ME+Blog+D

It is 8:20 in the morning and we are starting the teleconference off with Parga asking the question "Out of Obama, Clinton, and McCain, who do you think woud be the next U.S. president, and who would deal with the issues in the Middle East the best?" D.B. does not think that any of them would be good in office because he doesn't think that they would deal wth things well.

Sean asks: Because 66% of the worlds oil comes from the Middle East, do you consider OPEC to have a major economic influence across the globe? D.B. starts by saying "How could you regulate this?" And he also agreed with the question.

Erik asks: Is there anything being done about the amount of internet users in the Middle East? 17% internet accessers. Esra says that people are using the internet to organize rallies and rebel against the government so they are trying to decrease the amount of users.

John asks: Does your media blow things out of proportion? Elesheva answers by sayig "Two weeks ago there was an attack on a school in Jerusalem, and she believes the media makes things sound worse than they are so that they get more viewers and make a big deal ot of issues. She says it would be nice if they would share both sides of the story."

Major differences between Sunni and Shiite?: Esra says, "Yes, there are and most of the differences are cultural. The Sunni follow the Koran. Shiite pray 3 times a day and the Sunni pray 5 times a day. They also wear different things when they pray. The fighting between them is about political power, and who is right and who is wrong. 90% of the issue has to deal with political issues.

Explain the disparity that's between social classes in the Middle East: D.B. says, " There is a constant conflict between the wealthy, middle class, that are always talking about people below them, and they have differeing opinions, saying oh those are the un educated people, or the lower class people. They don't really know who they are talking about however, when they make these comments.

Do you feel having a degree change the view of a woman in the Middle East? Esra says, "Yes definitely, because they prove that are equal and as able as the men. It has also helped let the women be able to vote because now they are educated. A lot of women are being educated, and this helps fight the discrimination against women. And this situation is improving everday." D.B. says that it is an issue of wealth, and women from wealthier families can get a better education.

Is domestic abuse a major problem in the Middle East?: Esra says, "Yes it is very common, because people get away with rape and abuse and such things. This happens in many places such as Jordan and Syria, with women being forced into marriage and are too un educated so they cannot get out of the situation. And the criminals get away with it a lot. And it woud take a lot to change this issue. Elesheva says that people don't talk about it and it's like a "Secret Issue".

What is a continuing conflict other tha religion and land disputes in the Middle East?: D.B. says " There is an issue of objecting to opression, and the frustration with people trying to justify terrible transgressions. Such as, having their houses bulldozed. People view things as bad when they have are associated with an issue." Elesheva says "Everyone is tired of things like this happening. And that this is beyond religion, but is hard to break a cycle like this, and the people are kind of just getting used to the situation."

What is your opinion about the dams being built along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers?: D.B. says "It's a good thing because now they can begin to become a functioning civilization".

What kid of traditional meals do you have during holidays?: Elesheva says, "The meals are happening all over because there is so much diversity. She says people in Iraq could be found eating a traditional Jewish meal now". D.B. says " The day that foods that i love become westernized will be they day I stop eating it". Esra says " That won't happen for a very long time, and that even though they are being more exposed to different foods, they will keep there traditional meals".

The floor is now open to any questions that the students have: Mr. Wimmer asks if they have been following along with the posts on mideastyouth.com where they say their opinion about issues. D.B. says "Yes, and don't take offense to things that people may post back but make sure you're well researched about the topic".

Any questions for us?: D.B. asks if we have learned aything about the Middle East that we didn't know? Caroline says that she got some preconceived notions about them cleared up. Parag says that he is glad people don't view Middle Easterners as people with guns and turbins now, because he is from Indian descent and knows how it feels to be stereotyped.

We end the teleconference by asking "Esra if we can raise the money, would you like to come over and visit us?" Esra answers by saying yes she would definitely enjoy that.