THURSDAY * Jan. 20 * 7PM
UMass Campus Center Room 803
1. Revolution in Tunisia: Tunisia is in the midst of the first social revolution in the Middle East since the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The revolt that has overthrown the U.S backed dictator Ben Ali will have definite consequences for the surrounding countries. As one prominent Egyptian blogger has written, "Every Arab leader is watching Tunisia in fear. Every Arab citizen is watching Tunisia in hope and solidarity."
However, the struggle in Tunisia is far from over. While Ben Ali, the figurehead of the dictatorship, has been forced to flee the country, it remains to be seen whether ordinary Tunisians will be able to consolidate their gains and build a genuinely democratic society. Nevertheless, the working class and its allies in Tunisia have shown the immense social power of the oppressed in the Middle East.
Join us for a discussion of these historic events and their implications in the coming weeks and months.
Check out these articles for more background on the subject:
2. Brainstorming session on building the socialist movement at UMass: Palestine solidarity work, budget cuts organizing, and projecting the ideas of revolutionary socialism will be key themes of this discussion, but folks should also share other ideas they have for organizing in the spring semester. Come one, come all!
3. Political announcements
After the meeting, we will be heading over to Amherst Brewing Company to continue the political conversation.
