George W. Bush Presidential Center “Wave of Freedom” Conference In recent months, the world has witnessed dramatic expressions of freedom across the Middle East. Touched off by Mohamed Bouazizi, the 26–year–old Tunisian fruit vendor who set himself on fire to protest an attack on his economic liberty, millions of brave men and women have demonstrated their commitment to a future rooted in freedom. These events reconfirm that the desire for freedom is universal.
One of the first dramatic signs that the Middle East status quo was in doubt occurred two years ago in Tehran. Responding to fraudulent presidential elections, thousands of Iranians joined together using cell phones, social networking sites and traditional methods of nonviolent civil resistance to decry a stolen opposition victory.
Though police ultimately suppressed the protests with violence, the Green Movement’s cutting–edge demonstrations — along with other recent freedom movements, such as Lebanon’s Cedar Revolution — undoubtedly gave inspiration to the protests in Tunisia and Egypt, which in turn have strengthened the resolve of freedom advocates in the Middle East and beyond.
As the wave of freedom spreads across the Arab world, what early lessons can be learned for those who seek democracy in countries like Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, Syria and Burma? Activists, technology experts, government leaders and scholars will address this question by analyzing the challenges and successes of recent uprisings, enhancing understanding of technology’s role and considering the impact on those who still struggle for freedom around the world.
Agenda
12:00 — 1:00 p.m
Welcome
The Honorable James K. Glassman
Executive Director, George W. Bush InstituteRemarks
President George W. Bush
Dr. Condoleezza Rice
Thomas and Barbara Stephenson
Senior Fellow on Public Policy, Hoover Institution
Professor of Political Science, Stanford University
Former U.S. Secretary of State
Chair, George W. Bush Institute Advisory Board1:00 — 1:30 p.m.
A Conversation with Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim Via Video-Teleconference
Democracy and Human Rights Activist
Professor of Political Sociology at
The American University in CairoModerated By
Carl Gershman
President, National Endowment for Democracy1:45 — 2:45 p.m.
What Really Happened?
Social Media and the Uprisings in the Middle East2:45 — 3:45 p.m.
The Future of Freedom in the Middle East
Stories from the Frontlines4:00 — 4:15 p.m.
Remarks
Mrs. Laura Bush4:15 — 5:15 p.m.
Beyond the Arab World
Gauging the Impact on Other Undemocratic RegimesClosing
Amanda Schnetzer
Director of Human Freedom, George W. Bush Institute
I sent the info to my sister in Texas and asked her to pass it on to others she thinks would be interested. Wish I could go, but it is just too far.