For Immediate Release, October 28, 2011, Contact: Allison Sturma, 202-429-4725

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) has appointed Manal Omar as Director of Iraq, Iran, and North Africa Programs. Omar will play a key role in USIP’s operational efforts in this region, particularly assisting key stakeholders and local populations through the difficult transitions.

In her previous assignments with USIP, Omar served as a program officer for the Grant Program and then Iraq program director. “Manal is skilled at working with a range of players, from civil society actors and political leaders to religious communities and security sectors. Her talents will enhance the Institute’s peacebuilding work especially in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia,” said USIP President Richard H. Solomon.

Prior to joining USIP, Omar had extensive experience in the Middle East. Her assignments included regional program manager for the Middle East for Oxfam. From 2003 to 2005, she was regional coordinator for Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan for Women for Women International. She worked for more than three years with the World Bank’s development economics group, and has carried out training programs in several countries. Omar began her career as a journalist in the Middle East, and her articles have appeared in U.S. and international media. In 2007, Islamic Magazine named her one of the ten young visionaries shaping Islam in America.

In announcing her appointment, Solomon said, “Omar is one of USIP’s most accomplished peacebuilders. She embodies the postmodern peacebuilder, combining instinct and intellect, management acumen and operational experience.”

• Qaddafi’s Death and The Challenges of Building a New Libya
  October 2011 | On the Issues by Manal Omar
• U.S. Troops in Iraq after 2011?
  October 2011 | On the Issues by Sean Kane, Manal Omar and Elie Abouaoun
• Post-Mubarak Egypt
  May 2011 | On the Issues by Manal Omar
• Women and Rural Communities in Egypt
  April 2011 | On the Issues by Manal Omar

The United States Institute of Peace is the independent, nonpartisan conflict management center created by Congress to prevent and mitigate international conflict without resorting to violence. USIP saves lives, increases the government’s ability to deal with conflicts before they escalate, reduces government costs, and enhances national security.  USIP is headquartered in Washington, DC.  To learn more visit www.usip.org.