Upcoming World Affairs Council Program Delves into “World on Fire” with Journalist and U.S. Ambassador

January 09, 2015

David Ignatius Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker

Old Dominion University will host prize-winning journalist David Ignatius and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker on Jan. 15 for a discussion of the year in review and implications for 2015.

The "World on Fire" lecture is presented through a partnership between the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads and Old Dominion's Graduate Program in International Studies. The 7 p.m. program at the Mills Godwin Auditorium will be preceded by a reception at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

David Ignatius has covered the Middle East and the Central Intelligence Agency for over 25 years. He was a reporter for more than 10 years at the Wall Street Journal before joining the Washington Post where he oversaw the newspaper's Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Ignatius also served for three years as editor of the International Herald Tribune and is author of multiple spy novels, including his most recent: "The Director" and "Body of Lies," which was made into a major motion picture.

Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker is a World Affairs Council board member who most recently served as the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and Afghanistan and previously served as ambassador to four other Middle Eastern countries, including Syria. He has often been cited as the best diplomat of his generation and America's own Lawrence of Arabia and is the recipient of many distinguished service awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the highest civilian award for each of the armed services.

Program registration is available at the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads website or by calling 757-363-3090. Admission is $20 for WAC members, $30 for non-members and free for full-time students, educators and active duty military. The event is free for ODU students and faculty.