Islam and Rationality Conference

The Islam and Rationality: The Impact of al-Ghazali Conference was a smashing success! We are grateful to Professor Georges Tamer for convening such a high-calibur opportunity for scholarly exchange.  Allen Tuazon, graduate student in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures also deserves a huge thanks for being instrumental in pulling it all together.  See paper abstracts here: http://www.islamandrationality.org/about/2011/10/23/conference-abstracts-program-poster.html

MESC was honored to be a co-sponsor, along with:

• Department of Near Eastern Languages & Cultures
• Mershon Center for International Security Studies
• Arts & Humanities
• Office of International Affairs
• Melton Center for Jewish Studies - Thomas A. and Diann G. Mann Distinguished Symposium
• Humanities Institute
• Center for the Study of Religion
• Department of History
• Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies
• Department of Philosophy
• Center for Ethics and Human Values

BBC Kabul Bureau Chief, Dawood Azami

Azami discussed the power of the media and communication technologies in swaying the hearts and minds of Afghans. 

The Taliban have an edge on this front. . .

For further information about Dawood and today's talk:
oia.osu.edu/news-releases/2141-BBC-Kabul-chief-speaks-about-afghan-war.html

Turkey Trip for Scholars and Educators, 2011

We recently took a group of scholars and educators to Turkey, to meet with fellow scholars and educators in schools and universities, and members of the current government, and to experience the history and culture of Turkey through historic site/museum visits and meals with Turkish families. To see photos from the trip, visit: https://picasaweb.google.com/102822450394872771629/TurkeyTripForScholarsAndEducators2011?feat=directlink 

Poll on Democracy in Education

There have been numerous polls regarding democracy in the Middle East and in the Muslim community world-wide.  One aspect of democracy is education preparation for citizenship, which is one that every country must address.
For that reason we ask this question:
More on the subject of polls regarding democratic aspirations in the Middle East and Muslim community world-wide: http://wp.me/p1lo2o-o

Roger Owen on February 23, 2011 on "Presidents for Life in the Arab World"

Professor Owen gave additional meaning to the current developments regarding protest and regime change in the Arab world by giving historical background and cultural information such as the following image from a recent protest in Jordan:

Owen pointed out the ability amongst countries of the Arab world to share linguistically across political borders, and the way that meaning could often be gained in translation, rather than lost. His translation and description of the sign above:

"O my dear, where are you [when we need you]?”

In the slogan under the round flat bread, "my dear" (azizi) refers both to the bread and to Mohamed Bou-Azizi. He died after setting himself on fire in protest against conditions in Tunisia, sparking demonstrations that toppled President Ben-Ali.

Discussion

The director of the Center, Dr. Alam Payind, takes a question from an audience member during last week's Egypt Forum. Audio to be posted soon.

Egypt Forum, February 18, 2011

The forum on Egypt last Friday went very well.  We plan to upload audio, and perhaps a video of the event very soon.  We are very thankful for the great people involved who made it successful at the Glenn School, as well as our guest speaker, Joshua Stacher.