Hollins U. Middle East expert on Syria, the Kurds and the death of ISIS leader Gene Marrano October 30, 2019 1 min read The chair of the political science department at Hollins University has studied the Middle East for many years. Now former Reagan White House staffer Ed Lynch offers his take on the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports: About the Author Gene Marrano Editor View All Posts Share: Continue Reading Previous: Bowers introduces “Virginia Plan” to move city elections to NovemberNext: Vegas, baby! Roanoke airfares are not always more expensive Related Stories 1 min read Virginia Tech professor projects peak viewing of autumn colors in late October Web Staff September 15, 2025 1 min read Virginia Tech fires head football coach Brent Pry Ian Price September 14, 2025 1 min read Blue Ridge Land Conservancy to host 2025 Conservation Celebration on September 21 Web Staff September 12, 2025