How will Iraq’s newly-signed interim constitution survive amid intense criticism from that country’s religious majority? What are the chances of Iraq developing into a democracy? Feisal Amin Istrabadi, senior fellow at the International Human Right’s Law Institute (IHRLI) of DePaul University’s College of Law, will discuss his experiences as a legal advisor and principal drafter of Iraq’s interim constitution, during a lecture at 12:20 p.m. March 18, at DePaul’s Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 805.

Although the interim constitution, signed into law March 8 by the Iraqi Governing Council, symbolizes great hope, it faces immediate, severe challenges. Leaders of Iraq’s Shi'ite Muslims, who make up an estimated 60 percent of the country’s population and hold the majority of Governing Council seats, have strongly denounced the constitution.

Istrabadi serves as senior advisor to Adnan-Pachachi, a member of Iraq’s Governing Council, in the areas of constitutional reform and legal affairs. Born in the United States to parents who fled Iraq in the late 1950s, Istrabadi received his law degree from the Indiana University School of Law. His work is respected by both American and Iraqi officials.

“Mr. Istrabadi has long been involved in bringing democratic ideals to an Iraq that has suffered extreme human rights abuses under a brutal dictatorship,” said David Guinn, executive director of the IHRLI. “As an American lawyer with deep family roots in Iraq, his perspective is as invaluable as it is unique.”

In addition to his work with Iraq’s current government, Istrabadi has participated in numerous groups and committees concerned with improving the lives of the Iraqi people. Among other roles, Istrabadi has served as a senior advisor to the head of the Iraqi governing council delegation to the U.N. Security Council, and he has been a planning committee member for the U.S. State Department’s Future of Iraq project. He also has been a member and vice president for legal affairs of the Iraqi Forum for Democracy.

Istrabadi is in private practice in Valparaiso, Ind. where he specializes in cases involving constitutional issues, civil rights and employment discrimination.

Established in 1990 by the College of Law, the IHRLI is dedicated to safeguarding fundamental rights through international law. The institute is involved in extensive activities that include teaching and field internships for law students; academic research, lectures and conferences; training programs for foreign jurists; and technical assistance to the United Nations. Currently, the institute is helping to rebuild the legal education system in Iraq through a program funded in part by a multi-million dollar federal grant. Through the initiative, the institute will help train lawyers, faculty and students at law schools in Baghdad, Mosul and Basra to help Iraq take the first steps toward a new legal system rooted in law.

Note to editors: Reporters wishing to cover this story should contact Valerie Phillips, DePaul Media Relations, at 312/362-5039 or 312/330-3155 (cell).