Controversial Kuwaiti Filmmaker Talks Middle East and More

An event titled “Turning Motion Picture into Emotion”, sponsored by GWU’s Institute for Middle Eastern Studies, saw award-winning Kuwaiti filmmaker, Walid Al-Awadi, discuss his documentaries on 9/11, Iraq and Afghanistan Wednesday. Walid’s 1995 chronicle of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait earned him the "Best International Film" award at the Houston Film Festival and his latest film, "Tora Bora," recently premiered at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

Initially trained as engineer, one of the two jobs deemed acceptable by his parents, Walid found his true inspiration through filmmaking. Inspiration, he argued, is the most important thing in life and despite facing a “red” bank account on more than one occasion, he remained  committed to the trade.

Walid spoke about his determination to cover the events of September 11th despite voiced concerns that, as a Kuwaiti national, such an undertaking would be too controversial. Despite the success of his initial project, PR reps told Walid to expect 100 people for his screening of ‘Dreams Without Sleep’ at the Lincoln Center in New York City. However, Walid played the film to a packed audience. 

Well-received in the West, Walid nevertheless faced some criticism back in Kuwait for a perceived ‘pro-American’ approach.

For Walid filmmaking is about the characters. "Dreams Without Sleep" told the stories of five people’s different experiences during the events of 9/11. Walid’s recent film ‘Tora Bora’ followed the story of two parents searching for their son who fled to Afghanistan to join a terrorist network.

More information on Walid’s latest project, ‘Tora Bora, can be found here.

Iraqi Ambassador Speaks On Rebuilding

The Iraqi Ambassador to the United States spoke to an audience of students, faculty and diplomats Monday night at the Jack Morton Auditorium. His Excellency Samir Sumaidaie spent about a half hour addressing the audience about how Iraq has arrived at this point in history and his thoughts on Iraq's continued reconstruction.

The International Affairs Society and The Elliot School's Institute for Middle East Studies cosponsored the event. Elliot School Professor and former United States Ambassador Edward Gnehm introduced the speaker of honor.

Sumaidaie's speech came just weeks before he is set to step-down-from his post. He began the speech by reflecting on the history of Iraq. He also told the audience about his own life, which included growing up in Baghdad and living in The United States for 26 years, from 1977-2003, while in exile from Iraq.

"I was not prepared for what I saw when I returned," Sumaidaie said of his 2003 return to his homeland. "I did not even recognize the people as the people when I left."

Iraq has been making progress in reconstructing the country since then, according to the ambassador.

"Iraqis are beginning to feel and exercise their power of choice," he commented.

Sumaidaie spent the second portion of his speech, and the question and answer session following his talk, describing where he thinks Iraq is today. With just a few months until the scheduled removal of the last remaining U.S. troops in the country, His Excellency said that Iraq will reach its ultimate goal of becoming a strong country, but it still has challenges. Interference from neighboring countries and internal problems like corruption, violence, ignorance, education and health care currently pose obstacles on the path to recovery.

"We have a good chance but we're not out of the woods yet," Sumaidae bluntly said.

His Excellency also discussed his vision for the future of the relationship between the United States and Iraq. He explained his belief that the United States and Iraq will reach a deal before the end of the year that will keep a small number of U.S. troops in Iraq to continue training Iraqi forces. He also feels that the relationship between the United States and Iraq won't be affected going forward, even if there is a change in US presidency.

The ambassador did emphasize that he wants to see the U.S.- Iraq relationship extend beyond a military partnership.

"We need American companies to come [to Iraq]," His Excellency commented. He suggested American companies could begin to do this by establishing business relationships with Iraqi companies as a way to become more involved in the Iraqi economy.

He explained that he wants to see continued and further engagement from United States politicians, diplomats, reconstruction experts and businesses in the country.

The Iraqi people's demand for democracy has a direct link with the Arab Spring, Sumaidaie said.

"There is a feedback loop [between Iraq and the Arab Spring]. Iraq has affected the Arab Spring and the Arab Spring has affected Iraq," he said.

Following the event, the ambassador stayed to meet audience members at a reception.