Iraqi veteran and journalist Haider Newmani will present Carleton’s weekly convocation on Friday, Jan. 27 from 10:50 to 11:50 a.m. in the Skinner Memorial Chapel. Entitled “Humanizing War: The Experiences of Soldiers and Civilians During Conflict,” Newmani will share his poignant stories of everyday life in a war zone. His various capacities as journalist, civilian, activist and family man have given him a unique perspective about war as he examines the losses on all sides.
Convocations are free and open to the public; they are also recorded and archived for online viewing at go.carleton.edu/convo/.
Newmani was born under the rule of Saddam Hussein, and lived through four major wars including the Iran/Iraq war, the Gulf war, and the U.S. invasion of Iraq. In later years, working as a journalist, he also witnessed several other conflicts throughout the Middle East and North Africa region.
Newmani’s powerful and fascinating lecture will include poignant and touching visuals from his experience in war-torn Iraq as a citizen of the country and a war journalist. His various capacities as a journalist, a civilian, an activist and a family man have given him a unique perspective about war. He examines the losses of both nations involved in a war. His presentation takes the audience into a journey through every-day-life in a war zone while highlighting the sufferings, challenges, bonds, ironies and human behavior of both; Iraqi civilians and U.S. soldiers caught in the war.
Today, Newmani splits his time between the U.S. and the Middle East and North Africa region, committed to raising awareness among young people about the long-term effects of war, the universality of humanity, and the need for messages of peace and reconciliation. Additionally, he works with an international foundation helping Arab youth to become active members of political discourse through non-violent communication, advocacy and debate.
For more information, including disability accommodations, call (507) 222-4308. The Skinner Memorial Chapel is located at First and College Streets in Northfield.
