Engaging the Muslim world

Lebanon does not march in lockstep with Iran, argues the author in an excerpt from his new book. It is defined by a kaleidoscope of alliances.

Despite their political support for Hizbullah, Lebanese Shiites should not be assumed to share its puritanical attitudes. Many Shiite young women are every bit as chic and oriented toward Paris fashion as their Maronite Catholic peers, and cosmopolitan Shiite families often have outposts in Brazil or West Africa. One of the more scandalous video music stars in Beirut, known for her baby face and steamy dance moves, is Haifa Wahbi, whose father is a Shiite. ... Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala
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Posted by: Posted by Kaizar Campwala - Mar 16, 2009 - 11:58 PM PDT
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Edited by: Kaizar Campwala - Mar 16, 2009 - 11:58 PM PDT
Dwight Rousu
4.2
by Dwight Rousu - Mar. 17, 2009

The chapter here provides informed views of aspects of Lebanon and the interactions with Iran and Saudi Arabia. It is a digestible chunk for those of us not deeply informed about Lebanon.

There is a Cole interview on DemocracyNow! March 17 that is also informative, but with a wider perspective of world issues.

See Full Review » (13 answers)
Fred Gatlin
3.8
by Fred Gatlin - Mar. 17, 2009

This is an interesting and important story about Lebanon and it's Shiite Muslims near majority. One major point is a warning that we must consider Muslims are more different than we think.

See Full Review » (11 answers)
James Canning
4.9
by James Canning - Mar. 17, 2009

Juan Cole is always well worth reading regarding the Middle East. Hezbollah is a nationalist organization and better able to deliver social services that the Lebanese government.

The US and the EK (and the EU) should recognize Hezbollah and encourage peace between Israel and Syria (and Lebanon) by urging Israel to end the occupation of the Golan Heights.

See Full Review » (7 answers)

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  • "Engaging the Muslim World" - Middle East Analyst Juan Cole on US Policy in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Israel and Beyond

    (Video) Juan Cole, a longtime analyst of US-Mideast affairs and a professor of history at the University of Michigan, takes an in-depth look at US foreign policy under the Obama ...
    Posted by Dwight Rousu