A New Academic Freedom Report Describes Worldwide Attacks on Higher Education
The report highlights Sudan and says the space to think freely is shrinking in many countries.
Qatar National Library Sparks Young People’s Curiosity About Science
In a regular forum, the library gives Qataris a chance to meet world-class researchers face-to-face and have informal discussions that motivate youth to explore science in depth.
Arab Political Scientists Find New Support
Scholars in the Middle East face an array of challenges. The new Arab Political Science Network wants to help them collaborate more and increase their output.
Arab Researchers Face Challenges in Studying Sexual Orientation
An Arab reluctance to discuss sexual orientation and sexuality makes it difficult to study related topics in the Middle East, researchers say. But they’re optimistic about the future as attitudes change.
Palestinian Universities Say Israeli Restrictions Force Foreign Professors Out
International academics face increasing difficulties in getting visas to work at Palestinian universities. Some see a campaign to harm Palestinian education behind the apparently arbitrary decisions.
American U. in Cairo Cancels an Endowed Chair; Questions Follow
The AUC professor of comparative religion who lost the title says his academic freedom was infringed. The university says it had to honor a request from the benefactor’s son, who allegedly pressured the professor.
Freedom of Creativity Is Under Siege in Egypt
Publishers, authors and bookstore owners feel pressure as the government clamps down on books with political content.
Conference on Aid to Yemen Highlights Support for Education
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates pledged to increase their humanitarian aid, including money for teachers’ pay. It’s unclear, though, how the aid will be delivered.
Rift Widens Between American University in Cairo’s Faculty Members and Its Leadership
Faculty members have voted no confidence in the institution’s president. The board of trustees has unanimously backed him, leaving the campus set up for long-term tension.
Of Scholars and Spies
Recent headlines involving researchers accused of spying in the Middle East highlight the risk of asking questions in a police state.
