Saudi Arabia, Wahhabism and the Spread of Extremism

Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of Wahhabism, the severe, ultra-conservative sect of Islam that, while being Saudi Arabia’s official religion, is the foundation for international terror groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and Boko Haram. In hopes of expanding their influence, the Regime’s efforts are now being focused on European cities, spreading the reach of extremism from East to West. Now, the front lines of the War on Terror aren’t a world away; they’re in our own backyard. Raised in Saudi Arabia before spending much of his life working in the Middle East, Terence Ward will give his unique insight into the culture of extremism, its rapid expansion, and how it can be stopped.

Ward will also discuss the political relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US. He will address the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by the Saudi government and President Trump’s decision not to take harsh action against the country or its leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Ward will also discuss bin Salman’s “progressive” decisions, such as giving women the right to drive, and, in contrast, the recent report by Amnesty International that Saudi Arabia has been torturing human rights activists.

Terence’s recent article in the LA Times about the slaying of journalist Jamal Khashoggi can be read here.

Terence Ward is a writer, producer, and cross-cultural consultant on the Middle East. For 25 years, he has advised companies, foundations and governments. Born in Boulder, Colorado, he grew up in Saudi Arabia and Iran. He received his BA in political science at the University of California at Berkeley. Continuing his studies in Egypt at the American University of Cairo, he specialized in Near Eastern history and contemporary Islamic political movements. Later, he received his MBA from the International Management Institute (IMI) in Geneva. His latest book is The Wahhabi Code: How the Saudis Spread Extremism Globally.

This talk will be moderated by Ani Zonneveld,  founder and President of Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV), an international human rights organization that advocates for social justice and equality for all, a strong supporter of freedom of expression and of conscience, women’s rights and as an ally, LGBTQ rights. Ani promotes these values at the United Nations by challenging human rights abuses in the name of Islam, and by offering an inclusive understanding based on universal human rights and justice.

Seating is first come, first served. VIP seating will be provided for Board and IC members.

Please reserve no later than 12:00 pm on Tuesday, December 18. Cancellations must be made by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, December 18 in order to receive a refund.