John Akouri Headlines Panel Discussion on Syria Crisis at the University of Michigan

John Akouri, one of America's most trusted speakers on the Middle East, will appear at a panel discussion on Syria scheduled to take place at the University of Michigan-Flint campus on November 5th, 2014.  A native of Detroit, award-winning television personality, Capitol Hill advisor, and recognized civic leader, he masterfully explains the history behind new threats to global peace, and navigates the politics that help, and hinder, how we prepare and respond to them. He appears frequently on the FOX-2 News television network and NBC-affiliate WDIV-TV as a Middle East Analyst providing expert analysis and insightful commentary.  A much sought after political strategist, he can be frequently seen and heard worldwide on Al Hurra Television News as well as many other television shows and radio outlets, including national newspapers and the internet. An accomplished and respected statesman who has made his mark in local, national and international affairs, he gained national prominence at the US House of Representatives in Washington, DC, where in his capacity as spokesman and chief speechwriter he worked with both the global & national press corps, also serving as a Middle East Senior Advisor assisting with legislative direction relating to international relations and global foreign policy issues. In addition to his working in a senior government position as congressional press secretary, he has also served on many departmental projects with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. State Department and the U.S. Army. Additionally, he serves as an advisor to the Coalition for a Democratic Syria, United For a Free Syria, and the Syrian American Council. 

Prior to leaving his post within federal government to run for the Michigan House of Representatives, he served as creator and executive producer of “Window to Washington”, a nationally award-winning television program. He has appeared as a panelist and speaker for the Washington DC-based Arab American Institute, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Madonna University International Council, Eastern Michigan University Annual Conference of the Ambassadorial and Consular Corps, Wayne State University Presidential Advisory Group, and the Syrian American Council Midwest Conference.  In addition to his many speaking engagements to university student groups on college campuses, in 2013 he was asked to appear as Master of Ceremonies for award-winning composer Malek Jandali’s ‘The Voice of the Free Syrian Children’ International Freedom Tour. Recently, he was instrumental in arranging high-level meetings for Syrian National Council President George Sabra, with national media personalities, key government leaders and UN officials in New York and Washington, DC.  His active involvement in public affairs span the course of the past two decades, where he has been a leader in government, media and business at the local, state and national levels. Previously, he worked as a media consultant to former U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham and Governor John Engler and a communications aide to then–Governor George W. Bush. A highlight of his career was serving as an official photographer on the Bob Dole Presidential Campaign, covering the Papal visit of Pope John Paul II and receiving the Key to the City of Birmingham.