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According to the data recently published by the Times University Rankings by subject for 2024, Yarmouk University is ranked in the category (601-800) globally and the second position locally in the field of Health and Clinical Sciences, which includes the majors of the faculties of medicine and pharmacy. It is also ranked in the category (401-500) globally and the second position locally in the field of Educational Sciences. Moreover, it is ranked in the category (601+) globally and the first locally in the field of Humanities and Arts, which includes most of the academic majors of the Faculties of Arts, Fine Arts, Tourism and Hotels, Sharia and Islamic Studies, Archeology and Anthropology, and Architecture.
For the field of engineering specializations, Yarmouk has advanced 200 places in the world rankings, thus entering the category (601-800) globally and the first rank locally besides the Universities of Jordan and the Jordanian University of Science and Technology. For the field of economics and business, Yarmouk advances 200 places, thus entering the category (601-800) globally and ranking second locally. In the same context, Yarmouk maintained its rank in the field of computer science within the category (601-800) globally, and in the field of social sciences within the category (801+), the second locally, and within the category (1001+) globally and the second at the local level in the field of Physical science.
The President of the University, Professor Islam Massad, expressed his pride in the University’s scientific and academic achievements, stressing that it is not strange for Yarmouk University, which has several distinguished academic and administrative competencies, to achieve such ranks or show such progress and development. He then explained that this ranking is the result of Yarmouk’s absolute belief and commitment to the standards of academic and research excellence including the initiatives and achievements related to the file of international classifications and academic quality, which reflects positively on its students and their competitive ability in the local and international labor markets. Finally, he expressed his thanks and appreciation for the efforts made by the faculty and administrative staff members of the University, acknowledging the exceptional efforts made by the Center for Quality and Academic Accreditation to prepare and follow up on the files for international classifications and accreditations.
The President of Yarmouk University, Professor Islam Massad, and the Director of Arabic Language Programs at the American Council for International Programs (CIEE), Dr. Najeh Abu Orabi, discussed ways of joint cooperation between Yarmouk, represented by its Language Center, and the Council in the field of teaching Arabic language to non-native speakers. Massad pointed out that Yarmouk seeks to keep pace with developments and changes in various academic and educational fields to fulfill its mission of preparing elite students capable of making their distinctive mark in the various positions they hold at the local, regional, and international levels. He then stressed the University’s keenness to extend bridges of scientific cooperation between its Language Center and CIEE concerning the Arabic language program for non-native speakers and enabling the Center to obtain the American standards for teaching foreign languages (ACTFL).
In her turn, the Director of Yarmouk’s Language Center, Dr. Rana Qandil, indicated that the Center seeks to deploy any available means and methods to achieve international standards for teaching foreign languages, as evident in the Center’s cooperation with CIEE to offer a 10-hour training workshop for its Arabic language professors, under the supervision of Dr. Najeh Abu Orabi, on how to apply international standards in teaching foreign languages to non-native speakers. For his part, Abu Orabi praised the distinguished reputation of Yarmouk graduates who have proven their worth and competence at the international level. He also stressed CIEE's readiness to cooperate with Yarmouk’s Language Center to attract more students from the United States of America to join the Center’s Arabic language program for speakers of other languages.
In a detailed analysis reminiscent of the complexities of modern warfare, it has been determined that Israel's extensive military operations in Gaza are not only a source of profound humanitarian concern, but also a significant environmental issue.
According to the evaluation conducted by the authors, it has been estimated that in the first 35 days of heightened conflict, emissions amounting to approximately 60.304 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents were discharged. The figure encompasses a range of sources, including fuel consumption, munitions, Trinitrotoluene (TNT), the demolition of buildings and the reconstruction of civilian infrastructure. Most of these emissions are attributed to the destruction and subsequent rebuilding of infrastructure, a stark reminder of the often-overlooked environmental consequences of warfare. Further, projections suggest that should the conflict continue for a year, as hinted at by Israeli forces, the total emissions could escalate to an alarming 629 million tonnes CO2e. The findings of this analysis underscore the paramount importance of integrating environmental considerations into the processes for resolving conflicts and the strategies employed for post-conflict reconstruction.
Fuel consumption
Deep insights into the environmental impact of contemporary warfare reveal a notable concern: the substantial greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the extensive use of fuel in conflict zones significantly contributes to climate change. However, accurately quantifying the fossil fuel consumption in these areas poses a significant challenge, primarily due to the limited availability of data and the uncertainties associated with the scope of these environmental impacts. A detailed analysis of such consumption would necessitate a wealth of data and assumptions, including the quantity of vehicles used in military and logistical operations, their operational characteristics, the distances they travel and the structure of supply chains. Acquiring this kind of military-related information is rarely feasible in peacetime and virtually impossible during conflict. Alternatively, a broader approach might involve making educated guesses about the military forces' fuel usage. Despite the limitations and uncertainties of available data, this method could offer a rough estimate of fuel consumption levels. The Israeli occupation forces were supplied with 300 kilotonnes of these fuels in September. In October, this figure significantly increased three times, indicating a notable escalation in fuel supply to these areas. This increase is similar to the increase that happened during the Russian-Ukrainian war.
