McFalafel

Yep, that's right! In Egypt's Mcdonald's they carry a popular food item named the McFalafel.

What a Falafel consists of is dried chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, flour, and salt. The process seems easy to do, you blend  them together in specific steps, but almost form a meatball. Once the meatball is formed you place in the oven until golden brown. A friend of mine actually dips hers in 'Ketchup." You can eat it just like she did, maybe without the 'Ketchup' if you prefer, or even in a pita sandwhich. I have never personally made them, but I have tried them. I will attach a reciepe I have found to make these at the bottom of this page...I think I might try it out too!

I absoultey love love love Middle Eastern food, especially hummus!
The flavor in the food is to die for! I have decided to break up a few foods that I personally enjoy so that you can go try them, so my next blog will also be on food. I am going to try and get some actually "personal" reciepes from some Middle Eastern families I know!

استمتع -enjoy

The following is from: mideastfood.about.com

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 60 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas or 16 oz. can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

Place dried chickpeas in a bowl, covering with cold water. Allow to soak overnight. Omit this step if using canned beans.

Drain chickpeas, and place in pan with fresh water, and bring to a boil.

Allow to boil for 5 minutes, then let simmer on low for about an hour.

Drain and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour.

Mash chickpeas, ensuring to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste.

Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Slightly flatten.

Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 degrees until golden brown (5-7 minutes).

Serve hot.

Questions

Please answer the following questions so that I am able to see what you knew before researching, and can know exactly what I should cover in the next blog post.



Do you know the government structures in each country? Which countries do we support, maybe not support? What aid if any do we give, and to which countries? How much money is spent annually in the Middle East? Do you think as a nation that is already in debt that we should give money to other countries? Why/why not?




Side note: Do you like the way the blog is running so far? I realized I have no been able to keep up every single day, especially weekends, but have also realized that many of  my comments that I do receive are throughout the weekday. Any specific topic you would like me to research and blog about? What do you think that I should do differently, maybe something you like in particularly?

Also...Have you started any of the recommended Middle East books?

Thoughts to Ponder...

 "Muslims, for the most part, believe that you don't have to be of Islamic faith to go to heaven as   long as you believe in one God."

   "Christians, for the most part, believe that you have to be of that specific sect of christianity, or at least Christian to go to heaven."

What do you think about this? 

What side do you see yourself favoring, even if it is against your beliefs?

 Did you grow up going to church? As a child did you actively participate in church? Did you take those habits from your upbringing and enforce them with your children and everyday life today? Do you find it important to attend mass? How often do you miss church if you attend? What would be your suggestions for someone to start off and pick a religion if they did not come from a family where religion was a significant part of their life? Do you find it important for children to grow up with those fundamentals, or do you find that religion does not define a person and  one has the right to choose their own religion? How important is religion to you from 1-10, 10 being the highest.

Allah---God

Islamic traditions
The religion does not believe in cremation and as a result they bury
their dead. Those who follow the traditions believe in eternal life and the belief everyone will be called to on 'The Last Judgment'.

Those deceased are generally taken care of by a close family member of the
same gender. They are dressed in simple shrouds, which are pieces of clothing to protect the body. Services are then lead by an Imam, with mourners forming rows behind the worship leader of a mosque, (Imam) facing Mecca. (Mecca is the holiest of all places in Islam.) Prayers are then said for the soul of the deceased and their body is buried with or without a pine box facing Mecca. Three days of
mourning is typical for those who follow the Islamic tradition, along with continuations of prayers. Any sign of grieving is looked down upon. They mark the grave site with a simple tombstone.

Judaism Traditions
Since the Jewish consider a dead body to be unclean, they have trained people care for those who have passed away. Again, the body is ritually 
cared for by a member of the same gender, and dressed in a simple
shroud. Some believe that the burial should happen as
soon as possible, but the Liberal sect of Judaism believes in
cremation. Readings from the Psalms are read
over the body and along with prayers. A Rabbi, who is a teacher of the Torah, then carries on the services.  The mourners wear dark clothes and symbolically tear a hole in clothing to show their grief. There will be no viewing of the body, and sending flowers is looked down upon and should not be sent. Instead of sending flowers, a sympathy food basket sent to the home of the immediate family is allowed.

How are these different, maybe the same, than the way funerals take place within your family?

What Goes Around Comes Around???

GEN·O·CIDE

 [jen-uh-sahyd] 

–noun

The deliberate and systematic extermination of a

national, racial, political, or cultural group.

