Middle East studies in the News

In Support of Joel Beinin (Letter to the Editor)

Stanford Daily
June 8, 2006

http://stanforddaily.com/tempo?page=content&id=20774&repository=0001_article

http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/2568

[Ed.: The following letter was signed by 97 persons.]

As students and colleagues of Professor of History Joel Beinin, we are writing to express our collective support for Beinin following the publication of his photo on the cover of David Horowitz's book, "Campus Support for Terrorism." Suggesting that Beinin supports terrorism is a ludicrous and blatant attempt to destroy his reputation. This act is an insult not only to Beinin, his students and the University, but to every American who believes in the right to speak without intimidation and fear.

At this vital moment, as America's involvement in the Middle East has heightened, we should be engaging in an informed debate based on facts and experience in order to find new solutions, not distracted by personal attacks and conspiratorial innuendo. Sadly, we must first defend Beinin and countless other Middle East scholars, our greatest resources in this debate, against such attacks.

One need look no further than Beinin's former students to grasp his immeasurable contribution to the Middle East. From Fulbright scholars to NGO managers to policy advisors to United Nations consultants, many of us have lived, or currently work, in the Middle East. While not all of us agree with Beinin's position on each issue, we all strongly believe in the right to hold an informed opinion and to voice that opinion without being pilloried. Beinin is a vital and respected contributor to the ongoing debate on America's role in the Middle East. His voice must continue to be heard, not silenced by those who seek to discredit him.

Shad Ahmed

Class of ‘02

Mariam Ali Al-Foudery

Class of ‘01

Erin Wilson

Class of ‘04

Max Weiss

Graduate Student, History

Carla Pugliese

Sophomore, History

Note: Articles listed under "Middle East studies in the News" provide information on current developments concerning Middle East studies on North American campuses. These reports do not necessarily reflect the views of Campus Watch and do not necessarily correspond to Campus Watch's critique.

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