Despite paying lip service to reform, many Arab nations’ education programs fail to prepare students to become contributing members of open, pluralistic systems.
Furthering the cause of democracy in the Middle East requires realistic, pragmatic U.S. leadership to encourage reform and promote the development of civil society in the region.
Egypt must undertake a number of fundamental and difficult reforms to improve its overburdened, underperforming public university system.
With the rise of Islamists across the Arab world, there is a possibility that the new parties in power will update education curricula to reflect conservative Islamic beliefs.
Absent a good education environment, there is little room for the Arab world’s youth to turn into responsible citizens who can consolidate and stimulate social transformation to bring about more prosperous and free societies.
Education needs to be reformed in the Arab world to empower its citizens, despite resistance from governments and the religious opposition. Otherwise political and economic development will not be sustainable.