Sept. 11 Anniversary Experts Available for Media Commentary and Analysis

Experts in a range of disciplines from the College of the Holy Cross are available to offer distinctive perspectives on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.  For more information, or for assistance scheduling an interview, please contact Kristine Maloney, kmmalone@holycross.edu, 508-793-2419 (office), 508-612-6578 (cell); or Cristal Steuer, csteuer@holycross.edu, 508-793-2419 (office), 978-660-3859 (cell). Experts listed below may also be contacted for comment directly.

 

		Ward Thomas, professor of political science wthomas@holycross.edu, 508-793-3445 (office)An expert in international relations, national security, and terrorism, Thomas can address: whether the U.S. is any safer now than it was in 2001 current security vulnerabilities how and if the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have impacted security the state of Al Qaeda and other extremist groups
		Edward O’Donnell, associate professor of history eodonnell@holycross.edu, 508-793-3730 (office)O’Donnell has expertise in both the history of catastrophic events and the history of New York City.  (He lived in Brooklyn until August 2001 and lost friends in the 9/11 attacks.) O’Donnell can discuss: various aspects of New York City’s history historical urban disasters (His book Ship Ablaze: The Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum told the story of the deadliest day in New York City history prior to 9/11.) how catastrophic events are remembered in history
		Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies mschmalz@holycross.edu, 508-793-2557 (office)Schmalz, who has lived in Pakistan, is an expert on religion and politics, and religion and violence.  He can discuss: connections between Sept. 11 and the rise in religious and political extremism rationales for religious violence why Osama bin Laden is considered a hero by some why some don’t believe Al Qaeda perpetrated the Sept. 11 attacks the future of interreligious dialogue (particularly between the Catholics and Muslims)
		Katherine Kiel, professor of economics kkiel@holycross.edu, 508-793-2743 (office)Kiel’s current research focuses on economic recovery after a terrorist attack.  Specifically she can address: steps communities should take to protect themselves financially before an attack long-term planning for economic recovery after an attack