Abstract
The paper relates that renewable energy is playing a large role in Middle Eastern countries' infrastructure building in the public and corporate realms. The paper discusses how solar and wind energy are at the core of their current interest in renewable energy, as such resources are available in the majority of the region. The paper concludes that the foundation of the Middle East region is as dependent upon the realization of a balanced energy system as is the rest of the world.

From the Paper
"In the literature regarding the Middle East and the utilization of renewable energy there is a great deal of evidence of interest and even application. This is despite the region's critical interest in fossil fuels as a resource for change, as oil has been for the last 20 or so years for some countries and longer for others. (Cordesman 1997) Over 80 percent of the natural oil reserves are found in the Middle East. (Borowitz 1999) It seems that renewable energy, and especially photovoltaic technology and wind energy, partly as outsiders have been a big part of modernization in many Middle Eastern nations as a result of relatively new found wealth, allowing infrastructure building in the public and corporate realms, and the historical fear of the potentially fatal rate of decline of oil reserves in any one region."

Tags:solar, wind, oil, resources, technology

Abstract
The paper studies the sustainability of renewable energy and the effect that it has on industrial expansion in different countries and the different types of renewable energy that is available to all. The paper is in three sections; the first section looks at the effect that it has on industries, the second section looks at the storage issues and the final part looks at the sustainability of renewable energy.

From the Paper
"The objective of this document is for the author to study the sustainability of renewable energy and the effect that it has on industrial expansion in different countries and the different types of renewable energy that is available to all. Lund in his paper proves to us that domestic industries can benefit greatly through the different energy policies that can be implemented by..."

Tags:renewable, energy, storage

Abstract
This paper explores the role of water as the impetus behind conflict in the Middle East. The paper concentrates upon four specific hot spots to illustrate the importance of water which include Arab-Israel, Turkey-Syria-Iraq, Iran-Iraq and Egyptian-Sundani-Ethiopian. First, statistics describing water scarcity in the region are presented. Next, the paper discusses the role and importance of water as a political, economic, and strategic tool. Then, the paper focuses upon four particular scenarios for war in the region in which water is likely to play a major role. These four scenarios illustrate the different ways that war may result over historic disputes for control of local water resources. Finally, the option of desalinization is evaluated as a possible mitigating factor against projected future shortages. The paper concludes by stating that in order to promote peace, the nations of the Middle East should seek research and development efforts to provide the region with drinkable fresh water. Several figures are included in the paper.

The paper recommends the promotion of new technologies to increase the availability of drinkable water within the region.

Outline:

Introduction
Water Scarcity: The Statistics
The Strategic Value of Water in the Middle East
Arab-Israeli Water Disputes

From the Paper
"The growing population increases the demand for water, but this is only part of the problem of population growth. High rates of population growth, particularly in urban, crowded areas, further lessen the availability of water through pollution. "Degrading water quality further reduces the availability of fresh water suitable for domestic and agriculture use and increases the cost of treatment and reuse of water" ("World Bank Water Resource Management" 1). Ground water sources do not follow political or social boundaries. As a result, many of the water sources under contention fall within natural land boundaries between different nation states or they pass across several national boundaries. Countries are not free to develop these resources as they wish because the activities in one nation can have profound impacts upon its neighbors."

Tags:water wars, middle east, water desalination, tigris, euphrates, turkey, iraq, iran

Abstract
The paper examines whether, since its formation in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has ensured stability in the Gulf region itself and the wider Middle East. The paper details the reasons for the establishment of the GCC and how it has succeeded in ensuring stability. The paper then examines the roles played by Iraq and Iran in the political and economic processes of the region and how this affects the GCC's ability to act as a stabilising force. Finally, the paper assesses potential future developments in the GCC and the region as a whole and specifically, the impact of the continued presence of United States military forces in Iraq and the wider Gulf region will have on GCC.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
Theory
The GCC: Historical Background, Role and the Successes Achieved in Ensuring Stability in the Middle East
The Role of Iran and Iraq in Shaping Developments in the Middle East
The United States in Iraq and the Possible Affect on the Role of the GCC
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Historically the Middle East has played an important role in the functioning of global processes. However, during the nineteenth and twentieth century's the extent of this importance grew considerably. Firstly, the region became an essential trading route between Europe and the Far East. Secondly, the discovery of massive oil reserves in the early decades of the twentieth century made the region a vital concern of global economic processes. Finally, the protracted nature of religious and political disagreements has propelled the Middle East to a position of unparalleled importance in terms of international political processes. Thus, at the outset we can certainly conclude that the Middle East is a vital issue of concern well beyond the confines of the region itself.
"Above all, the international political climate in the early years of the twenty first century has been one of uncertainty. Moreover, much of this uncertainty and instability in global political processes can be accounted for with reference to the Middle East. Thus, issues pertaining to dwindling global natural resources, international terrorism and religious extremism all assume a central place in the political discourse of the Middle East region. Furthermore, the increasing role of western powers in the region, most notably the United States has meant that the Middle East has gained ever greater levels of importance on the international stage."

