Security expert to give lecture on Middle East on Friday

The former president and chief executive officer of a peace and global security think tank will give a lecture on policy and American interests in the Middle East on Dec. 4 part of the World Affairs Council of Hilton Head Island's speaker series, according to a news release.

Ellen Laipson will speak at First Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. Friday, the release said. The presentation will look at developments in the Middle East and the recent attacks in Paris and look at options to reduce tensions and promote American interests, the release said.

Laipson served as president and chief executive officer of The Stimson Center from 2002 to October 2015; she is now Stimson's president emeritus and a distinguished fellow. She joined Stimson after 25 years of government service, including vice chair of the National Intelligence Council, the release said.

Coffee will be served beginning at 9 a.m.

For more information and reservations, go to www.wachh.org or call 843-384-6758.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 3:23 PM with the headline "Security expert to give lecture on Middle East on Friday."