A training course in strategic communication, first module
The first module of the course was conducted between the 20th of September and the 8th of November 2014. Thirty specialists in communication, public relations and media, from the private sector, the public sector and NGOs took the course.

 
Dr. Abdul Karim Bargouthi, Director of IALIIS, opened the lecture by referring to the interest of IALIIS in discussing issues that fall under the national and intellectual arena. He also emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, respecting the minds of the public and seeking to provide information based on scientific basis.

 
Professor Cramer began by explaining how there is a global discourse and organization change around the so called “liberal peace”. He also discussed that there are three sets of ideas combined with four rationales for international actors: liberal peace thesis, security development axis, and rediscovery of the state. Regarding aid, Professor Cramer discussed how aid in a post conflict society is more effective than any other aid. He also shed light on the political, economic and socio transitions of post war countries.

 
This lecture was held in memory of the thirtieth anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacre and during this lecture Dr. Abdel-Jawad reviewed two documentaries on the heinous massacre that was carried out for three days (from Thursday September 16, 1982 until Saturday September 18).

 
Professor Hazareesingh discussed the oral history of the French resistance in the 1940’s, he also shed light on how we use oral history in the case of the French resistance. Moreover, he referred to some of the literature that on the gathering and organizing of oral testimonies concerning the French resistance, from Henri Michel to H.R Kedward.

 
The FMRU at the IALIIS hosted Lex Takkenberg - Chief, Ethics Office at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Takkenberg presented an overview of the UNRWA and Palestinian refugees after its 60th anniversary. During the course of his presentation, he pondered the most vital actions of the UNRWA during the six decades of its existence and its vital role in providing assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.