Writer for The New Yorker to discuss US foreign conflicts
George Packer
Where: Watson Theater, Menschel Media Center
When: Today at 4 p.m.
How much: Free
George Packer, a staff writer at The New Yorker, will highlight the connections between President Barack Obama, Afghanistan and Vietnam in a lecture in Watson Theater on Thursday at 4 p.m.
The lecture, titled ‘An American Dilemma: Obama, Afghanistan and Vietnam,’ is the second in the 2010 Syracuse Symposium, an annual lecture series. This year’s lectures are focusing on the theme of ‘Conflict: Peace and War,’ regarding the meaning of conflict and the roots of opposition, according to the symposium’s website.
The series is meant to engage the Syracuse community in discussions about conflict and where opposition comes from.
Packer is an award-winning journalist who has been covering the Iraq War for The New Yorker since 2003, according to the website. He has also written two books chronicling his experiences in the Middle East. One of his novels, ‘The Assassin’s Gate: America in Iraq,’ was named the best book of 2005 by The New York Times. His latest book is titled ‘Interesting Times: Writings from a Turbulent Decade.’
In addition to writing long-form narrative journalism, Packer has taught writing at Harvard, Bennington and Columbia.
Heather Brannelly, a sophomore religion and psychology major, said she plans on attending Packer’s lecture.
‘I think that he’s a good choice for a speaker,’ Brannelly said. ‘His background is impressive. I’m looking forward to what he has to say.’
Published on September 15, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Contact Alexandra: adhitzle@syr.edu | @LexieHitzler
