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Spring 2007Joscka Fischer introduced by John Efron, photo copyright 2007 by Eric Gillet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joschka Fischer introduced by IES Director John Efron

Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer
In April popular Former Foreign Minister of Germany (1998-2005) and Green Party member Joschka Fischer spoke on “The Future of the Middle East: What’s at Stake for America and Europe?” in a talk sponsored by IES. To an overflowing audience in Stephens Hall, Ambassador Fischer was introduced by IES Director Prof. John Efron and discussed his views of the current situation in the Middle East. He commended efforts by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others in the US government to break the bilateral diplomatic silence between the US and its adversaries by speaking directly with players in the region (such as Syria).

Fischer argued that the US-led invasion of Iraq has led directly to an increasing influence of Iran in the region. For countries in the Middle East the focus has been taken off the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the current biggest potential threat to countries in the region such as Saudi Arabia and Syria, for instance, is Shia-dominated Iran, due to its population, Shia majority, historical dominance in the area, and regional ambitions. He stressed that each issue in the Palestinian-Israeli dispute has been negotiated literally hundreds of times, and what is lacking is the will from the US administration and others to encourage the parties to come to a lasting agreement. He also feels the US should actively engage others in the Middle East for collective help in containing Iran, as well.

IES was honored to host Ambassador Fischer.

-- Photo © 2007 Eric Gillet

Fall 2006
Irish Studies Lectures Online
The Western Institute of Irish Studies has kindly posted videos of two Irish Studies lectures given at Berkeley this Fall -- one on old Irish histories by Jane Ohlmeyer and the other on the contemporary Irish economy by Paul Sweeney. Go here to view the videos (Real Player is required and can be downloaded free).
July 2006
IES Welcomes Director John Efron

Director John EfronJohn Efron, Koret Professor of History and Jewish Studies and Chair of the Program in Jewish Studies, takes over the directorship of IES as the new academic years begins.

His academic focus is on the cultural and intellectual history of modern Jewry, with emphasis on the Jews of German-speaking Europe. He is the author of Medicine and the German Jews: A History (2001), Jewish History and Jewish Memory: Essays in Honor of Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi (1998), and Defenders of the Race: Jewish Doctors and Race Science in Fin-de-Siècle Europe (1994). IES looks forward to his leadership and wishes him a warm welcome.
Brunhilda and Gerry, Going Away Party   July 2006
Goodbye, Gerry!

IES Director for over a decade, Gerald D. Feldman stepped down in July 2006. To say thanks, IES surprised him with a going away party, replete with opera. View images from the event ....
Sir David King Discussion September 2005
Sir David King Discusses Climate Change

The September conversation on Climate Change with Sir David King, Chief Scientific Advisor to the British Government, was one of the best attended events in IES history. Read more...

Read or listen to Sir David's interview with Professor Harry Kreisler earlier that same day: Click here for the interview.

International Law Conference October 2004
International Law Conference

This IES Panel Discussion on Humanitarian Intervention drew a huge audience. Read about the event...

September 2004
CBS Reception
The Center for British Studies hosted its Second Annual Fall Reception at the Alumni House. Read more...

Goodbye Germany?
Migration, Culture and the Nation State. An IES Conference from October 28-30, 2004. Read more...
Fall Festival 2004 IES Fall Festival 2004
Join the staff of IES for its annual fall reception. This is a great way to get to know the staff and affiliates of IES, as well as learn more about the many programs, events and grants we offer. Friday, October 22, 4-6 pm. More info...


September 2004
Michael Minkenberg Berkeley-Viadrina Cooperation Program
This informal presentation, hosted by Michael Minkenberg, introduced the cooperation program that has existed between Berkeley and Viadrina for 2 years now. View pictures...
Heidenreich week at Berkeley Art Museum, on view through October 3, 2004. More info...

July 2004
IES and EU Studies
IES has taken the lead in creating one of the foremost programs for undergraduate students in European Union Studies. This initiative began in the Spring of 2004 with a course on the European Union, taught by Michelle Bertho, who has taught EU Studies at the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University, and is the program coordinator of IES’ France-Berkeley Fund. Read more...

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