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?