Texas A&M to close Qatar campus citing middle east instability

Texas A&M University will close its Qatar campus due to increased Middle Eastern instability, a move criticized by its Gulf partner and amid growing political scrutiny of US universities

Texas A&M University declared on Friday that it will close its campus in Qatar, citing increased Middle Eastern instability as the main driver of the decision. The move has been criticised by its Gulf partner, and comes at a time when political scrutiny of US universities has grown, especially in light of recent events in the area.

The board, according to the institution, decided to reevaluate Texas A&M’s presence in Qatar, with chairman Bill Mahomes arguing that the university’s primary goal should be to further its fundamental purpose domestically. First established in 2003, the winding-down procedure for the Qatar site is anticipated to take four years.

The action was taken in the midst of rising regional tensions brought on by Hamas’s recent strikes on Israel, which led to violence in Gaza. Qatar, a vital US partner that is home to a sizable US military installation, has been criticized for its connections to Hamas, which include housing an office for the group’s leader, Ismail Haniyeh.

Disappointed with the decision, the Qatar Foundation, which works with Texas A&M and a number of other US colleges, attributed it to a misinformation effort meant to damage QF’s interests saying “It is disturbing that this disinformation has become the determining factor in the decision… with no consideration to the significant positive impact that this partnership has brought for both Qatar and the US.” Texas A&M, meanwhile, has refuted claims in the past that it gives the Gulf state access to confidential research because of its position there.

Timmy Davis, the US ambassador to Qatar, expressed his disappointment regarding the closure and emphasized the campus’s contribution to students’ education in the area by advancing American ideals and encouraging creativity. Texas A&M has not wavered in its resolve, citing the necessity of giving priority to its domestic activities.

Source: AFP