An overwhelming majority of US-based academics focused on the Middle East say they have felt the need to self-censor their criticism of Israel since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, a new survey has found.

The Middle East Scholar Barometer survey found that among those who have chosen to self-censor, 81 per cent said they have withheld their criticism of Israel, compared with the 11pc who have withheld their criticism of Palestinians.

The main reasons for the self-censorship for around half the respondents were because they were concerned about campus culture and offending students, and were also worried about pressure from external advocacy groups.

Opinion

Editorial

Shifting climate tone
Updated 08 May, 2026

Shifting climate tone

Our financial system is geared towards short-term, risk-averse lending, while climate adaptation and green infrastructure require patient, long-term capital.
Honour and impunity
08 May, 2026

Honour and impunity

THE Sindh Assembly’s discussion on karo-kari this week reminds us of the enduring nature of ‘honour’ killings...
No real change
08 May, 2026

No real change

THE Indian sports ministry’s move to allow Pakistani players and teams to participate in multilateral events ...
A breakthrough?
07 May, 2026

A breakthrough?

The whole world would welcome an end to this pointless war.
Missed opportunity
07 May, 2026

Missed opportunity

A BIG opportunity to industrialise Pakistan has just passed us by. This has been reconfirmed by the investment...
Punishing dissent
07 May, 2026

Punishing dissent

THE Sindh government’s treatment of the Aurat March this week was a disgraceful assault on democratic rights. What...