A First Hand Report: Assad, ISIS, Obama & US Middle East Policy: A Talk by Reese Erlich

Reese Erlich’s history in journalism goes back over 40 years. He first worked as a staff writer and research editor for Ramparts, an investigative reporting magazine published in San Francisco from 1963 to 1975. Today he works as a full-time print and broadcast, freelance reporter. He reports regularly for National Public Radio, CBC, ABC (Australia), and Radio Deutsche Welle. He is special correspondent for GlobalPost. His television documentaries have aired on PBS stations nationwide.

Mr. Reese’s new book is Inside Syria: the Back-story of Their Civil War and What the World Can Expect, published by Prometheus Books and distributed by Random House. Through vivid, on-the-ground accounts and interviews with both rebel leaders and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, journalist Reese Erlich gives the reader a better understanding of the complex dynamics underlying the Syrian civil war and why it matters.

Through his many contacts inside Syria, the author reveals who is supporting Assad and why; he describes the agendas of the rebel factions; and he depicts in stark terms the dire plight of many ordinary Syrian people caught in the cross-fire. The book also provides insights into the role of the Kurds, the continuing influence of Iran, and the policies of US leaders who seem interested only in protecting US regional interests.

The program is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment and co-sponsored by American Friends Service Committee, Arlington Justice with Peace, Massachusetts Peace Action, and Newton Dialogues on Peace and War.

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