ME+Blog+A

Second Teleconference with Esra 03/19/08

By: Molly Puglese Start: 8:18

NEW MEMBER: Alice lives in Israel, Jerusalem and is 25 years old.

1."Who do you thikn would be the best next U.S. President? Who do you think would deal with Middle Eastern relations the best?" DB- Anti-Obama and Anti-Hilary. (On Obama) Alot has to do with his speaches and opinions he's made that have to do with the middle east. His suggestion to invade Iran and a ground invasion on Pakistan. (On Clinton) Contradicting statements about the US and Iraq, wants to continue with what George Bush is doing anfd most people don't want that. "My answer would be none of the above." Alicia- Doesn't have her own opinion yet but most people in Israel are Pro-Hilary.

2. "Do you consider OPEC to have a major influence across the globe?" DB- They do have a major influence, there's no question about the economic influence. It used to be 37 dollars a barrel and now it's over 100 dollars a barrel.

3. "Is anything being done to increase the internet use in the Middle East?" Esra- There is 17% internet access in the middle east. They are becoming more educated about the internet. A lot of people are using it for revolutionary purposes or to go against the government to start rallies and protests. Mid-East Youth could be used as a positive impact across the Middle East.

4. "Do you see in your media an increase in terrorist attacks like we do in the US?" Alice- 2 weeks ago they set up an attack on a school in Jerusalem. They sound more exciting than they really are. There are people trying to make a difference.

5. "Are there any specific religious practices between the sunnis and the shiites?" Ezra- I am a shiite. There are some fundamental differences and most of them are culturally. We follow the traditions of the prophet, on eof the main differences is prayer. Sunnis pray 3 times a day and Shiites pray 5 times. They don't consider the prophet to be as important as he is to the shiites. They don't fight over their differences but over their political power.

6. "Explain the disparities that exist between the social classes in the middle eastern cities?" DB- There is a large gap between the rich and the poor. Esentially there is a constant conflict, there is always the wealthy, middle class, french people talking about the poor, lower class. They refer to them as the uneduated or the low class people. It doesn't cause as many problems as you would think but it is definatley an issue.

7. "The literacy rate has ridden in the recent years. do you think having a college degree has changed how people think of you in the middle east?" Esra- It changes how we are viewed. Womens rights are improving in the middle east. A lot of educated wmen are elading rallies. Women achieved their right to vote in 2005 after lots of rallies. This could not have happened if they were not educated. In my mothers generation girls were not even privledged enough to attend school. 70% women and 30% men being educated. "I would say our situation as women is approving everyday." DB- I think it's a class issue. As you see wealth increase in the middle eastern countries you will see women more educated.

8. "Is domestic violence a major problem in the middle east?" Esra- Domestic abuse is very common. People get away with it, whether its rape or abuse by marrage. Women are killed by a brother or father in Islam to follow old traditions of familes. Domestic violence is a very large issue especially amoung women forced into marriage, or uneducated. The reason it is so huge is because men get away with it. It is hard to fight against because it is such a personal issue. It will take a long time to change. Alice- It is an issue that people don't like to talk about because they are embarrassed, it's a secret issue.

9. "What do you think is a cause continued with the Arab-Israli conflict?" DB- I think the assumption is over stress. That is not the case at all. Groups in Palestine that are guilty of crimes still represent the whole Palestine people. People are having their houses bull-dozed. People felt more outrage for a puppy dying than suvillians dying. The reason why the conflict continues is because it has developed into something that can't be stopped because, how can you make all of these wrongs right? I think the outrage has caused this conflict that will continue forever. Alice- It's just a continuous cycle. At this point it is beyond religion.

10. "What is your opinion on the dams and who do you think is being affected the most by it?" DB- I think it's about time there is a step forward in Iran. Eventually the United States will leave and there have to be some sustained power of people that needs to move forward and be a functioning society.

11. "What kind of traditional meals do you have for holidays? And how have they changed by decade?" Alice- There are so many people that come from different cultures and backgrounds. What might have been a traditional dinner for Jews in Euope has become the Middle Eastern dinner. DB- Traditional meals vary. The most common thing around holidays is a rice and bean wrap made with grape leaves on a table becuse it takes so long to make. the day that foods that I love become more westernized will be the day I stop eating them. Esra- People hate us because we like to eat meat. We can't live without our rice. We are being exposed to more meals but I dont think they will take over what our traditional meals have always been.

(On the comments from mid-east youth) DB- You have to be confident on what you write. You have to stand by your opinion if it's well researched because people will try to shoot you down.

DB- A lot of times people don't know the differece between Indians and Arabs.

Finish: 9:10