Brent Scowcroft to Criticize Obama Foreign Policy Challenges at National Press Club

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May 27, 2011, 05:23 ET

Former National Security Advisor to Address Ford Foundation Journalism Awards Program, June 14

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gen. Brent Scowcroft, former National Security Advisor to President Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, will assess the foreign policy challenges facing the Obama Administration during a National Press Club Speakers Luncheon on June 14. His speech will follow the 24th annual Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Journalism Awards presentations for distinguished reporting on the presidency and national defense.

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Gen. Scowcroft, who assisted President Barack Obama in selecting his national security team, has advised presidents on military and security issues since Richard Nixon's administration. Scowcroft publicly opposed President George W. Bush's policy on Iraq in the lead up to and aftermath of the U.S. invasion and occupation of that country.

He will discuss President Obama's efforts to revive the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, anti-government turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East, policy options involving Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan, challenges posed by Iran and China and other important foreign policy issues. Gen. Scowcroft remains involved in foreign policy issues as president of The Scowcroft Group, an international business consulting firm, and through membership in such organizations as the Council on Foreign Relations, the Center for Strategic and International Studies and The Atlantic Council of the United States. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Steven M. Ford, chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and son of the late President, will present awards to two journalists for the 24th time since his father established the program to recognize distinguished reporting on the presidency and national defense. The awards include a prize of $5,000. Winner for coverage of the presidency this year is Steven Tomma of McClatchy Newspapers. Winner for coverage of national defense is Shane Harris of Washingtonian magazine.

The June 14 Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Ford Foundation awards presentations will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed Gen. Scowcroft's remarks and a question-and-answer session. Advance reservations should be made through (202) 662-7501 or [email protected]. Cost of luncheon admission is $18 for National Press Club members, $29 for their guests, and $36 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation.

National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at (facebook.com/PressClubDC) and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or to email a question in advance, type SCOWCROFT in the subject line and send to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on June 14.

The Press Club is on the 13th floor, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event.

About the National Press Club

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,400 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.

SOURCE National Press Club