Alumnus to present talk on experiences in the Middle East following Iran-Iraq war

"From Baghdad to Cleveland and Back: My personal journey through modern Iraq" flyerShwan Ibrahim Taha (CWR ’90) attended Case Western Reserve University at the height of the Iran-Iraq war and returned to a devastated country in 2003, witnessing some of the Middle East’s most profound changes.

Reflecting on his experience, Taha will present a talk, titled “From Baghdad to Cleveland and Back: My personal journey through modern Iraq,” Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 4:30 p.m. in Tinkham Veale University Center ballroom C.

Taha has had an impressive 20-year career in Middle East banking and finance. He is the founder of Melak Investments and chairman of Rabee Securities, investment advisory firms concentrating on opportunities in Iraq and the broader region.

With offices in Iraq cities of Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, and also in Istanbul, Turkey, Taha brings a unique perspective to the rapid changes that have shaken this important part of the world.

The Northeast Ohio Consortium for Middle East Studies and the Center for Policy Studies will sponsor the talk.