Former prime minister of Israel expected to draw 3,200

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will discuss controversial issues surrounding the volatile Middle East at 7:30 p.m. today in the IU Auditorium. \nBarak, considered to be the most decorated soldier in Israel's history, served as his country's prime minister from 1999 to 2001 while heading the Labor Party. Much of his tenure focused on the peace process. As prime minister, Barak ordered the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from South Lebanon, ending Israel's 18-year presence there. He also led efforts to negotiate peace agreements -- first with Syria and later with the Palestinian Authority -- with the active participation of then-U.S. President Bill Clinton and his administration, according to an IU press release for the event. \nBarak was a top choice of the Union Board's lecture committee, said Emma Cullen, public relations director for the Union Board. She said his visit has taken several months of planning and preparation. \n"Mr. Barak was on the list of potential speakers, and the committee voted to invite him in July," she said. \nStrict security procedures will be in place for the lecture, Cullen said. All attendees will be searched with metal detector wands, and bags will not be allowed inside the auditorium. Small purses will be searched but are allowed. \nEven with the restrictions, the Union Board leadership anticipates a full house. \n"The Auditorium seats 3,200 people, and we are expecting 3,200 people," Cullen said. \nGraduate student Alison Behling said she is interested in hearing someone of Barak's stature speak on campus.\n"The Middle East conflict is one of the crucial issues of our time, and every viewpoint on this issue needs to be explored, especially when these are comments from someone with his role and experience," she said. \nThe event is free and open to the public, but tickets must be reserved in advance and reservations are limited to two per person. Tickets are still available today, according to the IU Auditorium Box Office, and are also available at the door. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 855-1103.