Fostering Academic Relations between Lebanon and the Islamic Republic of Iran

Background: The interest in the topic of academic research has drawn much attention in the last two decades especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; though this region has undergone violence, and many wars that have led to the loss of lives of hundreds of thousands, many within the university age category. However, whenever events calm down, universities become crowded with individuals seeking both quality education and research competencies. This is the case reflected in Lebanon as well as the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), for both have somehow parallel tracks where unrest, wars, and conflicts have left their toll on the population and the youth in specific. Nevertheless, both nations have shown perseverance, self-determination and strong national pride in overcoming the aggressive eco-system surrounding them as they seek continuous progress, improvement, giving special attention to higher education and academic research in particular. Although Iran has been subject to severe sanctions that have affected the full potential of its economy, the strategic agenda to seek world quality higher education and produce research of national benefit has grown exponentially in the last decade. Similarly, Lebanon, which has been subject to tremendous pressures from the surrounding war-zone countries, found its way to improve its performance in higher education and research. Objective: This paper aims at exposing the different factors that may contribute to the fostering of the academic and research relationship between Lebanon and Iran. Methodology: The analysis relies on collected data from secondary sources as well as primary data based on interviews with academics and experts from both countries; therefore, this research is exploratory, explanatory and qualitative. Results: There exists enough evidence to support the collaboration initiative. Interviewees from both countries showed enthusiasm, openness and readiness to move to the second level of cooperation that is, justifying relationships with memos of understanding. Conclusions: The outcomes of the research shed light on the shared interests pertaining to higher education and research collaboration opportunities between the two countries. Moreover, results support the intended policies that aim to regulate the future relationships.