Saudi Arabia's Identity Crisis

By DANIEL DEL CASTILLO

Universities near the birthplace of Islam rethink their relationship with the religion

When Mohsen al-Awajy was finishing his Ph.D. in soil sciences at the University of Wales in the late 1980s, he couldn't wait to return to Saudi Arabia to teach. When he got back, he landed a post at the country's premier institution, King Saud University. But then he criticized the country's conservative religious establishment, which has a great deal of control over the universities.

He was

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Already have an account? Log In Now.

First Person

4 Rules of Lateness
Notes From Academe

Coal Into Honey
Commentary

Skeptical of Slippage

Past Coverage

Islamic Universities Spread Through Africa - July 6, 2007
Muslims in East Africa Develop Their Own Higher-Education Options - November 19, 1999
20 Years After the Islamic Revolution, Iran's Campuses Begin to Loosen Up - March 10, 2000
Once Radical, a Sudanese Institution Has Changed Its Approach - July 6, 2007
Muslims Worry French Universities - December 12, 2003

Advice

Value, Price, and Fees

Distinguishing between price and value can boost your retirement returns.
Sorry I'm Late

We tend toward lateness because each of us hates waiting more than we feel bad about making others wait.
The Candidate and His Earring

In 20 years, will we see college presidential candidates with piercings and tattoos?