Distinguished Lecture Series-20241010-011
By
Carla Sierra
June 11, 2025
Summary
Trinity University Middle East expert David Lesch analyzed Syria’s changing political landscape and U.S. policy in The Economist. His insights explain the challenges facing the country’s new leadership.

Trinity University’s David Lesch, Ph.D., Middle Eastern historian and international thought leader, to provide commentary to The Economist on Donald Trump’s Syria policy, which is still a work in progress. “As far as Syria is concerned, [evangelicals] have an outsized influence,” says Lesch. Lesch has urged Syria’s new government to work with America’s religious leaders.

Note: The Economist is a paywalled publication. Trinity faculty, students, and staff may access it through Coates Library.

Categories

In The News

Topics

Faculty

Related News

In The News

Chemistry Professor Opines on Oppenheimer’s Legacy

Aaron Harrison, Ph.D., explores how the theoretical physicist’s path from atomic bomb architect to arms-control advocate reveals the moral complexities of scientific discovery.

Norma Cantu sits at a desk in a classroom in Northrup Hall
In The News

More Than a Market

Folklorist Norma E. Cantú connects Paper Tiger’s Pulga Market to centuries-old traditions of music, food, culture, and community.

In The News

Andrew Porter Says Literary Award Launched His Writing Career

The Trinity professor tells a Georgia newspaper about how the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction helped him get his work published.

In The News

Director Discusses His Trinity Roots and Inspiration for the 90s-Era Film

Trinity University alum James F. Robinson ’78 talks with Texas Public Radio about the Brendan Fraser romantic fantasy.

In The News

Trinity History Professor Lends Context to Syrian Refugee Story

David Lesch, Ph.D., provided background on the Syrian civil war and Kurdish refugee crisis in a “Texas Standard” story tracing one family’s journey from Syria to entrepreneurship in Austin.

In The News

This ‘Woman of the Year’ Got Her Start at Trinity

Mary Ullmann Japhet ’84 is named the San Antonio Business Journal’s 2026 Woman of the Year after four decades of communications leadership and community impact.

In The News

Bold Bets Pay Off for Trinity Alum on Jeopardy!

Dean Zach ’24 earned $39,000 and made game-show history with an aggressive Daily Double strategy that earned him the nickname “Dean the Machine”

In The News

Trinity's David Crockett Provides Insight Into Texas Senate Race

Crockett, professor of political science, says Democrats will see Republican's choice of Paxton as an opening.

Trinity University logo is seen prominently sprayed across the university football field, with the campus scenery and bell tower in the background.
In The News

Story Remembers Coach's Daughter Who Died In July 4, 2025 Flooding

Trinity student Aidan Heartfield '26 also died in the flooding.

In The News

History Professor Sees Glimmer of Civil Discourse in City Budget Debate

In an era of standing firmly on one side or the other, Trinity’s David Lesch is encouraged by a more balanced conversation happening over local spending.

In The News

Trinity President Vanessa Beasley’s Contract Extended Through 2031

In a Q&A with the San Antonio Business Journal, Beasley outlines how Ready. Set. Rise. benefits students and the local business community.

In The News

Trinity University Scores A+ on Forbes Financial Grades

Trinity students benefit from the university's strong financial position