A punt for an up-coming event:
Diverse ethnicities and religions have existed in the Middle East and North Africa since ancient times. Today, however, many minorities are deprived of their rights and some even struggle to survive.
For the first time ever, on Thursday 18 September 2008, Armenians, Assyrians, Alawites, Bahais, Baluchis, Berbers, Bidoons, Copts, Jews, Kurds, Maronites, Mandaeans, Turkeman, Yazidis, (even Shiites and Sunnis in some countries) will share a platform at the Khalili lecture theatre, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London WC1, to discuss the plight of minorities.
Entrance to the event, hosted by the London Middle East Institute in association with Harif is free (7pm, refreshments from 6.15pm), just turn up early on the night.
Masri Feki will deliver the keynote speech: Why Minority Rights are the Key to Pluralism and Peace in the Middle East.
Masri Feki is a Cairo-born Coptic rights activist, political scientist, columnist and author of several books on the Middle East. He is the founder of the Middle East Pact, a Paris-based group which aims to bring the communities of the region together.
