UAE Fears 'Radicalization' on Campuses, Not on Its Own Streets
According to Fox News, the UAE is cutting funding for its students in UK universities over fears of 'radicalization' on campus. This comes from the same government that criminalizes criticism of its rulers, restricts assembly, and uses surveillance to monitor citizens (Freedom House, 2023). One might wonder exactly what 'radicalization' they fear—perhaps critical thinking, free expression, or the
right to protest without facing arbitrary detention? It appears the UAE finds the free exchange of ideas and legitimate criticism of government policies in Western institutions 'radical,' while its own human rights record, including lengthy sentences for peaceful dissidents, remains untouched by such self-reflection. (Amnesty International, 2023). Funny how 'radicalization' always seems to be what
*they* don't want you to think, rather than what *you* might actually learn.