Peter Galbraith joined us to discuss the Afghanistan conflict as we edge closer to leaving the country. After ten years, Americans are wearying of the war and its ongoing casualties. But with the complications of extricating ourselves from this challenging arena, the complicated relationship with Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai and an aggressive Taliban looking for restoration to power, is there an American victory here?

The Common Good hosted former TARP program Special Inspector Neil Barofsky, for a lunch and candid discussion about his new book “Bailout” and the fiscal crisis facing the U.S.

We were thrilled to present a special “Elections Panel 2012” with three of the best experts on election strategy. The Common Good presented a powerful bipartisan trio – Ken Mehlman, the brilliant former Chair of the Republican National Committee, Robert Shrum, the amazingly clever Democratic political strategist and messaging expert, and Richard Wolffe, author and journalist, known as a keen observer of the American political scene.

The sponsors and their guests met Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) for breakfast as a continuation of our Leadership Series. Senator McCaskill has worked to investigate contracting abuses in government spending in the war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan and throughout the Federal government. Claire currently sits on four Senate Committees, including Armed Services, Commerce, HSGAC and Aging.

The Common Good hosted a Luncheon Briefing with Emmy-winning broadcast journalist, former Texas judge, and New York Times bestselling author Catherine Crier. Ms. Crier talked about the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement and her new book, Patriot Acts-What Americans Must Do to Save the Republic, in which she explains how the current economic crisis and growing civil unrest is the predictable result of wrong-headed actions by both political parties

The Common Good invited people to participate in an exclusive closed discussion with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The Common Good is honored to host “Dr. Doom” Professor Nouriel Roubini as he discusses the coming challenges of the US & Global Economy as part of our Economy and Business Series. Roubini has been lauded for his stunning prediction of the financial crisis of 2008. What is ahead?

The Common Good hosted a luncheon with Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as he discusses his latest book “On China.” As China emerges as an economic juggernaut and competes increasingly with the United States for world resources, market share and international influence, we need to better understand this country and the new realities. Dr.Kissinger will discuss China, a country he has known intimately for decades, and whose modern relations with the West he helped shape.

We started the weekend early by hosting an evening of drinks and great conversation with music by our special guest DJ at the library bar in the Paramount Hotel. The evening includes an open bar all night with signature cocktails, hosted by Sean Avery, Alexandra Blodgett, Omeed Malik, Charlotte Ronson, Jennifer Regenstreich, Rachel Roy and more.

The Common Good hosted a screening of the HBO original film, Too Big to Fail, followed by a conversation with Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of U.S. News & World Report, Mort Zuckerman and NY Times Columnist, Joe Nocera. The conversation addressed the shortcomings in financial policy that led to the 2008 economic downturn, the harmful effects of the two-party system, the current economic crisis, as well as the financial future of our country.

The Common Good and J-Street co-hosted the next installment of our summer Middle East Briefing Series. A Conversation with Ambassador Alon Pinkas. Ambassador Pinkas spoke about the a two-state solution option in light of the upcoming UN vote on Palestinian statehood and addressed: What should leaders do in advance of a likely September vote at the UN on Palestinian statehood? How do the dynamics of the Arab Spring affect Israel’s prospects for peace and security? Does the planned reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas make a peace deal with Israel more or less feasible?

We co-hosted a panel on Social Media, Politics and Change with a coalition of local political groups including Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century, New York Young Republicans and PolicyMic.com moderated by Ari Melber of The Nation & MSNBC. Panelist include: Ron Agam, photographer and creator of social media movements; Ben Smith, writer and contributor for Politico.com; and Barnett Zitron, WhyTuesday.com & YouTube sensation.

We were pleased to invite MK Amir Peretz to join us for breakfast and a timely conversation about the Middle East. Peretz discussed the peace process and Middle Eastern security, his leadership of the Labor party, the political reality on the ground in Israel, as well as a variety of other topics in current international affairs.

The Congresswoman spoke passionately about hot button issues facing our country today. The discussion was preempted by Congresswoman Berkley who spoke eloquently about her life with a brief but important depiction of her childhood in a family whose financial woes forced them to move from her home in New York to her current home, and district, of Las Vegas.

The Common Good hosted Dr. Emily Landau for a discussion about regional security issues in the Middle East. Dr. Landau focused on the global implications of nuclear developments in Iran. She lamented that current U.S. strategies do not reflect the urgency of the issue, potentially undermining negotiation efforts.

The Common Good was honored to host an evening with Emmy and Grammy Award winner, Ken Burns. Ken discussed Vietnam, the Civil War, civil discourse as well as presenting a brief 13 minute clip, including past footage as well as a teaser of his upcoming film “Prohibition”. We were thrilled to host Ken, pay tribute to his work both past and present, and to celebrate what he has in store for us in the future.

We were pleased to welcome Congressman Barney Frank for a brief discussion over coffee. Frank, who was Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee before Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in 2008, spoke about implementation of the financial reform he helped shape and other topics.

The Common Good hosted a breakfast discussion with Professor Uzi Rabi from the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at the Tel Aviv University. This discussion touched on recent events in the Middle East including the renewal of the peace process and democracy in the Middle East.