UW-Green Bay hosts forum on Egyptian democracy

Nearly 150 people attended an open forum in the University Union on Wednesday (Feb. 2) to address recent events in the Middle East, especially the anti-government demonstrations in Egypt. UW-Green Bay Prof. Katia Levintova (Public and Environmental Affairs) was the moderator of the forum which was sponsored by UW-Green Bay’s Center for Middle East Studies and Partnerships. Panelists included visiting scholar Salameh Naimat, professor of history and dean of students at the University of Jordan, and two Egyptian students at UW-Green Bay, Mohamed Zakarya and Saeed Dahroug.

The panelists agreed that government reform is needed in Egypt. Both students agreed with the general consensus that corruption has plagued the government in their homeland for decades. But they also noted that in spite of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s announcement that he will step down, many are concerned he may try to retain power. The students said the support of the American people is important to the success of the demonstrations. The panelists also spoke about the impact the protests are having on other countries in the region and on the relationship between the U.S. and Egypt.

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Photos by Kimberly Vlies,
Office of Marketing and University Communication