Foreign policy expert to discuss war with Iran on Feb. 12

Foreign policy expert to discuss war with Iran on Feb. 12
Political novelist Hannes Artens will speak at the School Without Walls

at 7 p.m.

ROCHESTER, NY — Though recent intelligence reports assert that Iran
halted its nuclear weapons production in 2003, that same document says
the country is capable of producing enough highly enriched uranium for
a nuclear weapon by late 2009 — just in time for one expert’s
premonition of a US war with Iran in 2010.

Hannes Artens, a foreign policy expert, mediation specialist and
conflict analyst whose expertise has affiliated him with the Carter
Center and a think thank advising the German parliament on U.S. foreign

policy, expands on these scenarios in his new political novel, “The
Writing on the Wall.” As part of his cross-country tour, Artens will
offer a free discussion of his book and the current situation in Iran
at the School Without Walls, located at 480 Broadway, on Tuesday, Feb.
12 at 7 p.m.

“My intention is to warn against war with Iran and emphasize the need

for a new approach of engagement,” said Artens. “As I travel the
country and speak to people, I will discuss alternatives for solutions
in the Middle East, as well as the presidential candidates, with the
hopes to affect the issues discussed and questions that are asked. This

ought not to be about likeability, inevitability or John Edward’s
haircut — it’s about vision, new directions in US foreign policy
and
the ability to think outside the box.”

Artens hopes to transform the typical author’s tour into a
coast-to-coast anti-Iran-war platform that will advocate civic activism

and facilitate a broader public participation in the debate on Iran. To

those ends, his speaking engagements are being co-hosted by several
prominent anti-war and peace organizations such as CODEPINK and Global
Exchange. This event is also sponsored by Lift Bridge Books and
Rochester Against War.

“We have already seen how the war in Iraq has polarized this country
and its political parties,” said Artens. “With the primaries in
full
swing, it is important that America’s voters understand the
international climate of today and how their decisions may, or may not,

influence a potential war with Iran.”

This event is free and open to the public. The School Without Walls is
located at 480 Broadway. For directions, visit
www.schoolwithoutwalls.org or call (585) 546-6732. For information
about Hannes Artens, visit www.hannesartens.com.