The kickoff event of The New Middle East: Challenges for U.S. Foreign Policy series, this panel will discuss Iran’s future with the international community. Panelists will include Ambassador William H. Luers, Director, The Iran Project; former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela and Czechoslovakia; former President, United Nations Association; Admiral Eric T. Olson, Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (ret.); Ambassador Frank G. Wisner, former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt, Zambia, India, and the Philippines.

Featuring:

Ambassador William H. Luers, The Iran Project; former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela and Czechoslovakia; former President, United Nations Association

Mr. Luers had a 31 year career in the Foreign Service and in addition to his ambassadorships held numerous posts in Italy, Germany, the Soviet Union, and in the Department of State. He is an active member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Read more.

Admiral Eric T. Olson, Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (ret.)

Mr. Olson’s overseas assignments include service as a United Nations military observer in Israel and Egypt and as Navy Programs officer in Tunisia. He has also served operationally in an Underwater Demolition Team, SEAL Team, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team, Special Boat Squadron, and at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and has commanded at every level. Read more.

Ambassador Frank G. Wisner, former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt, Zambia, India, and the Philippines

Mr. Wisner has served as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and as Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs. He was appointed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as the country’s special representative in the Kosovo Status Talks in 2005 where he was instrumental in negotiating Kosovo’s independence. Read more.