…notably, for Australia, which has begun to be billed in the Saudi media as “more welcoming.” The Gulfies appear to be reacting against hassles at U.S. airports and visa problems interrupting educations.

The U.S. is intent on preventing new terrorist attacks, given that Muslim travelers, some on student visas, carried out the 9/11 hijackings after entering the country with little screening.

Not all Australian officials approve of the growing influx of Arab students. Last summer, Australia’s government-funded Australian Strategic Policy Institute issued a report cautioning that “Australian universities may be attractive targets for talent-spotting by extremist individuals or groups.” (The Washington Post)