SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

SIWPS and U.S. Military Veterans of Columbia University Present: "Rethink Afghanistan" Screening and Panel Discussion

Date: November 05, 2009 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm EST

Location: Columbia University
Morningside Campus
International Affairs Building, Room 1501

Contact: For further information regarding this event, please contact Heather Gilmartin by sending email to hcg2108@columbia.edu .

After eight years of U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan, violence and instability still prevail. Please join members of the U.S. Military Veterans of Columbia University and Professor Austin Long for a screening of the documentary “Rethink Afghanistan” followed by a panel discussion of the film with student veterans who have served in Afghanistan.

Professor Austin Long

Professor Long previously worked for the RAND Corporation, serving in Iraq as an analyst and advisor to the Multinational Force and the U.S. military. Long was co-founder of the Working Group on Insurgency and Irregular Warfare at the MIT Center for International Studies and is a participant in the RAND Counterinsurgency Board of Experts.

J.P. Yorro

Mr. JP Yorro is a former U.S. Department of Defense Special Projects Manager.  He designed and implemented a number of Special Operations Command (SOCOM) global counterterrorism initiatives, for which he received several awards, including two Expeditionary Medals.  Mr. Yorro is currently a dual-degree MIA/MBA student at Columbia University, and provides political risk advisory services as a consultant for The MASY Group, LLC and Eurasia Group.

Justin Johnson

Mr. Johnson served in the  Marine Corps from 2001 to 2005 and in Afghanistan from late 2007 to 2008 when he was recalled to active duty. Upon leaving active duty, he worked for the Pentagon through IBM Consulting on the Task Force for Business/Stability Operations in Iraq. Justin is completing his Master of International Affairs at SIPA

Marco Reininger

Mr. Reininger is an Army veteran of Afghanistan, where he conducted investigations and counter-IED operations.  Marco is a spokesperson for IAVA, the largest organization dedicated to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.  He plans to major in MEALAC and Political Science.

Mahmoud Samori

Mr. Samori served the in the U.S. Army with the 1^st Ranger Battalion in Afghanistan. Upon his discharge from active duty, Matt worked as a security contractor with Triple Canopy before attending the School of General Studies. 

 This event is free and open to current CU students, faculty, staff and affiliated scholars.

Registration is required. Please bring your CUID to the event and arrive on time to ensure your seat is not given away to those on the waiting list.