An American Studies panel
chaired by Dr. Naser Tahboub was held at the Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II
School of International Studies last Tuesday. The four participating speakers
in the panel (Dr.Debbie Abuelghanam, Mr. Alain Mcnamara, Mr.Peter Neisuler, and
Dr. Allison Hodgkins) focused on the importance of the American Studies Program
and the American-Jordanian relationship.
The
American Studies Program is a multidisciplinary program. It comprises many
fields of knowledge such as economy, history, media…etc. Students of this
program will benefit from gaining many experiences and skills including but not
limited to research skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking.
Furthermore,
one example of the programs that support and can further one’s academic and
cultural knowledge about America is the Fulbright Program Opportunities for
Jordanian Graduate Students. This binational and exchange program, which was
found in 1996, helps students to build empathy between the American and
Jordanian cultures, share experiences, and widen students’ horizons. Therefore,
this program promotes human resources in both countries. Such programs are not
only knowledge oriented, they are also life changing programs where one can
study in the other country and get involved in learning about the culture by
dealing with people on a daily basis.
Mr.
Neisuler stressed that the bilateral relationship between Jordan and America
has been over 70 years. It has not been only a military and security
partnership, where part of this relationship was education.
This
collaboration with Jordan is based on some cornerstones. For example, America
maintains a good relationship with Jordan due to its strategic role and
importance in the region. Jordan is also a great ally of America. Moreover,
King Abdullah II has great efforts in fighting terrorism. Therefore, the aim of
this collaboration is to achieve and advance peace and prosperity for both
countries.
Dr.
Hodgkins singled out the American foreign policy in the Middle East (ME). She
defined very few preventive interest areas in the region including 1) oil and
gas in the ME that can promote the global health economy, 2) the geopolitical
and strategic importance of Jordan, and 3) Jordan counter-terrorism efforts.
By: Nada Abu Sbeih