Abstract
This paper examines the Islamic fundamentalist movement's effect on Middle Eastern politics. The paper describes the cultural history of the region in relation to Europe and Asia. It takes into account the issues of technology, which divide the growth of the west from the Middle Eastern nations. The author writes that as the centuries passed, and the Arabs became encased in a sort of time warp, forgotten are the days of the medieval merchants who traveled from Morocco to China, of the bold adventurers who led caravans through the desert in quest of wealth. It examines the effects of the oil trade in creating a wide economic gap between its citizens, and only a return to pure Islamic values would purge the state of corruption, restore the equilibrium between rich and poor.

From the Paper
"A disturbing trend has gripped the Middle East over the course of the past two decades. In country after country, Islamic Fundamentalist organizations have gained increasing influence over the political landscape. What began, as dissatisfaction with secular Westernizing leaders and political factions has become a full-blown movement in favor of restoring Islam to its time-honored central place in the Arab state. Millions of Muslims, both Arab and otherwise, feel left out of the modern world. They have benefited little from the enormous wealth generated by oil. "

Tags:islamic, islam, country, nation, political, secular, western, arab, state, muslim, modern, wrold, wealth, oil

Abstract
This paper discusses two books entitled "The Modern Middle East: A History," one written by James Gelvin and the other by Sun Allah Ibrahim. The paper discusses the differing views of the two authors on the same subject with Gelvin suggesting that the Middle East has remained tyrannical and economically stagnant, while Ibrahim suggests that Western ideology has penetrated the once supposedly pure nationalist governments of the Middle East.

From the Paper
"The young man's choice, that of a doctor who is famous for his works of global outreach and philanthropy, shows that the apparently noxious ideology of globalization has already penetrated even his consciousness. The reason the doctor is seen as evil in the book is because he is an international figure, and globalization is deemed to be harmful. The committee is afraid that if the young man selects this doctor, the regime's true ideology will be revealed, and the Westernized control of the Middle East will make itself known to the general population. The ideology of the supposed diversification of interests of modern economic life masks the real, controlling presence of the West that is manifest even on the Carter buses that run through the streets. This demonstrates that the nation is in the grips of a consumption ideology that only results the people consuming things against their own true nation's interests. Rather than Coca-Cola, Ibrahim suggests, better to drink in the ideology of true anti-capitalist nationalism."

Tags:democracy, tyrannical, ideology

Abstract
This paper will discuss a dinner party that reveals the nature of many visitors, such as Lao-Tzu and Buddha that are to attend. The debates that ensue around the table will give a good example of how gods would talk about the nature of Free Will in man, that is, the nature of God and Man's will to relate to each other. The Gods that are throwing the party include God, himself Allah, and Zeus to help make the debate more balanced in reflecting the relationship between gods and men.

Abstract
This paper contends that poets vary in their views on nature. The paper discusses how Stevie Smith in the poem "Alone in the Woods" uses anger to convey man's destruction of nature and how Margaret Walker in her piece "My Mississippi Spring" conveys nature as if it were the most beautiful thing they have ever experienced or beyond carnal experience. The paper explains how other poets choose to personify it or give it some type of unimaginable quality or symbolic meaning. The poets discussed in the paper (Stevie Smith, Margaret Walker, Alexander Pope, 'Abd Allah ibn al-Simak and Pat Lowther) tend to all mean for the better of nature but all use different techniques. The paper explores how the poets use different themes such as anger and different techniques such as diction or personification, but all arrive at the main idea of exalting nature.

From the Paper
"Stevie Smith in the poem Alone in the Woods personifies the woods "Nature has taught her creatures to hate" (line 3). By personifying the woods she can now illustrate anger or "bitter hostility with words using the woods as the one angry at the human race. "As the sap paints the trees a violent green so rises the wrath of Natures creatures At man" (lines 4, 5, & 6). Further along Smith continues fortifying the his technique and idea on lines eleven through eighteen "Nature is sick at man, Sick at his fuss and fume, Sick at his agonies, Sick at his gaudy mind, That drives his body, Ever more quickly, More and more, in the wrong direction" (lines 11-18). Smith uses short lines and repetition which reaffirms his angry view on mans destruction of nature. On the other hand poets like Alexander Pope in his work An Essay on Man (epistle 1) display or convey anger but not from nature, he puts comes out and openly and describes man. Pope gives the idea that man is very possessive, Pope uses six possessive pronouns such as "Tis for mine...for me"(Pope 1-10). "

