The First Friday Forum speaker series provides lectures of importance and interest to the entire community about this ever-changing world sponsored by Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. Attend the programs that interest you with no registration, subscription, or entry fee.
Programs are offered at 1:30 p.m. on a Friday January through June and are available simultaneously on the Lafayette campus and via streaming. Arrive at 1 p.m. to enjoy refreshments and conversation in the Oak Room before the talk.
To attend on-line, click the “Watch” button at the top of this page and scroll down to the FFF link. When available, program recordings will be posted in the Archive below.
June 5 Program
Michael Baker, retired Surgeon and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, will speak on “Bombing Iran – Destroying the Global Order and the U.S. Economy.”
In his talk Baker will explain the perspectives of the US administration, Iran, Israel, and the Arab Gulf states, Iran’s nuclear program, the military and economic realities of the Strait of Hormuz, and the involvement of other parties such as Russia and China. Baker will also discuss what could be next: continuing the ceasefire, escalation of hostilities on the ground and in the air, or a peace settlement. There are also broader impacts to explore such as a global energy and economic crisis, U.S. 2026 elections, America’s influence in the world, and the future of war with drones and AI.
Michael Baker recently retired from a 40-year career in general, vascular, and trauma surgery. He also served 30 years in the uniform of his country and retired with the rank of Rear Admiral. He currently teaches history, political science, and military affairs for the Osher Lifelong Learning (OLLI) and is on the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Club. He teaches Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) at military bases around the world and most recently returned from his 5th tour in Ukraine.
To contact the First Friday Forum team or to subscribe to or be removed from the FFF email list, send an email to fff@lopc.org.
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