Understanding the origin and success of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS) and President Obama's strategy in dealing with the terrorist group will be the topic of discussion on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 3:30 p.m. in Room 164 of the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts at Coastal Carolina University. The public is invited to this free conversation, hosted by CCU's Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values.

Samih Baalbaki, an instructor for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CCU, and a group of interested students and faculty members will discuss ISIS developments in a rapidly changing Middle East. The discussions are designed to help students and community members think about contemporary political and ethical issues in the Middle East in the larger historical and religious context.

Baalbaki was born and raised in Lebanon and spent the last 17 years of his career in the Middle East before retiring in America in 2012. His legal consulting work took him to more than 20 countries in that region. Baalbaki has gained a deep insight into the dynamics of the Middle East through formal and informal discussions and observation of the business, social and religious aspects of life in the area.

Room 164 is in the Edwards College at 133 Chanticleer Drive West in Conway. Admission is free and tickets are not required.

For more information call the Jackson Center at 843-349-4149.