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Arts and Culture
Rendition
Sunday 19 October at 6pm
Civil liberties and human rights have become secondary since 9/11. The 'war on terror' has legitimated all kinds of actions that liberal democracies had outlawed. One of the most pernicious of the actions permitted by 9/11 has been the rendition of terrorist suspects to countries where torture is permitted and the laws we live by are considered a luxury. What does an implicit sanction of torture by countries like the United States, and Australia mean for the so-called 'war for civilization'.
Join Noah Bassil, Acting Director of the Centre for Middle East and North African Studies, as he examines the implications of rendition and torture and the claims that the actions of the United States and its allies, such as Australia, are part of a civilising mission. Delve into the world of espionage, covert operations and the secret 'war on terror', and consider whether security or civil rights should be considered paramount. Bassil will discuss rendition and the issue of civil rights in the wider context of the age of counter-terrorism as a way of understanding the impact of such policies on the possible success of the 'war on terror'.
Rendition is a gripping political thriller inspired by the events of 9/11. The film follows Egyptian-born Anwar El-Ibrahimi, an engineer and family man, who becomes a CIA target. On his way home from South Africa, Anwar disappears at the Washington D.C. airport and is sent to a secret detention facility in the Middle East, where he is tortured to reveal his involvement in a terrorist bombing. Freeman, a CIA operative, is assigned the task of observing the interrogation of Anwar and is forced to confront his own conscience on whether to allow this brutal torture.
For more information email: smckenna@pru.mq.edu.au or phone: (02) 9850 1883
Free admission *All welcome *Bookings not required *Drinks and snacks on sale in the foyer *Parking fees apply (Tickets can be purchased from vending machines in carpark)