It's a real-life horror story from Iraq. ISIS images are shocking, brutal and surprising.
"How quickly and easily they took over large chunks of Iraq," said Dr. Ryan Dye, director of International Education at St. Ambrose University.
Dr. Dye also coordinates the Middle East Institute, which is hosting a public reception from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport.
"ISIS and al-Qaeda and other organizations have made it clear that they view the United States as their ultimate enemy," he said.
The Middle East Institute is one way to bring these world issues close to home. The St. Ambrose campus becomes a think tank for research and study.
Former Congressman Jim Leach helped to launch the program in April. It's a first for Iowa, hosting events, scholars and events.
"St. Ambrose recognizes that it's part of a larger world, and that it wants to play a leadership role," Leach said at the time.
The institute brings that global view to campus. Students, faculty and the community are sharing this experience.
On Wednesday, September 24, at noon in the Rogalski Center, it will host a look at how WWI shaped the Middle East today. The program is open to the public.
It's a perspective that's painful to see each day.
The Middle East Institute aims to be a forum for dialogue.
"We hope to be a safe space for both sides to come together to talk about the issues," Dr. Dye said.
As for ISIS, continued frightening and discouraging events in Iraq.
"They really are cold-blooded extremists who can only hold territory through intimidation," he concluded.
From the Middle East to Middle America, forging a closer connection.