In the presence of the JID president Dr. Omar Rifai, Dr. Richard Dekmejian, Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern California, addressed a select audience on "The Changing Regional Situation". He focused on strategic changes in the Middle East, discussing Syria, Lebanese elections, the Peace Process, Iraq, and the current economic situation. Following the lecture, discussion continued as the audience asked further questions on various topics from his theories on fundamentalism to his thoughts on US President Obama’s efforts in the Middle East.