The Middle East

A Diplomatic Report

 King Hussein

 

Contents

 Geographic Region

 Islam

 Historical Significance

 Political Structure

 Economic Trends

 Social Customs

 Gossip

 Personal Statements

 Hot List (URL Links)

 Credits (contribution)

 Contact Information

 

Because the region of the Middle East is so large,

our main focus is on Saudi Arabia

and a few other countries.

 

Geographic Region Back to top

The 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)

Next Topic Middle East Maps

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Islam 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.

Egypt is the center of the world's oldest university, which was built by Fatimids in c. 969. The name of the university is Al-Azhar and its students are instructed in Islamic theology and Shiite studies. The city of Cairo in Egypt was a main site for Hall caravans and pilgrims en route to Makkah. The Egyptian caravan was headed by an important Mamluk. The Mamluks would carry with them gold and guns to distribute to Bedouin tribes to ensure they did not harm the pilgrims. However, the tribes would sometimes attack, killing the men, raping the women, and collecting the possessions. (215)

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Historical Significance Back to top

The 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)

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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.

The country of Afghanistan is not politically stable at this time. On September 27, 1996, members of the Islamic Taliban replaced the ruling government members. There are disputes among this ethnic group and others that must be resolved. A new legal system has not been adopted although it is agreed they will follow the Shari'ah, the Islamic
law.

The
Saudi Arabia media recently made comments on Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq. Dr. Al-Fayez, in a commentary, said that President Hussein has done more damage to Iraq than have its enemies. The country was successful in politics, economics, and social development during the first half of the century. It is full of human and natural resources,
but under Saddam's rule it has been turned into a poor country, experiencing shortages in all areas. Other writers and journalists agree that he does nothing to end the destruction and famine of Iraq. Dr. Khaled Al-Humaid believes he is the worst dictator in the world's
history and rules "not as a president but the leader of a gang who knows nothing only killings". Thus, the political state of Iraq is certainly in upheaval. (336)

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Economic Trends Back to top

Iraq 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.

The economy of
Saudi Arabia is more stable. The city of Taif had become a major exporter of various kinds of flowers. Fruits and vegetables are being shipped out as well. It is also recognized that the Middle East contains much of the world's oil reserves and it has many strategic trade routes. (126)

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Social Customs 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.

U. S. citizens are warned to avoid visiting Iran and Iraq since the conditions are dangerous and diplomatic relations poor. Items such as alcohol, drugs, pork products, and pornographic material (including magazines and videocassettes) are forbidden in many countries. (226)

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 Gossip Back to top

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)

 

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Word Count: 1189

Personal Statements: Back to top

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
how to work productively in a group situation, and trust another
individual to submit the needed information to me. I was satisfied with my role as analyzer, and well pleased with the research that was sent to me. I learned a lot about the Middle East by reading the material I was to analyze. WC= 65

 

Susan Loder- Analyzer

Doing this assignment, I found myself being drawn to the information
dealing with the social customs of the Arabian people. Their society is
a VERY private one. In public, one does not express ANY form of emotion.
An interesting fact dealing with Arabian marriages: the female's surname
does not change. WC= 50

 

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
discovered that the customs and traditions of the Middle East were
considerably different from my perceived western-world, North American
culture. They are a very private, and passionate people. It is important
to understand their worldview, so as not to show them disrespect.
(Especially if planning to travel the region). WC= 58

 

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Hot List (URL) Back to top

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://www.saudiembassy.net/

 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)

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Credits (Personal Contributions) Back to top

Anna Rowsell-Presenter (CF)

Lorie Cooke-Analyzer (CF)

Susan Loder-Analyzer (DNC)

George Wade- Researcher/ Web Pg. (CF)

Gill Mira- Researcher (CF)

 Word Count: 1189

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Contact Information Back to top

E-mail

George Wade (group leader): wolf6r@imcnet.net

Anna Rowsell: arowsell99@hotmail.com

Lorie Cooke: loriecooke@hotmail.com

Susan Loder: lodersaa@hotmail.com

Gil Mira: gilmira@hotmail.com

 

 

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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