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Arab Spring is focus
of International Education Week
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Ed Husain, senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies for the Council on Foreign Relations, is the keynote speaker for International Education Week.
The political uprisings that have swept the Arab world for nearly two years form the backdrop for UB’s annual celebration of International Education Week Nov. 12-16.
Addressing this year’s theme of “Arab Spring in Focus” will be keynote speaker Ed Husain, senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies for the Council on Foreign Relations. Husain will discuss “The Arab Spring and its Aftermath: Islamism, Democracy and the Politics of Dissent” at 3 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Student Union Theatre, North Campus.
In his talk, Husain will explore the growing influence of Islamist groups in the wake of the Arab Spring and their role in shaping the new Middle East. In a wide-ranging discussion of the past, present and future of Islamism in the Middle East, he will address such questions as “who are the various Islamist groups and what do they represent?” and “what role do they seek in their respective societies?”
In conjunction with Husain’s talk, a screening of the film “Goodbye Mubarak!” will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Student Union Theatre. The film, directed by Katia Jarjoura, explores the socioeconomic conditions in Egypt that triggered the protests in Tahrir Square in Cairo that precipitated the overthrow of the regime of longtime Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Through interviews with students, factory workers, military officers and business owners, the film shows a “revolution-in-waiting simmering under the surface of Egyptian society” as much as a year before the outpouring of opposition in Tahrir Square.
Several Egyptian students will participate in a panel discussion following the screening.
“One of our objectives for International Education Week is to provide cultural context and insightful analysis to international news events that Americans see on television and read about in the newspaper every day,” says Ellen Dussourd, assistant vice provost and director of International Student and Scholar Services. “For that reason, we chose the Arab Spring as our theme this year. We are delighted that Ed Husain accepted our invitation to be our keynote speaker, since he is particularly knowledgeable about Egypt and Syria.”
Husain’s keynote is among numerous events being held—mostly on the North Campus—to celebrate International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchanges experience in the United States.
The celebration is particularly relevant at UB. With more than 5,000 international students representing 115 countries, the university ranks in the top 20 of 2,700 accredited U.S. universities in international enrollment, according to the Institute of International Education. Moreover, nearly 11 percent of UB students study abroad—five times the national average. The university has exchange programs with more than 80 institutions in more than 30 countries around the world.
Other events to be held throughout the week include presentations showcasing UB’s global outreach efforts, dance and musical performances by UB international student clubs and community organizations, and exhibitions. All are free and open to the public.
Among the highlights is the annual “Without Borders” lecture series. UB faculty members will discuss such topics as measuring tobacco use around the world and international perspectives on U.S. domestic violence law.
For the full schedule of events, visit the ISSS website.
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