Media coverage across the wider Middle East has shifted to focus on student protests at American universities in response to the Israel-Hamas war. While the protests and subsequent police crackdown are seen as a display of double standards in the U.S., where dissent and free speech are encouraged, many countries in the Middle East continue to suppress demonstrations due to ongoing warfare, economic challenges, or unrest. Iranian state television has extensively covered the protests, even as it largely ignored mass demonstrations in Iran itself. The coverage has sparked discussions about the death of liberal democracy and the treatment of dissent globally.
In Israel, where the media has largely supported the war in Gaza, images of the U.S. protests have raised concerns about shifting public opinion against Israel. Many commentators have dismissed the protests as antisemitic, a sentiment rejected by protest leaders. There have been calls for Israel to open its doors to Jewish academics and students who feel unsafe in the U.S. Meanwhile, Israeli protesters continue to demand the release of hostages in Gaza and the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the Gaza Strip, some Palestinians have expressed gratitude to American universities for their support, highlighting the complexities of the situation.
In the United Arab Emirates, where protests are illegal, a newspaper cartoon depicted university graduates being arrested, signaling the lack of freedom of expression in the region. Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper published an opinion piece suggesting that the student protests in the U.S. could lead to a shift in U.S. foreign policy. The demonstrations have also caught the attention of state-run television in Afghanistan, now under Taliban control, where protesters have voiced their opposition to the “genocide of the Zionist regime.” Qatar’s Al Jazeera network has extensively covered the protests, providing context and interviews with demonstrators, highlighting the global impact of the student-led movement.
The student protests at American universities have become a focal point for discussions on democracy and free speech, both within the U.S. and abroad. The protests have garnered attention from various Middle Eastern countries, sparking debates about the treatment of dissent and the role of the U.S. in global affairs. As the student-led movement continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how it will shape U.S. foreign policy and influence public opinion on issues related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The demonstrations serve as a reminder of the power of activism and the importance of standing up for justice and human rights on a global scale.
