Barry Rubin, Middle East scholar, dies at 64

Author and commentator on regional issues, often consulted by international media, passes away after long bout with cancer

By Stuart Winer

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3 February 2014, 11:49 am

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Stuart Winer is a breaking news editor at The Times of Israel.

Barry Rubin at a Center for Security Policy's National Security Group event on Capitol Hill on July 12, 2013. (screen capture: YouTube/securefreedom)

Professor Barry Rubin, columnist and well-known expert on terrorism and Middle East affairs, passed away on Monday morning after a long bout with cancer at the age of 64.

The US-born Rubin, who was director of the Global Research for International Affairs (GLORIA) Center at the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center, also served as editor of both the Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal and the Turkish Studies journal.

“To our great sadness, Barry Rubin passed away this morning,” a notice from Rubin’s family related on his Facebook page. “He was surrounded by his wife and children. Your love, support, and prayers have been greatly appreciated.”

Rubin was frequently interviewed by international television media for his expertise on Middle Eastern politics and terrorism, and wrote numerous articles for newspapers around the world.

Rubin wrote several books defending Israel’s position in the political struggles of the Middle East, including “The Israel-Arab Reader,” “The Long War for Freedom: The Arab Struggle for Democracy in the Middle East,” and “The Truth About Syria.” His most recent book, “Israel: An Introduction,” was recently published by Yale University Press.