Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum will kick off its fall lecture series on September 16 with Middle East: War, Women and Struggle featuring CNN senior international correspondent and Middle East specialist Arwa Damon.

Damon has spent much of 2021 reporting from Iraq and Syria. "Her award-winning reporting on the humanitarian crisis in Syria has proven to be essential, helping viewers understand the human toll of the ongoing conflict," according to IAF. Damon is president and co-founder of the International Network for Aid, Relief, and Assistance (INARA), a non-profit that“provides life-altering medical care for children from conflict areas who have catastrophic injuries or illnesses.

Damon’s appearance will be livestreamed with a moderator on stage in Milliken Auditorium starting at 6pm. Audience members can stream directly to their own device ($10 suggested donation) or watch the livestream in person at Milliken Auditorium (tickets $15 at the door.)

The fall IAF season continues with the following events:

Oct. 21: Russia: Conflict, Cooperation or Containment? featuring Vanessa Acker, head of political unit, office of Russian Affairs, U.S. State Department. 6pm.
Nov. 16: Mexico: Migration, Trafficking and Trade featuring former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Argentina Anthony Wayne. 6pm.

Livestream links and ticket details for in-person lectures will be shared at tciaf.com when available. The IAF is also accepting new members for the 2021-22 season. Membership starts at $100 for individuals or $160 for families and includes in-person and livestream access to all regular season events.