Panel to examine US relations

The IU College Republicans is sponsoring an "Axis of Evil" panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Georgian Room at the Indiana Memorial Union. \nThe discussion consists of three panelists who will examine U.S. foreign relations with Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. Panelists include former U.S. Ambassador James R. Lilley, trial lawyer and Iraqi activist Feisal Istrabadi, and professor of Near Eastern languages and cultures John Walbridge. \nLilley has previously served as a U.S. ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of South Korea. He is currently a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research where he researches China, Taiwan and Korea. Lilley, who will offer expertise on North Korea, was invited to IU by his great-niece, a member of the CRs. \n"He's doing it because he feels it will be beneficial to the student body," CR Press Secretary Lucretia Fernandez said. \nIstrabadi is an Iraqi-American who has provided testimony to the U.S. Congress and spoken at several universities. According to CNN, he has worked with other Iraqi-Americans alongside the Pentagon toward designing a post-Saddam Iraq. Istrabadi, who will provide expertise on Iraq, currently practices law in Chicago.\nCR President Angel Rivera said the CRs wanted to provide some expert information for students because they feel many of them are quick to form opinions without substantial arguments about U.S. foreign policies. Rivera said there has never been a more important time for this discussion.\n"Our nation is at a crossroads in foreign policy and it is important that Americans understand the history and present situation facing our country," he said. "The College Republicans want to open up the discussion with the best information possible, so we assembled this amazing team of experts."\nFernandez said the panelists will be able to explain the complex relationships between these countries and the U.S. He also said though the discussion is sponsored by the CRs, the panelists will not represent any party affiliation.\n"These speakers don't necessarily have a connection to any party, they are just three experts in areas that will be very interesting and beneficial," she said.\nFernandez said the panelists will each have 10 minutes to speak and questions from the audience will be allowed after each speech. She said the discussion should last at least an hour and everyone is welcome to attend.