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Gwynne Dyer speaks at Shawnigan
The Centennial Speaker Series continues
Renowned journalist and historian Gwynne Dyer presented his latest observations to Shawnigan Lake School Wednesday, as part of the School's Centennial Speaker series.
Speaking to grade 10 and 11 students as well as some grade 12s, staff and Shawnigan neighbours, Dyer spoke about the history of conflict and terror in the Arab world. He pointed to the ongoing poverty and "creative incompetence" of leaders in the Middle East as key factors in the rise of extreme Islamism. He also suggested that terrorism and extremism haven't taken root in other parts of the Muslim world, such as Indonesia or Pakistan, largely because these nations are democratic and better developed. However, he proceeded to say that those wishing to spread an Islamic Caliphate or violent clash of civilizations simply lack the population and the resources to succeed.
His basic message to those in attendance? Don't panic in the face of Islamic terrorism.
Dr. Dyer also took questions from students, touching on the function of the media, his own brushes with terror and conspiracy theories for the September 11 attacks.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
