#United States #Washington DC #ASMEA #Mideast Studies

Leading Voices in Mideast Studies Gather in DC

In a significant gathering slated for November 7-9, 2026, scholars, professors, and students from 30 different nations, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, and Japan, will converge in Washington, DC for the 19th Annual Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA) Conference. This event marks a critical moment to discuss the evolving field of Mideast studies and its intersections with higher education in an era marked by rapid regional and institutional change.

Amid the backdrop of significant events such as the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Abraham Accords, and the recent October attacks on Israel, this conference will provide a platform for crucial dialogues about the state of academia and its challenging landscape. Central to these discussions will be the pressing question: Can universities uphold truth and open inquiry amidst the intense political and social pressures affecting scholars and institutions today?

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Barham Salih, the former President of Iraq and the 12th United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Dr. Salih, a veteran politician with more than three decades of experience, is expected to share invaluable insights derived from his extensive career, which includes significant roles within both governmental structures and humanitarian efforts.

In addition to the keynote, a Presidential Roundtable will feature esteemed leaders in higher education who will explore necessary reforms to promote academic freedom and resilience against rising political pressures on campuses. Participants include:

• - Dr. E. Gordon Gee, formerly of West Virginia University, who has led multiple prestigious institutions during his four-decade-long career in education.
• - Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, known for his emphasis on the moral responsibilities of educational institutions.
• - David Ruth, Provost of the University of Austin, who brings a wealth of experience from academia and military academia.

Ruth emphasized the importance of engaging university leaders in honest conversations about maintaining intellectual independence in higher education. He noted that universities must demonstrate courage to foster true institutional change rather than merely discussing challenges.

The ASMEA community aims to uphold academic freedom and the search for truth in Mideast studies. The organization fosters discourse by offering opportunities for members to publish research and present ideas, alongside its annual conference, a peer-reviewed journal, and various other resources.

Dr. Asaf Romirowsky, ASMEA's executive director, stated that recent research has shown concerns within the academic community. As two-thirds of Middle East studies professors expressed that academia has often provided cover for ideologies antagonistic to U.S. interests, such insights highlight the need for change in narrative surrounding the Middle East.

Additional conference highlights include:

• - The 2026 Bernard Lewis Prize reception honoring the legacy of a distinguished scholar.
• - Two compelling book presentations focusing on critical topics affecting the region.
• - The Annual Fouad Ajami Memorial Roundtable, which aims to revisit pivotal themes surrounding the Arab world.
• - A Student Poster Competition encouraging engagement among younger scholars.

The ASMEA conference presents a unique opportunity for academics to converge in the examination of challenging questions relevant to the future of Middle Eastern studies and higher education's role in addressing contemporary issues. As Mark T. Clark, a noted academic, articulated, such conversations are essential for fostering informed, balanced, and safe academic environments.

The venue for this year's conference will be the Washington Georgetown Marriott Hotel, with registration fees set at $195 for ASMEA members, $145 for students, and $350 for non-members. The event promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding Mideast studies and university freedoms, contributing meaningfully to the future direction of these fields.