http://www.nationalreview.com/script/printpage.p?ref=/letters/letters200603270715.asp

Columbia hosted the first major delegation of scholars and policy analysts from Libya in 25 years at an academic conference exploring the prospects for democracy, March 22 and 23.

Prompted by the thaw in U.S.-Libyan relations under the administration of George W. Bush, the two-day program was designed to reintroduce Libya’s academic community to the United States.

The conference featured more than 50 university professors, researchers, and analysts, including a number of younger social scientists from Libya who never before had an opportunity to engage with their American counterparts.

There wass no funding by the Libyan government. Travel expenses from Libya and a videoconference call from Libya by Muammar al-Qaddafi was supported by the cosponsors. The conference was co-sponsored by Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., Tripoli’s Green Book Center, and al-Fatah University.

Sincerely, Mariellen Gallagher

Mariellen Gallagher
Columbia University
Deputy Director, Public Affairs
New York, N.Y.