Tags:metaphors, personification, diction, symbolism

Abstract
This paper clearly explains the various aspects of the Islamic religion, culture and way of life. The writer contends that the Islamic religion is in some ways the most clear-cut and simple of all the religions. Muslims submit to the will of Allah and believe that there is no god but Allah and that Mohammed is his prophet. The Koran is a very important part of Islamic life, as it instructs them what to do on a daily basis. This paper details the five rules all Muslims must follow every day of their lives which include: Faith in Allah, prayer five times a day and pilgrimage to Mecca. This paper also delves into the ideology of Islam which consists of two key aspects: a set of beliefs i.e. the creed and a system of rules regulating man's actions emanating from that creed.

From the Paper
"The Koran is a very important part of Islamic life. This is because it tells them what to do on a daily basis. It is made up of things that Mohammed said and his companions recorded by either memorization or on paper which were later gathered. In school, children study the Koran every day. Muslims believe all 114 of the Koran's suras, or chapters and study them. It discusses man's fate when he dies and gives clear direction for his behavior with his rewards and punishments for when he dies. The Koran states that a true believer must honor his parents, help the poor, protect orphans, be honorable and fair in all of his dealings, avoid strong drink, gambling, and pork, and be humble before Allah. All Muslims believe that the Koran is God's words spoken through Mohammed through the angel Gabriel. It also forbids lying, stealing, adultery, and murder. In the Koran, there are five basic rules that a Muslim must follow. They are referred to as the Five Pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam are: Belief in Allah, Prayer Five Times a Day, Almsgiving, Keeping the Fast of Ramadan, and Pilgrimage to Mecca. A Muslim must follow these five pillars every day of his life."

Tags:culture, tradition, muslim, allah, koran, religion

Abstract
The paper defines the teachings and practices of the religion Islam and gives an overview of its history. The paper shows how the classic Islamic religion which preaches restraint from violent acts, is in contradiction to radical Islamic groups who commit terrorist acts in the name of Allah.

From the Paper
"Take as an example Osama bin Laden's group, the Al Qaeda. They are Muslims in belief, but they do not understand fully the concepts and beliefs that were written in Islamic doctrines about the proper path and living that Muslims should commit themselves to. Instead, they had violated every possible moral and religious belief that Islam strictly adheres to. An example would be the terrorist attacks bin Laden and his group (Qaeda) had committed. These acts of violence and terrorism are a strong contradiction to the Muslim belief that Allah's follower should not inflict any physical harm to any living thing, whatever their worth is. Another prevailing example is the constant abuse that the Taliban government in Afghanistan and bin Laden's group has inflicted to the women and children of their nation. This is in direct violation to the doctrine of Quran that the women are to be treated with respect and reverence, and this also includes the children, future Muslims themselves."

Tags:Allah, Muhammad, khalifa, Five, (5), Pillars, Mecca, Jihad, Osama, bin, Laden, Al, Qaeda

Abstract
The paper discusses how although jihad is perceived as a call to holy war and a justification for religious violence, it is untrue and actually demonstrates that the core tenets of Islam itself are misunderstood both by the West and by Muslims. The paper explains that jihad essentially calls for Muslim forces to have pure intentions in the fight for Allah's glory, while today, many powers have exploited the purposes of jihad through various means of political and media-based propaganda. However, the paper notes that jihad as referring to holy war will, for all intents and purposes, remain the dominant meaning today.

From the Paper
"This is an important point to consider in light of the way that many Muslim forces, though armed with verifiable political objectives in the face of American aggression, have exploited the purposes of jihad through various means of political and media-based propaganda. Underlying a front wave of media doled ideas is an infrastructure of potential beneficiaries. The cause of jihad, precious to terrorist organizations and members within many active Arab governments, is supposedly driven by the purest of spiritual obligations. However, in many cases, the source of the message calls question to the actual purity of the ideology. It is fair to suggest that the internal characteristics of this stance against infidels belies the theoretical motivation of religiosity. Governments that have vociferously appealed to Allah's demands have been successful in attracting the attention of their constituencies and that region of the world has been inundated with holy warriors willing, and sometimes eager, to die for the cause."

