ITHACA, N.Y. -- The crisis in the Middle East is an issue dominating today's news and public concern. On Friday, June 7, at Cornell University, a distinguished faculty panel will discuss the region's explosive developments during the annual Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Lecture.

The Olin Lecture, a significant event during Cornell's Reunion 2002 weekend, will be held at 3 p.m. in Bailey Hall on campus. It is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.

The Cornell faculty panelists for the forum, titled "The Middle East Crisis: Reflections on the Israeli-Palestinian Impasse," will be: Ross Brann, the M.R. Konvitz Professor of Judeo-Islamic Studies and chair of the Department of Near Eastern Studies; Peter Katzenstein, the W.S. Carpenter Jr. Professor of International Studies in the Department of Government; and University Vice Provost Isaac Kramnick, the R.J. Schwartz Professor of Government. The forum moderator will be President Hunter Rawlings.

The panelists will offer their reflections on the suicide bombings, Israel's retaliation and the conflict's impact on international relations and American politics. Equal time will be provided for questions and comments from the audience.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation established the Olin Lecture in 1986. The lecture, which has become an annual highlight during Cornell Reunion, brings to the campus speakers to address topics relevant to higher education and the world situation.

Another panel discussion, also free and open to the public on Friday, June 7, during reunion weekend, will center on events following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Cornell faculty panelists Samer Alatout, assistant professor of Near Eastern studies; Jonathan Kirshner, professor of government; Barry S. Strauss, professor of history and classics and director of the Peace Studies Program; and David Wippman, professor of law, will engage in a roundtable discussion titled "The Aftermath of 9/11," from 1 to 2 p.m. in G08 Uris Hall. The event is sponsored by the Einaudi Center for International Studies and the Peace Studies Program.

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