Remember that article, way back, about Lebanon being the 4th most prosperous nations in the world (here)? Well, that was a figure I could easily dismantle. And I did. Since a couple of days, I have seen statistics about the top ten % of people holding a PhD in the Arab world. Lebanon is on top.
I know what you are going to say - Tarek, you do not have a PhD, go get one and start arguing later. Sorry people, the reason I did not push for a PhD that my thesis - the one I wanted to do - was unclassifiable in the archaic system of the Lebanese universities. Basically, it could not be put under history, or sociology or politics. Add to this how universities in Lebanon are regressing by following something called "Ta7did masar" (path fixing) - meaning someone like me who did agriculture engineering and environmental economics is barred from doing a PhD in a different domain unless I take about 32 credits at a time when academia is being amorphous and open throughout the world.
Now, to go back to the original topic - most universities and yes, I stand by my words - have little or no understanding of what a PhD is, they have nothing to do with the accepted nomenclature of what is called a thesis, and are certainly divorced from the facts of what research methodology is. So the level of academia is regressing sharply in Lebanon, yet increasing threateningly in terms of numbers. I have had the pleasure of lecturing throughout the world - without a PhD - to know what research is and what it can bring to the life.
Do note, I know incredible people in Lebanon who are worth their weight in terms of research and thinking, and it is always a pleasure to play intellectual ping pong with them. But, make no mistake, for many - too many sadly - in Lebanon to be called Dr so and so trumps the real meaning of actually having something to discuss or teach or knowledge to impart and share.
Which is why I find the number above very alarming. As it does not reflect anything on the ground and is divorced from real and true academia. In my AUB diploma the words written are that I am to enjoy "the duties and privileges" that come with it. Make no mistake duties come before privileges, so drop your title and think what it means above all.