UT begins discussion program

The Great Decisions Discussion Program offers the public opportunities to learn about world affairs and discuss significant foreign policy issues on eight consecutive Wednesdays. Discussion groups focus on different topics each week when they meet at noon in the Taylor Auditorium of Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College. The meetings began Jan. 17 and will continue every Wednesday through March 7.

Each week, with the assistance of a facilitator and articles in the comprehensive Briefing Book, participants will discuss a current foreign policy topic. The Briefing Books contain an article on each of the eight issues to be discussed and are now available for purchase at the Library for $13.

Great Decisions 2007 is sponsored jointly by the Tyler Branch of the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters of Tyler, and the Tyler Public Library. The meetings are free and open to the public. Coffee and tea will be provided; participants may bring their lunch. For more information about the event, call the Tyler Public Library at 903-593-READ (7323).

The issue and discussion leaders are:

Jan. 24 - Mexico, Dr. Daniel Murphree, UT-Tyler

The results of Mexico's presidential election were nearly too close to call. Some of the questions addressed this week are: How will this result affect the new Mexican administration's policies? Can Felipe Calderón successfully reform Mexico's policies on energy, trade and border security and strengthen relations with the United States?

Jan. 31 - Migration, Dr. Guillermo Covarrubias, UT-Tyler

The movement of people across international borders can be initiated by conflict, economic reasons or the chance to achieve political freedoms. Migration issues have taken center-stage in the U.S. and EU, as citizens increasingly worry about job security and terrorism. Some of the questions addressed this week are: What are the advantages and disadvantages for countries that are affected by migration?

Feb. 7 - Middle East, Dr. Edward Tabri, UT-Tyler

Although the U.S. will remain closely en- gaged in Iraq during the next year, other factors have emerged to challenge stability in the region. Iran's nuclear program, the outcome of the conflict in Lebanon, and Israeli- Palestinian negotiations will all play a key role. Some of the questions addressed this week are: How will these issues shape the Middle East?

Feb. 14 - Children's Rights, panel led by Jackie Littleton, AAUW

Ensuring the safety and proper development of children is the stated goal of the global community, yet in some countries, children are exposed to unsafe labor practices, human trafficking, and participation in combat. Some of the questions addressed this week are: What role do private donors, governments and international organizations play in ensuring health care, education and safety for the world's children?

Feb. 21 - South Africa Dr. Ibiyinka Solarin, Texas College

South Africa is the most developed country in Africa and has been an active leader on the continent, yet is still struggles with major issues in the post-Apartheid era. Some of the questions addressed this week are: What are the political challenges facing South Africa? What impact is the AIDS epidemic playing on South Africa's economy and society?

Feb. 28 - Climate Change, Dr. Shajaat Ali, UT-Tyler

Some of the questions addressed this week are: How much are human practices contributing to substantial and irreversible changes to the environment? What effect are changes to the climate having in different areas of the planet? What response can the international community adopt to lessen the impact of dramatic climate change?

March 7 - Central Asia, Dr. Marcus Stadelmann, UT-Tyler

Rich in energy supplies and strategically located, the five countries of Central Asia attract attention from the Middle East, China, Russia and the United States. Some of the questions addressed this week are: How will international competition for energy supplies affect each country? What are U.S. interests in the region?