Dubai is among the five international cities that the Democratic Party of the US has chosen as venues for a digital video conference on the foreign policy positions of the democratic candidate on the Middle East.  Jerry Hagstrom, a political analyst and a senior leader of the Democratic Party will engage media persons  and policy specialists from the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Denver between 4 p.m.- 6.30 p.m. on Monday, August 25 at the Dubai School of Government.

The program, held by Dubai School of Government in association with Dubai Press Club and the American Center for Press and Cultural Affairs at the US embassy, will offer the participants an opportunity to discuss with the representative of the Democratic Party on issues of concern to the Arab region and the foreign policy approaches of the democratic presidential candidate Barrack  Obama. The US Consul General Paul Sutphin and a host of media personalities will participate in the live video conference.

Jerry Hagstrom will also answer questions from the participants on a wide range of issues pertaining to Barrack Obama's approach to the Middle East. Jerry Hagstrom is the author of a number of books. He has earlier been involved in the formulation and implementation of American policy in over 25 countries.

Speaking on the program, the US Consul General Paul Sutphin said: "We are  delighted to offer this opportunity to discuss a wide range of policy issues through the video conference. The proceedings of the National Democratic Convention will be broadcast live from the headquarters of the party. The imminent presidential elections in the US is a significant occasion for exchange of ideas on the rule of law and other issues that concern the US and the Middle East."

Hafed Al-Ghwell, Director, External Relations, Dubai School of Government, has welcomed the opportunity to host the televised conversation, saying: "Dubai School of Government has established its reputation as a platform for open debates and discussions on issues of concern to Dubai and to the region. This conference indeed strengthens that reputation."

He added: "The opportunity to learn the Democratic Party's positions on issues relevant to us is significant for our future. The proposed conference provides opportunity for direct interventions from Dubai. Participants from Dubai will be able to air their views and enquire about issues that concern them."

Maryam Bin Fahad, Executive Director, Dubai Press Club, has expressed her delight at the conference and said the Press Club had always functioned as a platform for debates and discussions on regional and international socio-political   issues. "The upcoming presidential elections in the US has strong implications for the world as the US is a superpower that influences international politics in important ways," she added.

Bin Fahad also hoped the conference would throw light on the expected foreign policy changes in America with regard to the Middle East in the wake of the elections.