Spring Break
NT prof discusses U.S.-Iran relations
Chris Le
Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: NEWS
Michael Greig of the political science faculty lectured Tuesday on the relations between America and Iran and the difficulties leaders have in alleviating issues between the two.
Greig received his doctorate from University of Illinois and researched international conflict security and conflict management in the Middle East, he said. He also participated in academic projects concerning the future of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The 90-minute lecture involved an in-depth review of U.S. and Iranian relations, concerning the history of the two countries, current problems, a nuclear Iran, regional stability, U.S. strategy, containment, conflict simulations and possible discussions between the two.
Greig emphasized the failure of current U.S. policy to modify Iranian nuclear development, regional destabilization and its pro-Hezbollah and Hamas stance.
He also discussed prospects of a nuclear Iran and the differing views within the academic community in terms of U.S. response and regional consequences.
He said America does not take Iran's perspective on the U.S. military buildup in the region surrounding Iran.
The U.S. "views its own actions through its own eyes," he said.
He also touched on different views of Iran and the different strategies necessary to deal with its government. He said the current relationship with Iran could only be repaired with President-elect Barack Obama's policy of negotiation and incremental talks.
He said that the new administration would seek to improve communications through the establishment of diplomatic relations.
"It's fun to talk policy with students at a time where we can expect to see significant changes in American foreign policy," Greig said, "so I think it's important to talk about it now."
Greig said the number of people who attended the lecture shows how active and interested NT students are in politics.
"I'm impressed with the turnout," he said. "I think it's consistent with NT, the students are very interested in politics and international relations, and it's a really good place to be when talking about issues."
Many students came away from the event satisfied with Greig's information.
"I wanted to see a magical solution, but there wasn't," biology senior Tomi Fatunde said. "Now, I appreciate the complexity of the situation."
Greig received his doctorate from University of Illinois and researched international conflict security and conflict management in the Middle East, he said. He also participated in academic projects concerning the future of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The 90-minute lecture involved an in-depth review of U.S. and Iranian relations, concerning the history of the two countries, current problems, a nuclear Iran, regional stability, U.S. strategy, containment, conflict simulations and possible discussions between the two.
Greig emphasized the failure of current U.S. policy to modify Iranian nuclear development, regional destabilization and its pro-Hezbollah and Hamas stance.
He also discussed prospects of a nuclear Iran and the differing views within the academic community in terms of U.S. response and regional consequences.
He said America does not take Iran's perspective on the U.S. military buildup in the region surrounding Iran.
The U.S. "views its own actions through its own eyes," he said.
He also touched on different views of Iran and the different strategies necessary to deal with its government. He said the current relationship with Iran could only be repaired with President-elect Barack Obama's policy of negotiation and incremental talks.
He said that the new administration would seek to improve communications through the establishment of diplomatic relations.
"It's fun to talk policy with students at a time where we can expect to see significant changes in American foreign policy," Greig said, "so I think it's important to talk about it now."
Greig said the number of people who attended the lecture shows how active and interested NT students are in politics.
"I'm impressed with the turnout," he said. "I think it's consistent with NT, the students are very interested in politics and international relations, and it's a really good place to be when talking about issues."
Many students came away from the event satisfied with Greig's information.
"I wanted to see a magical solution, but there wasn't," biology senior Tomi Fatunde said. "Now, I appreciate the complexity of the situation."
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bw
posted 11/19/08 @ 11:25 AM CST
The lecture was sponsored by Model International Organization (MIO).
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