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.

<p>Foreign policy expert to discuss war with Iran on Feb. 12<br /> Political novelist Hannes Artens will speak at the School Without Walls</p> <p>at 7 p.m.</p> <p>ROCHESTER, NY — Though recent intelligence reports assert that Iran<br /> halted its nuclear weapons production in 2003, that same document says<br /> the country is capable of producing enough highly enriched uranium for<br /> a nuclear weapon by late 2009 — just in time for one expert’s<br /> premonition of a US war with Iran in 2010.</p> <p>Hannes Artens, a foreign policy expert, mediation specialist and<br /> conflict analyst whose expertise has affiliated him with the Carter<br /> Center and a think thank advising the German parliament on U.S. foreign</p> <p>policy, expands on these scenarios in his new political novel, “The<br /> Writing on the Wall.” As part of his cross-country tour, Artens will<br /> offer a free discussion of his book and the current situation in Iran<br /> at the School Without Walls, located at 480 Broadway, on Tuesday, Feb.<br /> 12 at 7 p.m.</p> <p>“My intention is to warn against war with Iran and emphasize the need</p> <p>for a new approach of engagement,” said Artens. “As I travel the<br /> country and speak to people, I will discuss alternatives for solutions<br /> in the Middle East, as well as the presidential candidates, with the<br /> hopes to affect the issues discussed and questions that are asked. This</p> <p>ought not to be about likeability, inevitability or John Edward’s<br /> haircut — it’s about vision, new directions in US foreign policy<br /> and<br /> the ability to think outside the box.”</p> <p>Artens hopes to transform the typical author’s tour into a<br /> coast-to-coast anti-Iran-war platform that will advocate civic activism</p> <p>and facilitate a broader public participation in the debate on Iran. To</p> <p>those ends, his speaking engagements are being co-hosted by several<br /> prominent anti-war and peace organizations such as CODEPINK and Global<br /> Exchange. This event is also sponsored by Lift Bridge Books and<br /> Rochester Against War.</p> <p>“We have already seen how the war in Iraq has polarized this country<br /> and its political parties,” said Artens. “With the primaries in<br /> full<br /> swing, it is important that America’s voters understand the<br /> international climate of today and how their decisions may, or may not,</p> <p>influence a potential war with Iran.”</p> <p>This event is free and open to the public. The School Without Walls is<br /> located at 480 Broadway. For directions, visit<br /> <a href="http://www.schoolwithoutwalls.org">www.schoolwithoutwalls.org</a> or call (585) 546-6732. For information<br /> about Hannes Artens, visit <a href="http://www.hannesartens.com">www.hannesartens.com</a>.</p>