Siblani.

FLINT — Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News, will speak at a panel discussion entitled Syria: Internal Political Turmoil and Regional Interests” on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The discussion will provide a better understanding of the internal and regional Syrian conflict and its implications on American policy making.

The Arab American Heritage Council (AAHC) is holding the event at the Riverfront Center.

Dr. Haytham Manna will also speak on the panel. Manna is a medical doctor, an academic, writer, human rights activist and until recently, deputy head of the National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change and the body’s representative abroad.  

Siblani was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame last year and is the recipient of the “Spirit of Diversity in Journalism Award” from Wayne State University.  

Manna and Siblani are both prominent figures in Arab American and political subjects. 

Manna.

AAHC Executive Director Mona Sahouri said the program is not only very much needed— because a large portion of the community still doesn’t have a clear understanding of the Syrian conflict and its implications on communities— but it is also highly anticipated as well, due to its timely relevance, its controversial nature, and the high profile speakers who agreed to speak on the panel. 

“The panelists were chosen through an organizing committee that carefully consulted with several community members and university professors that are considered to be of highest authority on Middle Eastern Studies and on the Syrian issue in particular,” Sahouri said. 

“After a long and attentive study and debate, the organizing committee made its recommendation to the AAHC’s Board of Directors to invite both Dr. Haytham Manna and Mr. Osama Siblani as panelists to the event.” 

She said the recommendation was based on the speakers’ impressive personal track records, educational credentials and the distinct and unrelated opinions that they hold in regards to the Syrian conflict— providing for different viewpoints and high quality educational experience.

The AAHC’s board of directors voted unanimously in favor of the committee’s recommendation.   

Siblani is in favor of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government with necessary reforms, while Manna is a opposition activist who opposes military intervention in Syria. 

There has been some controversy surrounding the speakers. Some people feel the panelists don’t represent a fair and balanced view of all sides and positions of the conflict. 

“We invite all of our community members to participate in our educational event and express their views in a civil and constructive manner,” Sahouri said. 

For more information, please contact: mona@aahcflint.org.