Tags:Allah, Islam, propaganda, infidels, violence

Abstract
In this discussion of "The Spider's House" the writer relates that the novel is set during the 1950s uprising period in Fez, Morocco. The writer focuses on the 15-year-old Moroccan boy Amar and his emotional, spiritual, and vocational development as well as the story's location in the religious, spiritual Islamic community of the area. The writer describes that Amar is contemplating the fact that he must return home and be beaten, even while he contemplates the beauty of the world around him and the greatness of the provisions of Allah in the natural world. The writer notes that although the narrative contains many poetical passages, the author's primary focus lies on the evolution and rumination that takes place within Amar. The writer concludes that the novel does not take a stand as to which power will be superior, morally or practically, in the end, but there is a suggestion that a new form of power, of economic power or perhaps even inner strength, must come into being within the young man's mind and soul.

Outline:
Description
Interpretation
Evaluation

From the Paper
"The reader learns that Amar has chosen to go to work instead of go to school. This goes against the principles of his religious and scholarly father. His father dislikes the idea that his son will not follow in his footsteps, but has been compassionate and understanding enough accept the boy's natural inclinations and thus did not oppose Amar's choice to go to work in a blanket factory instead of engaging in religious study. Amar's father is beloved amongst the members of the Moroccan Islamic community. Members of this community revere Amar's father and kiss his feet and garments. However, despite this tribute to his father's knowledge and wisdom, knowledge of the Koran pays few monetary dividends to Amar or his father. Unlike some of his friends, whose fathers own shops that cater to the French occupiers, for example, Amar is too poor to even own a bicycle."

Tags:Moroccan, Allah, Moslem, community

Abstract
This paper answers five questions based on Goldschmidt's history of the Middle East. The author, for example, when asked --- "How do you square the Muslim notion that they are governed by God (Allah), not man, with the military nature of virtually all of the Middle Eastern states?" --- answered that many Muslims believe Allah endorses their self-preservation at all costs; thus, their warlike nature is endorsed by their religious beliefs, and by necessity, and they continue in fighting today. The author concludes that as long as the Arab nations cannot accept one another and cannot accept the influence of other nations, Muslim or not, there will be continued strife in the area.

From the Paper
"Attempted reforms from the west were unsuccessful in the Ottoman and Persian empires for a variety of reasons. In the Ottoman Empire, reformers such as Russia were not the best choices to choose as allies. Russia had fought the Ottomans often, and when the Empire turned to Russia as a European protector, the Russian motives were certainly not in the Ottoman interests. The Ottoman pact with Russia also alienated other European countries that might have been better influences on Ottoman reforms. As the author notes, "Unfortunately, Britain's insistence on upholding Ottoman territorial integrity was on a collision course with Russia's attempt to win more influence in the Balkans. The crash was the Crimean War of 1853-1856" (Goldschmidt 152). There also was another vital influence from the European powers which doomed western reform. A proclamation was issued which guaranteed all Ottoman subjects equality; the Muslims did not want the Jews and Christians to share the same rights and status, and so the Muslims revolted. The reforms of the Ottoman Empire failed mostly because they chose the wrong ally, and the Europeans did not understand the culture and beliefs of the Muslim race, and so they tried to issue reforms that could not survive in the Muslim culture. "

Tags:war, self-preservation, russia, ottoman, persia

Abstract
This paper provides an insight on the Islamic religion focusing on the fundamental beliefs of the religion that now provides a refuge for about 1/5 of the world's population. It reviews the doctrine individually from the belief that Allah is God and that he created the external world to the practices of the Hajj and Ramadan. It discusses Allah's instructions of what is right according to the Koran and provides a brief history of the religion and the life of Muhammad. It also examines the stereotypes placed on Muslims, especially after the occurrence of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center.

From the Paper
"Providing they have the means, all Muslims should make the journey to Mecca at least once (Smith 163). Those making this journey "circumambulate Kaba seven times in Mecca," perform the Salat with two cycles, run seven times between Safa and Marwa, then go to Arafat, located fifteen miles away (Watt 84). On the way back from Mecca, those making the journey stop at Muzdalifa and Mina for ceremonies such as "stoning the devil" and the sacrifice of animals (85). Many of these ceremonies are Pagan ceremonies adapted for monotheism (85). The pilgrimage is important because it promotes human equality and increases international knowledge (Smith 163)."

Tags:911, muhammad, koran, mecca