Tadween Roundup: News and Analysis in Publishing and Academia from the Arab World

News and stories with a focus on the publishing industry, education, and technology from across the Arab world.

Publishing is Another Victim of Syria’s Civil War
By M. Lynx Qualey (Publishing Perspectives)

Syria’s protracted civil conflict is tearing apart the country’s publishing industry. Danger to print shops, price increases, and the overall increase in violence has forced many publishers in Syria to relocate.

Are University Rankings Relevant to the Arab World?
By Charles McPhedran (Al-Fanar Media)

According to Charles McPhedran, the rise of Saudi Arabian institutions of higher education and the downgrade of institutions in the Maghreb and Levant questions whether or not the ranking system is accurate.

Egypt’s Public School System: Failing All Tests
By Sara El Sheekh and Sherif Tarek (Ahram Online)

Egypt’s public education system has been host to a number of problems over the past decades. Overcrowded classrooms and a turn towards costly private education that leaves parents financially struggling are further exacerbating Egypt’s education dilemma.

Iran’s Rouhani Wants More Freedom at Universities
(Your Middle East)

Speaking at Tehran University, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani calls for greater freedom within Iran’s universities.

Yemen’s Largest University is Shut Down
By Faisal Darem (Al-Fanar Media)

Yemen’s oldest and largest university, Sana’a University, shuts down due to a conflict between students and the administration.

Are Gulf Cities the New Capitals of Arabic Literature?
By M. Lynx Qualey (Arabic Literature [in English])

Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi brings into question whether or not Cairo, Beirut, and Baghdad remain the literature masters they were known to be in the past, or have they been eclipsed by the Gulf’s growing book market?

New School Year Challenges Iraqi Families
By Wassim Bassem (Al-Monitor)

Security threats and violence are not the only concern for Iraqi students returning to school, writes Wassim Bassem. There is also a deep concern over the shortage of schools, leading to a congested education system.

When the News and the Novel Collide
By Michael David Lukas (New York Times)

Michael David Lukas began writing his novel, based in Egypt, before the January 25 uprising. Following Hosni Mubarak’s ouster, Lukas tried to convince himself that his novel did not need to adapt to the current political changes; however, over time he realized that a collision between his imagination and current events was inevitable.

Lebanese Seeks to Be First Arab at UNESCO Helm
By Niamh Fleming-Farrell (The Daily Star)

Lebanese academic Joseph Malia runs alongside Djibouti’s Rached Farah for the top spot of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Lebanon Public Schools Try to Accommodate Syrians
By Imad El Zoghbi (As-Safir)

An influx of Syrians into Lebanon’s school system creates a struggle to find a curriculum to satisfy both Lebanese and Syrian youth.