Bates historians to discuss meaning of Sept. 11

Three Bates College historians and an anthropologist will lead a discussion of the Sept. 11 attacks and consider the tragedy’s aftermath in a forum at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, in the Edmund S. Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

Taking part in the session will be Chris Beam, a lecturer in history, who teaches a course on the Vietnam war; Andrew Gentes, an instructor in Russian history, who will discuss the Soviet war in Afghanistan; Lillian Guerra, assistant professor of history, who is a Latin American specialist; and Steven Kemper, professor of anthropology, who is an authority on South Asian nationalism and tribal politics. Kemper has also traveled several times to Afghanistan.

Each commentator will offer historical perspectives on the attacks and the U.S. response. The panel will then invite the audience to participate in a general discussion.