The Cairo Conference

Program Description

Step into the captivating world of the Cairo Conference, a pivotal event in 1921 orchestrated by the indomitable Winston Churchill, then the British Colonial Secretary. Picture a grand gathering that transcended boundaries, where the elite assembly included British Colonial administrators, formidable military figures, and esteemed local rulers. Amidst this illustrious assembly stood a trailblazing figure, the extraordinary Gertrude Bell, whose instrumental role in shaping Iraq defied the convention of an otherwise exclusively male cohort. But that's not all – imagine Lawrence of Arabia himself gracing the conference with his presence. Together, this eclectic group embarked on a historic journey that went beyond mere discourse. The outcome? The birth of new nations, complete with appointed rulers, in a move that laid the groundwork for the intricate geopolitical landscape of the modern Middle East. Join us as we unravel the secrets, drama, and diplomacy that unfolded during this epochal gathering, exploring how the echoes of the Cairo Conference continue to resonate in today's complex geopolitical tapestry. SCHEDULE: Wednesday, May 1, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM This presentation will take place online. You will receive a link to the class by email 24 hours before the presentation begins. ABOUT THE PRESENTER: John Felvinci was born in Hungary in 1934 and came to Canada after the 1956 revolution. Studied at McGill and received a doctoral degree in nuclear physics. Left for the US in 1965 to teach and do research at Columbia University in New York. During his research he got involved with computers and later worked in industry installing radiation monitoring and security systems at nuclear power plants. In 1990 he returned to Montreal and worked in telecommunications. Retired in 1994 and joined MCLL (McGill Community of Lifelong Learning), (was MILR), where he has been very active in moderating study groups, giving lectures and taking part in the administration. He was the chairman of the Curriculum Committee, Technology Committee and was President in 2000-2001. He also gives lectures at the Cummings Centre, Encore and other selected venues. Besides science and music, his hobby is the study of history and cultural history of Europe and North America.