US Policy in Syria: A Conversation with Former US Envoy Joel Rayburn

The  SBC, in partnership with the War Studies Department at King's College London,  are honoured to invite you to an in-person discussion with Joel Rayburn, the former United States Special Envoy to Syria (2018-2021). The discussion will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the US consecutive policies towards Syria, the reflections of Mr Rayburn during his terms, and his assessment for the future. This discussion will be moderated by Ibrahim Olabi, SBC board member, and provides an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

Date and Time: Sunday, 7th of August. From 18:00 - 19:30 (BST).

Location: King’s College London, 30 Aldwych (Exact location to be sent via email)

The Discussants:

Joel Rayburn: From July 2018 to January 2021, Rayburn was the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria. In that post, he oversaw U.S. diplomatic activities concerning Syria, supervised more than 100 diplomats and civil servants across the Middle East and Europe, and, from November 2020 to January 2021, served as U.S. chief of mission for Syria. Until November 2020, Rayburn was also Deputy Assistant Secretary for Levant Affairs, responsible for implementing U.S. policy concerning Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Ibrahim Olabi: SBC board member. Barrister at Guernica 37, working on international legal cases linked to Syria.  Founder of the Syrian Legal Development Programme, an NGO aimed to fight impunity creatively, supported by multiple Governments. Consulted for the United Nations and made appearances on the CNN, BBC, The Financial Times, Aljazeera, Al Arabia and others on Syria related issues. Currently at the University of Oxford.