Nathan Ball, an American student at KAUST, has a blog, Saudi Aggie. There, he writes about his experiences and perceptions at the university—and his side trips outside during breaks.

In addition to just being an interesting read, Nathan’s posts are thoughtful. I’d like to particularly point out his most recent:

Explaining KAUST

Is KAUST radical? Women with hijab, women without hijab, men with thobe and shimal and men in jeans and a shirt keeping their culture and religion while learning and researching together at KAUST.

It is easy to slander and to destroy, but building and creating something new takes time, patience, and commitment. God is the great creator, Satan is the great destroyer.

For weeks, KAUST has been criticized for its mixed men and women classes. KAUST’s detractors are mostly anonymous and are using internet tools like YouTube, Facebook, and e-mail to spread images, half-truths, and lies about social life at KAUST. Whether their reasons are political, religious, or personal jealousy, this small minority is trying though any means necessary to illigitimize KAUST. Their attacks are very misleading.
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