The Shia Democratic Alternative

Challenging Iranian Clerical Rule to Bring Peace and Security to the Middle East”

The Henry Jackson Society cordially invites you to a Parliamentary discussion on “The Shia Democratic Alternative: Challenging Iranian Clerical Rule to Bring Peace and Security to the Middle East” with special guest speakers

– Sheikh Mohammad Kazem Al-Khaqani (founder member of the campaign to forge commitment to democratic governance in the Shia world) and

– Adel Assadinia (former Iranian diplomat and Member of the Majlis).

The meeting will be chaired by Gisela Stuart MP.

The meeting will introduce the concept of the Shia Democratic Alternative being pursued by Sheikh al-Khaqani and its potential to bring peace and security to the Middle East by undermining Iranian theocratic rule. Mr Assadinia will also be using his intimate knowledge of the Iranian regime to shed light on its activities in supporting extremist groups throughout the region and its hitherto unsuspected role in Dubai.

Date Tuesday 20th March2007

Time 3pm-4.15pm

Venue The Grimond Room, Portcullis House, Houses of Parliament, London

Sheikh Mohammad Kazem Al-Khaqani is the son of the late Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Taher Al-Khaqani,a leader of the Arab population of Ahwaz (Khuzestan province in Iran). Sheikh Al-Khaqani is continuing his father’s work in opposing the Iranian regime and the principle of Velaayat-e-Faghiih governance by religious jurist). He is building a Shia Democratic Alternative with like-minded Shia leaders.

Adel Assadinia was Iran’s Consul General in Dubai before he defected. He had also served two terms as a Majlis member for Ahwaz, was Vice-Chairman of the Majlis Foreign Affairs Committee, was adviser to the Foreign Minister under the Khatami administration and had served as Iran’s Ambassador to Portugal.

Please RSVP to Alan Mendoza on alan.mendoza@henryjacksonsociety.org