In the national reports on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions submitted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), emissions related to military activities are categorised under 1.A.5 OTHER (Not elsewhere specified) in the standard reporting framework. This category encompasses emissions from all unspecified fuel combustion sources, which includes emissions stemming from the use of military fuels (1.A.5.a for stationary combustion and 1.A.5.b for mobile combustion). Although this category might cover other sources of emissions as well, it represents the most dependable data source for evaluating the extent of military-related emissions in Gaza prior to the Israeli’s invasion. According to the most recent data available for UNFCCC, 448.03 kilotonnes CO2 is generated by 140 kilotonnes of fuel. Thus, total fuel consumption by Israel’s war on Gaza is estimated at 1.92 million tonnes CO2e, so far.
Munitions
During the war, artillery weapons were extensively used. These weapons can fir1e a projectile weighing around 40 kg to distances ranging from 17 to 40 kilometres. The GHG emissions are generated from the production of raw materials for munitions, their transportation to battlefields, the combustion of the propellant when fired, and the explosion of the warhead upon impact. As these munitions are likely refurbished to replenish stocks during the war, the emissions from their production are significant for assessing the war's climate impacts.
The daily artillery usage varies greatly, estimated between 5,000 to 60,000 rounds, and fluctuates with the intensity of frontline shelling. It is assumed that Israel uses 50,000 rounds daily (or 1.85 million over 35 days). These conservative estimates factor in limited information and high uncertainty. Additionally, significant munitions are destroyed in strikes on depots, further impacting emissions. The average CO2e emissions for each artillery round used in this context is approximately 1.4 tonnes resulting in approximately 2.59 million tonnes CO2e.
Emissions from TNT usage
The emissions resulting from Israel's use of TNT during the conflict can be quantified based on the amount of TNT used and the CO2 emissions it produces. Israel utilised a total of 30,000 tonnes of TNT, equivalent to 30,000,000 kilogrammes. The combustion of TNT generates a significant amount of carbon dioxide, with each kilogram of TNT producing approximately 1.467 kilograms of CO2. The total emissions from TNT usage are so far 0.044 million tonnes CO2e.
Emissions from building demolitions
The CO2 emissions resulting from the1demolition of buildings during the conflict are a significant contributor to the overall environmental impact, particularly within the context of the construction industry's role in global CO2 emissions. The construction industry plays a significant role in global CO2 emissions, accounting for approximately 11 per cent of the total. This percentage includes emissions from a range of activities such as the production of energy-intensive materials like concrete and steel, the transportation of these materials, the operation of construction machinery, and notably, the demolition of buildings. When a building is demolished, it not only generates a considerable amount of waste but also leads to substantial CO2 emissions. For example, demolishing a 100-square-metre office building typically results in about 1,000 metric tonnes of waste and approximately 110,000 kg of CO2 emissions.
In the scenario of the conflict, where an estimated 50,000 buildings have been destroyed, each with an average size of 500 square meters, the environmental impact is markedly high. The larger size of these buildings implies a proportional increase in both waste and CO2 emissions as compared to smaller structures.
Assuming each 500-square-meter building generates around five times the waste and CO2 emissions of a 100-square-meter building, the cumulative effect on CO2 emissions from the demolition of these buildings is substantial, reflecting the significant environmental cost of such widespread destruction in conflict zones. This also highlights the importance of sustainable construction practices, such as the development of green buildings, which have a much lower CO2 emission footprint compared to traditional construction methods. The total emissions from Building Demolitions are so far 27.5 million tonnes CO2e.
Reconstruction of civilian infrastructure
The reconstruction of civilian infrastructure, a crucial aspect in the aftermath of conflict, carries with it significant CO2e emissions. On average, the reconstruction of each destroyed unit is estimated to generate approximately 565 tonnes of CO2e. Given the extensive damage incurred, with around 50,000 units needing reconstruction, this equates to a substantial total of 28.25 million tonnes of CO2e. This estimate is aligned with the emissions observed in similar reconstruction efforts, such as those following the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
In summary, the total CO2 emissions resulting from various activities during the first 35-day conflict are considerable and are estimated to be approximately 60.304 million tonnes CO2e. If the conflict were to extend for a year, as suggested by the Israeli occupation forces, the total emissions could potentially escalate to around 629 million tonnes CO2e, which is equivalent to the production of CO2e emissions of an industrial country like Germany in 2020. This total notably includes the significant emissions from the destruction and subsequent demolition of buildings, the most substantial contributor in this assessment. Such figures highlight the profound environmental impact of the conflict, underscoring the need for considering environmental factors in conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery.
