The likely changes of the Middle East
Education in the Middle East is in a state of unprecedented transformation. These essays by distinguished scholars and educators probe the changes that are likely to occur in the Middle East. It examines traditional approaches in education, the impact of Westernization, the effect of the Islamic revolution, education for the under-privileged, for women, and for Palestinian refugees. It also considers what role education might play in a region plagued by conflict.

Education in the Middle East is at a threshold. Traditional methods and concepts are challenged by a rapidly changing world in which new educational trends are shaped not only by financial realities, socioeconomic forces, and political/cultural environments, but also by microchip and space age technologies. Education planning for the future of the Middle East has to grapple with several complex and thorny problems.

The Middle East education policy is deeply affected by what role education should play in society. It must retain the virtues and values of its rich past while adopting (and adapting) what is beneficial from other contemporary civilizations. Another critical policy issue is how much of the education needed by rapidly expanding and modernizing Middle Eastern societies can governments be expected to provide, and how much shortfall can be covered by the private sector: individuals, groups, voluntary associations, and businesses.

In addition, why is it that, with a presumably higher level of education, Middle Easterners have become more restless? Why are the more educated communities, for example, Lebanon, Israel, and Iraq, more susceptible to violence? Is it just the restlessness of transition, or a symptom of education’s failure? How can education prepare a new generation that will deliver a more promising future?

This book attempts to answer these and other questions. Its conclusion summarizes the problems facing education in the Middle East and makes recommendations to education planners. It is the first publication on these subjects that combines the insights of administrators, anthropologists, economists, historians, philosophers, physical scientists, sociologists, and other specialists. At the same time it is the first publication produced through the interaction of academics, businessmen, government officials, and researchers.

ADNAN BADRAN is the President of Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan.