KF뉴스레터-Efforts to Boost Korea-Israel Student Exchange

Efforts to Boost Korea-Israel Student Exchange

Tension in the Middle East region has risen to a worrisome level, due in large part to concerns about Iran’s suspected nuclear program. Since the situation in Iran is closely linked to the security of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Israel, as well as the Middle East region overall, it is especially timely for Dr. David Menashri, Director of the Center for Iranian Studies of Tel Aviv University, to visit Korea to explain the current political situation of the Middle East and to promote Korea-Israel academic exchange. Dr. Menashri, who is a senior scholar of history and contemporary politics of Iran, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf, has publicly advocated the adoption of a moderate stance toward the Iranian nuclear controversy.

1.You are here in Korea at a sensitive time, as a result of growing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. .
I wanted to visit Korea because I thought that South Korea, while facing the North Korean nuclear threat, might well understand the situation of Israel, and we could thus exchange thoughts on relevant matters. Many countries do not seem to understand how serious the Iranian nuclear issue really is.
However, Korea has paid attention to this issue much more closely than any other country. Korea and Israel are similar to each other in several ways. Both attained independence around the same time and have experienced a painful history of war. I had useful discussions with Korean experts of Middle Eastern issues and those involved with university affairs.

2.The United States has emphasized the importance of ‘dialogue’ for dealing with Iran’s nuclear issue.
Since the launch of the Obama administration in the United States, there have been gestures to promote dialogue and reconciliation with Iran, rather than exerting pressure. Of course, dialogue is important and it is certainly a necessary step. The problem, however, is the timing. Iran’s diplomacy is very elaborate. Perhaps the United States is not accustomed to this kind of approach. Iran will not focus only on the nuclear issue in its negotiations with the West. Furthermore, dialogue requires a process of many preparatory steps before it can proceed in earnest. There has been no hint of preparatory talks yet, and therefore it is Iran that gains, all this while. Who knows if Iran might succeed in nuclear development in the meantime? Dialogue is important, but I do not think it will solve everything.

3. If you believe that dialogue might not lead to a fundamental solution, what alternatives should also be considered?
Currently, a huge wave of change has emerged in the Middle East, and people are hopeful about having a new opportunity, because many countries in the region have launched or plan to launch new administrations. At this juncture, I hope that the United States and Iran would start to persuade their own people. Of course, they will have to consider their self-interest first. However, the United States especially needs to have the Iranian people, as well as the American public, believe that dialogue is being proposed out of good intentions. Iran desires change now more strongly than at any other time, and the participation of the baby boomer generation in politics and their influence are growing. I think young Iranians should bring change to their own country, and I believe they have the power to do so. Iran’s presidential candidates are often compared to U.S. President Obama. A so-called “Obamaism,” represented by hope and change, is sweeping through Iran. The big problem, however, is that the globalization of the Middle East is moving ahead very slowly. Newly emerging generations demand women’s social participation, but the realization of this takes place so slowly. In addition, I believe that the education system in the Middle East is one of the reasons for the slow speed of change. As an educator, I believe in the power of education. And of course, many Koreans are currently studying at prestigious universities around the world to broaden their intellectual capability. There is no reason why the Middle Eastern people cannot do the same. Although many countries in the world are involved with the Iranian nuclear situation and various Middle Eastern issues, I think the fundamental problem and the process of resolution lies within ourselves.

4. As for your role as an educator, how would you describe the current status of academic relations between Korea and Israel?
One of the purposes of my visit to Korea was to discuss student exchange programs with my counterparts here in Korea. I currently serve as not only Director of the Center for Iranian Studies but also Dean of Special Programs, which administers the overseas student programs at Tel Aviv University. You might be surprised to know that the largest department at Tel Aviv University is its Department of Far Eastern Studies. This reflects the strong interest in this field, but also an irony, in that we actually do not know Korea and Japan very well. The term “Far East” seems to make us think of a far away place. I hope my colleagues, especially the Dean of Tel Aviv University, can visit Korea in person so that they can see, feel, and discuss programs to implement in cooperation with our Korean counterparts. I have learned so much in Korea that it might not be possible for me to explain all the details.

5. Do you foresee more active exchanges between Korea and Israel in the future?
I flew to Seoul on a direct flight from Tel Aviv. This means the distance between our two countries is somewhat closer these days. I think it is highly encouraging that the Korea Foundation invites people from other countries to see Korea today and to understand your painful history. I understand that Korean scholars will be participating in two conferences on Iran, being held in Israel, and three large-scale conferences on the Middle East. This is a good start, although not a big step. Korea’s technology is already widely known to the people in Israel. So now, it is time to enjoy more active exchanges between our two peoples, which I have high expectations for.

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Efforts to Boost Korea-Israel Student Exchange

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