Most accomplished Public Servants in their respective nations as well as two of the most astute analytical observers of the middle east and its prospects. I live in abu dhabi right now and ill tell you it has been a challenging year for businesses in the region, for political folks, for government entities, and if you if you look at it in a snapshot, you paint a picture of all sorts of challenges and obstacles, many of which we are discussing at this conference. Parsons has been in this region for 60 years. Theres 4,500 of us over there right now. I think we tend to take perhaps a longer term view or open a little bit about whats going on in the region. If you do that, i think you can find some signs of promise. I think if you actually examine some of the structural developments under way, theres reason for optimism. I see promise in the embrace of Smart Technology throughout that region. And if you doubt me, go visit dubai and see what theyre doing in terms of integrating digital tech
The counsel have displayed have really helped bring together the u. S. And the arab world, particularly the araben gulf. The programs brought together really help build very important bridges between the United States and the arab world. When we talk about the middle east its too tempting and too easy to focus on the challenges and the problems. So i generally appreciate the efforts to highlight the best of their world and expose countries ask americans to the best of our culture, people and our leaders. Its important to show how we are building a positive path forward for your future. And dr. Anthony, i want to say this on behalf of everyone here, thank you. We are grateful to everything you and the council does to build these bridges every day. [ applause ] another very big thank you goes to our guest of honor, general votel, who i have the honor of introducing today. General votel is very much in the present taking on some of the biggest challenges. From syria, iraq to afghanistan h
Thank you. Im conscious that i am the second introducer and the final act before the main event, so i promise ill be brief. But let me start with bill, and thank you for that lufblly grukz. But i want to give a special thank you to dr. John duke anthony. Hes been one of the most active prow ponents for people who care about this region together. Not just in this conference but all the time. And the leadership that he and the counsel have displayed have really helped bring together the u. S. And the arab world, particularly the araben gulf. The programs brought together really help build very important bridges between the United States and the arab world. When we talk about the middle east its too tempting and too easy to focus on the challenges and the problems. So i generally appreciate the efforts to highlight the best of their world and expose countries ask americans to the best of our culture, people and our leaders. Its important to show how we are building a positive path forward
By russian outfits under anonymous accounts, and they were politically divisive as, ads, not necessarily aimed at one candidate or another but sowing divisiveness on charged topics. Announcer 1 watch on cspan 2. Secretary of state Rex Tillerson and the Qatari Foreign minister spoke in delhi. Doha. He responded to questions about Iraqi Security and the ongoing blockade of qatar and what was imposed by the middle east states. Michelle kellerman from npr. Yes, hi. I have a question about kikuk. How much are you worried about the iranians taking parts of kirkuk, and what is next with the kurds . They feel abandoned by the administration. Tell me what you tried to do to head off the referendum and how you deal with the situation now. Rex tillerson with respect to in iraq, thence Prime Minister is in full control of his country. He is in full control of the movement. Certain military operations. We have encouraged restraint and of any type of conflict between forces involving either of the k
General joseph votel, who is in charge of u. S. Central command. He talks about his role as centcom commander and how partnerships in the middle east are important to u. S. Interests. Hosted by the National Council on u. S. Arab relations. This is 25 minutes. [ applause ] thank you, bill. Thank you. Im conscious that i am the second introducer and the final act before the main event, so i promise, ill be brief. But let me start with bill. And thank you for that lovely introduction, but i want to go and give a special thankyou to dr. John duke anthony. Dr. Anthony has been one of the most active proponents for bringing people who care about this region together, not just through this conference, but all the time. And the leadership that he and the council have displayed have really helped bring together the u. S. And the arab world, particularly the arabian gulf. The great pramst that have been organized by the National Council, such as the Model Arab League and the the study abroad pro