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For help contacting the expert listed below, contact Chad Austin, NC State News Services, at 919/515-3470.

July 14, 2006

NC State Professor Available to Discuss Israel-Lebanon Conflict

The current conflict between Israel and the Lebanese military and political group Hezbollah stems from social and political tensions in the region, and not merely the capture of Israeli soldiers, according to a North Carolina State University history professor.

Dr. Akram Khater, professor of Middle Eastern history at NC State and an expert in Lebanese politics, says the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers were calculated steps by Hezbollah and Hamas to assert power in the region. Khater also says Israel’s military response reflects the country’s political and military doctrine which stipulates the nation cannot appear weak. Although Israel’s response was strong and swift, the results only lead to increased hatred of the Jewish state, deepening of the conflict and more long-term problems in the region.

Additionally, Khater says the United States is the only nation that can resolve the conflict, but U.S. military operations in Iraq, coupled with strained relationships with Iran and Syria create challenges in bringing about a resolution.

Khater is available to discuss these and other issues related to the current events in the Middle East. Khater can be reached by phone at 919/513-2218 or email at akram_khater@ncsu.edu.