Jonathan Lethem and artists recount creation of comic book

Grey Cusack / The Dartmouth Staff As a young boy, Jonathan Lethem, like many other children his age, was a fan of comic books.

Wilson recalls abduction in lecture

Elisabeth Ericson / The Dartmouth Staff Simon Wilson, the Middle East bureau chief for the British Broadcasting Company, hoped that he would never have to open the file on his computer desktop labeled, "Worst Case Scenario." But on March 12, 2007, with the abduction of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston in the Gaza strip, Wilson's "worst case scenario" became a reality. Wilson said the rescue effort was the "biggest challenge of my career." He described this and other experiences he has had while reporting in Israel, Iraq and Lebanon during a lecture, titled "Reflections in the Middle East," given before a large audience of students, faculty and community members in the Rockefeller Center on Thursday night. The talk marked the first time Wilson has spoken publicly about the details of his involvement in Johnston's rescue. "Despite my British reserve, I might get a little emotional," Wilson told the crowd. Wilson presented actual messages that he exchanged with Johnston's captors, members of the militant Army of Islam group, describing the tactics he employed, like consistently using Johnston's name to personalize the situation. The accurate use of language was a theme that pervaded Wilson's discussion. "In the Middle East, the use of language needs to be very, very precise," Wilson said. Particularly sensitive word choice includes the term "terrorist" and the distinction between wall, fence and barrier in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian border, Wilson said. During a question and answer period following the lecture, Jordana Beeber '08 challenged Wilson on some of the word choices the BBC has made in its coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Shaheen meets with College Democrats

Jennifer Argote / The Dartmouth Senior Staff The U.S.

Medical experts analyze future of surgery, ethics

Female students share personal ties to religion

Sarah Laeuchli / The Dartmouth Staff Sara Ludin '08 was two weeks into the Fall term of her sophomore year when she decided to start wearing a hijab, the traditional Muslim head scarf. "There was no family pressure -- I just felt like I had to start wearing it," she said.

SA candidates face off in debate

Sophie Novack / The Dartmouth Staff Candidates for Student Assembly president and vice president discussed how they would best improve the Assembly's reputation on campus and increase student representation Tuesday night in Carson L01.