UWM's Aman Appointed to Egyptian-American Relations Board

MILWAUKEE -Mohammed Aman, dean of the School of Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee has been appointed a member of the board for the Council on Egyptian-American Relations.

Most of the Council's board members, like himself, have strong ties to both the U.S. and Egypt, says Aman. "Some are Egyptians who consider America their adopted homeland; others are Americans who've spent time in Egypt and love the culture and the country. When people like this get together, they can build very good bridges between the two countries."

Building those bridges to Egypt and other Arab countries is particularly important in the aftermath of September 11, says Aman. While the Council is nonpartisan and non-political, improved understanding and "healthy debate" about issues can impact both political relations and promote much-needed economic development, he says.

President George Bush's sensitivity to Muslim concerns about the use of the word "Crusade" in referring to the war against terrorism is one example of how better cultural understanding can affect politics, says Aman Sharing knowledge also can help Middle Eastern countries develop economically, helping alleviate the sense of hopelessness that is one component that can lead to terrorism.

Aman, a native of Egypt, has spent more than 30 years in the U.S. He has been dean of the UWM School of Information Studies since 1979, and last year served as interim dean of the School of Education. In addition, he is editor of the Digest of Middle Eastern Studies.

Aman is widely known for his work in information resources, international libraries and Middle East studies. He has traveled extensively, consulting and lecturing on libraries on behalf of the UNESCO, USIA and other international organizations. He is also active in a number of civic organizations in Wisconsin including the Trejo Foster Foundation for Hispanic Library Education, 100 Black Men of Greater Milwaukee, the Black Holocaust Museum Committee, and Islamic Family and Social Services. He is co-founder of the Milwaukee Arab-Jewish Dialog.

Most recently, he's published a book reviewing and analyzing the literature of the Gulf War. The Gulf War and the current war against terrorism are unique in American history, says Aman, because the United States is working with other countries to share both the military costs of the war, but also in efforts to solve the economic and political problems underlying the conflict.

CONTACT: Mohammed Aman, (414) 229-4709.

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