How does a devote Muslim, living in the West, manage to purchase a car or a house and still follow the principles of the Koran that prohibit paying or receiving interest? Our guests will discuss how their financial institutions approach these concerns for Muslim clients.

Tuesday, July 31
Topic: The Future of the ABM Treaty
Guests: Tom Zamora Collina, Union of Concerned Scientists
            John Steinbruner,  Center for International and Security Studies 

President Bush and Russian President Putin have agreed to hold talks on the missile – defense shield and a reduction in strategic nuclear weapons. The United States wants to abrogate the 1972 ABM Treaty. The rest of the world doesn’t agree. Our guests will discuss the issues 
surrounding the Treaty and why there is such a dichotomy of thought on it.

Wednesday,  August 1
Topic: The 21st Century and the Crisis of Meaning
Guest: William Van Dusen Wishard, WorldTrends Research

During the 1980s, Wishard was an assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce writing on global competitiveness, international trade, and U.S. economic policy. In his new book, Between Two Ages:The 21st Century and the Crisis of Meaning, Wishard writes about the agnitude of these changes and considers whether the human race is headed in the right direction.

Thursday,  August 2
Topic: Teaching International Affairs
Guests: TBA

A group of high school teachers will talk about the problems they face teaching international affairs in today’s quickly changing world and what they do to keep up with world affairs.

Friday,  August 3
Topic: China
Guest: Gordon Chang, lawyer, and author

In his book, The Coming Collapse of China, Chang, contends that China’s impending accession to the World Trade Organization, when it will open itself to increased foreign competition, will lead to disaster. Chang brings two decades of work experience in China to his writings.