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 Mill Mountain Theatre reveals 2026 season, tickets on sale November 1st Web Staff October 17, 2025 1 min read The Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza – and the prospects for lasting peace. A local political scientist says all the players must be on board Gene Marrano October 17, 2025 1 min read Catawba’s iconic Homeplace restaurant to reopen in 2026 Ian Price October 17, 2025