Rethinking the Future: The Next Five Years in Iraq

[Guest Eagle's Nest]

This two day symposium will tackle several of the key issues likely to face Iraq over the next five years. Topics of discussion include Partition, Transitional Justice, Displaced Persons, Islamic Law & the Constitution, Water Rights, and Direct Participation in Hostilities. Also scheduled is a screening of the documentary Meeting Resistance, a thrilling behind the scenes look into the lives and minds of the insurgency. A Q&A session with the film's Directors will follow the screening. Confirmed participants include Chief Investigatory Judge Raid Juhi of the Iraq High Tribunal, Tom Farer, Claudio Grossman, Michael Scharf, Roberta Cohen, Ann Mayer, Robert Goldman, and Paul Williams, as well as senior representatives from the Brookings Institution, UNHCR, UNAMI, USIP, PILPG, Department of Defense, and the International Red Cross.

 

Sponsored by the American University International Law Review and the Public International Law & Policy Group

 

Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff & General Public – no charge

(registration is required)

 

Program includes a private screening of the award‐winning documentary Meeting Resistance and a Q&A with the film’s Directors.

 

What would you do if America was invaded? MEETING RESISTANCE raises the veil of anonymity surrounding the Iraqi insurgency by meeting face to face with individuals who are passionately engaged in the struggle, and documenting for the very first time, the sentiments experienced and actions taken by a nation's citizens when their homeland is occupied. Voices that have previously not been heard, male and female, speak candidly about their motivations, hopes and goals, revealing a kaleidoscope of human perspectives. Featuring reflective, yet fervent conversations with active insurgents, MEETING RESISTANCE is the missing puzzle piece in understanding the Iraq war. Directed by Steve Connors and Molly Bingham, this daring, eye-opening film provides unique insight into the personal narratives of people involved in the resistance exploding myth after myth about the war in Iraq and the Iraqis who participate. Through its unprecedented access to these clandestine groups, MEETING RESISTANCE focuses the spotlight on the "other side", clarifying why the violence in Iraq continues to this day and providing a deeper understanding of both the toll of occupation and the human condition of resistance.

 

American University, College of Law, 4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 6th floor

12:15pm

 

We filmed Meeting Resistance around the streets and alleyways and ubiquitous teashops of Adhamiya. Much of the look and feel of the film derives from the necessity of working within the challenges and security issues inherent to the project itself. We used in-camera techniques to conceal the identities of the individuals we interviewed - more for our own protection than theirs - and attempted to do so in a way that didn't eliminate the body language and attitude of character that is so important to understanding the human condition. We are grateful to the people of Adhamiya who unfailingly received us with warmth and their own particular brand of generous hospitality.

 

Ultimately we feel Meeting Resistance raises as many questions as it answers but in doing so it makes a vital contribution and informs the debate on Iraq. We hope this film inspires others to ask those questions. - Steve Connors and Molly Bingham

 

 

 

12:15 – 2:15pm

 

American University, College of Law, 4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 6th floor

Monday, February 11th