Distinguished authors, historians, educators and veterans will explore "The Vietnam War in Light of Iraq" during a special two-day event sponsored by the Black Mountain Institute (BMI) at UNLV.

Award-winning authors Tim O'Brien and Robert Stone will headline a panel discussion of the politics and lessons of the Vietnam era, viewed through the lens of the current conflict in Iraq, on Wednesday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Doc Rando Hall, UNLV Alta Ham Fine Arts building. The following evening, Thursday, March 22 at 7:00 pm., both authors will read from their latest works at the Barrick Museum Auditorium. Both events are free and open to the public.

Part of BMI's "Forum on Contemporary Cultures," the panel discussion will include distinguished historian Charles Herring, Iraq War veteran and conscientious objector Jimmy Castellanos, emerging writer and Vietnam native Vu Tran, and UNLV professor of English John Irsfeld, who has written and taught extensively about the Vietnam era. UNLV Distinguished Professor of History Joseph (Andy) Fry, a noted expert on the Vietnam War, will moderate.

"Much has been discussed about how the lessons of Vietnam can be applied to today's war in Iraq," said BMI Executive Director Carol C. Harter, "but this panel seeks to turn the tables - exploring how the popular, political and cultural views of Vietnam have been altered."

"We are honored to bring together such a dynamic group of experts - and such a wide range of personalities and viewpoints," she continued. "We anticipate an absolutely fascinating and enlightening discussion."

Tim O'Brien is a Vietnam veteran whose short story collection, "The Things They Carried," is widely regarded as one of the most affecting and accurate works of fiction about the Vietnam War. His novels include "Going After Cacciato" (National Book Award, 1979), "Northern Lights" and "In the Lake of the Woods."

Robert Stone, whose critically lauded work is characterized by psychological complexity, political concerns and dark humor, is the author of such novels as "Dog Soldiers" (National Book Award, 1975), "A Flag for Sunrise" and "Outerbridge Reach." His latest work, "Prime Green: A Memoir of the Sixties," recounts his experiences in the counterculture of the 1960s.

Founded in 2006, the Black Mountain Institute (BMI) is an international center for global discourse on today's most pressing issues. Named after the Black Mountain College in North Carolina and Las Vegas' own Black Mountain, the institute provides an environment where thinkers and writers from all segments of global society can fight against entrenched perspectives, whatever their political or cultural source.

For more information, please contact the Black Mountain Institute at 702-895-5542, or via email at: queries@blackmountaininstitute.org.