Abstract
The idea of pan-Arabism or a political and cultural identity that includes all the Arab-speaking states has grown in strength throughout the second half of the 20th century

From the Paper
"The idea of pan-Arabism or a political and cultural identity that includes all the Arab-speaking states has grown in strength throughout the second half of the 20th century. However, this growth has not been perfectly steady or continuous. Some countries have favored the idea more than others, and favored it more or less at different times depending on their own internal needs as well as larger regional and international political circumstances.

There are a number of ironies and self-contradictions involved in ideas of pan-Arabism, some of which shall be explored later on in this paper. However, the most striking one should be noted initially. While it is true that many countries in the Middle East (as well as in other regions of the world) are united by their population's use of the Arab language, the ..."

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the challenges Syria faces in its current educational system. A history of education in Syria is presented especially as it relates to the developing economy and population demographics of the nation. The author notes the power of the ruling Baath party and its influence on the educational system. The paper also considers the consequences of the Baath one day losing power and the potential for an Islamist educational system to take root. The paper concludes that the overall quality of education in Syria appears to be quite low, due to the government's refusal to base their educational system on secularism and the slow progression of the economy, which in the long run must improve so that Syrian students can compete in today's global economic environment.

From the Paper
"Beginning in the late 1960's, primary and secondary schools and all institutions of higher learning at the university level came under the control of the Syrian government with the Ministry of Education being "responsible for all aspects of administration" and curricula development ("Syrian Education," Internet). In 1967, Syria signed the Arab Cultural Unity Agreement with its Arab neighbors which introduced new curricula examinations, teaching methods and teacher training requirements for every educational level. Unfortunately, this new system proved to be quite ineffective, due to being based solely on Islam and the decision of the minister of education to make "no attempt to inculcate notions of tolerance or respect for religious traditions other than Sunni Islam" and certain tenets of Christianity (Landis, "Islamic Education in Syria," Internet)."

Tags:Middle East, Secularism, Educational Reform, Islamic education, Sunni Muslims

Abstract
This paper explains that Pan Arabism is an ideology encompassing Arab regional unity in the Middle East, which has risen and declined over the past several decades. The author points out that the modern version of Pan-Arabism was first promoted by Amir Hussein, who sought independence from the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of a state of Arabia. The paper stresses that Pan Arabism didn't really emerge as a regional force until after the Second World War, when the Baath Party was founded in Syria.

From the Paper
"Pan Arabism is an ideology encompassing Arab regional unity in the Middle East, and has risen and declined over the past several decades. The modern version of Pan-Arabism was first promoted by Amir Hussein, "who sought independence from the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of a state of Arabia." But Pan Arabism didn't really emerge as a regional force until after the Second World War, when the Baath Party was founded in Syria. The emerging Baath Party government in Damascus sought to unite all Arabs in the Middle East through secular appeal and featured socialist and fascist policies."

Tags:pan, arab, issues

Abstract
This paper provides an analysis of Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein's personality, using Gary Yukl's "Leadership in Organizations" as a template for understanding his leadership style. The paper discusses Hussein's instrument of control, the Baath Party. It uses Yukl's Multiple Linkage Model of Leader Effectiveness to assess Hussein's pursuit of organizational goals. The paper also discusses Hussein's use of force and terror in his role of leader. Finally, the paper looks at Saddam Hussein's positive traits such as strong oral communication skills and his attempt at modernizing his country.

From the Paper
"According to Yukl, "The use of force is usually discussed in the context of maintaining discipline." (Yukl, pg. 56) However, he also claims that the potential for the effective use of force in organizations is quite limited, and gives the example of ineffectively run Nazi slave labor camps in World War 2, where universal surveillance was required to maintain the timely achievement of performance objectives. Whereas Yukl suggests that a manager provide sufficient warning before resorting to punishment, (pg. 57) Saddam used to take walks in public, and have anyone who approached him unsolicited beaten to death. He has since stopped because he doesn't want people to see that he limps. Here he violated several of Yukl's principles of effective discipline: he neither provided sufficient warning before resorting to punishment, nor did he stay calm and avoid appearing hostile. He also caused civilians to question whether or not he had what Yukl calls referent power or legitimate power: where the subordinate does something because he admires the leader or he is obliged."

Tags:Arab, nationalism, Hassan, al-Bakr

Abstract
This paper provides a history of agriculture in Syria from the beginning of the last century. It shows how agricultural trends have shifted and examines the outlook for the future.

