On the basis of information and materials we have consulted from a variety of sources, including a number of research groups and scholars and also the staff of the Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Research Council, the Middle East Studies Association has been able to draw a rough sketch of at least some of the features of the research climate in the Middle East-North African region.

The American Embassy in Ankara is particularly well equipped to perform liaison services for research scholars in Turkey.

U. S. scholars going to Turkey who may wish to avail themselves of the services of the Embassy may write directly to the Country Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. They should include detailed information about the field of study, including the precise topic of their research, the purpose of the research (e.g. dissertation, book, etc.), and the area of Turkey they wish to visit, all of which is required by the Turkish Government in Issuing the necessary permits.

On October 9, 1967, the American University of Beirut began its 102nd academic year with a larger student enrollment than at the same time the previous year. As a result of the June 1967 war in the Near East, the 1966/1967 academic year was brought to a close approximately one week in advance of schedule and it was assumed that it might be impossible to hold the normal summer session. In July, however, it was decided to hold registration for the summer program in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and an encouraging number of students enrolled, in addition to those continuing their normal summer programs in the Faculties of Medical Sciences, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, and the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. By the last part of July, more than 1100 students were pursuing their studies.

The American University in Cairo has resumed a broad range of activities in research, education, and public service. Adjustments in staffing and scheduling have been necessary, but the University’s overall operations this fall are close to normal, and it is expected that all programs will be restored and the full faculty will be back in Cairo by February.

After hostilities began in June non-Egyptian members of the University staff were required to leave Egypt. The University was sequestrated and its property inventoried and safeguarded by the government of the United Arab Republic. An administrator, Dr. Hussein Said, was appointed to manage the University during the period of sequestration. Dr. Said, one of the U.A.R.’s most respected educators, has served as Minister of Higher Education and vice President of Cairo University.