Frederick Community College and its Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR 55+) invite the public to a book launch event on Feb. 17 for Professor Linda Pappas Funsch, who has recently published a book on The Sultanate of Oman, the oldest independent state in the Middle East.

“Oman Reborn: Balancing Tradition and Modernization,” published by Palgrave Macmillan, examines a little-known and relatively stable Arab country whose history of independence, legacy of interaction with diverse cultures, and enlightened modern leadership has catapulted it from an isolated and primitive backwater to a dynamic and modern country in less than 50 years. At the heart of Funsch’s narrative is the sultan, Qaboos bin Said, whose unique leadership style has resulted in significant domestic and foreign policy achievements during more than four decades in office.

Funsch is an area specialist in modern Middle East studies and Islamic history and has taught and led international study tours to the region through ILR 55+ for 13 years. She has studied, worked, and traveled widely throughout the region for more than 40 years and has followed Oman’s transformation during that time. Her book combines extensive research and personal observations.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 1:15 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 17 in the FCC Conference Center (Room E126). It will feature a brief presentation on Oman, a Q&A with Funsch, the opportunity to purchase the book at a discounted event price, and a book signing, as well as art, music, and food of the region. Kathleen Ridolfo, the executive director of the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., will be a featured guest.

The snow date will be Feb. 26.

For more information, contact Sue Adams by email or by calling 301.624.2732.