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Middle East Studies Forum

AT DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
RANKED THE TOP INSTITUTION FOR MIDDLE EAST AND ISLAMIC STUDIES RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA IN 2020 AND 2022

The Middle East Studies Forum (MESF) is a leading centre of scholarship on the Middle East at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University. MESF hosts world-class projects and scholarship in the field of Middle East and Central Asian studies and languages.

MESF Latest

News

MESF 2023 Annual Report Released

In 2022, we moved from stength to strength. Deakin University was listed for a second time as Australia’s top institution for Middle East and Islamic Studies. We celebrate Dr Arif Saba receiving his PhD and Prof Ben Isakhan being named Australia’s Leading Researcher in Middle East and Islamic Studies. View online

February 29, 2024
"Iran, Energy Security, and the War on Gaza"

Middle East Council on Global Affairs in partnership with the Gulf Studies Center of Qatar University hosted a workshop titled, “Iran, Energy Security, and the War on Gaza,” featuring Shahram Akbarzadeh, Luciano Zaccara and Nikolay Kozhanov.

February 12, 2024
Explainer: what is the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

While Netanyahu has never been in favour of a two-state solution, it has had significant support from governments around the world for decades, including the United States, the United Kingdom, European nations, Australia, Canada, Egypt and others. However, the two-state solution is now further away than it has ever been, with some even proclaiming it “dead”. But what actually is the two-state solution and why do so many see this as the only resolution to the conflict? Read Article

February 9, 2024
Al Jazeera - Netanyahu dismisses a ceasefire proposal by Hamas and orders troops to push further into Rafah

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says there’s still room for an agreement after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a ceasefire proposal. The deal was put forth by Hamas after mediation by the Qatar and Egypt. Shahram Akbarzadeh, a professor of Middle East and Central Asian politics at Deakin University, says Israel’s leader is averse to signing a truce deal as it would give Hamas credibility and recognition.  Watch Now

February 8, 2024
Why Biden’s Sanctions on West Bank Settlers Could Escalate Into Total Cutoff of Arms Aid to Israel

Joe Biden signed an executive order Thursday leveling sanctions against four Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank after weeks of warnings to Tel Aviv. Sputnik asked a pair of leading observers of regional politics what the unprecedented move will mean for US-Israeli relations going forward. Read Article

February 5, 2024
TRT World - Biden says a two-state solution is still possible with Netanyahu in power

Biden said Netanyahu is not opposed to all two-state solutions, after Biden and Netanyahu spoke for the first time in weeks amid tensions over the war on Gaza. His comment comes after, Netanyahu said he had told US officials in plain terms that he will not support a Palestinian state as part of any post-war plan.  Watch Now

January 22, 2024
05
April
2024
Iran and the West | A Non-Western Approach to Foreign Policy

Iran and the West | A Non-Western Approach to Foreign Policy

Dr. Andrew Thomas

14
March
2024
A Day in the Life of Abed Salama; Nathan Thrall in conversation with Prof Shahram Akbarzadeh

A Day in the Life of Abed Salama; Nathan Thrall in conversation with Prof Shahram Akbarzadeh

Nathan Thrall

16
November
2023
Strategic Digital Information Operations, Democracy and Social Cohesion

Strategic Digital Information Operations, Democracy and Social Cohesion

Professor Ihsan Yilmaz, Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh

25
October
2023
Politics of Grief: Mothers and Protesters

Politics of Grief: Mothers and Protesters

Dr. Hadeel Abdelhameed, Dr. Ghyath Manhal Alkinani

07
September
2023
MESF & AIIA Panel Discussion: Australia’s Relations with the Middle East

MESF & AIIA Panel Discussion: Australia’s Relations with the Middle East

Mr Alastair Roff, Prof Shahram Akbarzadeh, Professor Sally Totman, Mr Roland Jabbour OAM, Dr Rodger Shanahan, Mr James Bryan

28
August
2023
The Weaponization of Religious Myths: An Ethnography Shi’ite Gendered Narratives

The Weaponization of Religious Myths: An Ethnography Shi’ite Gendered Narratives

Dr. Mariam Farida