Research & Commentary Results

Reflections on Palestinian Unity, the Statehood Bid, and Prospects for Peace

Podcast for “Reflections on Palestinian Unity, the Statehood Bid, and Prospects for Peace”, 29 Feb, 2012

Reflections on Palestinian Unity, the Statehood Bid, and Prospects for Peace

Podcast for “Reflections on Palestinian Unity, the Statehood Bid, and Prospects for Peace”, 29 Feb, 2012

Reflections on Palestinian Unity, the Statehood Bid, and Prospects for Peace

Podcast for “Reflections on Palestinian Unity, the Statehood Bid, and Prospects for Peace”, 29 Feb, 2012

Western Education in the Gulf: The Costs and Benefits of Reform

Originally posted July 2010

Educational reform from the West has arrived on a grand scale in the Gulf, particularly in higher education. American, Canadian, Australian, and British universities are being established throughout the region. In addition, Western-style methodologies and best-practices are being employed. Although there are considerable benefits to adopting Western models of education, such reform does not come without a price.

Tertiary Education in the Gulf: "A Colossal Wreck, Remaining Boundless and Bare?"

Originally posted July 2010

… “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away. [1]

– Percy Shelley

Is Reconciliation in Bahrain Possible?

Three months after the release of the Bassiouni report, which documented systematic government abuses of pro-democracy protesters, Bahrain's King Hamad has announced constitutional reforms to increase parliamentary oversight. His announcement has done little to appease opposition forces, however, who contend the reforms do little to address the underlying sectarian inequities in Bahrain. Popular protests continue almost daily and are often met with police violence. In this highly polarized environment, is political compromise possible?