Syrian Students Banned From Using Supercomputer at KAUST

Wael Alwani said on his blog [ar] that Syrian Students at King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) are forbidden from using Shaheen, a US made supercomputer, due to technology export sanctions imposed by the US against Syria.

7 comments

  • Idiot Saudis. What nonsense. A Syrian using American equipment abroad is not making a US-Syria export!!!

  • divergio

    Sasa, please don’t make your judgment so hastily. The university people have no interest in preventing anyone with a legitimate use from accessing the equipment. The problem is legal, and lawyers with much knowledge in technology matters have worked hard to eliminate as many of these problems as they can. The situation is unfortunate but it is no part due to malice or incompetence on the part of the Saudis. Further, I believe that the same situation would exist for Syrian students trying to use the same technology in any university in any country.

    • AN

      Sorry dude, but that’s nonsense.

      There is no legal obstacles in any part of the world that can deny education to a certain ethnicity. That’s exactly the definition of the racism.

      It is a political move. I’m Syrian and have had access to the most sophisticated research centers. Saudis are not an independent nation, they’re pretty much controlled by the U.S who’s like usual collectivity punishing a people for Israel’s sake.

      • divergio

        It’s not denying education to an ethnicity, it has to do with technology export restrictions. The laws are against Syrian nationals USING the technology. I didn’t say they make sense, but I’m pretty certain they would apply in any country…no need to drag Israel into this.

  • AbulZooz

    They’re kidding, dude !

  • […] Global Voices: Syrian Students Banned From Using Supercomputer 2009-09-27 Wael Alwani said on his blog [ar] that Syrian Students at King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) are forbidden from using Shaheen, a US made supercomputer, due to technology export sanctions imposed by the US against Syria. […]

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