ME+Blog+C

ellyse p. l67dfkuytk ryukrt American News

A. Out of Senators Obama, Clinton, and McCain, who do you think should be the next U.S. president? Who do you think would deal with Middle Eastern-U.S. relations the best? D.B.- Hes been against all canidates. Hes mostly anti-Obama and anti Clinton. Alot of people like Obama because of his well produced speeches. Clinton is focused on the issues in Iraw, and McCain is following what Bush did, and most Americans do not like that. He doesnt see Americans leaving Iran for another couple of years. In conclusion he doesnt like any of the candidates. -- Alot of people are pro Clinton

A. Because 66% of the worlds il comes from the Middle East. What re some of your views and stereotypes on the United States? D.B definitely do have a major influence. One power that should be checked in the internation cartel. Economic influence is some poeples opinion is gas prices going up is because of the incease of demand. He personally spoke with a lawyer from houston who met a man from the george bush circle before bush became president he was pulled by the people from the circle, has a lot of influence and knew that the gas prices woulg go up. There is no way to control this.

A. With only 2.5% of the Middle Easterners having internet access, is anything being dont to increase the amount of users? Eza- Last time she checked there was 17% internet access. They are investing a lot of money towards the internet. A country like the Uae takes very good care of the internet uses. The internet is very important. The only issue is people are using it for revolutionary uses. They are rebelling against the government and organizing ralleys and protests. They've had a big rise in internet use. Believes mideast youth can be used for revolutionary things. This was illegal in Ian and Egypt. SHe doesnt believe the internet connection can create a revolution but she is making a small difference. This is the most diverse platform that she knows of from the middle east. Some is representing almost every religion. Still a very young organization.

A. In our media it shows an increase in terrorist sttacks around election time int he Middle East. Do you see this on your media or are the American television outlets blwoing things ot of proportion? Great question! she believes a lot is blown our of proportion. A couple weeks ago there was an attack in jerusalem and the truth is they are trying to make it sound more exciting than it really is. There are people trying to make an effort.

A. Seeing as how the two groups dispute over the choosing of an Islamic leader, are there any major differences between Sunni Islam and Shiite Islam when it comes to religious practice? Ezra- She comes from a country where the majority is shiite. There are some differences and most are cultural for example she believes that when you follow the traditions of the prophet and their book is the differences in prayer they pray 3 times a day and she prays 5 times a day. theyre leadership went directly to the cousins. They dont consider the prophet as important. Major current differences is political differences. They are fighting over who gets political power so they can pass on their views. Iran and Iraw were fighting because they were having a lot of differences between the suni and shiites. Nohting that was religiously inspired.

A. Can you explain the disparity that exists between the social classes in 2 Middle Eastern cities. D.B. middle east is, in terms of social classes, is similar to europe. large gap between the rich and poor. Middle classes the the majority of the population. Constant conflict between the wealthy peple who are always talking about the lower class. when there are different opinions they refer to them as the less educated. Not as severe as other places. Doesnt cause as much problems as you would think. If someone was poor and becomes wealthy they believe they are better than others.

A. The literacy rate of women in the Middle East has risen in recent years. Do you feel that having a college degree changes how you are viewed as a women in the midde East? Ezra- It does change ow they are viewed and are recognized as educated people. Kuwait- alot of educated women were leading ralleys and protests about public affairs. Afrer many years of struggle have gaiend the right to vote in 2005. This would not be possible if the woen did not come from educated backgrounds and have college degrees. In the past women were not viewed as good enough to go to school. Women make up for the majority of people in college now. 70% women in college currently. Very hard to achieve under islamic law but it is improving everyday. D.B.- its a class issure and an issue of wealth. Educated is stressed more for women in middle class and wealthy famiies. Education is less stressed in lower classes.

A. On a Unicef website it says that, "20-50% of women from have experienced domestic violence." Is domestic abuse a major problem in the mMiddle East? If so, why? Ezra- is very passionate about domestic violence. It is very common. Why, because people do get away with it. Happens in marriage. Women are killed by a male member of their family to preserve their family honor. This is no way related to islam. DOes not advocate the abuse, but it does happen. DOmestic violence is a very laerge issue and mostly happens to women who are forced into marriage or are in lower class because they are not educated well enough to get out of it. The repists and criminals get away with the domestic abuse, and it would take a lot of effort to change it.-- The issue is happening all over israel and the middle east. It is a problem that doesnt get noticed very often because people are embarrassed.

A. another cause of arab israeli conflict D.B.- He thinks because both sides of the conflict has different religious background He believes that is over stretched. It is an issue objected to things. The frustration with palestinians the world looks the other way. The most commin justification is groups in palestine who do bad things represent everyone. Innocent people are caught in the crossfire. He posted about a dog getting killed, if people are so compassionate about people and the puppy. he thinks people dont feel as bad about civilians dieing because they are tied to the region. Puppy doesnt have any relations to any group. this is a terrible thing thats happening to people are they are outraged. The outrage is cousing the conflict.-- everybody is so tired but because it keeps happening and people keep bombing on both sides its just a cycle. Its beyond religion and its hard to break a cycle like that and people from both sides have been living with this. They are used to it. They are trying to take a positive step towards improving the issue.

A. dams who is being affected the most D.B.- he thinks it is time to take a step forward and give them a sustainable life. It wouldnt make sense for him to say anything bad about it.

A. Food! Many people come from different cultures and backgrounds and they have so many choices and foods have come together. Passover dinner in europe is more traditional middle eastern and other people are eating it. Foods and starting to come together. D.B.- traditional meals varry. differene households. most common is grape leaves, but it takes a long time to make. rice and meat wrapped soaked in olive oil. They love eating all animals! Foods that he loves becomes westernized and more modern. But there are still traditional things. They can't live without their rice! They are being more exposed to european and american meals but wont replace their meals.

OPENING UP TO THE FLOOR!

Talking about the blogs and how people have such strong opinions. The other girl is thankful that we are trying to connect with them. D.B. has a question. Do we feel that we have a better understanding on the middle east. Caroline- one thing she learned that related to religion she had preconcieved notions about it and islam does not support domestic abuse. D.B.- domestic abuse is issued all over the world. Parag is glad that the unit has cleared up stereotpes about foreign people.

Mr. Wimmer asks Ezra if shed be interested in coming to the U.S. if we raise the money!