Middle Eastern and related studies have for some time been the object of scorching criticism.
Relief – in addition to that ably provided by Campus Watch – is perhaps in sight with the recent creation of the Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa.
The new academic society is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of research and teaching, as well as academic freedom, in these disciplines.
Some of the distinguished scholars associated with the group include Bernard Lewis of Princeton University, and Fouad Ajami of Johns Hopkins University.