George W. Bush Presidential Center
Five for Friday
A Weekly Digest from the George W. Bush Presidential Center
January 23, 2026
EXPLORE MORE  >
Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Photo by MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)
Iranian voice for change
“[Iranians] want to show the world that they don’t recognize the Islamic Republic as their legitimate government anymore," Mahya Ostovar, an Iranian activist and assistant professor at the University of Galway in Ireland said in an interview with Natalie Gonnella-Platts, director of global policy at the Bush Institute

Read why U.S. support for the people of Iran is critical
As the nation reflects on 250 years of its history, American Girl dolls became many girls’ first introduction to America’s past
Article by Olivia Hernández, associate of editorial and communications at the Bush Institute
The strategic importance of U.S. values-based ‘soft’ power
Article by Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, the Bradford M. Freeman managing director of global policy at the Bush Institute
The National Endowment for Democracy’s mission is both good for America and popular
Article by Chris Walsh, director of freedom and democracy at the Bush Institute
Journalism's partisan past provides perspective on the industry today
Article by Bill McKenzie, senior editorial advisor at the Bush Institute
Countdown to America’s 250th Anniversary

Weekly Quotes from figures who have shaped our country

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”

– Martin Luther King Jr., Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story, 1958


Read previous weeks’ quotes

In Case You Missed It
Further News, Analysis, and more from the Bush Center

Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as America turns 250 
Article by Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Kelly and David Pfeil fellow at the Bush Institute

From prison, journalist Mzia Amaglobeli defends fellow Georgians’ dreams 
Article by Jessica Ludwig, fellow of global policy at the Bush Institute 

Seeking freedom for Venezuela’s political prisoners
Article by Jessica Ludwig, fellow of global policy at the Bush Institute

The United States must work to reform the United Nations – not retreat from it
Article by Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, the Bradford M. Freeman managing director of global policy at the Bush Institute

Statement for the record by the George W. Bush Institute for the Senate Judiciary Committee’s joint hearing on the Afghan parolee program 

How Fort Worth is mustering to fix its schools | The Dallas Morning News
Op-ed by Bill McKenzie, senior editorial advisor at the Bush Institute 

Mark your calendars
Upcoming Engage at the Bush Center events
presented by NexPoint

Also happening at the Bush Center

Game Changer: United by Sports
Supported by Garry Weber 
A special exhibit in which sports make history and our nation takes the field
Open now

Presidents Day Free Admission to the Bush Museum
Feb. 16 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Situation Room Presentations
Fridays | 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT
Saturdays | 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. CT
Sundays | 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. CT
Mondays | 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT
 

Subscribe

 

About the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration.

 

George W. Bush Presidential Center
2943 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75205

Privacy policy







This email was sent to [email protected]
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
George W. Bush Presidential Center · 2943 SMU Blvd · Dallas, TX 75205-2563 · USA