Paper Outline:
Introduction
History of Agriculture
Early 20th Century
Middle 20th Century
Latter 20th century
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Beginning in 1950, Syrian farmers expanded the use of fertilizers and new seeds, and began practicing new farming techniques. As a result, productivity in cotton, fruit and vegetable cultivation improved. In 1953, agriculture provided 40 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Changes in rainfall rates affected crops, with secondary effects on the rest of the economy: trade, transport, and food processing. The low rate of growth of transportation had an adverse effect on the development of important agricultural regions."

Tags:Jebel, Druze, Range, Baath, Euphrates, Dam

Abstract
This paper is in the form of a speech by Osmane Arslanian, Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations Organization. It provides a general overview of Syrian history, the current state of Syrian affairs, as well as a biography and summary of current Syrian leadership.

From the Paper
"Syria first referred to the land of Aram East of the Mediterranean Sea between Egypt and Arabia to the south and Cilicia to the north, crossing inland, including Mesopotamia (Wikipedia 2004) and from west to east Commagene, Sophene and Adiabene, or what was known as Assyria. This was the larger Syria, which consisted of smaller regions, such as Palestine in the southwest, Phoenicia along the coast, Coele-Syria north of the Eleutheris River, and Mesopotamia. Palestine, later known as Israel, is now composed of the states of Israel and Jordan."

Tags:middle, east, baath, asad

Abstract
In this essay, Iraq and the Kurdish people are discussed in great detail. The paper discusses the influence of the British in the region and the annexation of Kurdistan to become a part of Northern Iraq. The paper contains an in-depth account of the history of Iraq and the Kurds struggle for independence and the fight against Arab Nationalism.

From the paper:

"The Iraqis were to give due regard to the Kurds in regard to their culture and language. The settlement had considerable repercussions, however, for the future of Iraq. Vast oil revenues would accrue from the Mosul province, but the inclusion of a large number of well-armed and restless Kurds in Iraqi territory would continue to plague Iraqi governments."

Tags:Middle, East, Ottoman, Oil, Kurdistan, Britain, Persian, Gulf, Iran, Kuwait, Shatt, Al, Arab, Safavid, Empire, Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, Baath, Arif

Abstract
The paper begins with a brief historical background of Iraqi government and policies. The development of U.S. policy supporting Iraq over Iran, including issues of economic and military aid, policies on the exportation of technology to Iraq and political relations are outlined. Iraq's role in the Arab-Israeli peace process is also discussed as it relates to US policy.

From the Paper
"The emergence of the United States as the foremost Western power and the heir to British imperialism after the Second World War had made it almost inevitable that it would play a major role in the oil-rich Middle East region. Since that time the United States and Iraq have had a tumultuous and complex history, played out in the backdrop of the strategic importance of the Middle East and its vast oil resources, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the Iran-Iraq dispute. For most Americans, however, the history of their country's relationship with Iraq started with the Gulf War of 1991, UN sanctions, Saddam's defiance, periodic bombings, and the recent description of Iraq as part of an "Axis of Evil" by President Bush. The fact that the US-Iraq relations were not always so hostile-especially in the years immediately prior to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 therefore, comes as a surprise to many. Although a veil of secrecy was kept over these relations at the time, subsequent congressional and media inquiries after the Gulf War have shed considerable light on the nature of these relations - the scandal having come to be known as Iraqgate."

Tags:Asia, mideast, Baath, Hussein, Baghdad, oil, khomeini, terrorism, Reagan, Carter, Bush

Abstract
This paper provides a brief autobiographical overview of the life of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi dictator. It then focuses on Hussein's military and political career against the backdrop of the 1991 Gulf War and a potential war between the United States and Iraq in current times. The paper examines the way the Western world perceives Hussein, in comparison to how he is viewed by the Arab world, especially by his own people.

From the Paper
"The Untied States is vigorously opposed to Saddam Hussein and his position as "absolute ruler of Iraq." A reporter for the BBC news says, "Saddam has the dubious distinction of being the world's best known and most hated Arab leader." (Butt) The views expressed by the United States regarding the rule of Hussein are undeniable negative. He has been depicted as "The Butcher of Baghdad", a tyrannical, impulsive, despot, a thug and a masterful manipulator. (Stefoff)"

Tags:Baath, Party, Kuwait, George, Bush, anthrax