Mohamed Abdulrahim Alsiadi

Biography

MOHAMED A. ALSIADI was born in Syria and lived and worked in the Middle East before moving to NYC. He received his B.A. from Syrian’s most prestigious Institute of Music. As a gifted composer and artist he collaborated with some of the most renowned artists and musicians of the Damascus Spring. He is currently the Director of the US-MidEast Program for the Center for the Study of Genocide, Conflict Resolution and Coordinator and Senior Lecturer in the Arabic Language and Cultural Studies Program at Fordham University. He is also presently a doctoral candidate in the Program in American Studies at Rutgers University-Newark. His research interests include, Arabic language, literature, culture, Arab-American issues, issues related to Arab-American identity post-9/11; the impact of East-West relations on contemporary Arabic music and literature; Aleppian Waslah performance in the Diaspora; Arabic music composition, theory, and practice; and use of Islam to democratize groups and nations. Alsiadi has co-authored an Arabic language and culture book, articles on music and music theory in addition to translation of key works of important social and political figures of the Arab Spring and the Syrian revolution.
Professor Alsiadi has spent the last five years facilitating discussions, hosting meetings and conducting research with key members of the Syrian leadership in the diaspora. Since the start of the conflict in Syria he has provided academic leadership, engaged in discussions and offered advice and support to fellow Syrians in civic society, academia and political parties across Europe, the Middle East and the United States. He has also provided important commentary for journalists in the USA and around the world based on his research and expertise and reports from his contacts with academics and journalists within Syria. He has been interviewed and been an analyst on TV and radio for a wide range of media sources including appearances on PBS, HuffPost LIVE, ABC In