Middle East studies in the News

Ferguson Defends Visa for Visiting Muslim Scholar [on Tariq Ramadan]

ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
March 1, 2008

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/01/2177172.htm?section=australia

http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/4849

Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson says Muslim scholar Professor Tariq Ramadan has an important contribution to make to the community's understanding of Islam.

Professor Ramadan, who lives in Europe, has been barred from entering the United States.

He is due to speak at a Queensland Government-sponsored conference in Brisbane next week.

But Mr Ferguson has suggested concern about Professor Ramadan's address is a storm in a tea cup.

"I think that's the way I'd put it," he said.

"This gentleman has been to Australia under the previous government. He has been issued a visa again by a new government.

"Before this government was elected he was used in teleconferences by the Department of Immigration. This is under a conservative government - he was even consulted."

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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