The Terror Threat: Where Does it Stand Now
Monday, May 24th at 7 pm at Theater 150

Morris speaking last month at the University of Arizona in Tucson at a symposium on Journalistic Representations of Islam. Photo credit: Kim Newton

Two years before the 9/11 attacks, Knight Ridder Newspaper’s Middle East correspondent Nomi Morris travelled to the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. She found mothers who had named their babies Osama, and even a butcher shop called Osama, in honor of the al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

“In the eyes of the locals he was a hero for taking on the United States, which they viewed as the enemy,” Morris said.

Now, nearly nine years since the Twin Towers fell, a car bomb nearly exploded in Times Square and there is increasing evidence that Islamic extremists may emerge from inside the United States as well as from abroad.

In the final installment of her “Behind the Headlines” series at Theater 150, Morris will speak about the last decade’s efforts against anti-American and anti-Western terrorism.

She will trace government policy, public attitudes, and examine the logic that leads to terrorist acts. Morris will also offer some expert views on whether the threat to Americans is greater or less than it was a decade ago. After Morris’ remarks there will be a discussion.

This is the eighth and final evening in Morris’ “Behind the Headlines” adult education series. It is part of Theater 150’s Local Access initiative, which opens the theater’s doors to events of value to those in the Ojai Valley and beyond.

“This is a great opportunity to come and raise the questions that have been on your mind about the Middle East, Islam and our fears of being targeted,” Morris said.

The Terror Threat: Where Does it Stand Now will take place on Monday, May 24, 7 pm at Theater 150, 316 Matilija Street E. , Ojai. 805-646-4300. Theater150.org Admission is $10, and $7 for students and seniors.

Links to LA Times Articles by Nomi Morris

L.A.-based musician sows religious unity with the sitar

Bending yoga to fit their worship needs

Passover story goes digital

A film festival for the faithful