Washington DC. April 25. The Policy Institute for Religion and State, is working with, hard line political parties in many countries to moderate their social and political views through number of ways. We believe, showing the advantages of having a plural, liberal democratic system with free market economy, to the rank and file of the political leadership in specific countries would have definite positive impact in the long run. Policy Institute for Religion and State is hosting a panel discussion, to understand how best we could make use of existing situation in Iraq, after the fall of Sadam Hussein's regime, to usher in a multi party liberal pluralist democracy. We will also discuss the 'missed window of opportunity' in Afghanistan to bring long term changes. Letting these countries to slip into an Islamic theocracy is not in the best interest of any nation including other Muslim majority countries. A Panel Discussion Prospects for a Pluralist, Modern Democratic Governance in Afghanistan and Iraq: Place: SD 562, (Dirksen Senate Office Building) Date: Monday 28, 2003 Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM Topics for discussion: (A) What are the immediate responsibilities of the US in Iraq and Afghanistan, (B) What are the possible consequences if we fail in our responsibility, (C) Lessons learnt from post Taliban Afghanistan and what should be avoided in Iraq, (D) Suggestions to help build institutions of liberal Democracies in Afghanistan and Iraq. Moderator: Mr. John Prabhudoss, Policy Institute for Religion and State Panelists: Dr. Bruce Robertson, John's Hopkins University, Dr. Michael Hudson, Professor, International Relations and Arab studies, Georgetown University. Dr. Akbar Ahmed, American University (Invited) Ms. Hali Jilani, Political Analyst, Freelance Journalist on the phone from Baghdad Mr. Anthony Shadid Washington Post Correspondent to Iraq (Invited)