Dr. Marcus Smith

On Tuesday, September 17 the Granville Historical Society will welcome Dr. Marcus Smith, a graduate of Purdue University and an adjunct member of the faculty of Columbus State Community College. Dr. Smith's presentation will focus on the the Iran/Saudi-Arabia rivalry and how that rivalry is driving conflicts throughout the Middle East. Dr. Smith views this rivalry as a prime example of how religious claims and religious language are employed in struggles that are ultimately about power and influence.

Born and raised in Ohio, Dr. Smith's deployment to Iraq in 2005 with the U.S. Army sparked his interest in the history and cultures of the region.  As a Middle East specialist, he observed that U.S. foreign policy is often made and understood by Americans in terms of inaccurate notions of how Middle Eastern politics and society functions. As a Middle East Specialist, he aims to educate better informed leaders, activists, and citizens to promote more productive U.S. engagement in the region and healthier relations with U.S. immigrants from the Middle East.

This program is free and open to the public and is a part of the Granville Historical Society's “History as Background” series. The program begins at 7:00 PM on Tuesday evening, September 17 in the meeting room of the Granville Historical Society Museum, 115 East Broadway in Granville, Ohio. Interested readers can learn more about Dr. Smith by visiting his website at https://marcusesmith.weebly.com/.

WHEN: Tuesday, Sep. 17, at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Granville Historical Society Museum, 115 East Broadway

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC