IMT School for Advanced Studies Scholarships for PhD Research Program 2017/2018 – Italy

Application Deadline: 18th July, 2017

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: Global

To be taken at (country): Italy

Eligible Field of Study: Candidates can apply for one (or more) of the following curricula:

• Analysis and Management of Cultural Heritage (AMCH)
• Cognitive, Computational and Social Neurosciences (CCSN)
• Computer Science and Systems Engineering (CSSE)
• Economics, Management and Data Science (EMDS)

About the Award: Admission to IMT’s PhD program is competitive on an international level, with evaluation mainly focusing on past academic performance (grades) and scientific relevance to the selected curricula. First and foremost, however, certain basic formal requirements must be met before candidates are eligible to apply. Namely, candidates must have completed and obtained a degree equivalent to at least 4 years of university studies. (Students in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor’s degree is awarded before they enroll at IMT.)

Type: Postgraduate Degree

Eligibility: A university degree of at least 4 years or full time equivalent. Eligibility will be assessed by the PhD Selection Committee.

Selection Criteria: 

• Applicants are evaluated by a selection committee on the basis of past academic performance (grades) and background, scientific relevance and aptitude to research within the selected curriculum, and any other additional pertinent data submitted in the application (such as scientific publications, if any). While ranking of applicants is mostly driven by academic achievement, scientific pertinence is also taken into consideration for admission.
• The candidates that pass the initial assessment of the applications will be invited for an interview with the selection committee, either in person at the IMT campus, or via standard internet video conference, or through any other procedure allowing visual contact with the candidates and viewing of their identity document. Candidates with no access to videoconferencing facilities can conduct the interview at an Italian embassy or consulate.
• During the evaluation process, in rare circumstances, the selection committee may propose a different curriculum from the one chosen by the candidate.
• Equal opportunities are ensured to all candidates throughout the evaluation process.

Number of Awardees: Thirty-six (36)

Value of Scholarship: 13,638.47 Euros/year

• All PhD students admitted to the PhD program are exempt from paying tuition fees, although they are still responsible for paying the yearly Regional Education Tax (currently €140.00/year);
• All PhD students are offered free meals (lunch and dinner) at the on-campus canteen;
• All scholarship recipients are provided with free accommodation in shared double rooms within the campus residential facilities.

Duration of Scholarship: Three (3) years

How to Apply: Candidates must apply via the  online application form by the deadline set in the Call for Applications (July 18th, 2017 at 12:00 Italian time).

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details

Award Provider: IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy

Important Notes: Applications are open to candidates without regard to nationality, age, gender or religion. Proficiency in English is compulsory as research and teaching are conducted in English. No knowledge of Italian is requested.

Due to high traffic near the call closure, candidates are encouraged to submit their application well in advance of the deadline to avoid last-minute congestion in the online application procedure!

University of Pavia Scholarship for African and Developing Countries 2017/2018 – Italy

Application Deadline: 12th June 2017

Offered Annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: Developing Countries

To be taken at (country): Italy

About the Award: The Fund and the selection of the students are managed by a Committee composed by students, professors and officers of the University of Pavia. The Committee will select – among the applicants – the students who will receive a scholarship for the Academic Year 2017-2018. This is a call for applications currently opened to candidates from Developing Countries.

Type: Masters

Eligibility: 

• Only the following candidates can apply for a scholarship: only citizens of a Developing Country classified as a low-income economy or as a lower-middle-income economy by the World Bank
• Only students born on/after the 1st January 1982 can participate.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Program: The scholarship is intended to cover one Academic year and will be paid as monthly installments of 1.000 Euros each. Selected students will receive 8.000 Euros, paid as monthly installments of 1.000 Euros each. They will decide how to spend them, mainly for living.

Duration of Program:  1 academic year (about 10 months)

May 2017: opening of the call for applications;
– May/June 2017: collection of the applications;
– June 2017: selection of the winning student;
– June 2017: defining the program of the selected student;
– September 2017: the Program starts;
– A.Y. 2017-2018: carrying out of the Program;
– July 2018: the first part of the Program ends.

How to Apply: download the application form

Visit Program Webpage for details

Award Provider: University of Pavia

African Development Bank Internship Programme for African Students 2017

Application Deadline: 31st May 2017

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible African Countries: Member countries of the African Development Bank

To be taken at (country): Internships shall be performed either at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) or in any one of the Bank’s field offices or Regional Centers.

Subject Areas: The specific disciplines and specialist professional areas are aligned to the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (TYS) and the gender strategy.  In addition to the fields that are in the job families of the Bank, focus will be on the following areas:

• Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth;
• Agriculture, Human and Social Development;
• Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization;
• Economy, Statistics;
• Governance and knowledge Management
• Finance
• Legal
• Human Resources and Corporates Services: IT, Language Services, General Service a& Procurement, HR Management
• Audit, Anti-corruption
• Evaluation;
• Communication & External Relations
• Public Relations
• Gender.

About Program: African Development Bank offers internship programme to students from its member African countries currently undertaking their masters’ programme at a recognized public or private institution.

The broad objectives of the program are to:

• Provide students with an opportunity to acquire professional and practical experience at the African Development Bank.
• Provide the Bank with a pool of potential candidates for future recruitment purposes.

However applicants should not expect the internship to lead to immediate employment with the AfDB.

Offered Since:  Not Specified

Eligibility: The following are the minimum requirements:

• Aged between eighteen (18) to thirty (30) years
• Enrolled in a Bachelor’s/Master’s level degree program or its equivalent in a recognized public or private institution of higher learning.
• Apply for an internship within one year of having obtained such a degree.
• Provide a letter from the University / Professional institution school confirming the enrollment for the current Program.
• Citizen of a regional or non-regional member country of the African Development Bank.
• Applicants must be fluent in, at least, one of the Banks’s working languages (English or French).
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

In addition to above, preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the following:

• Ability to leverage knowledge.
• Ability to share knowledge.
• Adaptability to multicultural settings.
• Good communication skills.
• Working knowledge of a third language that is relevant to the Bank’s operations.
• Special consideration shall be given to students who are working on projects that have a direct bearing on the mission of the Bank.

Number of Internship Positions: Not Specified

Benefits: Interns will be provided with a monthly stipend.

Interns will be responsible for their airfare to and from the location of their internship, their visa if needed and will be required to have international medical and accident insurance coverage for the duration of their internship.

Duration: Internships will initially be for a period of three months, renewable for up to six months (maximum).

How can I Apply? Applicants will only be considered if they submit an online complete application and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Visit the Internship Webpage for Details

Sponsors: African Development Bank

Important Notes: Applicants who fully meet the Bank’s requirements and are considered for the Programme will be contacted. Applicants should submit a concise Curriculum Vitae (CV) and any additional documents that may be stated as required. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. http://www.afdb.org

The Denys Holland Scholarship for Financially-Challenged Students 2017/2018

Application Deadline: Friday, 7th July, 2017

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: International

To be taken at (country): United Kingdom

Eligible Field of Study: Courses offered at the University

About the Award: The Denys Holland Scholarship aims to support undergraduate students from any country, who without the support of the scholarship would be unable to secure the funding required to study at UCL, and who can demonstrate their intention to make full use of the activities offered by UCL and the Student Union.

Professor Denys Holland, in whose memory the Denys Holland Fund was created via donations from his students, was a sociable, compassionate man. A Professor of Law and Dean of Students, one of his principal concerns was the welfare and fulfilment of students under his care. His admissions policy for the Faculty of Laws was aimed at a broad range of students who would enter fully into college life.

Offered Since: Not known

Type: Undergraduate Taught

Eligibility: Candidates should be:

• holding an offer of admission to UCL for full-time undergraduate study in any department;
• in financial hardship, and be able to demonstrate that without the scholarship they would be unable to study at UCL;
• preferably aged 25 or below at the time of commencing their studies;
• able to demonstrate that they have broad interests and intend to be actively involved in and contribute to the life of the university.

Selection Criteria: The scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial hardship, subject to applicants demonstrating their intention to play a full part in extracurricular activities of UCL and the Students Union.

Number of Awardees: Not specified

Value of Scholarship: The scholarship is worth £9,000 per annum and scholars may choose to use all or part of the scholarship to cover fees. Any remainder is paid to the scholar as a maintenance stipend.

Duration of Scholarship: The scholarship is for one year in the first instance, but will be renewed subject to satisfactory progress, for up to a total of three years.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should visit the scholarship webpage to apply.

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details

Award Provider: The University College, London, Denys Holland Foundation

Important Notes: The scholarship may be held alongside other grants, bursaries, awards or scholarships, provided annual total funding does not exceed the cost of fees plus a reasonable sum for maintenance in any one year (as determined by UCL).

Margaret McNamara Educational Grants (MMEG) for African Women 2017 – South Africa

Application Deadline: 13th September 2017

Offered Annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: African countries

To be taken at (country): South Africa

Field of Study: None

About the Award:  The MMEG mission is to assist women from developing countries who are pursuing their education with the aim of improving the lives of women and children in their countries. We are one of the few organizations who provide financial assistance to such women. In past years, grants of up to US$15,000 have been awarded in the US/Canada program, and US$7,000 in the Africa, Latin America and Trinity programs.

Type: Grants

Eligibility: 

General: Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 25 years old at time of application deadline (see specific regional program application below);
• Be a national of a country listed on the MMEG Country Eligibility List;
• Be enrolled at an accredited academic institution when submitting application; and plan to be enrolled for a full academic term after award of the grant by the Board;
• Not be related to a World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund or Inter-American Development Bank staff member or spouse;

Africa: In addition to the above criteria, an applicant must:

already be enrolled part time (minimum of 2 courses per semester or term) or full time at one of the universities listed below, AND be enrolled for the following academic year (January-December or September to May) at one of the following universities:

• University of the Witwatersrand,
• University of Cape Town
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State

Applicants applying from eligible countries other than South Africa must already hold a study permit for South Africa.

Estimated expenses should be calculated and expressed in Rand

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Program: Approx. US$7,000

How to Apply: Remember to read the Application Checklist & FAQs before applying, and select the   “Africa program” in the first question of the application. If the program name  does not appear, the program may be closed to new applications.

Visit Program Webpage for details

Award Provider: MMEG

Important Notes: Queries may be addressed to <africa@mmeg.org> during this period. Decisions will be announced by December.

United Nations OHCHR Internship for Graduate Students 2017 – Geneva

Application Deadline: 9th April, 2018

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: All

To be taken at (country): Geneva, Switzerland

Type: Internship

Eligibility: Applicants to the United Nations internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university   degree or equivalent, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
3. Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in the link below) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation, as provided for in section 11.4 of the present instruction.

Number of Awardees: Not specified

Value of Internship: United Nations internships are not remunerated and interns are not considered officials or staff members of the Organization. Travel costs and living expenses must be borne by the interns themselves or by a sponsoring institution. Interns are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and for obtaining visas. In Geneva, interns are provided, upon arrival, with a Swiss ID card for the duration of the internship by OHCHR’s Administrative Section. They are also provided with a U.N. ground pass, a library card and general information about OHCHR and the United Nations.

The relationship between the Organization and the intern is one of mutual benefit. Interns are assigned to an organizational unit of OHCHR according to the needs of the Office and their own areas of interest. They are involved, inter alia, in: researching human rights issues, drafting analytical papers and reports, providing substantive and technical servicing of meetings, backstopping fact-finding and technical cooperation activities as well as field operations and supporting other OHCHR activities, depending on the exigencies of the Office. As part of the internship programme, OHCHR endeavours to brief interns through a series of information sessions on human rights issues conducted by staff of the Office.

How to Apply: Apply Now

Visit Internship Webpage for details

Award Provider:  United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHRCR)

World Trade Organisation Internship for Graduate Students 2017 – Geneva

Application Deadline: 29th May 2017

Eligible Countries: All

To be taken at (country): Geneva

About the Award: The Procurement Section is responsible for the acquisition process of products and services for the WTO, i.e. to obtain high quality goods, services and works that meet the applicable specifications at competitive prices and within the time frame required, in order to achieve the mandates of the WTO.

The intern will have the following opportunities to:

1. 1) participate in, and assist with, the day-to-day operations of the Procurement Section.
2. 2) Statistics and Data Analysis including – but not limited to – Purchase Orders, Tenders and granted approvals. The WTO uses Oracle software (ERP system) for its financial management and reporting.
3. 3) Assist with creating PowerPoint presentations for the delivery of Procurement related mini-workshops to WTO staff.
4. 4) Contribute to miscellaneous projects to be defined based on the needs of the section.

Type: Internship

Eligibility: 

• Education: Interns will have completed their undergraduate studies in the administration, purchasing or accounting discipline and shall have completed at least one year of their postgraduate studies.
• Languages: Excellent speaking and writing skills in English or French. A good working level of the other language would be an asset.

Additional Information:

APPLICANTS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A COVER LETTER EXPRESSING THEIR INTEREST IN WORKING FOR THE WTO PROCUREMENT SECTION.

The official languages of the organization are French, English and Spanish.

Selection Criteria: Interns are recruited from among nationals of WTO members, countries and customs territories engaged in accession negotiations.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Program: Paid interns receive a daily allowance of CHF 60 (including week-ends and official holidays falling within the selected period). No other remuneration of any kind shall be paid.

Travel expenses to and from Geneva cannot be paid by the WTO, and such travel is not covered by the Organization’s insurance. Interns are also responsible for their own health insurance while they are working at the WTO. The WTO can assist with visa applications where necessary.

Duration of Program:  6 months (22nd June to 22nd December 2017)

How to Apply: All candidates must complete an online application form (in Program Webpage Link below).

Visit Program Webpage for details

Award Provider: World Trade Organisation

Government of Poland Masters and PhD Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries 2017/2018

Application Deadline: 23rd June 2017

Eligible Countries: Developing Countries ( Angola, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Colombia, Mexico, Mayanmar, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Palestine, South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania, Vietnam).

To be taken at (country): Poland

Field of Study: Varying

About the Award: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland announced recruitment to the Ignacy Lukasiewicz scholarship programme (2017/2018 edition).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Polish government department tasked with maintaining Poland’s international relations and coordinating its participation in international and regional supra-national political organisations such as the European Union and United Nations.

Type: Masters and PhD

Eligibility: 

2nd Degree Studies (Master Studies)

Candidate profile:

• Graduate of the 1st degree studies (completed in 2016 or 2017) conducted in the aforementioned areas of sciences or current final year student of the 1st degree studies in the academic year 2016/2017;
• In the absence of the form of 1st degree studies in the higher education system of the country which issued the diploma, graduate of Master’s degree or equivalent studies (completed in 2016 or 2017) or current final year student of Master’s degree or equivalent studies in the academic year 2016/2017, conducted in the aforementioned areas of sciences.

3rd Degree Studies (PhD Studies): Candidate profile:

• Graduate of Master’s degree or equivalent studies completed no earlier than three years ago (does notapply to persons already studying in Poland);
• Graduates of Master’s degree or equivalent studies completed in the country of origin of candidates will be preferred (however, this does not preclude persons with Polish university diploma from the possibility of applying for the scholarship);

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Program: The amount of the scholarship, which covers the costs of accommodation and living, is PLN 1350 per month.

Duration of Program: Duration of program

How to Apply: 

2nd Degree Studies (Master Studies): The candidates are required to submit completed and signed questionnaire to Polish diplomatic posts, along with the following attachments:

• Description of the proposed dissertation according to the following specifications: 1.5-2 A4 pages, font size 12, spacing 1.5; required elements of description include: proposal for a topic, problem and research method, detailed description of chapters);
• A copy of the 1st degree studies graduation diploma with a supplement, in the absence of the form of1st degree studies in the higher education system of the country of origin – a copy of diploma ofMaster’s Degree or equivalent with a supplement or certificate of the marks obtained in the winter session in the final year of 1st degree studies or final year of Master’s degree or equivalent studies, and the planned date of completion;
• A copy of health certificate;
• A copy of passport.

3rd Degree Studies (PhD Studies): The candidates are required to submit, via the university admitting the foreigner to the 3rd-degree studies, to the Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange, completed and signed questionnaire along with the following attachments:

• Outline of the doctoral dissertation prepared in accordance with the following specifications: 4-5 A4 pages, font size 12, spacing 1.5; required elements of description include: proposal for a topic, research problem, the main hypothesis and research method, detailed description of chapters);
• A copy of the Master’s degree graduation diploma (with a supplement) authorising to take up doctoral studies in the issuing country (not applicable to persons already studying in Poland);a document confirming admission by the university (or the promise of admission), in the mode provided for foreigners, to 3rd degree studies with the scholarship of the Minister of Science and Higher Education, stating that financial conditions will change when a foreigner does not obtain a scholarship (does not apply to persons already studying in Poland);
• Opinions of two independent academics (Prof. or PhD), including at least one from Poland);
• A curriculum vitae with a covering letter;
• A copy of health certificate (it does not concern to people already studying in Poland);
• A copy of passport;
• A copy of the document authorizing to the stay on the Polish territory (for people already studying in Poland or holding a valid visa).

