Job Discussion Forums

Cleopatra · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:06 pm Post subject:

"The Arab Mind" is a nasty piece of overtly racist schlock which would probably never have even found a publisher - let alone a market - had it been about any ethnic group other than Arabs. Its late author was a raving Zionist who, as VS has said, compiles selected anecdotes from poor desert villages as though he were conducting a scientific analysis. Gems include the bit about how Arab mothers ignore the tears of their daughters, while fussing over their baby boys, or the one about how those same Arab mums breastfeed girls for a shorter time than boys, in the hope that they will soon become pregnant again (inshallah with a boy) following the birth of a girl. Then, of course, there's all the dross about how "Arabs only understand force' - we've all seen how that turned out in Iraq (where this book, incidentally was used as a sort of guide to occupation) and Palestine.

Here's Guardian writer Brian Whittaker on this piece of trash:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/may/24/worlddispatch.usa

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Scot47 gave the best reply.

A must read for the Gulf, is Thiesinger's Arabian Sands.

It is important to realize that there are vast differences between the countries in the Middle East. VS is correct to recommend the 7 page list so the OP can hone in on her particular interests.

007 · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject:

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

Can't believe it took so long for Thesiger to crop up. Arabian Sands is a masterwork. Newby came across Thesiger in the Hindu Kush and was blown away by his style.

The Great War For Civilisation by Fisk is an incredibly important piece of work, and a page turner. I am no expert on the Middle East but this book pieced together the jigsaw nicely. Robert Fisk is a legend.

Moving slightly deeper into history, Persian Fire by Tom Mulholland gives a good account of Persia at the height of its empire.

Gulezar · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 483

Tariq Ali's Islam Quintet
Yasmina Khadra's �The Swallows of Kabul�, �The Attack�, �The Sirens of Baghdad�

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

While I realize there are some who might find it politically incorrect ( Rolling Eyes

) to say this, I'd say ... The Quran. I have read it several times (in English) just like one would read a novel; not as one would refer to a Holy Book in strictly religous terms (since I am not a Muslim). The reason I first decided to read it was to understand how and why many people in the West have issues with it and how it relates (or should I say related) to the circumstances in Arabia around the time of its revealing.

I found it very 'revealing', especially when understanding the contexts and situations at the times 'revelations' were made.

I would personally recommend everyone to read it. It can be hard to read/understand in parts but with perseverance one can grasp a lot about what Islam is all about.
Best
Basil Smile

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

We should not be surprised but I am sure a minority of English teachers from a non-Muslim background working in the Middle East have read this text.

I would have thought reading it is part of a Liberal Education. I guess that is not as common now as it used to be.

eha · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 355 Location: ME

'....I would have thought reading it is part of a Liberal Education. I guess that is not as common now as it used to be...'

You said it, Scot. Or maybe it's just 'Education' that is not as common as it used to be. Or do I mean, Education has become very, very 'common' indeed.

Viktor87 · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 13

"The Seven Pillars of Wisdom" by T.E. Lawrence

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

Try the 'Maverick Guide to (me country of choice). They combine history, cultural insight as well as travel information. Easy to read and a good reference while on the trip to help explain some of the things one finds confusing at first look.

uaeobserver · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 236

1) No God but God by Reza Aslan

If you're not familiar with Islam - this is a handy primer. I should note that Aslan is actually Persian --- but has a reasonably good command of the Middle East region.

2) From Rags to Riches

This is a good history of the UAE, written by a UAE National.

3) The World is Flat, by Friedman

One of the world's leading apologists for globalism. Globalism is the prevailing theme if you're on the Gulf Side (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain). Friedman does have a fairly romantic image of India, though.

4) Doesn't anyone know it's Friday?

A primer on the region.

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

'Islam- In the light of History' by Rafat Amari is a very well-written and well-researched book. I would recommend it to all who take an interest in Islam.

As long as you take a non-prejudice attitude while reading, a lot of knowledge can be gained. Facts are backed-up with numerous examples of evidence; particularly those of an archealogical nature.

Wat is also rather nice is that the reader doesn't get bogged down in overpowering words and expressions. Relatively easy read.
best
basil Very Happy

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Everyone should look at "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion".

nstick13 · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:58 pm Post subject:

Fiction -
The Story of Zahra
The Open Door (focuses on Egypt)

Non-fiction -
Hard to say, because all my non-fiction on the area has been done in readers with chapters of random books. I took some interesting classes on Islamic political theory in the classical and modern ages (2 separate classes) and had some incredibly interesting reading on that. Certainly helps one grasp the political climate. Mohammed Abdu is an author that comes to mind.