ISLAMABAD: The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) hosted a seminar focused on the pivotal role of translation in shaping ideological and cultural landscapes during the Cold War in the Middle East. The event, titled "Research, Translation, and the Cultural Cold War in the Middle East," featured Dr. Abdel Wahab Khalifa from Queen's University Belfast as the main speaker.

Dr. Hafiz Abid Massod, an Assistant Professor at IIUI, introduced Dr. Khalifa. He described him as an expert in Translation Studies and Arabic literature, with considerable experience in Cold War cultural diplomacy and the sociology of translation.

Dr. Khalifa's seminar delved into how translation served as a tool for ideological influence during Cold War cultural campaigns. Using archival sources and case studies, he illustrated how translated texts were manipulated to fit political narratives. His analysis highlighted the networks of translators and publishers that played crucial roles in the dissemination of ideas.

Dr. Khalifa emphasized, "Translation is never neutral. It carries choices-what is translated, by whom, and for which audience-all of which shape how communities understand themselves and others." The seminar concluded with a QandA session, engaging faculty and students in discussions about the challenges and implications of translation for contemporary research and policy.