The Language Center at Yarmouk University received 194 male and female students from nine countries across the globe this semester, where an exam was held to determine the level of new students in Arabic language. The director of the center, Dr. Rana Qandil, explained that the exam measures students’ level of reading, listening, speaking, and writing so that students with a score of (60%) or more get exempted from registering “one level for the Arabic language course for speakers of other languages” and enrolled in other courses of their study plans. For students with a score of less than (60%), they get classified into three levels and be enrolled in “one level for the Arabic language course for speakers of other languages” accordingly. Qandil indicated that 49 out of 145 male and female students passed the exam with a score of (60% and above) and that those students are from Germany, France, India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Belgium, and Spain.
The President of Yarmouk University, Professor Islam Massad, met with a delegation from the American Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange, which included Dr. Brian J. Bowe, Dr. Anita Bright, and Dr. Jennifer Green, to discuss possible ways of cooperation between the two sides. Massad stressed that Yarmouk seeks, based on its strategic plan, to meet international standards in teaching most of its programs by taking many measures and steps that enable Faculties to achieve international accreditation for their programs. He mentioned that several Faculties of Yarmouk have already gained such accreditation, such as Al-Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science, and the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels. He then stated that one of the University's current priorities is to develop and update the study plans for most majors to keep pace with recent changes and developments in the different fields of knowledge. Massad also explained that the Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University, supported by USAID, is implementing the Higher Diploma Program for Teacher Preparation, which aims at preparing a generation of teachers capable of performing the educational mission in the Kingdom’s schools efficiently and competently. Moreover, he called for extending bridges of cooperation with Fulbright highlighting the value of increasing the opportunities for scholarships offered to Yarmouk students and enabling them to complete their graduate studies in various fields at American universities.
In return, the members of the delegation stressed their keenness to strengthen research and scientific cooperation between Jordanian and American universities through Fulbright programs and to create opportunities for scientific, academic, and research cooperation between Yarmouk and various American universities in areas of common interest. They praised the distinguished reputation of Yarmouk University, stressing the extent of the distinction of its Faculty of Mass Communication due to its embrace of distinguished scientific figures, equipment, and facilities. Finally, they emphasized the importance of strengthening research cooperation between the two sides in the field of media in addition to other majors, such as educational sciences and languages.
Al-Safadi: strengthening the home front and standing behind the leadership, army, and security authorities are the protective shield and support for Palestine.
Massad: Our constants are based on His Majesty’s vision and decision: “No to the displacement of Palestinians... No to an alternative homeland.”
Massad: Yarmouk will remain at the forefront of national scientific institutions, lifting Jordan’s renaissance and creating generations beholding national, Arab, and humanitarian concerns.
The president of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Al-Safadi, said that His Majesty King Abdullah II speaks with the voice of truth and expresses the conscience of humanity, as there is no way to achieve security and stability in the region except by stopping the brutal Israeli aggression against Gaza Strip and maintaining the rights of the Palestinian people. Al-Safadi attended a dialogue symposium organized by the late Samir Al-Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies at Yarmouk University entitled “Jordan’s firm positions under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II towards the Palestinian case and the repercussions of the war on Gaza and the importance of Strengthening the home Front”. The symposium held in the presence of the University President, Professor Islam Massad, in Al-Kindi Auditorium, was moderated by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Mohammad Anqara.
Al-safadi stated that Jordan has become at the forefront of the global political scene through the communications and meetings held by His Majesty the King. He pointed out that His Majesty the King is leading a broad international movement, and therefore Jordan has become a center for regional and international interaction and a focus for effective diplomacy aiming at stopping Gaza war and creating a political horizon that brings everyone back to the dialogue table. He then stated, "We are proud of the young men of the Royal Jordanian Air Force who, based on royal directives, carried out an airdrop to provide urgent medical and pharmaceutical aid to the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza Strip, considering that the Jordanian field hospital is still performing its duty of conscience despite the bombing and destruction witnessed by the Strip." He also stressed the importance of preserving the home front, confirming that "We must always give priority to the voice of wisdom in such difficult and delicate circumstances".
