Martin Kramer

[8] Kramer was an early advocate of attacking Saddam Hussein in the wake of 9/11, arguing in December 2001 that regardless of a possible involvement, he posed a threat to the entire Middle East.

[9] However, he was critical of the shifting rationale for the war in October 2002, questioning the United States' "tools of social engineering" needed to promote an eventual democracy process in the Arab world.

[11] In 2001, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy published Kramer's book Ivory Towers on Sand: The Failure of Middle Eastern Studies in America.

"The book was given positive mentions in The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Washington Post[13] John L. Esposito accused Kramer of trying to discredit the entire Middle East establishment.

"[15] Kramer was one of the most vocal supporters of HR 3077,[16] a bill in the United States House of Representatives designed to reform area studies in the US.[how?]

Deans at Harvard University's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs rejected these calls, stating, "Accusations have been made that Martin Kramer's statements are genocidal.