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.
Spy Conviction May Chill U.A.E. Research
Matthew Hedges, a U.K. doctoral student convicted in the United Arab Emirates of spying for Britain, has been pardoned and released. But his experience has provoked anxiety about the safety of foreign researchers in the UAE.
Academic Freedom Project Highlights Arab, Turkish Cases
Situations in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and Israel are highlighted in a new global report that documents attacks on higher education, including violence and restrictions on sharing ideas.
Book Banning in Kuwait: Whatever Next?
A committee of the country’s ministry of information has the power to ban books, in an affront to the country’s democratic principles.
