News

Debating the Middle East - without a fight

May 19, 2016 10:22
Dr Amnon Aran

By

Sandy Rashty,

Sandy Rashty

1 min read

The secret to hosting Israel-related events without attracting "megaphone wars" lies in promoting balanced criticism and not tolerating antisemitism, according to a leading expert.

Dr Amnon Aran, a senior lecturer in international politics at City University in London, specialises in teaching students about the Middle East. Over the course of his career he has hosted a series of events on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict without attracting activists who attempt to shut down debate.

The solution, he explained, lies in balanced debate - while recognising that bias from educators cannot be eradicated.

He said: "The principal idea is that we do not try to take sides on the agenda, but really try to present both sides to the students. They recognise that this is a critical approach towards the debate, rather than an approach that adopts one side or another - the sort of megaphone warfare that we have been witnessing in previous years."

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