Macquarie University’s Centre for Middle East and North African Studies is a comprehensive faculty dedicated to a thorough and frank dissection of various countries in the world. Guest speakers, both provocative and timely, are a regular feature as is examination of Western involvement and complicity in the current region’s troubles. Perhaps most importantly, emphasis is given to examining the wonder, beauty and problems of the countries, rather than the typical Orientalist perspective.
I’ve been asked to join the Centre’s Board and will contribute occassional talks, assistance, advice and guest speaker organising. I’m honoured and I thank Director Andrew Vincent for the priviledge.