 2010, he was a senior manager with the International Resources Group, an international development consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., where he managed USAID-funded development projects in the Middle East and Africa. He holds a Ph.D. in natural resources and environment from the University of Michigan, with a focus on decentralization and local institutional development in West Africa.

TMR meets from 8:15-9:15 a.m. at Drumlins, 800 Nottingham Rd, Syracuse.

TMR is a community program of University College of Syracuse University.

Website: www.uc.syr.edu/community/tmr

Contact Person: Sandra Barrett, director of community programs, 315- 443-4846, email cps@syr.edu