Warping Mideast judgments

[La_Serpiente]

Warping Mideast judgments

Intelligence failures in Iraq point to the dangers of letting politics influence research.

Appointed officials with a partisan political agenda used their influence to silence dissenting opinions. They selectively played up evidence that supported predetermined conclusions. Expertise was sacrificed for the sake of political expediency, with unfortunate results.

Ignoring these lessons, partisan critics are now working to politicize university-based research on the Middle East--and, by default, every other world region.

Exploiting the language of accountability and playing on post-Sept. 11 fears about terrorism, Islam and the Middle East, these critics have persuaded Congress to consider a politically appointed advisory board to "evaluate" the work of area studies centers that receive funds from the Department of Education through a program known as Title VI.

more...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/perspective/chi-0403140470mar14,1,2930727.story

Free Registration Required

If you don't have a password, go here

www.bugmenot.com