Application Form

Visit Program Webpage for details

Award Provider: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program (ITEC) for Developing Countries 2017

Application Deadline: 10th June 2017

Eligible Countries: Developing Countries

To be taken at (country): India

About the Award: The ITEC Programme, fully funded by the Government of India, has evolved and grown over the years. Under ITEC and its sister programme SCAAP (Special Commonwealth African Assistance Programme), 161 countries in Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries are invited to share in the Indian developmental experience acquired over six decades of India’s existence as a free nation. As a result of different activities under this programme, there is now a visible and growing awareness among other countries about the competence of India as a provider of technical know-how and expertise as well as training opportunities, consultancy services and feasibility studies. These programmes have generated immense goodwill and substantive cooperation among the developing countries.

Type: Training

Eligibility: 

• Academic qualifications as laid down by the Institute for the Course concerned.
• Working knowledge of English required to follow the Course.
• Age between 25 to 45 years.
• Medically fit to undertake the training.

Selection Criteria: 

• Officials in Government, Public and Private Sectors, Universities, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, etc.
• Candidates should possess adequate work experience.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Program: The program covers transportation and visa costs, course fees, accommodation, and living and book allowances for course participants.

Duration of Program: July-August

How to Apply: 

• Applicants can browse the available courses and can apply for ITEC training program by filling up the online application form and take a print out of filled form. This form is to be submitted to the nodal/designated Government Department/Agency of applicant’s country.
• Nodal/designated Department/Agency is, in turn, required to forward the applications to the Embassy/High Commission of India, accredited/concurrently accredited to the nominating country along with undertaking by candidate and certification from employer (Part-II of Application Form).
• Candidates may later check the status of their application by logging-in at www.itecgoi.in .The credentials for log-in may be noted while filling up the form.

Visit Program Webpage for details

Award Provider: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation

Somalia’s Worsening Drought: Blowback From US Policy

Jerrod A. Laber

The eastern African country of Somalia is currently suffering from a drought that has lasted for more than two years. A drought in an underdeveloped agrarian country that also lacks basic sanitation systems means further complications stemming from a lack of food production, subsequent malnourishment, and outbreaks of bacterial diseases such as cholera.

In fact, Somalia is currently reporting 200-300 cases of cholera a day. It’s a treatable condition, but aid agencies are consistently stifled in getting affected Somalis the care they need because the worst areas hit by the outbreak are in the southern part of the country––areas controlled by a group called Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab is a radical Islamist militia that arose as a response to American covert operations in the country, as well as the US backed invasion of Somalia by Ethiopian forces in 2006. As with all policy decisions, there are unforeseen and unintended consequences. US foreign policy provided the catalyst for Al-Shabaab’s formation, who are in turn exacerbating this humanitarian crisis which has claimed over 500 lives so far this year.

In the early 2000s, Somalia was governed by a string of warlords that were supported by the US government, so long as they agreed to help target suspected terrorists that were taking refuge there. Growing tired of the warlords, a group of independent militias joined together to form the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) and took control of the capital Mogadishu, and other parts of the country.

Because of the radical Islamist nature of the ICU, the Bush administration viewed them as an outgrowth of al-Qaida, and therefore could not be allowed to control such large swaths of the country. The US  conducted a proxy war, sponsoring neighboring Ethiopia to invade Somalia and force the ICU out.  What was left of the ICU became Al-Shabaab, a jihadist group that “emerged as the vanguard of the fight against foreign occupation,” according to investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill, author of the 2013 book Dirty Wars: The World is a Battlefield.

Despite being pushed back from urban areas, Al-Shabaab controls a number of  rural areas – many of the same areas that have been hit the hardest by the drought which is now threatening so many people. The group is reticent, or in some cases entirely unwilling, to allow aid workers into their c territory.

Even if rain does come soon to these regions, it will take time for plants and livestock to re-emerge, and the problem of poor sanitation will not have gone away. The drought is affecting close to 6 million people, and the World Health Organization is predicting the number of cholera cases to reach 50,000 by the end of the summer.

