The Middle East
A Diplomatic Report
King Hussein
Contents
Because the region of the Middle East is so large,
our main focus is on
Saudi Arabiaand a few other countries.
Geographic Region
Back to topThe Middle East is a term used to refer to a large geographical and cultural region. Geographically it covers Southwest Asia and part of Northeast Africa. It includes the Asian part of
TURKEY, SYRIA, ISRAEL, JORDAN, IRAQ, IRAN and LEBANON, as well as the countries of the Arabian peninsula including Saudi Arabia, YEMEN, OMAN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, QATAR, BAHRAIN, KUWAIT, Egypt, and Libya. When the term is used in a cultural sense, it refers to the part of the world that is predominantly Islamic. In this sense Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the remaining countries in North Africa also comprise the Middle East. (124)Back to top
Islam is a predominant monotheistic religion in our world. Since the phrase Middle East is stretched to include Islamic regions it is proper to assume that most areas of life; political, social, historical, and so on, are directly related to the religion. Some Arab countries, however, are recognized as secular.
Saudi Arabia is a historically Islamic country and the Muslims (followers of Islam) devoutly pray five times a day toward the Ka'abah in Makkah. This is the practice of all Muslims since it is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, or five obligations. The other four are profession of faith, almsgiving, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and a pilgrimage to Makkah.Historical Significance
Back to topThe Middle East was the site of ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia and
Egypt. Although it is mainly Islamic today, it was also the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity, two other predominant world religions. Despite its religious history, it has witnessed political turmoil and major warfare, being a focal location during WORLD WAR I and WORLD WAR II, the ARAB-ISRAELI WARS, the IRAN-IRAQ WAR, and the PERSIAN GULF WAR. (66)
Political Structure Back to top
The Islamic tradition has an influence on the political influence on the political systems of the region. The systems vary from country to country. In
Saudi Arabia the government consists of a Council of Ministers, a Provincial Council System, and the Consultative Council. The Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, is considered the constitution of the country. The foundation of the country's legal system, the Islamic code of law based on the Qur'an, is also called the Shari'ah. The present King Fahd is 73 years old and declining in physical and mental health. There is no certainty as to who will succeed him and some worry had been allotted to this question. King Fahd gives praise to God for allowing the country to adhere to Islamic teachings. He is especially proud of the Two Holy Mosques, through which they can promote their teachings to pilgrims and visitors.
Economic Trends
Back to topIraq is not the only poor country in the Middle East.
Afghanistan is also very poor, mainly due to political and military outbreaks. People are dependent upon farming and raising livestock, especially sheep and goats. Many people suffer from insufficient food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. In a region where drug enforcement policies are very strict, however, Afghanistan is the world's second largest illicit opium producer and provides a major source of hashish.Back to top
As already stated the Islam tradition dictates the way of life in many countries in the Middle East. To those who follow rigorously the religion, Islam prescribes the behaviour for individuals and society, family relations, business etiquette, dress, food, personal hygiene, and many more. In traditional societies, such as
Saudi Arabia, opposite sexes are prohibited to mingle in public for fear of a breakdown of family life. Women are to keep their heads covered, bodies concealed, and prohibited to drive vehicles or ride bicycles on public roads. In the Sinai, women and girls once tended to outdoor chores, but since the Camp David Accords, they are usually confined to their homes. A man may be arrested if seen with any female other than his wife or family relative. There is no public music, dancing, bathing, or movies. Alcohol is forbidden. It is rude to face the sole's of one's feet toward another person and the left hand is not used for eating. The holiest time of the year is the month of Ramadan and travel is difficult during this time. If the holiday is not observed, some countries enforce penalties.In recent gossip,
President Netanyahu's wife has been the main focus. David Bar-Illan, the president's senior advisor, reported that she "sacked" a nanny for burning the soup. She is also accused of throwing shoes at her staff and hiring two secretaries at state expense. A Lebanese oilman, Roger Tamraz, has been a CIA agent, providing inside information and gossip about the affairs of the Middle East. Judith Kipper is accused of the same action but she is thought to hold the record of sleeping with Arab diplomats and officials in hopes of getting the desired information. (96)
Back to top
Word Count: 1189
Anna Rowsell- Presenter
This assignment was very beneficial to me providing some interesting insights about the Middle East. I now know the countries of which the area consists and have gained some understanding of its political, economic, and social life. The area has some great historical significance and the strong religious influences/efforts are to be commended. WC= 54 |
Lorie Cooke- Analyzer
I enjoyed this assignment regarding the Middle East. It taught me |
Susan Loder- Analyzer
Doing this assignment, I found myself being drawn to the information |
George Wade- Researcher
This assignment was much more enjoyable and informative than I had expected. I have learned a great deal more about the Middle East in its’ historical context as well as the present issues concerning the area. I have also learned the joys of working with people who share a common zeal and goal, as well as, the disappointment felt when someone lets you down. WC= 64 |
Gill Mira- Researcher
The internet assignment was definitely a learning experience. I |
http://aj.encyclopedia.com/articles/08452.html
http://menic.utexas.edu/menic/utaustin/course/oilcourse/mail/saudi/0004.html
http://www.anatomy.su.oz.au/danny/anthropology/anthro-l/biographies/Gardner.html
http://www.armchair.com/info/mideast.html
http://www.cad.strath.ac.uk/~ayman/modern-egypt.html
http://www.middleeast.org/9-18-97.htm
http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/af.html#comm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/middle_east/newsid_96000/96828.stm
http://www.sherryart.com/women/bedouin.html
TURKEY; SYRIA; ISRAEL; JORDAN; IRAQ; IRAN; LEBANON; SAUDI ARABIA; YEMEN; OMAN; UNITED ARAB EMIRATES; QATAR; BAHRAIN; KUWAIT; EGYPT; LIBYA.
MESOPOTAMIA; JUDAISM; CHRISTIANITY; ISLAM
SUEZ CANAL;WORLD WAR I; WORLD WAR II; ARAB-ISRAELI WARS;IRAN-IRAQ WAR; PERSIAN GULF WAR
Other Links (Not Cited For Presentation)
http://jewishsf.com/bk960301/letters.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/world/DailyNews/binladen981109.html
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/world/DailyNews/mossad0227.html
http://www.theage.com.au/daily/980302/news/news23.html
Photo Archives at Arabia.com (organized by country)
Middle East Photo Archive (University of Chicago Library)
Azar's Middle Eastern Journeys (High-resolution photojournalism)
Credits (Personal Contributions)
Back to topAnna Rowsell-Presenter (CF)
Lorie Cooke-Analyzer (CF)
Susan Loder-Analyzer (DNC)
George Wade- Researcher/ Web Pg. (CF)
Gill Mira- Researcher (CF)
Word Count: 1189
Back to topGeorge Wade (group leader):
Anna Rowsell:
arowsell99@hotmail.comLorie Cooke:
loriecooke@hotmail.comSusan Loder:
lodersaa@hotmail.comGil Mira:
gilmira@hotmail.com
Last Revised: February 6, 1999
Home Geographic Region Islam Historical Significance Political Structure Economic Trends Social Customs Gossip Personal Statements Hot List Credits (contribution) Contact Information