Join us Thursday, August  18, 2022 at 9:00 am for our monthly Coffee With the Curator. This month our speaker is Wichita State University assistant professor of history Linda Ballout.

"The Best of Enemies: The United States' Relationship with Iran" Synopsis

This talk will discuss a few essential moments in the history of the U.S. relationship with Iran and Iraq at the end of the 20^th century in order to consider how and why conflict has been an essential element of these relationships. This talk will highlight a few significant themes of conflict, important moments of cooperation, and the ways in which each nation has created powerful narratives of the others as “enemies” in ways that often serve domestic political needs and make it more difficult to reduce confrontation.

About Linda Ballout

Laila Ballout is an Assistant Professor of History at Wichita State University. Her research examines the U.S. relationship with the Middle East at the end of the 20^th century. She is currently working on her book “Saving Lebanon: the American and Lebanese pursuit of intervention in the Lebanese Civil War, 1975-1990.” At WSU she teaches courses in 20^th century U.S. Foreign Relations, the Modern Middle East and Immigration History.

Join us in-person or online

Choose from two ways to join the presentation:   

• In-person: Join us at the Museum of World Treasures for Linda's live, in-person presentation! Face coverings are optional while in the Museum. No need to register — simply walk in! Coffee and tea, generously provided by The Spice Merchant - Wichita's Gourmet Coffee & Tea Roaster, and pre-packaged refreshments provided. Admission: $4 for nonmembers, Members are free!
• Virtually via YouTube Livestream (link will be sent to members via email).