Academic Research in Middle East

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drdel

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So a British University allows a mature individual to conduct post graduate research into security issues in the Middle East. The Middle East is not the UK and has some pretty firm ideas and laws and, in general, are very paranoid over security - investing huge amounts in defence.

Despite obvious sensitivities Student decides to do field research 'in-country' and photographs many military properties for a thesis that will, potentially, sit on a public library shelf!! Unsurprisingly local police become excited and student is locked up. The 'free' press are shocked and horrified and clamour for immediate release; Universities get uptight and ban travel to the country.

The 'spy' is released and becomes press 'hero'.

Is it just me thinking that the parent University, the PhD supervisor and the student must have been mad?
 
No, I think he is a prize pillock. He sits on the same shelf as plane spotters who go to the same part of the world and photograph military planes. It's a sensitive part of the world, don't be stupid.

Another point, why do people automatically believe he is innocent? Because he is British and he says so? If he was a Russian student would we automatically believe him?
 
Lord Tyrion said:
No, I think he is a prize pillock. He sits on the same shelf as plane spotters who go to the same part of the world and photograph military planes. It's a sensitive part of the world, don't be stupid.

Another point, why do people automatically believe he is innocent? Because he is British and he says so? If he was a Russian student would we automatically believe him?
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Can't disagree with that.
It really wasn't a good idea
 
He has lived in the UAE for a while, and has been researching the UAE for ages. Gets banged up for spying, and is surprised. Why? He knew what they were like. They are a TPC. They are going to view someone spying on their security protocols as spying. It's going to happen. Wow, shock, amazeballs. And this guy is supposed to be bright.

Next up he will be on the first plane to the island the missionary just got blitzed.
 
Can’t help but think he is a clumsy operative who got lazy.
Research can be done from a desk with internet connection from anywhere in the world.
So no, I don’t think he’s an innocent, and is guilty as charged.
 
murphthemog said:
Apparently he is thinking of sueing the UAE for wrongful imprisonment. You would think he would be grateful to be home and free.
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Stupid and arrogant enough to be led by lawyers on a no-win-no fee story who see the UAE as a 'cash cow' - hopefully the UAE will hold firm and sense will prevail.
 
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