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, 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 addresses prohibiting factors of a middle school approach in a traditional private catholic boys school, explaining the contextual factors that may prohibit the middle schooling approach to a private catholic all boys' school.

From the Paper
"According to Lounsbury, middle schools are unique educational institutions which have significantly evolved over the last several decades. Lounsbury reports that today the middle school has several key functions e.g. integration, exploration, guidance, differentiation, socialization and articulation, and several key characteristics e.g. educators knowledgeable about and committed to young adolescents, a balanced curriculum based on student needs, a range of organizational arrangements, varied instructional strategies and so forth. The..."

Tags:Catholic boys schools, middle school approach

Abstract
This paper examines the nature and scope of middle school violence as well as programs that have been developed to prevent it. The paper begins with a definition of school violence and goes on to outline the basic scope of the problem. This is followed by an examination of the research on programs that have been developed to prevent violence in middle schools. Conclusions are formulated as to how effective these programs might be.

From the Paper
"Jekielek et al. report that; "School violence can lead to a disruptive and threatening environment, physical injury and emotional stress, all of which can be obstacles to student achievement." Educators have responded to the perceived threat of school violence by implementing programs designed to prevent, deter and respond to the potential for violence in schools. In addition, the No Child Left Behind Act emphasizes the importance of safe learning environments by requiring schools..."

Tags:middle, school, violence

Abstract
This paper takes an in-depth look at the problem of bullying in middle schools. The psychological consequences of bullying to both the victim and perpetrator are examined. The author also explains why bullying can be more of a problem in middle school rather than elementary school. The author concludes by stating that bullying should not be tolerated in school, and curricula should focus on teaching tolerance.

From the Paper
"Middle school aged children are in a seriously challenging period of emotional, social and physical adjustment. Challenges to students, parents and educators are multiple as these adjustments take place and many antisocial behaviors are observable in the population, in and out of the classroom. "Sex. Drugs. Puberty. Algebra. These are just a few of the problems that parents have to worry about when their eleven-year-old walks through the doors of middle school. The eleven-year-old, meanwhile, has to be brave in a scary new world filled with constant change that creates self-doubt and emotional turmoil." (Bernstein, 2002, p. 1) Bullying is an insidious aspect of the middle school years and must be addressed and dealt with like any other behavioural psychological problem. "The harsh reality of the bully/victim dyad is experienced by thousands of children every day..." "

Tags:middle, school, bullying, victims, perpetrators, consequences, punishment

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

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 discusses the work of Michael Porter and looks at his books, "Competitive Strategy" and "Competitive Advantage" in which he identifies two basic types of competitive advantage a firm can possess. The author discusses how many strategies there are and whether firms who follow only one strategy are 'stuck in the middle'.

Outline:
Introduction
Cost Leadership
Porter's Typology
Differentiation
Focus
Focus as a Separate Strategy
Cost focus
Differentiation Focus
'Stuck in the Middle'
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In his books, Competitive Strategy (1980) and Competitive Advantage (1985) Michael Porter has identified two basic types of competitive advantage a firm can possess; low cost or differentiation. Moreover, he has formulated three generic competitive strategies aimed at achieving competitive advantage; namely, cost leadership, differentiation and focus strategies. Porter (1980) has also described a low profitability strategy which he called 'Stuck in the Middle'. At that time, the notion of generic strategy was very appealing as it seemed to offer the theoretical basis in an area which previously lacked solid theoretical foundations (Murray, 1988).
"In spite of the extensive empirical evidence which support Porter's (1980) typology of generic strategies, there has been much discussion and criticism for its conceptual limitations (Kotha & Vadlamani, 1995). It has been suggested that the focus strategy is just a special case of cost leadership or product differentiation and, therefore, there are only two competitive strategies. In this essay I will discuss how many strategies there are and whether firms who do not follow only one strategy are 'stuck in the middle'. In the following section I will review Porter's (1980) typology of the three generic strategies."

Tags:strategies, profitability, generic

Abstract
This paper analyzes the issue of women in management and working within a changing corporate culture. The problem of women's careers stuck in middle management is explored, as well as the glass ceiling effect. The changes taking place for women within the corporate culture and the influences on corporate/organizational culture are examined.

From the Paper
"The proportion of women participating in the labor force in the United States and across the globe has increased dramatically in recent years resulting in ..."

Tags:women, management, corporate culture