For his part, Massad said: “At this sensitive historical stage, we stand behind our role model and ideal, His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein, whose firm positions and insightful visions expressed in international forums always support the Palestinian cause and advocate it against the aggression practiced by Israel.” He added that we in this country reject the war, destruction, and genocide and that we support Palestinians with everything we have. Massad also stressed that Yarmouk University will remain at the forefront of national scientific institutions, lifting the renaissance of Jordan and creating generations beholding national, Arab, and humanitarian concerns.
At the end of the symposium, an extensive discussion took place in which Al-Safadi answered the students’ and attendees’ questions and inquiries.
Yarmouk advances 7 places in the QS Arab 2024 by obtaining the rank (41) in the Arab world and the third rank locally, thus becoming among the best 19% of universities in the Arab world. The ranking was officially announced on the 18th of October, based on data collected from 223 universities that applied for the rankings this year.
Interestingly, the QS Arab Region University Rankings is one of the most important rankings at the Arab level, as it is incorporates 10 main criteria, which are academic reputation, professional reputation, the ratio of students to faculty members, international research cooperation, the percentage of faculty members holding a doctorate degree, and the citation rate to the number of research papers published on the Scopus database, the percentage of research papers published on the Scopus database for faculty members, the influence of the website, the percentage of international faculty members, and the percentage of international students.
The President of the University, Professor Islam Massad, confirmed that Yarmouk is moving forward towards internationality with the determination of its children, who are making exceptional efforts to enable their university occupy an advanced position at all levels. He stressed the University’s endeavor and constant interest in providing a modern and advanced educational environment, enhancing international communication and academic partnerships with prestigious international institutions, and attracting more students from outside Jordan, in a way that reflects the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein concerning modernizing education and developing universities.
A delegation from the Faculty of Arts at Yarmouk University visited the Azerbaijani Embassy in Amman and met with the Azerbaijani Ambassador, Mr. Eldar Salimov, to discuss possible means for strengthening cultural and academic cooperation between Yarmouk and the scientific and cultural institutions in Azerbaijan. The delegation included the Head of the Department of Semitic and Eastern Languages, Dr. Hassan Al-Zyout, the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Saleh Jaradat, Dr. Raba’ Rababa’ from the Department of Semitic and Eastern Languages, and the Director of the Yunus Emre Turkish Institute, Mr. Ensar Firat.
During the visit, ways of academic cooperation between Yarmouk University and various Azerbaijani universities were discussed, and several points related to enhancing cultural and academic understanding between the Turkish language program in the Department of Semitic and Eastern Languages in Yarmouk’s Faculty of Arts and Azerbaijani universities were discussed as well. Ambassador Salimov praised the bilateral relations between Jordan and the Republic of Azerbaijan in various diplomatic, cultural, and educational fields, stressing the embassy’s keenness to strengthen any joint cooperation and expand its horizons. In response, Dr. Zyout stressed the keenness of the Department of Semitic and Eastern Languages to network and cooperate with various educational and research bodies, which will reflect positively on the progress of the educational process in the various programs offered by the department. He then called on the Azerbaijani embassy to build bridges of educational and research cooperation between Yarmouk and various Azerbaijani higher education institutions.
The Faculty of Information Technology at Yarmouk University achieved remarkable success in the National Programming Competition for Jordanian Universities (JCPC), organized by the Jordanian Coders Association, and hosted by the University of Applied Sciences, in which more than 75 teams from various Jordanian universities participated. The Faculty students succeeded in achieving two advanced positions in this competition; consequently, these Yarmouk students are approved as qualified to participate in the regional competition for the Arab region in its 26th edition, which will be hosted by the Academy of Marine Sciences in the city of Alexandria in the Arab Republic of Egypt at the end of this month. The competition aims at developing talents and building the programming capabilities of university students around the world by enhancing their creativity, teamwork, and team spirit.
The Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Qasim Al-Radaideh, expressed his pride in the excellent performance of the Faculty students in the competition, stressing that their achievement reflects the continuing successes of Yarmouk University in the field of programming and technology, and its commitment to developing the skills and abilities of students in this field. He stressed also the keenness of the University to support the permanent participation of its students in such competitions and events due to their importance in providing students with experiences and skills required in the labor market. Al-Radaida then mentioned that the Faculty teams had previously won the national competition and got qualified to participate in the Arab competition in 2016 and 2019.
However, Yarmouk teams of programming this year, which are supervised by Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Al-Otoum and Dr. Enas Khashashna, include these students: (The First team: “TheVoid” includes Mahmoud Khaled Al-Araj, Omar Jihad Al-Kurdi, and Abdul Rahman Louay Abu Nabhan) while (The second team: “WhatTheBug” includes Nabil Samir Ismail, Ahmed Nabil Jaber, and Haitham Omar Atallah).
