Ali Ahmida profiled in the Boston Globe for his commentary on Libyan uprising

Ali Abdullatif Ahmida, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Political Science, was profiled in a front-page story in the on March 31, 2011. The profile focused on Ahmida's role as international media commentator on the Libyan uprising.

Since the North African and Middle Eastern uprisings began in January, Ahmida has been interviewed by a growing number of national and international media outlets, including NPR's Morning Edition, Weekend Edition and Charlie Rose show, CBC Radio Canada, KPFK Pacifica Radio, Los Angeles, WBEZ Chicago Public Media, Mother Jones magazine and more. He also wrote an invited op-ed column for the New York Times.

“It’s not about academic celebrity — I don’t care about that," Ahmida told the Globe. “I want to encourage people to think in a different way, to empathize with ordinary people [in Libya]."

The story explains that Ahmida also offers an appealing mix, with personal connections that enliven his expertise. His friends include Libyans involved in the uprising as well as diplomats, including the Libyan ambassador to the United Nations.

Ahmida, who was born in Libya, is the author of The Making of Modern Libya: State Formation, Colonialization and Resistance, and several other books on Libya and North Africa. Find out more about Ahmida and

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