The Middle East Institute is proud to host author Asher Kaufman in a discussion of his recent article in The Middle East Journal, "'Let Sleeping Dogs Lie:' On Ghajar and Other Anomalies in the Syria-Lebanon-Israel Tri-Border Region." In the article, Dr. Kaufman examines the Arab village of Ghajar, divided between Israel and Lebanon in 2000 by the Blue Line, marking the Israeli line of withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Using maps and archival documents, Dr. Kaufman demonstrates that the entire village had been under Syrian control until 1967, when Israel occupied the village along with the Golan Heights.  This new evidence could have a dramatic impact on Israeli/Syrian negotiations over the area.  Dr. Kaufman argues that the village should remain undivided as part of any peace deal returning the Golan, and the village of Ghajar, to Syria.

BIO:
Asher Kaufman is Assistant Professor of History and Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. His recent publications include “Forgetting the Lebanon War? On Silence, Denial and Selective Remembrance in Israel of the First Lebanon War,” in Efrat Ben Ze’ev, Jay Winter, and Ruth Ginio, eds., Shadows of War: The Social History of Silence in the Twentieth Century (Cambridge University Press, forthcoming, 2010); “From the Litani to Beirut: Israel’s Invasions of Lebanon, 1978-1985: Causes and Consequences,” in Clive Jones and Sergio Catignani, eds., Israel and Lebanon 1976-2006: An Interstate and Asymmetric Conflict in Perspective (Routledge, 2009).He is currently working on a book manuscript on the Syria-Lebanon-Israel tri-border region.


Because of the popularity of MEI programs and limited seating, MEI anticipates a capacity audience for the program.  MEI wishes to accommodate all registered guests but will give MEI members and supporters priority seating.  We encourage you to become an MEI member if you wish to avoid sitting in the overflow room. Early arrival for all is encouraged.