In the literary field Rihani was a unique figure in the early 20th century. He enriched English with translations of such Arab poets as Imru’ul-Qays and Abu’l-Ala’ al-Ma’arri, and enriched his own culture by transmitting the ideas of Carlyle and the American Transcendentalists through his Arabic writings. The subjects he covered were not merely literary, but ranged from modern American painting to Russian ballet. Rihani also demonstrated great foresight in his choice of political and social issues upon which to concentrate. He corresponded with King Abdu’l-Aziz ibn Sa‘ud about the implications of the discovery of oil in Arabia, the politics of the region, and the chief obstacles to Arab unity. He also wrote a penetrating study of Iraq in which he discussed the unresolved Kurdish problem. He thus dealt with issues of crucial political and cultural importance, both in the West and in the Middle East, issues which were destined to have a continuing impact on world affairs right up to the present day. But although Rihani was a dedicated liberal, his idealistic approach was tempered with a very down-to-earth realization of the need for an ordered, disciplined society. His opposition to blind fanaticism, coupled with a profound respect for tradition, gave him a common-sense stance which remains an important legacy for Lebanon and the Arab world. It was no accident that Rihani was the man called upon to represent Arab interests at several international conferences. The significance of Rihani’s work can scarcely be lost on modern day scholars and politicians alike. Some of the answers to the problems of today were provided by him over half a century ago, only his voice was heard but not listened to. There is surely no more crucial contemporary issue than the importance of East/West relationships, something Rihani not only realized but did his utmost to promote. His work, therefore, deserves consideration on two levels: in the context of the prevailing atmosphere of the times in which he lived, and in the light of present-day issues on which his influence still has an enduring bearing. It may be in the interest of all of us to heed his warnings and listen to his advice.
T HE A MEEN R IHANI A NNUAL L ECTURE S ERIES
The Arab World: Extremism or Reform? a lecture by
DR. SAAD EDDIN IBRAHIM Professor of Sociology and Leading Human Rights Activist Chairman of the Board, Ibn Khaldun Center for Development Studies organized by
THE GEORGE AND LISA ZAKHEM KAHLIL GIBRAN CHAIR FOR VALUES AND PEACE at the Center for Heritage Resource Studies University of Maryland in association with
MIN AJL LUBNAN
Friday, 4 December 2009 Dinner 7:00pm Lecture 8:30pm University of Maryland Inn & Conference Center Designed by Farinaz Firouzi farinazfirouzi@gmail.com