None of this suggests that life would be great if the US took a different approach to Somalia and the War on Terror. Somalia would still not be a developed nation with sustainable institutions of governance, and there have always been struggles with corruption and theft when it comes to aid. The Islamic Courts were ushering in an (admittedly short-lived) era of relative stability and peace, but they were also Islamist and repressive by any reasonable measure. But the fact of the matter is that a militant group whose existence is owed to blowback from American foreign policy is blocking aid to people in need.

This doesn’t shift the blame – responsibility lies with those that are prohibiting aid from reaching the affected populations. But the US should not deny its role in laying the foundation for the emergence of Al-Shabaab either.

As if the civil war in Iraq and the rise of the Islamic State in Libya are not enough, Somalia is another example of the unintended, negative consequences of an aggressive, militaristic foreign policy. The Islamic Courts Union may not have been any liberal-minded person’s ideal of a governing body, but it was so short-lived that we cannot know how it would have behaved long-term. Al-Shabaab, however, is imposing misery on innocent people.

Al-Awamiya: City of Resistance

Rannie Amiri

As the United States prepared to sign a multi-billion dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia, royal forces laid siege to al-Awamiya, a restive town of approximately 30,000 in the Qatif district of the country’s Eastern Province. Bulldozers, backed by armored tanks and helicopter gunships, systemically leveled homes and put entire families on the street in the historic Mosawara neighborhood. This came under the guise of a development and “renovation” project for the long-neglected and impoverished city although the regime saw fit to post doctored images of allegedly captured weapons to imply was also a security operation.

Last month, anticipating such a move, United Nations experts on poverty, culture and housing rights, “ … called on the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to immediately halt the planned demolition of a 400-year-old walled neighborhood in the village of Awamia. The UN experts warned the development plan for the Al-Masora quarter threatens the historical and cultural heritage of the town with irreparable harm, and may result in the forced eviction of numerous people from their businesses and residences.

“The area is of importance not only to local people and the entire cultural landscape of Awamia, but also has national significance for the history and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia,” said the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Karima Bennoune. “The planned demolition would erase this unique regional heritage in an irreversible manner.” As the report makes clear, the project did not provide for the construction of residential buildings in place of those destroyed.

Awamiya was home to the late Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, the fiery cleric who nonetheless peacefully demanded equal rights for the marginalized, oppressed Saudi Shia community. He was ultimately executed by the government in January 2016 after his capture in July 2012. Awamiya is no stranger to aggression, but this past week’s attack and ongoing siege is a new escalation by those yet to be satiated by the killing of Sheikh al-Nimr.

The city’s planned “development” was marked by blocking ambulance access, cordoning off entrance to Mosawara with concrete barriers, cutting power and shooting at residents. As one said, “It is really painful to demolish a historic and archaeological city like Almosara whose lifespan extends for hundreds of years. Some people who want to close their eyes to the truth and are not affected by the demolition will believe in the lie of development.”

The action comes on the heels of an interview by deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s interview on state television in which he vowed to take the country’s standoff with Tehran inside of Iran’s borders. The offensive was still against Shia Muslims but instead within Saudi borders and the victims his fellow citizens.

It is erroneous and somewhat simplistic to frame the assault strictly in sectarian terms or as a move to appease the religious establishment’s anti-Shia proclivities.  Rather, it was meant to send a message to all in the Kingdom of the fate of those who would oppose the authority and the legitimacy of the monarchy. It was to widen the narrow streets of Mosawara to allow tanks easy passage for future operations. It was a reminder to those in the Qatif who might still be emboldened by Sheikh Nimr’s famous declaration, “A century of oppression … enough, we will not be silent and we will not fear. We will call for separation even from this country and let be what will be. Our dignity is dearer than the unity of this land.”

Most importantly, it was to demonstrate that even when the President of the United States visits Saudi Arabia to speak about combating extremism, the regime itself can be extremist without consequence or reproach.

Qana, Lebanon has been the subject of two vicious Israeli attacks and massacres. Gaza withstood untold suffering from a suffocating blockade followed by attack from land, sea and air. The poor villages outside of Manama, Bahrain, have withered under the pervasive repression of the al-Khalifa dynasty. Now another has joined their ranks.

Al-Awamiya: city under siege, city of resistance.