DATES: 6:30 p.m. March 14; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 15, 2008.

EVENT: The Shia, Modernity, and the Legacy of Musa al-Sadr: A symposium to discuss the roots of Shiite activism in the Middle East and the legacy of the Iranian-born Lebanese cleric Imam Musa al-Sadr whose dramatic 1978 disappearance cut short a national movement for Shiite rights in Lebanon.

From the activities of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon to the Sadr militias in Baghdad and the nuclear ambitions of Iran, the presence of Shiite Muslims in the greater Middle East makes headlines daily. For centuries, however, the Shiites were a quiet minority without a voice. What changed and how did the Shiites take center stage from Lebanon to Iran? Scholars from the United States, Canada and Europe will come together to discuss these issues.

Given the University of Michigan’s proximity to the largest Arab population outside the Middle East, Ann Arbor provides a unique venue to bring together historical Shia scholars to discuss one of its most renowned leaders.

Augustus Richard Norton, professor of international relations and anthropology, Boston University, and renowned expert on Hezbollah will present the keynote address. All events are free and open to the public.

PLACE: The March 14 keynote address is in the Anderson Room of Michigan Union.

The March 15 event is at Assembly Hall, Rackham Graduate School, 915 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor.

SPONSORS: U-M Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies with support from the U-M Islamic Studies Initiative.

Related Links:

• Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies