BEMIDJI, Minn. — Dr. Mary Hrenchir will explore the origins of conflict in the Middle East during a 10 a.m. Academy of Lifelong Learning lecture on Tuesday, April 7.

Open to the public at no charge, the 90-minute session will be held at the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation, located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North.

An associate professor of history at Bemidji State University, Hrenchir notes that the Middle East is a huge geographical area with a large population in a strategic part of the world. It is the birthplace of three major religions and plays a significant role in the world economy with its vast oil resources.

“It is not surprising that so much attention focuses on the affairs of this region,” she said. “Still, it is a distant and sometimes strange region with a violent history. The purpose of this presentation is to identify the larger themes and policies that have lent themselves to various conflicts.”

Hrenchir describes the 20th century Middle East as a product of the forces of Western imperialism and colonialism and examine how these forces align with the rising tide of nationalism to create a framework for understanding the recurring violence that defines the area. She will also discuss geopolitical and geographical issues as well as religious diversity as contributing factors.

“This topic is of utmost interest for obvious reasons,” Hrenchir noted. “The United States is directly engaged in the violence of the region. It is also committed to the cessation of violence and the maintenance of peace. If this is to be achieved, it is essential that we understand the origins of conflict in the Middle East.

“In particular, the West, through both its historical as well as contemporary relationships in the region, needs to acknowledge its central role in creating, sustaining and continuing the conflict.”

A member of Bemidji State’s history faculty since 1992, Hrenchir received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California and both a master’s and doctorate from the University of Nebraska. At Bemidji State, she has taught courses ranging from world religions to the Islamic world.

Coming Up
The lecture series will conclude on April 14 when Mark Papke-Larson, North Country Health Services chaplain, discusses medical ethics and prioritizing the decision-making process when making life choices.

The Academy of Lifelong Learning offers humanities-based programs made possible in part with private donations and support from Bemidji State University. Individuals who wish to be added to the ALL mailing list or have questions about this program should contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; e-mail, cri@bemidjistate.edu; or at http://www.cri-bsu.org.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
April 7 – 10 a.m. – Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation hosts Academy of Lifelong Learning lecture on the Middle East conflict. Presenter: Dr. Mary Hrenchir, associate professor of history, Bemidji State University. Location: CRI; 3801 Bemidji Ave. N., Bemidji, Minn. Cost: free. For information: (218) 755-4900; (888) 738-3224; http://www.cri-bsu.org.