Origin:
1940–45

Ironically, World War II began in 1939 and ended in 1945. During the war the Nazi Regime took hold of Europe. With the power of Hitler, we all know that Jewish people were hit hard during the Holocaust. What many don't know though is that Jewish people were not the only ones who had died during this tragic event, yet they're really the only group that is main concern when discussing the Holocaust. The last I had learned it was about 11 million or so people who had been murdered. The number changes so often, that the number you see will vary, sometimes day to day, as they find more bodies! People automatically assume that Holocaust=the deaths of all Jewish,

but many other people including, but not limited to,

African Americans, Jehovah Witnesses, Homosexuals, Gypsies, and the disabled.

 It is not about the number of each category that interests me, but the concept as a whole. If I have learned anything, it is that numbers don't always count or the times, sometimes the smallest account leaves the biggest impression. Take for example, Rosa Parks, even Hitler! There are positive and negative leaders and the ones that gain power are the ones we should all be worrying about, essentially as

American citizens we have that duty to our country. As a nation, we have strived, people have fought, died over, to have the ability to vote, and yet, some people don't.

It is not everyday we encounter a "Rosa Parks," Hitler," a "Osama Bin Laden," 

things like that are rare and significant.

None-the-less events like this are happening every day in areas all over,

not just in the Middle East.

Little things that are repeated over and over in history 
become big things that make a difference in our future at hand.

History has taught us many things,
 yet, we avoid because they are happening again years later.

There is no doubt that those of Jewish decent did not face ethnic cleansing, 

but does that give them the right to oppress others?

Palestinian promise:

Time: World War 1, 1916---

After convincing Palestine to support them (Britain) against the Ottoman Empire 

and in return their government would 

support the creation of an independent Arab state in the region, including Palestine. 

1920-1947 Britain had a mandate over Palestine.

The Balfour Declaration of 1917:

a formal statement of policy by the British government, stating they supported the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people---creating Zionism. (Bringing together the Jewish people in one area)

It promised to their best ability achieve this, and made it clear that nothing should be done resulting in prejudice the vicil and religious rights or those already inhibiting the land or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country. 

What is wrong with the Balfour Declaration? 

Do you notice anything similar? 

  Is Britain the cause for the conflict?

Notice how the document doesn't say a when or how? 

There are so many loop holes, and the generality of it makes things difficult. It creates  a major threat. 

At first Arabs had rule over the land, and Israelis inhibited few areas of land. Now years later we have a split state with Israelis being in control. The roles have completed switched and the lack of consideration or respect is being demolished mainly, on the fact that we are dealing with "Jewish people who all died in the Holocaust." I 100% give my respect to all those lost in the Holocaust, but at the same time the Jewish people have pushed millions of Palestinians into two tiny pieces of land, known as the Gaza Strip and West Bank and treated them just as poorly. The Israelis not only have control over the "state" but of mobility, food, and even down to electricity and water. Imagine being the majority in your own country, but being placed in territory not large enough for surviving literally. Even look at the Israeli perspective of being 
the minority in what you claim to be your "state." 
If the Palestinians could try to fight back and seize the land they could successfully wipe out Israel. 


Before I get to U.S involvement and support to either side/etc. let me know what you now think.
Be honest, and tell me did you learn something you didn't know. Do must Americans know this information or is it a big misunderstanding? Think about how uneducated about such topics and the Middle East citizens really are. The average American just jumps to the thought, "Get U.S. out of there!" Is it really fair to say that, when we already know that Human Rights are being violated and other illegal acts are being taken place. 

A different side...

Thoughts or comments?

 Do you agree, disagree? 

I thought this picture was interesting because it shows 

the controversy faced in the conflict.

My next blog I will let you in on my perspectives 

and like I already promised everything I have learned.

Pour out all your thoughts:)

Israeli–Palestinian conflict

What do you know about Israel and Palestine?

I don't want to influence your opinion or stir you in a certain direction so you tell me everything you know and in my next post I will tell you everything I have learned.

Consider: What side are you on? Maybe you don't know who is even involved...the Arabs and Jews. What side does America support, if any? What might be our motive or reasoning behind supporting a side? Who is the victim?

What is America's foreign policy?

Remember that it is okay to have different views than what is right,

I want to know exactly how you feel...not how you think you have to feel.

Fear

Where do you think that the picture was taken?
What makes you think this?
What would you assume is happening in the photograph?

Believe it or not the above photograph from MSN, was taken in Baghdad, Iraq. Remember the fear you had on September 11th, 2001? Luckily, for us, the people here in America, for the most part have it pretty easy. Those living in the Middle East, live day-to-day in fear of making it out alive.

To me as I have studied the area I have changed perspectives a bit and that's okay. At first I didn't agree with the Taliban or any group associated to such acts. I have learned what so many Americans lack, the idea, that not all Muslims, or people there are terrorists. Don't get me wrong I love my country, and couldn't be more proud to be in a country with such freedoms, but at the same time, I don't believe it is okay to hate another region, or people, simply because of acts of groups and not necessarily single handed individuals. Just like here in America, there are those who are innocent and deserve a chance, and those who hurt the reputation here in America. Take for example when groups here wanted to burn the Quran. Could you imagine that happening in a different country and what America would do if say, the Bible, any religious book for that matter, was being burned? We are not as innocent as we portray, consider even the KKK, or other hate groups. Although, we may not act, the things I hear come out of some people's mouth is absolutely ridiculous.

PLEASE, do not interpret this wrong. I DO NOT support terrorism, but I could see how a group could become what it has become.

Consider...you're a young boy and as you grow up your country has been taken over time-and-time again. As years past and you become a young teen, and political turmoil has continued for years, a group forms in order to captivate your country over to create a change, a country with a chance. Now years later as they have ran out those who have invaded the country, the group is more powerful than expected. I don't necessarily think it is by choice either. It goes back to the idea of what would you do for your family? What are your options when you either could be killed for not following the rules within the organization, or left to struggle to make it alive. I don't know about you, but for my family, I would sacrifice my beliefs and values, in order to ensure a better life for them.

What are your thoughts? Would you join the Taliban? What are your thoughts about burning flags, or religious books? How might your life be different if the "conflict" was on our lands, and we had groups, that placed bombs in near by places?


Bless those who face obstacles all over the world for whatever reason, those who can't travel around their city as peaceful as us, and those who have lost a loved one due to a extremist group...even those who will die tomorrow.

Political Cartoon

Several years have now passed since America has been involved in 

the "Middle East conflict,"  and many feelings have changed. 

The "conflict" since Congress has yet to declare it a war, 

has had many dramatic effects here in our home land. 

Look at the cartoon below and post your thoughts. What do you think the cartoon symbolizes? 

Who is the audience and who is it against, if anyone? Do you agree with the cartoon? 

Do you really think that the Middle East is to blame for such high gas prices, 

or that America is just simply "addicted to oil?" Also... 

Where were you on the 9/11 attacks?

Bless all those who have lost someone in the "conflict," and may they Rest in Peace.

 Give strength to all those stationed and fighting for our country. The bravery of all those people  allow you're families and you to live the safe life that you do, where you can get gas without worrying if a bomb is going to go off, or you may be killed one way or another.

Another view: Consider the everyday fears that those who are innocent in the Middle East must deal with.

A good read

Other than just reading from the web, or articles, it is nice to go to a book. I have read a few Middle Eastern books, and really liked them! I am going to list below some books that you may want to consider purchasing.

   

                              The Kite Runner, By: Khaled Hosseini                                             

This book truly touches upon the clashes between the sects of Islam. There are the Sunni and Shiite. The main difference between the two is wither or not Muhammad had chosen a successor after him. The Sunni Muslims believe they didn't, while the Shi'a Muslims believe they did. As a result, the difference is who they believed to be the true successor after him. The book shows the continuous struggle Amir who is a Pashtun, Sunni Muslim, part of Afghanistan's majority group, and his Father's servant's son, Hassan who is a Hazara, Shi'a Muslim, Afghanistan's minority group. It highlights not only class, religious, and policitcal clashes, but also transformational leadership. It demonstrates the true love of one's "brotherhood" and how your actions could haunt your future. I highly recommend this book!
*$7.81 at barnesandnoble.com

Three Cups of Tea, By: Greg Mortenson, and David Relin
In this book, Greg as a mountain climber goes on a journey to climb the highest mountain, K2. While trying to accomplish this difficult task, he ends up stranded and lost. Eventually, he finds shelter at a village on the mountain. The village of Pakistan, Korphe, allow him to stay until he is recovered, even though food, and other survival necessities are limited. In return for their care, Greg promises to come back and build them a school. After many obstacles, Greg will eventually get the funds needed and return to Korphe. With the help of a former climber,  the CAI, Central Asia Institute, will be established and provide the funds needed. Greg becomes the Director of CAI and will he build 55 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but also create their first climbing school, provide fresh water to five, and Women centers. Greg is a true hero and for the first time the people will finally be able to read the Quran. I really recommend this book.
 *$8.68 at barnesandnoble.com

Guests of the Sheik, By: Elizabeth Warnock Fernea 

I had to read this book in a class of mine and it was extremely good. It never had a dull moment and the author truly knows how to keep the reader interested.

