Introduction of M.J. Akbar

Remarks by John J. DeGioia
“From Iraq to Afghanistan: The Arc of Turbulence”
Presentation and Discussion with M.J. Akbar
Riggs Library
Georgetown University
March 24, 2009


Thank you, Tom for that kind introduction…as well as for the tremendous work you do at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs to advance interfaith and interreligious dialogue—and promote peace. You’ve provided extraordinary leadership at the Center.

And good afternoon to everyone. It’s my extreme pleasure to welcome you to today’s presentation and discussion with the great M.J. Akbar.

Our topic, “From Iraq to Afghanistan: The Arc of Turbulence,” examines a region fraught with unique political, cultural, and religious challenges—challenges of increasing importance to peoples, communities, and governments across the globe. The ongoing violence…the continuing threats to regional and global stability…and the presence of nuclear weapons are all reasons in themselves to demand the investment of our political, intellectual and economic resources. But the unique convergence—of all three factors—make the engagement of our world community even more significant at this moment in time. The Obama administration and its allies have, of course, made the region one of their highest priorities.

With this in mind, we are honored to be joined today by an extraordinary individual—a prolific writer…a provocative thinker…a leader who revolutionized journalism in his home country of India…someone with great insight into the “Arc of Turbulence.”

M.J. Akbar began his career in the early 1970s, as trainee with the Times of India, and was quickly identified as a rising star. He reported and edited extensively for some of India’s top publications, and by the time he was 28, launched the magazine, Sunday—effectively his country’s first political weekly—and the daily newspaper, The Telegraph—which is known as India’s first modern paper.

He also entered Indian politics when he served in the Indian Parliament from 1989 to 1991.

And upon returning to journalism, he founded India’s first global newspaper, The Asian Age. An astounding success, the newspaper now has a major presence both domestically and internationally, and together with The Deccan Chronicle—of which he is also editor-in-chief—boasts eight editions, from Mumbai to London. And just last year, he established yet another publication, a fortnightly journal, Covert, which seeks to breath new life in political reportage with its in-depth investigations of power and public life.

Throughout his incredibly productive and prolific career as a journalist and publisher, Mr. Akbar has written several highly acclaimed books, which include: Nehru: The Making of India…Kashmir: Behind the Vale…India: the Siege Within…Riot After Riot…Byline…The Shade of Swords…and the most recent, Blood Brothers, a memoir.

Through his reporting and his scholarship, he has helped many of us grapple with some of the most challenging issues of our day—from secessionist movements and political upheaval in Kashmir…to the rise and the future of democracy in India…to the history of Islamic jihad worldwide. Today, he will continue his fine work, discussing a very timely topic—the geopolitical consequences of America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their potentially volatile implications in Iran, Pakistan, and our global community at-large.

I know this is a topic in which many of you have deep interest—and insight. And I believe that Mr. Akbar’s expertise, thoughts and questions will not only bolster and enrich this—but will also inform future discussions which will be essential to addressing the challenges of this important topic.

It is therefore, with great pleasure—and great hope—that I introduce to you one of our great public intellectuals, Mr. M.J. Akbar…