Director of Middle East Studies to Speak on "The Meta-Narrative of Osama bin Laden"

by Katie Brooks, student newswriter, (254) 710-1961

Dr. Mark Long, director of Middle East studies and assistant professor in the Honor's College, will discuss "The Meta-Narrative of Osama bin Laden" from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, in Draper 116 at Baylor University.

A former Air Force intelligence analyst, Long specializes in contemporary Islamic fundamentalism and the Arab-Israeli dispute and is well-traveled in areas throughout the Middle East, according to the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core web site.

He authored the 2004 book, Saddam's War of Words: Politics, Religion, and the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait, published by the University of Texas Press. Long has also published articles regarding topics on published articles on Islam, jihad, and international terrorism.

Currently, Long is researching the formation of a national security strategy to confront radical Islamists and is working with Dr. Bill Mitchell, former director of the Center for International Education, to help rebuild Iraqi higher education.

Long earned his doctorate degree focusing on political Islam, from Baylor. He is an assistant professor in the BIC, and teaches courses in Middle East politics, American history, writing and rhetoric, ancient civilizations, and contemporary cultures.

Tuesday's presentation is part of The Global Issues Lecture Series, sponsored by the Center for International Education. "The series provides the opportunity for students, faculty and the public to have access to information on current events in the world," said Dr. Lilly Fuertes, series coordinator.

The lecture is fee and open to the public. There will be a Q & A session at the conclusion of Long's presentation, Fuertes said.

With about six lectures per semester, three of the speakers this semester have focused on the Middle East. "In today's globalized world, it is important to keep up with what is going on and to learn about different cultures and people," Fuertes said.

For more information on the Global Issues Lecture Series, contact Fuertes at (254) 710-4531.