Cosy US Relations Continue

The ambassador’s visit comes after the annual conference of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, an organisation which aims to “erode the culturally rooted mistrust that sets nations against one another” through educational exchange.

Upholder of tweets and treaties.

This may come as a surprise to students who are aware of Durham’s prior involvement with the US to supposedly gather information on Iran.

WikiLeaks revealed that in 2008 Durham University received nearly £300,000 from the US State Department for projects that the US hoped would gather further intelligence on the country.

This led to Durham’s Iranian post-graduates fearing for their safety when returning home in case they were questioned by authorities.

Ayatollah Khamenei not giving a seminar.

In 2010, Durham University was also criticised for its use of foreign grants through a seminar held by a strong supporter of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The seminar, funded by a £5000 donation from the Iranian government, took place weeks after a Durham post-grad, Ehshad Abdo-Tabrizi, was arrested in Tehran for criticising the regime.

Sharne Procter: honoured.

Durham now hopes the ambassador’s visit will additionally strengthen contacts with America. Sharne Procter, Director of the International Office at Durham University, said: “We are really honoured to welcome the ambassador to the University as we are very proud to have such wide-ranging links with the US.”

Tight relations with America are being upheld despite the controversial nature of links in the past.