I think I'm going to piggyback off my colleagues in saying this class is much more difficult than I had imagined; however, I wouldn't have it any other way. It almost goes without saying that the MENA region is one of the most difficult for Americans to study due to the sheer "differentness" of the region's culture, history, and ethos. Couple this fact with the myriad of revolts, protests, and revolutions in the last few years (perhaps the Arab Spring most significantly and the very recent protests across the region), and MENA becomes a MENtAl headache.
One that note however, I think this difficulty is what brings us all to this class. We're all fascinated with the region and it's workings, especially the grassroots efforts we're focusing on, and are more than willing to take on the challenge. Yes, I can see the course becoming even more difficult, but I see us all being up to it.
To bring the reflection back to recent events in the region, everyone's opinions on the protests over to anti-Islamic film are different. MENA residents obviously see the film as a Western attack on their culture, while Westeners (American especially) are outraged at the sheer violence against embassies in the region. However, I believe the actions being taken by the average person to not be helping the situation either. I give the example of the French magazine Charlie Hebdo printing a cartoon depicting a cartoonish Prophet Mohammad. It seems obvious to me that the decision to print it after the reaction to the aforementioned film is completely stupid, fueling the flames to the point of the Republic of France choosing to close embassies and schools in 20 countries amidst rampant violence.
All in all, it remains to be seen if there will be a peaceful solution, which I am hoping for.
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