May 12th Afghan CLE a Success!

Last week - on Wednesday May 12, 2010 - the WSBA IPS held an evening Afghan CLE entitled Afghanistan: A Changing Legal Terrain at Perkins Coie, in conjunction with JAMS Arbitration, Mediation, and ADR Services. This event was also co-sponsored by the University of Washington School of Law's Asian Law Center. Professor Jonathan A. Eddy, Director of the Asian Law Center and Manager of the Afghanistan Legal Educators Project, served as the moderator for this event.

Topics discussed included rule of law, how the legal systems (including Sharia law) differ from that of the United States, the existence of Afghan judicial independence, human rights (specifically the rights of women), and the investment situation in Afghanistan. A total of six panelists - Wahidullah Amiri, Hussain Ali Atefi, Mohammad Bashir Mobasher, Humayoun Rahimi, Mohammad Faridon Sorush, and Mohammad Ayub Yusufzai - formed a very informative and frank panel on the issues facing Afghanistan today.

The Afghan menu - made up of Bolani, Jan-i-Amma, Ashak (pasta), Breast of Chicken Kebab, Mushroom Qorma, Cucumber Salad, Baklava, and Chai Tea - were hors d'oeuvres catered by the Afghanistan restaurant Kabul and were very well received.

Many thanks to all who could attend this fascinating CLE! (Be sure look for our next CLE, coming this week!)

Top photo: Professor Jonathan A. Eddy with Afghan panelists. Center photo: tasty Afghan fare from Kabul Restaurant. Bottom photo: A great time was had by all. Photographs by Jacqueline Pruner.