Elizabeth, (the author) travels with her husband to Iraq and lives there for two years. It really shows the life a women living inside an Iraqi village, and the culture. Not only does it represent women life, but also touches upon a man's view point.  Unlike most books involving history that can get "boring" this one kept me reading.  

It shows things the women do through out the day, wedding culture, and even cooking habits. 

I highly recommend it.

When reading consider the roles of the women going on in Iraq and what is happening here in America at the time.

*10.98 at Barnesandnoble.com

So many times in our hectic lives we eliminate the small things. Oddly, enough, the small things happen to be things we enjoy, like reading. I posted this because I feel it is important to read. I am asking that you take at most 15 minutes a day and read. The above books are a great place to start.
Many people across the world are deprived of things, 
and some may not even be able to read. 
While you start your book, think about the things you take for granted every day 
that most people can only dream of.


Task: read everyday for at least 15 minutes.
List 5 things you couldn't live without; materialistic or not.
List your favorite book/recommendations.


Enjoy your privileged time!





Map of Middle East

Many people actually don't know which countries are considered to be apart of the Middle East. Majority of the population believe that any country that has a -stan name like Kazakhstan or Pakistan are included in the Middle East. Having the -stan does not make you a Middle Eastern country. Stan just means "land" in many eastern languages.

Below is a link and a map puzzle that I would like you to complete. It is very easy considering it is a puzzle. I picked this one out of all the ones available because some people simply don't know the region of the Middle East. Many of the people who read my blog are highly educated, so I don't see you having an issue nor do I see it too difficult. If for what-ever- reason it is difficult or you have never heard or a country, study it..play it again if you have to. This is more of a learning opportunity than some game.

Please keep in note depending on who is studying the Middle East and what aspect they are trying to accomplish can also effect the countries listed. For instances, Iran is not considered part of the Middle East but is typically included. Turkey, too can be considered part of Asia, or the Middle East. The same goes for Egypt, as is it located in the upper part of Africa.

By the way, Iran is not pronounced I RAN, it is pronounced E RAUN. Some teachers of mine who have studied the Middle East still don't say it correctly, but a very knowledgeable teacher of mine who knows the area very well has taught me the correct way. Just by knowing that you are smarter than half our nation.

Have fun with the link. In the comment box, please tell me your reactions, if any. List your time and any other thoughts you may have. To me I find it interesting that such a small region can stimulate such attention, or that it hasn't been taken over yet by outside forces.

Once you get on the website, click play.

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/mappuzzle/middle-east-puzzle.html

"Hubbly Bubbly Hookah"

A trend not only in the Middle East but a growing fad here in America.

Hookah, also known as shisha has for many years been apart of the culture for both Middle Eastern countries and India. Ideally, for the men of countries, you will now see female tourists in countries like Egypt, and Turkey smoking Hookah. What was once frowned upon, is now becoming the new reality, of those countries, and for many teens here in America.

What is Hookah?
Hookah is a water based pipe that uses water and indirect heat for smoking. Shisha, the actually tobacco that is in the water pipe is what gets smoked. Shisha comes in many flavors varying from apple to watermelon, even to a combination flavors with 'Redbull' the energy drink. The cost ranges from $5 to $7, and most places carry Middle Eastern food as well. The smoking sessions can last up to 45 minutes and can be either for one, or many to share.  You can find hookah now-a-days scattered all over American cities. In my town alone, we have three off the top of my head. Legally, I believe you're suppose to be 18+, but many teens go in with friends, and simply share. As you can see many of the hookah lounges/bars do not strictly regulate.

Health risks?
Many teens believe that Hookah is okay for you, but in reality, according to Wendy Koch, from USA TODAY, "Hookah delivers 36 times more tar than a cigarette, 15 times more carbon monoxide and 70% more nicotine." Can you imagine if every five seconds someone dies from smoking cigarettes, what the chances of living is? That means that people who participate in Hookah are more likely to develop lung cancer, and gum disease. We have created a society where our teens have the misconception that it is safe, and "not like smoking," but yet it is. With this pattern we will see more health risks for our teens as they become addicted to nicotine.

So be honest, have you heard of Hookah before? Are there places near you that carry it despite the ban of smoking in public places? Do they have the wavier that allows them to do that, or do they simply do it?

