I agree that there are some great speakers, but I'm surprised that they all appear to be supporters of Israel and critics of the Columbia program. Not that the Near East studies program doesn't need a house-cleaning to make it a balanced academic department.
On the other hand, maybe this is the only way to get the opposing views into the mix at Columbia these days. I'm vry disappointed with what I've been reading.
It is my understanding that members of MEALAC were invited and refused to speak.