Al-Diwan brings you the latest news and analysis from the publishing and academic worlds that relate to pedagogy and knowledge production.

Publishing

The impossibility of a life in the in-betweens: The Diaries of Waguih Ghali 
By Lara ElGibaly (Mada Masr) 

Shortly, the second installation of Waguih Ghali’s diaries will be released. Lara ElGibaly takes a look back at the earlier edition, reflecting on its social commentary, impact on literature, and the glimpse it provides into Ghali’s personality.

Children’s Authors Take on the Refugee Crisis 
By Alexandra Alter (New York Times)

Attempting to bring the conversation about the refugee crisis, and more specifically, the Syrian refugee crisis, to young readers, there has been an increase in young adult and children’s books on the topic. Teachers are using these books to engage in conversations about war and conflict with their young students.

Living Different Stories from the Middle East through Podcasts 
By Dana Ghazawnah (Baraka Bits)

As audiobooks gain popularity, storytelling continues to grow its audience through podcasting. Hebah Fisher, founder of Kerning Cultures, decided to use podcasting as a way to bring the narratives of people from all over the Middle East to a greater audience. Episodes bring to life the traffic in Egypt, fears about the prospects for higher education, and current affairs—all through the voice of an individual who has lived these emotions and experiences.

Education

Tunisian Professors Flee the Country for Better Salaries 
By Ibtissem Jamel (Al-Fanar)

With increasing levels of emigration out of Tunisia by leading scholars and professors in search of better pay, students and educators alike are worried about the impact this migration will have on the quality of education provided to future students.

Palestinian professor speaks out on cancellation of Friends’ Central speech, stands with fired teachers 
By Sa’ed Atshan (The  Philadelphia Inquirer)

Swarthmore professor, Sa’ed Atshan, pens this article to both show his support for Ariel Eure and Layla Helwa. After inviting Atshan to speak with their students, these two educators were removed from their positions after the school received complaints from parents, unhappy that the school was hosting a Palestinian speaker.

A New Boycott Battle 
By Elizabeth Redden (Inside Higher Ed)

Following Senators Benjamin Cardin and Rob Portman’s introduction of the Israel Anti-Boycott Act to the senate in late March, more and more public discussion about the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement has come to the fore. Elizabeth Redden highlights the perspectives of those in support of the bill, such as Professor Eugene Kontorovich, and those against the bill, like the ACLU and the Middle East Studies Association.

When White Supremacists Descend, What Can a College President Do? 
By Goldie Blumenstyk, Nell Gluckman, and Eric Kelderman (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

On August 12, neo-Nazis, the “alt-right,” and white supremacists took to the University of Virginia’s campus with torches, and by the end of the night, one person was killed. The events that day not only reaffirm the need for the American society to sincerely look at the racist legacy of the nation and how it has continued through to today, but also brings forth the question of what should university professors and administrators do in these situations—situations that we have seen more than once in past years.