Islamic Scholar Examines Aftermath of Terrorist Attack in Lawrence University Lecture

APPLETON, WIS. -- One of the country's leading scholars on Islam shares his perspective on Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network al-Qaeda, why there is such deep-seated hatred for America throughout much of the Middle East and what challenges America faces in its global war on terrorism in an address at Lawrence University.

John Esposito, the founding director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, presents, "The U.S., Global Terrorism and Islam," Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in Science Hall, Room 102. The event is free and open to the public.

Esposito has written more than two dozen books on issues related to Islam, including "The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?," "Muslims on the Americanization Path" and "Islam and Politics." He also serves as editor-in-chief of the "The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World."

A former president of the Middle East Studies Association of North America, Esposito spent 20 years teaching at the College of Holy Cross before joining the faculty at Georgetown University. In addition to directing the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, he is professor of Islamic studies and professor of religion.