Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak
To Campus as Res Publica Speaker

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, the most decorated soldier in the history of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), will discuss "Economic Development in Today's World" at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum, Tuesday, Oct. 31. The public portion of the program begins at 6:45 p.m., with Athenaeum seating available on a first-come basis with CMC identification. Public and overflow seating will be in McKenna Auditorium.
Before elected prime minister, Barak completed a 36-year career in the Israeli Defense Forces, rising to the position of Chief of the General Staff and the rank of Rav Aluf, the highest in the Israeli military. His awards and citations include the Distinguished Service Medal for courage. He has served his country as minister of the interior, minister of foreign affairs, defense minister, and as leader of Israel's elite anti-terrorist unit for many years.
After serving as Minister of the Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barak was elected to the Knesset in 1996, serving on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. That year, Barak also became head of Israel's Labor Party, and in 1999 won election as prime minister.
During his term, Prime Minister Barak oversaw the withdrawal of Israeli troops from South Lebanon and the initiation of peace negotiations with Syria. He also participated in the 2000 Camp David Summit with President Bill Clinton and PLO Leader Yasser Arafat. Although the rancorous negotiations ultimately failed to resolve the longstanding conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the talksaccording to Barakdid reveal the "true nature" of Arafat's soul to the Israeli statesman.
Barak lost his bid for re-election in 1991 to Ariel Sharon and the Likud Party and soon after, left Israel to become senior advisor to U.S.-based Electronic Data Systems.
Last year, Barak returned to Israeli politics when he announced a bid for leadership of the Labor Party. He later dropped out of the race and put his support behind Shimon Peres.
In addition to his military and political achievements, Barak holds a bachelor's degree in physics and mathematics from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and a master's degree in engineering/economic systems from Stanford University.
He is the first Res Publica speaker of the 2006-2007 academic year.
The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum is located at 385 East Eighth St., at the intersection of Eighth and Amherst Streets in Claremont.

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