Challenges of the Middle East: The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process -- with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert

Richard & Judith Guggenhime Speaker

Challenges of the Middle East: the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel

One of the most influential leaders in Israel's recent history, Ehud Olmert became Prime Minister with a vision of achieving prosperity through peace. In 2006, following the debilitating stroke suffered by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Mr. Olmert was elected to the position of prime minister, resolving to advance the focus on peace, prosperity and international diplomacy. Under his leadership, Israel reduced casualties from terror attacks to the lowest in decades and expanded economic growth in the country. As prime minister, he forged intimate relationships with prominent world leaders, included George W. Bush, Gordon Brown, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Angela Merkel among others. Having recently stepped down as prime minister, Mr. Olmert will discuss some of the world's most difficult and complex issues: the challenges facing the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Richard & Judith Guggenhime Speakers

As part of an ongoing effort to provide the Bay Area with more access to information on global issues, the World Affairs Council of Northern California launched the Richard and Judith Guggenhime Speaker Programs in 2006. This is made possible through a generous grant from the Stanley S. Langendorf Foundation in the name of Richard and Judith Guggenhime, and brings world-renowned experts to the Bay Area. Interviews take place in a relaxed, conversation-style setting for unusual, unscripted remarks and integrates questions from the live audience during the evening.

Watch and listen to the program recording or visit our online archive for other event recordings.