ME+Blog+B

By: Kate Garvin** This teleconference is between Mr. Wimmer's honors global class and Esra a college student from Bahrain. There are also others from the Middle East. D.B. has joined the teleconference for a second time. One more person has joined the conference this time. She is from Israel.
 * Middle East Teleconference:

Parag asks the first question... D.B. is against all the candates. He really doesn't like the democratic runners. If he had to pick one he would pick McCain. Israeli girl says that she hasn't made her decision about who she thinks should be the U.S. president.
 * 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?**

Next Sean asks... D.B. says it is difficult to monitor something like this. He then talks about gas prices and the rise in cost of oil. He continually says "how can you regulate something like this?"
 * Because 66% of the worlds oil comes from the Middle East, do you consider OPEC to have a major economic influence across the globe? Should their power go unchecked?**

Now Erik asks... The government is more willing to educate people about the internet. Esra says that it is very important in life for business, however people are abusing it by using it for going against their governement. She also says that the stat is a few years old. Now there is about 17% with internet access.
 * With only 2.5% of Middle Easterners having internet access, is anything being done to increase that amount of users?**

The next question comes from Jonathan... The girl from Israel says it is a great question. She then goes to talk about the recent attack at the Jewish school. She feels that the media makes it sound more "exciting" than what it is. She wishes that they would show both sides of the story but they don't.
 * In our media it shows an increase in terroist attacks around election times in the Middle East, do you see this on your media or are the American television outlets blowing things out of proportion?**

Mr. Wimmer asks a question for Pat... Esra says that she is Shiite and there are fundamental differences that pull them apart. Most of the difference are cultural. She prays five times a day instead of three like the Sunni Muslims do. In her country the fighting is more over pollitical power than religious disputes.
 * 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?**

Amanda then asks... D.B. explains that there is a constant conflict between social classes.
 * Can you explain the disparity that exists between the social classes in 2 Middle Eastern cities?**

Next Stevi asks... Esra feels that it changes the way women are viewed. In Kuwait women are leading rallies and have achieved voting in 2005. Women make up most of people in college. She said she heard it might be up to 70% women and 30% men in college. She feels the situation is improving every day. D.B. then interjects that it has to do with classes and wealth. He thinks if the wealth grows in the ME that the rise of women in college will grow.
 * 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 woman in the ME?**

Thomas then asks... Esra says that people get away with domestic abuse. Islam doesn't tolerate this behavior although it still happens. Domestic violence is very common and Esra doesn't like it. She says it is so common because the men get away with it. The Israeli describes it as a secret issue that concerns the whole world.
 * On a Unicef website it says that, "20%-50% of women from have experienced domestic violence." Is domestic abuse a major problem in the ME? If so why?**

Lauren next asks the question.. D.B. talks about how vocal both sides are and that their justification is that people don't feel bad about killing others. They don't see it as bad because it isn't where they live. But then they are upset when it happens to them. He thinks this problem is continuing because it is one big snow ball and is out of control. He feels that it won't be stopped. The Israeli girl says that everyone has been living with it for so long that it isn't going to cease anytime soon. She says that people who have had someone close to them killed they are somewhat angry.
 * Along with religion and land disputes, what do you think is another cause of continued Arab-Israeli conflict?**

Next Laura comes up for a "left field question"... D.B. feels that it is good and has provided stability for the countries.
 * After $32 billion was spent on building them, hat is your opinion on the dams and hydroelectric plants currently being constructed along the Tigris and Euphrates River?**

Mr. Wimmer then asks about the most important FOOD... The Israeli mentions that yes they do have holiday meals. D.B. then says that it varies depending on the country. He then says that his favorite foods are being somewhat westernized. Esra thinks that western food won't change their meals. D.B. LOVES Hardies in Egypt!
 * What kind of traditional meals do you have, for holidays or just for tradition sake? Have traditional meals transitioned into more modern, westernized recipes?**

Mr. Wimmer then opens up the floor...

Esra says that she is sorry for some of the comments people left on Mideastyouth.com The Israeli thinks Mideastyouth is an awesome way to open up many different cultures.

D.B. then asks the class, "After studying the ME have any thoughts of the ME changed?" Caroline says that her thoughts have changed about what Islam supported. Parag says it is nice to know that the people of the ME don't run around with guns and all wear turbans.

Mr. Wimmer then wraps everything up with a question to Esra...If we raised the money would you be interested coming to the U.S. She says she would love to but on one condition, if we would bail her out if she got stuck at the airport.

We say our goodbyes and hang up :)