Middle East 101 (101)
Understand the basics of the Middle East quickly and objectively: Geography, people, demographics, politics, and history before and after Islam, with emphasis on demystifying the region, eliminating stereotypes and providing illuminating context for issues of the day.
Religion & Sectarianism (56)
The Middle East's principal religions and sects, how they differ, how and why they clash. Learn about the role of religion in politics, law and society, the difficulty of separating religion from politics, how religious differences have fueled numerous wars, and what it is about Sunnis and Shiites that has them reenacting the Reformation--with Arabic subtitles.
Oil & Energy (16)
More than half the world's known oil reserves are sitting under Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Explore how the politics of oil fuel much of the world's relationship with the region and dictate big and small-power strategy.
Terrorism (37)
Terrorism in the Middle East from North Africa to Pakistan: Who are the terrorists? What do their organizations aim for? What are the myths of terrorism? Is the West responding to the terrorist threat or to the West's perceptions of a "Clash of Civilizations"? What are the limits of terrorism in the age of 9/11?
Arab-Israeli Conflict (115)
When did the Arab-Israeli conflict begin? What have the Arab-Israeli wars got to do with the Palestinian question? How have the Palestinian uprisings precipitated or ambushed the peace process, and when will Israelis and Palestinians see past their no-exit strategies?
Iraq War (38)
Iraq's turmoil explored from the 25-year reign of Saddam Hussein to the first Gulf War to Operation Iraqi Freedom and the consequences of the American-led occupation; Iraq's relationship with Iran and sectarian problems between Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds are also explored.
Afghanistan (47)
Afghanistan's evolution from its origins as a crossroads in the Middle East to the Soviet invasion of 1979; the rise and fall of the Taliban, its use as a sanctuary by Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda, and its current struggles in the war on terror.
US-Mideast Policy (99)
George W. Bush isn't the first president to lose his way in intractable Middle Eastern policies. The United States' direct involvement in the region dates back more than 60 years, although learning from history seems not to be the strongest suit of American foreign policy in the region. Welcome to six decades of disorder.
Human Rights & Democracy (37)
Explore why most countries in the Middle East have dismal human rights and civil liberties records, how human rights groups in many Middle Eastern countries are battling authoritarian governments for influence, and where democracy movements are having an impact.
Organizations (22)
The Middle East isn't a geographical region so much as a political and economic one that tries to wield power beyond individual countries' borders through multinational organizations and institutions like OPEC and the Arab League. But are those organizations as powerful as they project themselves to be, or as unified in their political visions?
Media, Culture and the Arts (27)
Most Arab and Middle Eastern media may not be free, but that doesn't mean they're not extremely influential. Learn about the variety of media, culture and the arts, how those voices shape opinion and filter western messages on the Arab Street and beyond, and the roles censorship and state control play on controlling the message.
Books & Opinions (28)
If no two snowflakes are alike, no two opinions about the Middle East are ever quite the same. The debate is rich, sometimes abrasive, often -- if one's willing to listen -- enlightening. Here's a cross-section.
Glossary (186)
Glossary of terms, concepts, customs, traditions, people and places most commonly used in connection with the greater Middle East, Islam and the Arab World, including relevant translations of Arabic terms and explanations, in today's contexts, of historic and sectarian terms.
Countries (369)
Complete country profiles and dossiers for Middle East countries, including country briefings, vital statistics, political, economic and social conditions and the latest issues challenging each country.
