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Join our Great Decisions discussion group to talk about critical global issues facing America today. Each meeting begins with a 30-minute film on the discussion topic and is followed by a facilitator-led discussion.
Topic Description: The war in Gaza has brought the region to a crossroads. What are the possible outcomes of the war, and how might the United States use its influence to shape a long-term settlement that leaves both Israel and the Palestinians in a better position? How might Arab states in the wider region be brought into a settlement? What are America’s interests in the Middle East and how can it advance them?
Facilitator:
Patrick Connell is a career member of the United States Senior Foreign Service. He has served as the Senior Diplomatic Fellow at UNF since August 2024, where he teaches foreign affairs, international relations, and global hotspots. Previously, he was the Senior Advisor to the Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs and before that was the Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See from January 2021 to April 2022 and Deputy Chief of Mission beginning July 2020. Prior to the Vatican, Mr. Connell led a team of diplomats, USAID officers, and U.S. Army Special Operations Forces inside Syria.
Earlier assignments include as the Political and Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus; the Senior United Kingdom and Ireland Desk Officer at the State Department in Washington, D.C.; a Political Officer at the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; a Political-Military Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq; the Human Rights Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece; a Consular Officer and Political-Economic Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne, Australia; and as an Assistant Public Affairs Officer at the then U.S. Office in Pristina, Kosovo. Before joining the State Department, Mr. Connell was a practicing attorney who served as a state prosecutor.
Mr. Connell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and English from Villanova University and a Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law.
About Great Decisions:
Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book (optional), and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss critical global issues facing America today. Each meeting begins with a 30 minute film on the discussion topic and is followed by a facilitator-led discussion.
Registration is required for this event, and must be completed two hours prior to the start time. A library card and PIN is required for registration. If you do not have a card, click HERE to obtain one.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1–2 business days to process. Last-minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Services at 255-2665 or email JPLPrograms@coj.net.
