Thursday 20 September 2012
Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building, LSE
On 20 September, the Middle East Centre held a one-day conference on Syria. Eighteen months after public demonstrations began in the country, the conference, featuring four panels and a keynote address from former Syrian National Council chairman and Université de la Sorbonne Nouvelle Professor Burhan Ghalioun, explored the dynamics of the key domestic forces influencing the struggle: the regime, the opposition, the economy and the Syrian people.
The conference was supported by the RCUK Global Uncertainties Programme| and the Centre for the Study of Democracy, University of Westminster|.
VIDEO RECORDINGS OF ALL CONFERENCE PANELS AND THE KEY NOTE ADDRESS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE MEC BLOG|.
Conference Programme (subject to change) - download PDF|
Syria Conference Programme
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08.00 – 09.00
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Registration
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09.00 – 09.15
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Welcome Address
Professor Fawaz Gerges|, LSE
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09.15 – 11.00
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Panel 1 – Inside The Regime
The makeup of the Syrian Leadership, the Military and Shabiha, Business Networks and Alawis
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What went wrong with the Bashar Al-Assad Presidency?
Dr Christopher Phillips|, Queen Mary University
Read the transcript|
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The Military Balance of Power: The State of the Syrian Army
(Retired) Bridgadier General Akil Hashem|
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How Regional and International Factors Impact the Syrian Conflict
Ghayth Armanazi|, Political Analyst and Former Arab League Ambassador
Read the transcript|
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11.00 – 11.30
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Tea & Coffee
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11.30 – 13.00
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Panel 2 – Inside the Opposition
The Nature and Dynamics of the Various Opposition Groups and Movements, Focussing on those Inside Syria
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The Syrian Opposition: A Balance Sheet
Rime Allaf|,Chatham House
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The Syrian Opposition: A View from the Inside
Suheir Atassi|, National Council of the Damascus Declaration for Democratic Change
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Armed Groups in Libya: A Comparative Look
Brian McQuinn|, Oxford University / Centre on Conflict, Development and Peace Building
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13.00 – 14.00
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Lunch
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14.00 – 15.30
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Panel 3 – Identity in Syria
The Complex Influences on Identity and Allegiance and how these May Affect the Course of the Struggle
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Violence as a Modality of Government in Syria
Professor Salwa Ismail|, SOAS
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Divide, Terrorise and Rule in the Syrian 'Black Hole State'
Dr Abdelwahab El-Affendi|, University of Westminster
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The Islamist Elements within the Syrian Uprising
Dr Thomas Pierret|, University of Edinburgh
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15.30 – 16.00
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Tea & Coffee
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16.00 – 17.30
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Panel 4 – The War Era: Economic & Sociological Implications
The Interplay of the War and the Economy on Syrian Society
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The State of the Economy: How Long Can Syria Survive?
Jihad Yazigi|, The Syria Report
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The War Toll: Life for Ordinary Syrians
Stephen Starr|, Journalist
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17.30 – 18.30
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Keynote Address
Lessons Learned: Taking Stock of the Opposition Journey
Professor Burhan Ghalioun|, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle
Read the transcript|
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18.30
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Close of Conference
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