Tags:Middle East, GCC, Stability

Abstract
This paper describes the growing demand for frozen dairy products in the Middle East, focusing on the United Arab Emirates and their taste for ice cream. First, the paper presents statistics about the growing market for frozen treats in the UAE. In particular, it notes the popularity of take-home containers versus impulse buy frozen ice cream treats. The paper also addresses how across the Middle East, flavor and brand preferences are growing more diverse, showing an emerging Western-style attitude towards eating ice cream. Various reasons are suggested for the increasing popularity of ice cream. These include abundance of domestically produced milk in wealthy, oil-rich nations, the hot climate and the desire for luxury Western 'cold' items Additionally, the paper discusses how foreign ice cream producers have made considerable inroads in the UAE,such as Baskin Robbins. The paper concludes by summarizing market trends involving ice cream in the UAE, further noting the current demand for foreign goods and the volatility of tastes in the UAE suggests that moving now might be a good way to establish brand loyalty amongst a population whose tastes are in flux.

From the Paper
"Across the Middle East, flavor and brand preferences are growing more diverse, suggesting an emerging Western-style attitude towards eating ice cream. In the UAE in particular: "consumers...prefer a wider choice of brands," and the relative novelty of Western sweets tends to mean less brand loyalty (Sweet trends, 2009, AME). This can create new opportunities for marketers, but can also mean a volatile and unstable base of demand. The UAE's appetite for Western goods is often fickle, and its taste in foodstuffs is no exception, contrary to neighboring nations which have tended to focus on fewer basic flavors, such as vanilla and chocolate.
"One reason for the popularity of ice cream is an abundance of domestically produced milk in wealthy, oil-rich nations (Field 2006). After the oil boom of the 1970s, many Middle Eastern countries invested heavily in agriculture."

Tags:brand preferences, dairy market, Middle East, Baskin Robbins, impulse buy item

Abstract
The paper looks at the promises of Arab independence made by British foreign policy decision-makers during the First World War. The paper also looks at the post-War settlement in the Middle East and how the conflicting assurances of the Great Powers did not cause any undue strain in the relationship between Great Britain and France, but did cause plenty of discomfiture in the Arab world when it became evident that Arab independence was simply not going to happen. The paper argues that the aforementioned promises did shape the post-war settlement in the sense that, by offering Arabs one thing (and, as it turned out, Jews something else) while delivering something else, ensured that the post-war Middle East would be carved up by a few powerful European countries while Jews and Arabs were forced to live side-by-side with the hopes of neither party realized. The paper also notes that the collapse of the old Ottoman Empire made it more difficult to distance themselves from unpopular rulers. In the final analysis, the paper highlights how promises made during the "fog of war" can easily lead to strained relations later.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at the promises of Arab independence made by British (and, more indirectly, by French) foreign policy decision-makers during the First World War. The paper will also look at the post-War settlement in the Middle East and how the conflicting assurances of the Great Powers (promises entirely at odds with their real intentions) did not cause any undue strain in the relationship between Great Britain and France, but did cause plenty of discomfiture in the Arab world when it became evident that Arab independence was simply not going to happen."

Tags:middle, east, britain

Abstract
This paper examines Middle East terrorism. It looks at how ever since the emergence of Middle East terrorism in the nineteen-seventies, it has become increasingly evident that terrorism thrives on media coverage, and tends to fade in influence and significance when media attention is diverted elsewhere. It discusses how subsequently, radical Islamic terrorist tactics and strategy are very media-oriented, for the mass media is seen by terrorists as a long-range weapon that can strike fear into their enemies, regardless of where they live.

Tags:middle, east, terrorism

Abstract
This paper argues that the Middle East crisis is a clash of civilizations. All of the conflicts coloring the Middle East's problems tend to be disputes between different civilizations - both historically and today.

From the Paper
"The Middle East crisis is certainly a clash of civilizations. All of the conflicts coloring the Middle East's problems tend to be disputes between different civilizations - both historically and today. Even in recent decades, the Middle East owes its many conflicts to clashes between different civilizations. In the late 1960s and throughout the seventies, tensions revolved primarily around conflicts between Jordan and Syria. This conflict represented a clashing of two civilizations: one a pro-Western, monarchical society, the other a socialist government, "Nasserite" in nature. The conflict was, as is usual with Middle East..."

Tags:middle, east, civilization

Abstract
This paper, written from a religious Islamic perspective, explores how diversity represents a major roadblock to achieving peace and harmony in the Middle East. The writer first describes the Muslim outlook on cultural diversity, as opposed to Christianity. The paper then highlights the different religious outlooks and sects within Islam. Several obstacles to establishing democracy in the Middle East are illustrated, with an emphasis on the suppression of minorities in the region. The author concludes citing Islamic concerns about democratization in Israel.

From the Paper
"The Sunni is the largest group of the Islamic faith, with nearly 90% of all Muslims subscribing to this practice (Ibrahim, p. 323-369). The Kharawaj is another major political force in the Islamic world. When the prophet Muhammad died he had no sons to inherit leadership. The primary point of contention between these two groups is how to decide the leadership succession. The Kharawaj reject the Sunni idea that bloodlines are the most important factor, but feel that the right to rule is divinely granted."

Tags:Middle, East, Sunni, Islam, Muslim, Israel, Shi'ite, democracy

Abstract
This paper explains that, in the Middle East, there is a societal belief in the superiority of men. The author explores the ways in which laws and customs based on religious beliefs and social and governmental policies violate women's human rights in Middle Eastern countries. The paper outlines the steps women have taken to attempt to protect these rights.

From the Paper
"On December ..., the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration sets forth thirty Articles that listed certain inalienable rights of all human beings."

Tags:women's right, human rights, Middle East