Answer threats to academic freedom with engagement

By Jason E Lane. Last month, the United Arab Emirates sentenced Matthew Hedges, a 31-year old PhD student from the United Kingdom, to life in prison on allegations of spying. The international outcry was immediate and vociferous. Five days later, the UAE pardoned Hedges and allowed him to return to the UK – due, in part, to the bilateral relationship between the UAE and the UK and to the protests of the global academic community. More...