March 6, 2011

Arab Protests May Open Door for U.S. Scholars

Region's colleges struggle with vast enrollments, few resources

Arab Unrest May Lead to Education Renaissance, Opportunities for U.S. Scholars 1

Thomas Hartwell

Students presented complaints to a dean at Cairo U. this month. Classes were postponed and are expected to resume in mid-March.

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close Arab Unrest May Lead to Education Renaissance, Opportunities for U.S. Scholars 1

Thomas Hartwell

Students presented complaints to a dean at Cairo U. this month. Classes were postponed and are expected to resume in mid-March.

By David L. Wheeler and Ian Wilhelm

As protesters across the Arab world demand an end to autocratic regimes that have drained universities of resources and suffocated critical thinking, scholars see some hope of an Arab renaissance and a new opening for American involvement.

There is a strong need, says Farouk El-Baz, an Egyptian-born scientist at Boston University, for "the educational system in the U.S. to speak out and say, 'We know that you have been left behind, and we are willing to help in any way, shape, or