Have your kids tried it? I wouldn't be surprised.
Have you tried it? I won't judge you if you have.

رجل --Man in Arabic

*Translation from Google Translate.

It is almost ironic that while I was trying to search for information on the men of the Middle East I had a very difficult time. While conducting my search with "Middle Eastern men" or "Roles of a Middle Eastern man" more than half of my results were about women. To me that is sort of funny, considering "The Middle East is a place where the women are belittled, and of lower priority. The men control the area, and rule the land." Do you agree? I am going to do some more follow up research and expand my background with the men of this region, because I like most of my search results, know more about the women. I will be going back on both topics, (men and women) but want to know you opinion.

What do you  think of when you see this photograph? What thoughts come to mind when you think of men in the Middle East? Honestly, do you think of men in turbans, white pants, scruffy beards, smoking hookah all day, while bossing their wife or wives around? I feel like the feedback I get will be a less sympathetic than it would be if this were a women and I value that impression.

I am pleased with your responses so far. Have fun with it too, not everything you post has to be so formal, and negative commutation is okay and allowed. I want to paint a picture that is not all rainbows, but realistic. My overall goal is not to portray the region as a non-violent place, but also not to form the conception that it is a place with just peace.

Do you find him handsome?

I hope this post pointed out that, no not all men there are what many people consider "dirty looking" because by all means, they're not.

Hijab

The Hijab or head coverings has drawn misconceptions toward the Muslim women. Many Americans or those from the west have formed the opinion that it is mandatory for a women to be covered from head-to-toe because of religious beliefs. It is actually not all true. The Quran advises both men and women to dress modestly, and conservatively. The way each person or country interprets it and exercises this rule varies widely. Much of the way the rule will be enforced is based off of the culture or traditions. When the veil started in the pre-Islamic Byzantine and Persian customs it was to show social status. Typically, the less fortunate would be barely covered, and those of higher class would flash their wealth through their veil. There is also the misconception that a women has to cover her entire body. In Islam, the hijab change again, by the culture. You may see a women wear a loose scarf, veil, or even the burqa, (full-length body covering) it all just depends on which country you are in. For instances, you are more likely see a women wearing a burqa in Afghanistan. Also, not all women will cover their face either, as generations have passed this idea has faded. The idea of covering your body/face is also to reserve your self image. It was thought that this way no sexual thoughts would be brought about. Maybe, this is the reason why many find the eyes of many Middle Eastern women so attractive. Saudi Arabia and Iran for example, require the women to wear veils, while Turkey prohibits a women to wear it in public offices, or universities as they are a country with a forming identity. What pieces of clothing do you wear that could misrepresent you? What are your thoughts on the burqa and hijab?

Beauty

What thoughts come to mind when you see the picture to the left?  Would you be able to wear the head scarf? Would you enjoy wearing the head scarf?

Take in the appearance of this women, the arch of her eye brows, her complexion. Notice that at first glance even with the blue head scarf, her eye's pop?

Do you think she is smiling under there? By looking at her eyes would you be able to decipher if she was?

Leave me your first thoughts below, as I start to explore the topic of the women in my next few blogs. I am anxious to read your comments.

Honestly, I was unsure what to name this post. I don't know this women, but one thing is for sure, I do not judge her, even if it is a photograph of a stranger. For me not one negative thought comes to mind.

 She is beautiful.

Background.

Like it says in the "about me" section, I have created this blog for school purposes. I wish to remain anonymous due to my subject matter. Some of the content I will blog about will be offensive to some, and in reality anything involving the Middle East is considered to be a "touchy subject." None the less, in order to fully get everything that I wish out of this assignment I have created, I NEED your input. Not everything I write will be based off of research, much of it will be based off of views of people I know, people I will need to meet, or my own opinions that I have formed. With that said, please comment on my writings, it is very important for me to gather the views of others on such subjects. I will post everyday for a month. During that time I will be keeping a daily log on my feelings towards your opinions, and most importantly what you have to say. I know that this topic is one that is broad and I have made it that way in order to have a wide variety of subject matter. I also have taken into consideration that it may be controversial, please note that I am only a student and like I have mentioned not everything I post will be based on research, although some of the posts will include history and current events. Please, not only read my posts, but enjoy them...disagree, agree, smile, laugh, get angry, cry, because all those emotions you feel the people of the Middle East feel too. 
When you experience such feelings, remember 
that no matter what background, religion, race, 
economic status, place in world, EVERYONE is 
human and encounters the same feelings. 
Follow me on my journey, on the Middle East.