Director’s Farewell

After 15 years of serving and being a part of the mine action community, I am hanging up my spurs. Family, health matters, and the lure of independent research have driven this decision, which does not come without a genuine sense of sadness and loss at saying good-bye to marvelous compatriots engaged in a noble cause.

There have been peaks and valleys in working in this domain, just as I have encountered scoundrels as well as altruists along the way. But the beauty of being part of the global mine action effort has been the joy of experiencing ground-breaking and imaginative, cooperative efforts in which diverse organizations and officials have developed a new paradigm for addressing international challenges.

My heartfelt thanks and admiration go to those heroes who have stepped up and by sheer dint of personal commitment have made the system work. I enjoy countless memories of those of you who have defied stilted bureaucracy, overcome national and organizational prejudices, and clung to the all-important goal of improving the lot of those whose lives have been raged by landmines and UXO.

I am very excited to be succeeded in my post as Director by Dr. Ken Rutherford, one of the heroes to whom I refer. Ken, as you know—or will soon know—is the embodiment of confidence and achievement in spite of personal tragedy. I honestly do not know anyone more qualified to lead the JMU Center for International Stabilization and Recovery. I wish him and you Godspeed in all your endeavors.

All the best,

Dennis Barlow, Director of CISR/MAIC

CISR Welcoming New Director

Dr. Rutherford comes to JMU from his position as a professor of Political Science at Missouri State University, where he was honored with a Public Affairs Professorship in April 2009. He was very active at MSU in leading study programs in Africa, as well as teaching courses in African politics, international relations and international law. In 2005, he taught at the University of Jordan on a Fulbright Fellowship. At JMU he will continue teaching as a professor in the Department of Political Science, although his main role will be to direct the CISR.

As Director of the CISR, Dr. Rutherford brings over 20 years of experience in international development work, beginning with a stint in the Peace Corps and later working with the International Rescue Committee in Somalia where he was injured in a landmine accident that led to the loss of both of his legs. After his accident, he was inspired to resume his studies and become a professor in addition to promoting international action to eliminate the threat of anti-personnel landmines and help survivors of landmine accidents resume productive lives.

Journal 13.3 Released, Survey Forthcoming

This issue of The Journal reflects a revised design that incorporates larger type and photos. We hope this makes the magazine more enjoyable for our readers. We also want to know what you think about our content, number of issues, delivery and several other topics. We will be printing a Readers’ Survey in Issue 14.1 and will also distribute it electronically. We hope you will give us your thoughts and help us improve! Watch for the survey in our next issue of The Journal this Spring.

As always, we are looking for good articles to publish! Please see our calls for papers for details: http://maic.jmu.edu/journal/index/
callforpapers.htm.

Become a Fan of CISR on Facebook!

The CISR/MAIC is excited to announce the launch of our Facebook page. Stay up to date with breaking news and important announcements from CISR, connect with other fans/friends, and give us feedback. The page will carry the latest information on The Journal of ERW and Mine Action, recent studies, and ongoing projects at CISR.

Visit our Web site (http://cisr.jmu.edu) and click the “Follow Us on Facebook” button, or visit http://www.facebook.com/JMUCISR to connect today!

MAIC Works with Jordanian Officials to Train Senior Managers

The Mine Action Information Center recently collaborated with Jordan’s National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation to provide a course to managers of explosive remnants of war and landmine remediation programs from 20 mine-affected countries. The course, which took place from October 11 through November 6, 2009, in Amman, Jordan, featured faculty from James Madison University ’s College of Business who conducted workshops on leadership and management. MAIC Senior Research Associate Dr. Suzanne Fiederlein worked with NCDR staff in planning the course curriculum, and MAIC Program Manager Daniele Ressler assisted with course implementation.

Students and faculty of the 2009 ERW International Senior Managers Course in Jordan, along with NCDR Chairman HRH Prince Mired R. Z. Al-Hussein (2nd row, center). Photo courtesy of NCDR Jordan

In addition to attending the opening and closing sessions of the course, MAIC’s Director, COL (Ret.) Dennis Barlow had the opportunity to meet with Jordanian officials, including Prince Raad Ben Zaid, president of the Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, and his son, Prince Mired R. Z. Al-Hussein, vice president of the same organization and Chairman of the National Committee for Demining & Rehabilitation, as well as representatives from the U.S. State Department. JMU Vice-Provost for Research and Public Service, John Noftsinger, also was present for the closing session and for discussions with the Jordanian and U.S. Department of State officials. The group discussed necessary services for ERW and landmine victims and issues of ERW/mine risk awareness education. The U.S. State Department has committed to increased services to ERW and landmine victims in Jordan through a new therapy program, continued risk-education activities, and a senior management course to be held in 2010.

New look to MAIC homepage

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